How to apply for a postgraduate research degree

About the project

We’re here to make your application journey as smooth as possible . W e’ve created a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process. Take a few moments to read through the steps before you get started and see how we can support you.

Important information for international applicants

Please note that our MSc and MA by Research courses are currently closed to international applicants for all 2026/27 enrolments. Home applicants can still apply.

Step 1 – Check that you are eligible

You will normally require a Master’s degree with a classification of merit or distinction, or an honours degree (2:1 or above), or equivalent, may be considered. For specific entry requirements, view the details below.

Specific entry requirements

Click to find out more detailed information on specific entry requirements, including the qualifications and experience you may need to be eligible for a research degree.

Explore our research subjects

Our research subjects reflect the breadth of expertise available on our research degrees, enabling you to pursue impactful and forward-looking research projects.

International students

If you are an international student, please visit our international webpages for information on the specific entry criteria including English Language requirements.

Entry requirements

Type of award | The normal level of attainment required for entry

The normal level of attainment required for entry

PhD | A Master’s degree, normally with a classification of merit or distinction, or an honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent, may be considered, in a discipline appropriate to the proposed programme to be followed, or appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level, which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment. If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page .

A Master’s degree, normally with a classification of merit or distinction, or an honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent, may be considered, in a discipline appropriate to the proposed programme to be followed, or appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level, which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page .

MSc by Research | An Honours degree (2:1 or above) in a discipline appropriate to the proposed programme to be followed or an equivalent professional qualification. If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page .

An Honours degree (2:1 or above) in a discipline appropriate to the proposed programme to be followed or an equivalent professional qualification.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page .

MA by Research | An Honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent, in a discipline appropriate to that of the proposed programme to be followed. If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page . If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement, we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English programmes .

An Honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent, in a discipline appropriate to that of the proposed programme to be followed.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page . If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement, we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English programmes .

English and Creative Writing programmes

The following subjects require a higher IELTS score of 7 overall, with no element lower than 6.5 or equivalent.

• Creative Writing (MA by Research)
• Creative Writing (PhD)
• English Literature (MA by Research)
• English Literature (PhD)

Optometry programmes

To study on our Optometry and Vision Sciences (PhD), you'll need to meet the PhD entry requirements as listed above but you'll need to have a Master’s degree, normally with a classification of merit or distinction, in an Optometry related programme .

Research subjects

The subjects you can study at research level encompass the breadth of expertise available at the University of Huddersfield. Our research degrees enable you to pursue impactful and forward-looking research projects in the following areas.

• Applied Health Sciences
• Archaeology
• Architecture and the Built Environment
• Art and Design (including Fashion and Textiles)
• Humanities (including Communications, Cultural and Media Studies, English and Creative Writing and History)
• Biomedical and Life Sciences
• Business and Management Studies Accounting, Finance and Economics
• Accounting, Finance and Economics
• Computer Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Education
• Engineering
• Forensic Science
• Law
• Nursing (including Public Health)
• Optometry and Vision Sciences
• Performing Arts (including Music and Music Technology)
• Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Politics and International Studies
• Psychology Cyberpsychology
• Cyberpsychology
• Social Work and Social Policy

Step 2 - Choose an existing research topic or create your own

There are two different approaches to applying for a research degree, depending on the topic of interest. Below explains the options available to you.

Create your own research project

You can submit your own research proposal if there's an area you would like to research and there is not a pre-existing topic available (pre-existing topics can be found below).

If you are still interested in creating your own research topic, we recommend that you explore the Huddersfield Research Portal to find and identify:

Once you've identified a potential idea, you’ll need to submit a research proposal on the topic you would like to study for your application. As part of your application, you must also submit a copy of your CV and a personal statement.

If you are ready to begin your application, please use our application portal .

• an area/research topic that interests you
• the supervisors available to work with you. They must be experts in the topic you are interested in to ensure that your research is accurate and adding to current knowledge. Please note: you do not need to contact a supervisor ahead of submitting your research proposal.

Choose an existing research topic

Where we have pre-existing topics available (Applied Science inc. Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Forensic, Chemical Engineering, Optometry and Computing and Engineering disciplines ), we would encourage you to apply directly for these. In some cases, scholarships are only available if you have applied for a pre-existing topic, subject to eligibility. Please note that, as part of your application, you must also submit a copy of your CV and a personal statement.

To search for available topics and apply now, please use the table below.

Topics

Topics

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Step 3 - Funding your research

For a full breakdown of postgraduate research fees, visit our Fees and Finance page . You can also find further information on whether you may be eligible for a Master’s or Doctoral loan, other financial support, or one of our research scholarships or studentships .

Check your eligibility and follow the guidance to apply.

Step 4 - Submitting your application

To make an application using your own research proposal, complete the online research degree application form . If you are applying for a PhD, please select ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ on the application form.

For most subjects, you’ll need to include a research proposal in PDF format of approximately 1000-2000 words. We have put together some research proposal guidelines to make sure you cover all the information needed in your application. Talking to your potential supervisor will ensure you’re providing the right information.

As well as submitting a CV and personal statement, if your course requires a research proposal and you don’t include it in your application, we might not be able to consider your application.

If you are having problems with submitting your application, please contact the Doctoral College Admissions team, who will be happy to help you:

Email: gs.pgradmissions@hud.ac.uk Telephone: 01484 256001

What are the application deadlines?

Our application deadlines can be found below. However, if your research degree in Computing and Engineering or Applied Sciences requires ATAS clearance, please submit your application as early as possible. Applying early gives you the best opportunity to complete the clearance process in time for your preferred start date.

PGR start date | Application dates for international students | Application dates for home students

January 2027 | 16 October 2026 | 13 November 2026

April 2027 | 22 January 2027 | 19 February 2027

September 2027 | 11 June 2027 | 2 July 2027

October 2027 | 11 June 2027 | 2 July 2027

Please note: Application dates for our scholarships may differ from the dates listed above. Please refer to the scholarships page for further information.

What are applications assessed on?

All research degree applications are assessed based upon:

Places will also be based upon; t he funding available, and t he availability of supervisors with relevant experience and knowledge of your research area.

If you are currently completing a PhD at another institute, you may be allowed to transfer to us and complete your research at the University of Huddersfield. You can find out more information on this on our recognition of prior learning webpage .

• whether you match the entry requirements
• the quality of your proposal (where applicable)
• your relevant experience
• how closely your research proposal aligns with Huddersfield's key research areas
• performance at interview
• any reference(s).

What happens after you apply?

We’ll send you an acknowledgement via email so that you know we’ve received your application. You may be asked for additional documents to complete the process, for example:

You should send us this additional documentation as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your application.

We’ll then allow for careful consideration of your application and confirm the outcome via email.

• evidence of your academic qualifications
• evidence of English Language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English
• a copy of your passport or equivalent identification as part of our eligibility to study check.

How do I secure my place?

If your application is accepted you will receive a conditional or unconditional offer by email. You need to review your offer letter and return a signed decision slip to us as soon as possible to secure your place.

Your offer letter is a binding contract between you and the University and will outline all the relevant details for your study including the start date, expected end date and what fees you will need to pay.

International students

If you are an international student applying for a research degree, we recommend that you make sure to:

Please note: the University also has formal entry requirements for applicants whose first language of instruction is not English. These are normally specific English Language qualifications , which we recognise as meeting our entry criteria. Requirements may vary between programmes and subjects, so you are advised to check these carefully when going through the specific course information .

• read more about our international specific entry requirements
• find out more on if you'll need a visa by reading through our visa requirements pages .

Admissions policies and data protection

The documents listed provide an overview of our admissions and data protection policies for postgraduate research applicants.

Fees and funding options

Find information about tuition fees, depending on the likes of your chosen course and year of entry. You can also find guidance on funding support and research scholarships/studentships.

Our research

Explore our university research as well as our institutes and centres, advancing research, innovation and collaboration across all of our academic departments and globally.

Doctoral College

When you join us a postgraduate researcher, you'll become part of the Doctoral College, which aims to bring together staff and services to help you reach your research potential.

Admissions policies (research students)

• Admissions Policy (Research Degrees)
• Admissions Interview Policy (Research Degrees)
• Applicant Complaints and Appeals Policy (Research Degrees)
• Cancellation of Acceptance Postgraduate Research
• Terms and Conditions (Research Degrees)
• Terms and Conditions Distance Learning

Data Protection for applicants

In compliance with The General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) (together the “Data Protection Legislation”), the University protects the information it has about applicants and the standard response to enquiries about individuals is that the information cannot be disclosed to other organisations and/or individuals without consent from the applicant themselves.

Unfortunately, this means that we are unable to talk to your parents, guardians/teachers or third parties about your application - without your consent. We will, however, be able to give general information regarding procedures. For further details and exceptions, please see the "How does the University handle data? – Privacy Notices” section on our Data Protection Law webpage. If you have any other queries, please email our Student Recruitment Team at study@hud.ac.uk or call us on +44 (0)1484 472 625 .

Data Protection for students

Under our Data Protection Policy, we will not divulge any personal information to any other third-party and this also includes your parent/guardians/family members without your prior consent. Parents can talk to us with general queries, but we will not provide them with personal information (for example, your results and attendance).

For more information please read our Data Protection Law webpage.

Research areas