Applying for PhD and MPhil Research
The Information School welcomes applications for Postgraduate Research Degrees from suitably qualified candidates throughout the year. Successful applicants are able to start at any time during the year, at a time that is mutually convenient to the student and the supervisor.
Before you apply
Before submitting your application for PhD or MPhil, you are strongly encouraged to read our Guide to Submitting Applications, available to download from the right hand side of this page. This guide will take you through the application process, from developing your research proposal and nominating your prospective supervisor through to considering sources of funding.
We endeavour to process all applications as quickly as possible. To ensure that decisions are made promptly, please ensure that the following are provided with your application:
- Your Research Proposal
- Two academic references
- Your proposed method of funding
- Evidence of your qualifications, including academic transcripts
- Evidence of an appropriate English Language qualification
If you are not able to provide all of the above documentation when you initially submit your application, this can be uploaded later. However, submitting all appropriate supporting documentation with your application will help to ensure that a decision is made promptly.
If you decide to contact a member of academic staff for feedback on your research proposal before submitting your application, please ensure that you only contact one academic staff member at a time, to avoid duplication of work. In the unlikely event that you do not receive a response within 10 working days, please email ispgr@sheffield.ac.uk.
The Research Proposal
Your Research Proposal is one of the most important elements of your application for PhD or MPhil. Details of the requirements of your Research Proposal can be found here.
You should consider how your proposed research fits into the research interests of the Information School, and more specifically which of our 7 Research Groups you are intending to join. One or more prospective supervisors from your selected Research Group should also be nominated.
Entry Requirements
Details of the Information School's entry requirements for Research Degrees can be found here. Links to our entry requirements can also be found on the right hand side of this page.
Submitting your application
Applications for Research Degrees are now submitted online. Once you have registered as an applicant, you will be able to log in to the online application system. Upon logging in to the online application form, you will be invited to complete your personal details and to upload documentation to support your application. On the right hand side of this page, there is a link to the online application form.
If you have any difficulties with the online application form, please email shefapply@sheffield.ac.uk.
Once your application has been submitted, it will be sent to the Information School. You will receive an email confirming receipt of application, and will be kept informed of any developments throughout the application process.
We aim to deal with all applications promptly. However, please note that as all applications are considered thoroughly, often by several members of academic staff, there may be minor delays on occasion.
Should you have any queries regarding the application procedure, please email the Information School's Research and Resources Assistant, Matt Jones.