How to apply
Follow these steps to help you with your PhD application.
1. Check the entry requirements
You should make sure you meet the academic entry requirements before you start your application.
Entry requirements will vary depending on what you study – some projects will require a masters degree while others ask for a good undergraduate degree (a 2:1 or a First).
English language requirements
If you have successfully completed a first degree or postgraduate diploma taught in English in a majority native English speaking country, you will not normally need to provide other evidence of English language ability.
If you have not successfully completed a first degree or postgraduate diploma taught in English in a majority native English speaking country, in most cases you will need to complete an acceptable English language qualification.
Details about English language requirements for postgraduate courses are available on the University's English Language Requirements page.
2. Find a project
There are three ways you can undertake postgraduate/doctoral research in the faculty:
- As part of an existing research project
- with a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDTs)
- researching your own idea with an academic supervisor
If you want to research your own idea, you should contact the relevant academic department before you submit an application. They can check that they have an appropriately-qualified supervisor in the area you'd like to study.
Contact a supervisor
It is a good idea to contact the supervisor of any PhD opportunity you want to apply for before you submit your application. The supervisor may be able to give you guidance on the application process and further information about the research involved in the PhD project.
If the project you want to apply for does not have funding attached, they may be able to advise you on other sources of funding.
3. Funding your PhD
There are number of ways for you to fund your PhD. If you're applying for a project in one of our departments, check what funding it comes comes with and if you are eligible for it.
You may also be able to find funding or funded PhD opportunities with:
4. Complete the application form
Once you have identified a project, a supervisor and, if necessary, a source of funding, you should complete the University's postgraduate online application form.
A full explanation of how to complete the form, including details of the supporting documents you will need to submit, is available here: