Application process

About the project

In this section

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• Doctoral
• Application process

Application process

• Choose a course
• Entry requirements
• Application reference
• Finding a supervisor
• Writing a research proposal
• Interview

How to apply to Imperial

Apply online through My Imperial .

• You can apply for up to two courses in an academic year.
• The majority of doctoral students start at the beginning of October.
• We welcome doctoral applications all year round though some academic departments and research projects/schemes restrict applications to particular times of the year, either due to funding requirements or because they want to admit students together as a cohort.

Finding a supervisor

All applicants should identify the research area (and if appropriate, specific research project) and department in which they wish to work. You should also check with the department in advance whether you need to identify a supervisor before you apply. If you do then you should include details of the person who's agreed to supervise you in your application. Read more about finding a supervisor .

Find out more about the process

If you've already applied to Imperial and are holding an offer of a place then please see our offer holders section .

Choosing a course

Get advice on choosing a doctoral course at Imperial.

How to choose a course

Our entry requirements

Learn more about our academic and English language requirements.

General entry requirements

Find a supervisor

Many of our departments require you to find a supervisor before you apply.

How to find a supervisor

Research proposal

Your supervisor may ask you to formalise your idea as a research proposal.

Research proposal

Application references

You will need to provide the details of two referees on your application.

Application references

Interview

An interview is an important part of selection for doctoral study.

Interviews

Application process

Choose a course

Entry requirements

Application reference

Finding a supervisor

Writing a research proposal

Interview

Research areas