How to apply

What is a PhD?

A PhD is an independent piece of research and writing that presents an original contribution to existing knowledge within a given discipline. The thesis is usually around 80,000 words.

You will usually be allocated two supervisors who will facilitate your progress throughout the PhD. The PhD will be the most challenging type of academic work you have ever done, but it should also be the most rewarding.

We offer PhD study on a full and part-time basis. The full-time PhD programme runs over three years and part-time runs over six years.

Entry requirements

Academic qualifications

If you're applying for a PhD place, you should usually:

• hold at least an upper second-class honours degree (or its equivalent) in a relevant discipline; and
• hold or expect to obtain a masters degree (Merit or Distinction) in a relevant discipline

We select research students based on academic ability, alongside the strength of your research proposal and your match with our supervisory expertise. We may also/instead consider professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

English language

Students whose first language is not English must have passed the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - (minimum overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in any component).

More information about other English language qualifications the University will accept

We also offer a bridge programme with the English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC), which aims to help selected applicants gain the required academic skills to produce a successful application proposal and familiarise themselves with what it means to do a doctorate in the UK Higher Education system.

PGR Bridge Programme for international applicants

Submission guidance

The School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations receives a large number of PhD applications every year. The following guidelines aim to help you submit a high quality application that is targeted to the research strengths of staff in the school.

In order to consider your application for a PhD, we require you to submit a research proposal.

Research proposal

Applications for admission to a research degree cannot be dealt with unless they contain a proposal.

Please add your research proposal within the 'Supporting Documents' section of the Postgraduate Applications Online System.

How to write a research proposal

Application process

Initial enquiries

You're welcome to enquire about applying to complete a PhD at any time of year. (Don't worry about this stage of the process if you feel you have sufficient information about the school.)

Before you apply for postgraduate research, please contact us to discuss your proposed research. You can email potential supervisors directly with your ideas, or email the relevant team below, who can pass your enquiry on to an appropriate supervisor/s. They can also provide you with information about the school, the University and the city of Sheffield.

• Politics and international relations enquiries: pol-pgr@sheffield.ac.uk
• Sociological studies enquiries: scs-pgr@sheffield.ac.uk

Professor Simon Rushton has shared some tips on how to approach a potential supervisor.

Application form

You can apply for a PhD at any point in the year - we strongly recommend applying so that you can begin your studies at the start of the new academic year (in October).

You should apply through the University's online application form. You need to provide standard information about yourself and your past academic performance - ensure that you complete this information thoroughly.

If you are an international student, please include details of the grading/marking scheme used in the assessment of your qualifications.

You'll need to provide two references (preferably academic). At least one of your referees should be from your most recent place of study. You'll also need to provide a CV and - if you are an international student - evidence of your English language ability.

University of Sheffield Online Application Form

Interview

If we consider your application to have potential, we will ask you to attend a short online interview with the potential supervisors.

Funding your studies

You should leave yourself plenty of time after applying,  to make arrangements to come to Sheffield if we make you an offer, particularly if you are an international applicant and will need to arrange a student visa.

Information about fees and funding

If you plan to apply for a scholarship, you need to obtain an offer of a place on the PhD programme first, to enable you to submit your application for funding. As such, we strongly recommend starting your application to the programme early in the autumn semester, so  that you can make any funding applications by the winter break.

EU students and Brexit

Information on the EU Settlement Scheme for EU, EEA and Swiss students and their family members.