The Application Process

The Application Process

Once you have identified your chosen areas of research, you will then need to make a supervision enquiry. A good quality student/supervisor relationship is essential to the successful undertaking and completion of a research degree. 

We normally advise potential students to approach the appropriate academic department, in order to determine whether we can provide suitable expertise to supervise your research project, and to identify a possible supervisor. The supervisor will probably want to discuss your proposal with you, and you should consider what you might want to discuss at the meeting, such as:

• Your familiarity with current research in your area
• Gaps in the current research literature
• How you see the role of your supervisor in your work - what your expectations are
• The supervisor's active research interests and background
• How much time your supervisor considers appropriate to dedicate to your project
• The research environment in your supervisor's Department
• What facilities you may need, and whether these will be readily available to you

Further details about potential supervisors can be found on the departmental pages of our website, including the names of heads of academic departments, who you should contact in the first instance.

How do I apply?

Applicants are encouraged to establish contact with the appropriate subject department and identify a potential supervisor with relevant expertise to supervise the specific area of research. Once this has been established the applicant completes the Application Form. Following receipt of this form, an interview with the proposed supervisor, an independent academic and a representative of the Graduate School will be arranged. If successful at interview, a recommendation will be made for enrolment at the next intake. There are three intakes during the year, September, January and May.

During the first six months of the programme students work on a literature review and submit this, along with a detailed research proposal, as part of a Probationary Review meeting. Probationary Review meetings are held approximately six months after registration.

An applicant seeking part-time registration should make clear his/her reasons for wishing to study on a part-time basis.

An up-to–date CV and transcripts/certificates of qualifications will be required.

Once the necessary documents are in place and all relevant signatures have been secured, the application and proposal are formally considered and the applicant is informed of the outcome shortly afterwards.

All applicants are normally admitted to an MPhil in the first instance. Upgrades to PhD will not be considered until after the first year of study for a full time student or until after two years if studying on a part-time basis. An upgrade report must be written and attendance at an interview is compulsory.

Your Application

Please ensure that the following items are included in your submission:

• Completed application form
• Certificates and/or transcripts (originals or certified copies)
• Project proposal (following the prescribed format)
• Full curriculum vitae
• Completed bursary application (if appropriate)
• Evidence of adequate training and verification that you have access to the facilities needed to undertake the project.
• A statement of how the required time (equivalent to no less than two years full-time study) is to be distributed, and of the expected duration of the project, must also be provided. Statements concerning the health and safety and ethical considerations of the proposed research should also be provided. Detailed requirements of the content and format of project proposals are available from the Graduate School.
• Supervision and financial arrangements form (completed by your supervisory team)
• Appropriate references. It is your responsibility to approach your referees and ensure that they return the forms to us.

Please see our pages on fees and funding for costs and possible support advice.