Applying for a PhD

How to apply for a PhD

Follow the steps below to make your application – from finding a supervisor to drafting a research proposal. When you are ready to apply, find the relevant PhD course page to submit your application.

If you have any questions please email [email protected] .

• Step 1 - find a research match To find a supervisor in an area you are interested in, please see our PhD opportunities page , which lists the PhD topics available across our Schools and Colleges. Supervisor details are listed on each PhD topic page. When working on your proposal, please consider the following carefully to demonstrate that you are a suitable candidate: Is the proposed project suitable for PhD study? Do you have the academic strength to complete your project? Can the project be completed within the required time? Can you clearly identify the research gap in your proposal based on existing literature? Can the School/College support your project and do they have the facilities and resources? If you cannot find the research area you are looking for on the PhD opportunities page , or have any queries about the application process, please email Postgraduate Admissions .

Step 1 - find a research match

• Is the proposed project suitable for PhD study?
• Do you have the academic strength to complete your project?
• Can the project be completed within the required time?
• Can you clearly identify the research gap in your proposal based on existing literature?
• Can the School/College support your project and do they have the facilities and resources?
• Step 2 - review our entry requirements and funding Entry requirements The minimum entry requirement is a UK upper second class honours degree (2:1) and a masters degree with merit or distinction. If your qualifications are not from a UK university, we also consider recognised equivalent qualifications from accredited overseas institutions and equivalent professional qualifications. If English is not your first language, you will require an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with no element under 6.0. If you obtained your masters degree in the UK, you are exempt from this requirement. You do not need to meet this at the point of application. You may provide evidence of your English level at a later date. Funding You should ensure that you have a realistic plan to secure sufficient funding to complete the research and writing-up process within the normal time period. This is usually three to four years for full-time programmes, and five to six years for part-time programmes. Some of our full-time PhD students are funded by the University. Studentships cover your tuition fees and normally include an allowance towards living cost. Studentships are advertised on the University website and the Find a PhD website.

Step 2 - review our entry requirements and funding

• Step 3 - prepare a research proposal Please use the relevant doctoral application template to complete your application To apply for a PhD, please use our the doctoral application template (.docx, 82.11 KB) To apply for a PhD by prior publications/portfolio, please use our PhD by prior publications/portfolio application form template (.docx, 88.39KB). View our PhD by prior publications/portfolio FAQs Please ensure that all sections have been completed, respecting the word count for each section. Before submitting your application, you may need to revise your proposal several times. Whilst your potential supervisor may help you do this, it is important that you present them with as clear a proposal as you can when you first make contact with them. Tips for writing a good research proposal include: Put together a precise, interesting research question; this may be a hypothesis to be tested, or a more open-ended enquiry. Establish the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking. Is there a knowledge gap? Outline a clear and practical methodology which enables you to answer the research question, and to describe and evaluate any data or source material you will draw upon. Suggest what you hope to discover at the end of your research and what new areas it might open up. Demonstrate that your research will not take longer than four years of full-time study or six years of part-time study. For applicants to the VC scholarship, the timeframe is 3 years. Please note that a writing up fee pro-rata for the 4th year will be applied.

Step 3 - prepare a research proposal

• To apply for a PhD, please use our the doctoral application template (.docx, 82.11 KB)
• To apply for a PhD by prior publications/portfolio, please use our PhD by prior publications/portfolio application form template (.docx, 88.39KB). View our PhD by prior publications/portfolio FAQs
• View our PhD by prior publications/portfolio FAQs
• Put together a precise, interesting research question; this may be a hypothesis to be tested, or a more open-ended enquiry.
• Establish the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking. Is there a knowledge gap?
• Outline a clear and practical methodology which enables you to answer the research question, and to describe and evaluate any data or source material you will draw upon.
• Suggest what you hope to discover at the end of your research and what new areas it might open up.
• Demonstrate that your research will not take longer than four years of full-time study or six years of part-time study. For applicants to the VC scholarship, the timeframe is 3 years. Please note that a writing up fee pro-rata for the 4th year will be applied.
• Step 4 - gather your documents and apply online To get to the online application form, select the relevant PhD page for your research area. Your application should be submitted with the following: A completed application form. Transcripts. Proof of English language ability for overseas applicants from non-English speaking countries. Your research proposal using the doctoral application template (.docx, 82.11 KB) provided.

Step 4 - gather your documents and apply online

• A completed application form.
• Transcripts.
• Proof of English language ability for overseas applicants from non-English speaking countries.
• Your research proposal using the doctoral application template (.docx, 82.11 KB) provided.
• Step 5 - what happens next Once processed, the School/College may get in touch with you directly to discuss your application and arrange an interview. If you are not successful in being short-listed for interview you will be informed by email. Please note that we do not provide feedback on application at this stage. Feedback may be provided if you are unsuccessful after the interview, but it is not guaranteed.

PhD opportunities

When you study for a PhD at UWL, you will join the international research and learning community of our collaborative research groups and Research Centres. Your studies will be supported both by your supervisors and our dedicated Graduate School. Explore our subject areas and find the PhD project for you.

Join an established research community

When you study for a research degree at UWL you will join the international research and learning community of our collaborative research groups and Research Centres.

Get the support to excel

You will be supported by your supervisory team and by the Graduate School . You and your supervisors will have regular one-to-one meetings which will provide you with opportunities to discuss and develop your research project. The Graduate School will provide structured research training and an environment where you can debate your research with other PhD students and researchers.

You will have full access to UWL student support .

A strong supervisory team, who were critical yet building, together with ample support from administrative staff got me through this rewarding journey - combined with an overall a sense of camaraderie with fellow doctoral students.

Maya Flax, PhD

A strong supervisory team, who were critical yet building, together with ample support from administrative staff got me through this rewarding journey - combined with an overall a sense of camaraderie with fellow doctoral students.

Maya Flax, PhD

Frequently asked questions

• What are the entry requirements for studying for a PhD? We welcome applicants with a variety of qualifications and work experience from across the world. Applicants registering for a PhD will normally need the following: a First or Upper Second class (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant field AND a Masters degree (MA, MSc, MBA or MRes) with Merit or above, or have equivalent postgraduate or research experience. International applicants must also ensure they have a strong understanding of written and spoken English with an IELTS score of minimum 6.5 (with no element under 6.0). Applicants with a previous degree obtained in the UK are exempt from this requirement.

What are the entry requirements for studying for a PhD?

• a First or Upper Second class (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant field AND
• a Masters degree (MA, MSc, MBA or MRes) with Merit or above, or have equivalent postgraduate or research experience.
• When can I start a PhD? Research degrees can be started in February or September.

When can I start a PhD?

• How long does it take to qualify for a PhD? You can study for a PhD either full-time or part-time. Full-time students are expected to devote an average of 35 - 40 hours per week to research, whilst part-time students are expected to devote an average 18 hours per week. The maximum periods of registration for PhDs are: full-time - 48 months maximum part-time - 72 months maximum

How long does it take to qualify for a PhD?

• full-time - 48 months maximum
• part-time - 72 months maximum
• What are the fees for a PhD? The cost of each PhD is included on the course pages .

Contact postgraduate admissions

If you would like more information about studying for a research degree please email: [email protected]

Find out more

• Research Centres and Groups Find out about our multi-disciplinary areas of expertise, research, and teaching.

Research Centres and Groups

• Research impact Learn how our research has helped communities locally, nationally and internationally.

Research impact

• The Graduate School If you are interested in studying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate, the Graduate School is here to support your research.

Research areas