How to apply

If you’re interested in doing a PhD with us – there’s an application process. This is to ensure we can meet your specific needs and support your research topic.

For a professional doctorate, please apply directly through our professional doctorate course pages.

Step-by-step guide

Step one

Fill in our enquiry form. We’ll put you in touch with a member of staff to have an informal conversation about your proposed research and qualifications. This is to establish that we have expertise and facilities in your area, and to help you design your research proposal.

Step two

If the discussion is promising, you’ll be invited to apply. You’ll need to upload your research proposal as part of your application. You’ll also be asked for two references, preferably from a previous place of education or your place of work, and to provide transcripts of previous study.

If you’re an international student requiring a visa, the application form will gather the necessary information for us to run preliminary checks on your eligibility.

Step three

If everything is in order with your application, we’ll invite you for a formal interview (this can be by video link).

If the academic school recommend the offer of a place on a research degree, this will be ratified by the Graduate School and then you’ll be contacted with details of the offer and how to accept.

Please make sure your funding is in place, whether self-funded or funded externally. See our fees and funding pages or jobs.ac.uk for potential sources of PhD funding and bursaries.

UK University

StudentCrowd University Awards 2022

for Job Prospects

StudentCrowd University Awards 2022

for Student Satisfaction

Complete University Guide 2022

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

for Course Content

StudentCrowd University Awards 2022

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021