uk phd application timeline

How to apply for a PhD in the UK

Applying for a phd is not quite as daunting as you might think. a postgraduate student recruitment officer from the university of sussex shares his tips for putting together a phd application.

Ben Osborne

There are many different reasons for wanting to pursue a PhD – to move into an academic role at a university, to continue studying a subject you are passionate about or to further your career. 

Whatever your motivation, many students are now choosing to pursue a PhD abroad. This guide will help you understand how to apply for a PhD at a UK university and answer any questions you might have around doing PhDs.

How to apply for a PhD

Application rules and methods vary for each university. The number of courses that you can apply for in a year will vary. For example, at the University of Sussex , you can apply for up to three postgraduate courses per year using the postgraduate application system.

If you are applying for more than one degree, you must submit a research proposal/statement specific to each area of study you apply for.

You can also apply to different universities to improve your chances of being accepted to a PhD course of your choosing. 

What qualifications do I need?

Each PhD will have specific entry requirements and you will also need to meet a university’s general entry requirements.  This may be an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (2:1) or an equivalent international qualification. For some PhDs you may need a master’s qualification, and you may be asked to attend an interview.

International students may also be required to prove language proficiency. This will vary across institutions so do check what level universities expect before starting your application. 

Applicants should always check the specific entry requirements in a university’s online prospectus before making an application.

When should I start applying?

This will depend on when your term start date is. Most research degrees will start in September but some courses offer additional entry points in January or May.

You can apply all year round for research degrees starting in September, January and May, and the deadlines for applying are usually one month before the course start date for UK applicants, and three months before for international applicants.

If you’re applying for funding from an external organisation you’ll need to be aware that they may have different deadlines for the funding application. So give yourself plenty of time to research your funding options, and ensure you know how long the application process takes. 

Many universities offer a number of funded PhD opportunities and PhD scholarships for UK and international students, and it’s always worth investigating funding routes such as research councils and other organisations, both in the UK and overseas.

In some cases, it may be possible to study a PhD by distance which means you’ll be able to learn online and have virtual meetings with your supervisor.

If this is something you would be interested in doing you should check before applying whether your university can accommodate this option. 

Nine things to know before doing a PhD Starting a PhD during the pandemic Studying for a part-time PhD: the challenges and the benefits Is it possible to do a three-year PhD as an international student?

How should I look for a supervisor?

Usually if you are applying for a funded project, or to a research centre or group, you will normally be asked to provide a statement explaining your suitability for working in that area, and if successful you will be allocated a supervisor.

If you wish to propose your own area of research, you need to decide on a research topic, and you will be expected to write a research proposal. In some cases you may only be required to provide a summary of academic interests and this can be used to match you to a researcher that suits you.

If you are proposing your own research topic, there may be a research database at your university that you can search, or your university will match you with a supervisor during the assessment of your application. It may be possible to request supervision by a particular member of faculty – this will be considered but not all requests can be accommodated.

If you do find a potential supervisor who matches your research area, check their online profile for indications of their doctoral supervision capacity. If they are open to doctoral applications, you can contact them directly to check their availability for supervising you.

It is a good idea to draw up a shortlist of two to three potential supervisors, and take an in-depth look into their research history. You can also find out more about your potential supervisors by looking in the reference sections of academic textbooks and searching for articles in research databases and academic blogs.

When you contact your potential supervisor, it is important to tell them something interesting about yourself, and explain your research interests and how you feel your research proposal matches their expertise.

How do I write a research proposal?

If you are proposing your own research you will need to write a strong proposal that formulates a precise, interesting research question, and establishes the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking.

You’ll need to make sure your proposal describes the data or source material your research requires, and outlines a clear and practical methodology that enables you to answer the research question and that states clearly what you hope to discover at the end of your research, and what new areas it might open up.

The precise content and structure of your research proposal will depend on your subject area, and the University of Sussex has some helpful resources on our website to guide you through the process.

How long does the application process take?

Completing an application and writing a research proposal may take some time and should not be left until just before the application deadline.

It’s not easy to give a definite idea of how long it takes to hear if your application has been successful, as it will depend on when the application is made and the nature of the specific PhD, and you would need to meet any conditions contained within the offer before you can start the PhD.

What are the associated costs?

There won’t typically be an application fee for PhDs but there are tuition fees. If a university does charge application fees they will usually be between £50-£100.

The tuition fees for students studying in the UK are set by UK Research and Innovation . Fees for international students are £18,975 for non-lab-based subjects, and £22,975 for lab-based subjects per year.

You’ll also need to factor in living costs, but there are a number of funding routes you can apply for to help with this. As well as PhD scholarships and funded research projects there are research council awards, PhD loans for those eligible, and various organisations to which international students can apply for funding, such as The Gen Foundation and Open Society Foundations.

It’s important to be aware of the costs involved, but it’s also worth remembering that the educational, career and personal benefits of PhD study can be worth it.

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Think Postgrad

Are you are thinking about when is the best time to begin your PhD search?  If so it’s wise to understand how the timeline to starting your PhD works because it is not the same as starting a degree. We'll explore how to start a PhD programme.

The UCAS system at undergraduate level provides a standardised application process across all UK universities. Achieve the grades required, follow the relevant steps and deadlines. And next thing you know, you’re on your way to starting your degree. It’s safe to say, things can feel a little hazier at postgraduate level. In the majority of cases you’ll be applying direct to your chosen university, not through UCAS.

This guide provides an overview of what to do when based on the commonalities between most universities. But given things are less standardised a postgraduate level, always double check with your preferred universities.

Think of it less about applying to study, and more like applying for a specialist job

In order to understand how starting the PhD timeline differs from other levels of study, it’s probably useful to highlight the key difference: a UK PhD is not a taught course. It’s down to you and your own research, so think of the application process as less like applying to study and more like applying for a job - but it’s you who defines the job title and you who needs to find not only the right boss (supervisor) - but funding as well.

This is particularly true in the Arts and Humanities, although in STEMM subjects, you may be literally applying for a job in the form of a PhD studentship with a pre-defined title, working as part of a research team.

PhD studentships form one of the two main sources of funding. Research Councils – these make up UKRI, award studentships to universities. Government-funded Doctoral loans are the other main route (UK students only). Studentships are generally advertised between September and March each year for start the following September. Check out our post on UKRI funding for more information.

The work you put in before application will not only determine your likely success, but also the speed of the response time

Response times to PhD applications can be notoriously slow. This is because Admissions staff alone are not in a position to assess whether you are suitable; academic expertise combined with an understanding of whether a suitable supervisor(s) is available is required. If the relevant academic staff are on sabbatical, busy teaching or working fewer hours over the summer; don’t expect a quick response.

This is where your pre-application work comes in: if you’ve already built a relationship with your prospective supervisor(s) who has helped you refine your research proposal, the application process is likely to be far quicker. Check out our How to Find your Perfect Supervisor post for more information. Starting with finding a PhD supervisor kickstarts your timeline on the correct step.

The journey to a PhD is about a number of stars aligning

The time taken to source funding, choose a university and supervisor and refine your research proposal is going to vary greatly between individuals. The timeline below gives some sense of the steps and possible timescales involved to start a PhD in the Autumn. Remember to keep your eye out for possible PhD studentships all year round, as it’s possible to start many PhDs at any point:

What do I need in order to apply?

Most universities use an online application portal where you can save your work and complete your application in stages. These are the most common requirements:

• Proof of required academic attainment (academic transcripts).
• English language proficiency - ensure you know what is required if English is not your first language.
• References - most will ask for two. Make sure these people know you well enough to highlight your suitability for a PhD eg Masters/Undergraduate dissertation tutor.
• Research proposal (usually between 1000-3000 words)
• Personal statement - your chance to show you have the personal skills and traits to complete a PhD and passion for the topic.

If your chosen university is interested in you, your final stage of the application process is likely to be an interview. Visit our post on How to Nail your PhD interview in order to ensure you don’t fall at the final hurdle.

Applying for a PhD can take time. But it’s worth the effort to ensure you find the right university and right lead supervisor. PhD studentships can be advertised pretty much as soon as you start your masters, which can seem far too soon for many. Read how Edward, a Medieval French Postdoc did just this .

Search through the latest PhD study opportunities on Postgraduate Studentships , and join our mailing list for up-to-date advice and opportunities.  

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Your PhD journey

A quick summary of the different phases of your PhD, and signposting to development support. Includes our PhD Planner to download.

Download our PhD planner

For a concise overview of different stages of a PhD, you may want to view our PhD planner.

This guide includes quick tips from other Postgraduate Researchers, plus quick checklists suitable to different stages of your PhD.

This can be downloaded from this site, collected from your School postgraduate office, or obtained directly from the IAD

Download our PhD planner (PDF)

Research student training and development

Contact details.

• Email: [email protected]

Think about the support you need

Whatever stage you are at, it is important to spend time thinking about what support you need, and seek out the appropriate support, from your supervisor, School / Research Institute, from us, and from appropriate external bodies.

Get the right help at the right time

We have gathered information and advice by PhD stage to help you make the right choices for you, whatever stage you are at:

Starting out: tips on what support you need from your supervisor and school, setting your initial research programme milestones, assessing what skills you need to succeed, and finding the best training to help you at this stage.

Starting out on your PhD

Keeping on track : tips on getting setting new milestones, assessing what skills you need now, and recommendations for internal and external training and support to help you at this important stage.

Keeping on track with your PhD

Nearing completion : tips on setting those final important milestones, writing up and submitting, planning the skills you need now and for your next career steps, and recommendations for internal and external training and support to help you at this stage.

Nearing completion of your PhD

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PhD student diaries: learn from others' experiences

This article was published on 2024-02-26

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How to apply for a PhD

We are looking for ambitious, talented and motivated students. You'll have the passion to make new discoveries, the drive to test new theories, and the willingness to go above and beyond.

How do I apply?

To find out more about our degrees see our PhD degrees . You apply using our postgraduate application system.

Choose your PhD

Sussex is the perfect place to find a postgraduate research course that allows you to follow your passion and develop your research interests.

• a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil). There are more than 50 degrees to choose from
• Integrated PhDs in the University of Sussex Business School
• full-time or part-time PhDs
• all courses start in September and some courses offer additional entry points in January or May
• the opportunity for research students registered elsewhere to visit Sussex . For more information see our handbook .-->

Distance learning may be available for some PhD courses. Before applying, you should check whether this mode of attendance is supported for the PhD you wish to undertake with the relevant School.

Find out more about our PhD degrees

Check our entry requirements

Our specific entry requirements are listed with each PhD degree .

You also need to meet our general entry requirements, usually an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (2:1) or equivalent international qualification.

You may also be required to have a Masters qualification. If you are applying to the University of Sussex Business School, you may wish to choose the Integrated PhD, which contains an initial year of rigorous training in the research skills needed to become a skilled practitioner. If you are unsure which route to apply for, please apply for the Integrated PhD.

If you are an international student, you need to meet our English language requirements , or successfully complete our Pre-sessional English course .

You may also be asked to attend an interview.

Find out more about our entry requirements for UK applicants

Find out more about our entry requirements for international applicants

Choose a research topic or project

If you apply for one of our funded projects or to a research centre or group you will normally be asked to provide a statement explaining your suitablility for working in that area.

If you wish to propose your own area of research, you need to decide on a research topic and you will normally be expected to write a research proposal. Some areas may only require a summary of academic interests and they will use this to match you to potential supervisors. Before applying check the requirements for your subject area .

Find a supervisor

If you are joining a funded project at Sussex, you will already have a supervisor allocated to you.

If you are proposing your own research topic , you can find a supervisor to support and advise you.

If you think you have found a potential supervisor who matches your research area, check their online profile for indications of their doctoral supervision capacity. If they are open to doctoral applications, you can contact them to check their availability for supervising you

You can either ask a member of our faculty to be your supervisor if you think they have the expertise to support you or we will match you with a supervisor during the assessment of your application. If you ask to be supervised by a particular member of faculty, this will be considered but not all such requests can be accommodated.

Apply to Sussex

You apply directly to Sussex using our postgraduate application system .

You can apply for up to three postgraduate courses. If you are applying for more than one degree, you must submit a research proposal/statement specific to each area of study you apply for.

You must submit the following documents when you apply:

• research proposal/research statement
• summary of academic interests (this is optional depending on the subject area you are applying for)
• degree certificates and transcripts. If the originals are not in English, certified translations must be provided
• your English language qualification, where applicable
• two academic references – including one from your most recent university. Or you can provide contact details for your referees and we will email them.

Follow our tips for applying to Sussex

Find out about our admissions policies

Deadline for applications

You can apply all year round for research degrees starting in September, January and May.

The recommended deadline for applications are:

International applicants: Three months before course start date Home/EU applicants: One month before course start date.

PhD applications received after these deadlines may be considered, but we cannot guarantee you will be able to commence your studies at your requested entry point.

Where you are applying for funding or scholarships, check the deadlines for your application. In some cases, you may need to have an offer from us before you can apply for funding.

Check fees, funding and support

We have a number of PhD funding and scholarship opportunities.

If your application is successful, you will have your fee status assessed . If your fee status is unclear, we will ask you to complete a questionnaire . If you disagree with the outcome of your fee status assessment, you can appeal .

Fees information is listed with each PhD degree

Receiving an offer

We will notify you through our postgraduate application system if we decide to offer you a place .

Your offer may include conditions – for example, completing your undergraduate or Masters degree with a certain grade or meeting our English language requirements . In the University of Sussex Business School, your offer may be for the Integrated PhD rather than the PhD. This will happen if the School feel you need the additional training in research skills which the initial year of the Integrated PhD provides.

If you are an international student studying a certain science- or engineering-based course you must apply for Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance after you receive your offer.

Find out about ATAS clearance on the Student Hub .

If you decide to accept our offer, you can notify us using the postgraduate application system .

You can still accept your offer even if you have not yet secured funding. However, you should have funding in place when you start at Sussex.

Confirming your place

If your offer is unconditional, we may still need to verify your qualifications .

If your offer is conditional, you should send in your results by email as soon as they are available, so that your place can be confirmed.

If you are unable to take up your place, you can request to defer your entry to another available entry point (up to a maximum of 12 months).

If your application is unsuccessful and you are not sure why, you can request feedback .

Before you start at Sussex

You will be sent information about joining us in the months before you start your research.

For most students, the registration process is completed online. Registration opens in:

• early September, if you are starting at Sussex in September
• December, if you are starting at Sussex in January
• early April, if you are starting at Sussex in May.

If you are an international student and you need a visa to study in the UK , you complete most of the registration process online. To register, you need to attend in person, so we can take a copy of your passport and visa.

You might also be interested in:

• student support
• applying for accommodation
• visas and immigration information on the Student Hub .

Application Guide

This guide explains how to complete the graduate application form and provide supporting documents.

Our Application Guide covers all aspects of completing the graduate application form and uploading your supporting documents. If you're looking for tips and advice on preparing your application, such as how to write a personal statement or how to find a supervisor, please consult our How-to guides .

1. Starting your application

This section covers when to apply, how to start an application, and how to complete the first two tabs of the application form.

• Deadlines and when to apply
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• Choosing an application type
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2. Your details

This section covers how to complete the following two tabs of the application form.

• Contact details

3. References

This section of the Application Guide covers how to provide references as part of your application.  

• Registering referees
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4. Qualifications, languages and funding

This section covers how to complete the 'Qualifications', 'Languages' and 'Funding' tabs of the application form, and our requirements for English language proficiency.

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5. Supporting documents

This section explains how to complete the 'Supporting Documents' tab of the application form, and the requirements for supporting documents.

• Supporting document requirements
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• Written work
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6. Declaration and payment

This section explains how to complete the 'Declaration' tab of the application form and pay the application fee.

• Submitting your application
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• Applying to related courses

Important note on published information

This is a guide to making an application in 2023-24, and cannot be used to apply in later years. Guidance for applications in 2024-25 will be available from September 2024.

This Application Guide and the Graduate Admissions webpages are definitive, with the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about Oxford’s admissions process and requirements. These may change and you should consider the version currently online to be the most accurate source of information at any given time. External websites may give information about graduate courses and admissions to Oxford which can be incomplete and/or inaccurate. Department and college websites may also repeat information about how to apply. However, if there is any conflict, this Application Guide and the Graduate Admissions webpages should be considered definitive and accurate.

How-to guides

If you're thinking about applying for graduate study at Oxford, our How-to guides  provide advice and tips from our students and staff, such as how to write a CV, personal statement or research proposal. This new section replaces our Applicant advice hub .

Please note

The instructions in this Application Guide are relevant to applications for all graduate courses at Oxford, except for :

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PhD Education / Application and selection

Year of entry: 2024

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How to apply

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Advice to applicants

• Develop your own research proposal and project title.
• Find a supervisor by browsing our academics' profiles, and reach out directly to discuss if they are interested in supporting your research.
• Consider how you plan on funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor.

When you submit your application, you must include each of the below required documents:

• A 1,500 word  PhD research proposal. Please state the word count on page 1 of the document.
• Copies of the academic transcript and certificate from both your Bachelor's and Master's degrees. If your Master's degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript;
• An up to date academic CV, detailing your education and qualifications; employment history; publications; and any other relevant information.
• You must nominate two academic referees (including one from your most recent institution). Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following submission of your application form. You may wish to contact your referees to request they submit your reference in a reasonable timeframe as this forms part of the review process;
• International applicants must additionally provide English Language evidence (e.g IELTS).

Interview requirements

As part of the offer making process applicants will be required to undertake an interview assessment. This may be in the form of an in-person interview, or video call.

The interview is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the broad topic area, the viability of your proposed research and its intellectual contribution, alongside the fit of your project with the supervisory team. You also may be asked to identify and address any potential ethical considerations in relation to your proposed research, and discuss how best to progress your ideas in line with University of Manchester ethics guidance.

The interview panel will consist at minimum of your primary supervisor and an independent interviewer.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful, you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard programme entry criteria for that year of entry.

In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen programme.

UCL Ear Institute

• Typical timetable for full-time PhD student (3 ...

Typical timetable for full-time PhD student (3 Year)

Students and studentships.

Find out what our current cohort of research students are getting up to, where our past students have ended up and whether we have any Studentships currently advertised on our jobs page:

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How do I apply for a PhD?

What does a PhD involve?

A full-time PhD with us involves a three year research project. Research students embarking on a PhD programme will normally be enrolled provisionally for that degree. Confirmation of PhD enrolment will be considered within 18 months (for full-time students) or within three years (for part-time students) once evidence of good progress is established. Students have one, sometimes two, supervisors, plus a small Thesis Advisory Panel.

Some UK doctorates have adopted the USA pattern of a taught course plus a shorter thesis; these are mostly called EdDs not PhDs. York does not at the moment offer an EdD in Education.

Applying for a PhD

What are the starting dates for phd programmes in the department of education.

The normal starting month is September (start of semester 1). In exceptional cases, you may start in January. To explore this option, please talk about it with your prospective supervisor and the PhD administrator during the application process.

When should I apply for the PhD programmes in the Department of Education?

You can apply at any time during the academic year up until mid-June, but please note that the application is competitive and there are three sessions of selection panels, late January, late March and late June . You will need to have applied and have been interviewed ahead of one of those panels in order to be accepted onto the PhD programmes.

• Applicants interviewed before 31 December will be considered in the January panel. This is also the departmental deadline for ESRC White Rose scholarships.
• Applicants interviewed before 15 March will be considered in the March panel. This is also the deadline for Departmental Scholarships (subject to availability).
• Applicants interviewed before 15 June will be considered in the June panel. 

If you apply after mid-June, you may not be offered a place until the next admissions year. Please consult with your prospective supervisor and the administrator during the application process if you are in this situation.

Is there an application fee?

Are there any grants.

Yes. There are government funded ORS grants, university scholarships and sometimes department scholarships. All have deadlines and all are highly competitive. Look at Scholarships for further details on funding opportunities.

What does the admissions process look like?

 The selection process is made up of 4 formal steps:

• Central preselection 
• Departmental preselection
• Interview with supervisor
• PhD committee final decision

Below is a more detailed description of the application and selection process, broken down into more steps. If you have any questions, or if your specific circumstances mean that it is impossible for you to follow these steps, please email [email protected] .

Given you fulfill basic requirements, your research idea is what matters most . What are you interested in? Why? Have you identified a gap in a research area? Has this intuition come from practice? Once you have a clear idea of what you would like to research, here's what your application process is likely to look like:

1) Try to identify a supervisor in our department who could supervise your project

You might want to look at our Research Centre pages , staff pages and the Education Department PURE page . This should help you get a sense of whether your research interests would be a good fit for our department or not.  

Before applying, you may email prospective supervisors in the department directly. Please note that they are not obliged to reply to you until you have formally applied for the PhD programme .

2) Apply formally for the PhD programme, with a full proposal and required documentation

You will find plenty of information about what a research proposal should look like on our FAQ page .

3) Your application will now be reviewed by central admissions

At this stage, if it fails, it is because basic entry requirements are not fulfilled.    If your application is accepted at this stage, then...

4) Your application will then be reviewed by PhD programme leaders

At this stage, the most common reasons for an application being rejected are:

• your project is not aligned with anyone's research expertise here. It does not necessarily mean your proposal is not of good quality! It is not in your interest to be supervised by someone who does not have the expertise, so do look for a better fit elsewhere.
• there is someone in the department who could supervise your research project, but they are currently at maximum capacity for PhD supervisees. Supervisors cannot take too many PhD supervisees at one time, so they sometimes have to regretfully decline good applications.

If your application is accepted at this stage, then...

5) Your prospective supervisor will contact you to arrange an interview

At the interview (which is likely to be online), there will be your prospective supervisor and another researcher, who may or may not be in your research area.

The interview will be conversational and relaxed, but it is a formal part of the selection process . You will doubtlessly be asked to talk about your proposal, to give an idea of your familiarity with the field, to justify your planned methodology, etc. It is perfectly normal at this stage to be unsure about what your PhD will look like exactly, so don't worry about emitting doubts or asking for your interviewers' opinion about your planned methods.

The two interviewers will also use this opportunity to evaluate your overall profile as a potential researcher with us, including personal and contextual characteristics. You should feel absolutely free to ask them questions about the Department and what it would be like to work with us.

At the end of the interview, it is quite common for interviewers to ask candidates to revise and resubmit their proposal. This helps them assess the candidate's receptiveness to feedback and should not be taken as a sign that your proposal isn't good.

Following the interview, your prospective supervisor will let you know whether or not you have passed this stage of the selection process.    If your prospective supervisor supports your application after the interview, then...

6) Your application will be considered at the next PhD committee

• Applicants interviewed before15 March will be considered in the March panel. This is also the deadline for Departmental Scholarships (subject to availability).
• Applicants interviewed before 15 June will be considered in the June panel.

The committee reviews all applications supported by supervisors, and makes a final decision acceptances. You will be notified after the panel whether or not an offer is made to you.

If you accept our offer, then...

7) Thank you, and congratulations!

We will be very pleased to welcome you among our research community when you join us! 

Should I mention a potential supervisor in my application?

Yes, please - it is very helpful to you and to us if you can mention a member of the academic staff in the Department whom you've identified as having relevant expertise and interests. Your application has far greater chances of being considered if you mention a potential supervisor among our staff and if your proposed research project fits their area of expertise.

Should I approach this potential supervisor before applying?

You may, although there is no guarantee they will reply. But if your project truly is aligned with their interests, and they have capacity to take on new PhD supervisees, they will probably reply encouragingly. Not getting a reply is not a sign that you would not obtain a place if you applied, so feel free to apply anyway and mention their name.

What are the main reasons for rejecting applicants outright in your department?

Provided you meet the basic requirements, the main reason for outright rejections is lack of supervisor capacity. This means either that there is no one in the department who has the expertise and interests to support you through your PhD journey, or that there is someone, but they can't currently take on a new supervisee because of other commitments.

Being rejected is disappointing, but the most important thing for you as a PhD researcher is to find a supervisor somewhere who has the expertise and capacity to help you. We would not be able to offer the same quality of supervision if we admitted all candidates, even self-funded, and even excellent, who want to do projects we cannot support them with.

Writing a research proposal

Whose job is it to find a research topic.

Yours. Occasionally, researchers advertise PhD studentships to investigate specific topics, but these are rare. In 99% of cases, you have to find a topic. We have a page of Research Project Ideas , aligned with staff members' interests; but you can also come up with your own research project and apply with us - if there is expertise and interest in our department for the type of study you're projecting to do, you have a chance to get in. 

Can I develop my MA dissertation or an assignment?

Yes. And you can reference your MA dissertation in your PhD thesis, just like any journal article or book. However, the PhD must be a genuine development with fresh data; you cannot submit the same data or the same words for two degrees.

Do I need to write a proposal before I apply?

Yes. We cannot consider your application without a research proposal. Your proposal is a key part of your application; the better it is, the more likely you are to be accepted and the better your research will be. Although you will continue to develop it and work on it for several months after you start the PhD, you still need to prepare a good proposal at the application stage.

Most proposals are about 1,500 words in length. Format it like an MA assignment: word processed, double spaced on A4, a footer with your name and the page number, subheadings in bold, all references in a consistent style. Make certain that your English is accurate. Remember, your proposal is your major vehicle for demonstrating to us or other universities that you are intelligent, can think in a research-oriented way, are able to read critically and are likely to complete a thesis successfully in 3-4 years (full-time).

What does a research proposal look like?

Your research proposal is a key part of your application; the better it is, the more likely you are to be accepted and the better your research will be. Although you will continue to develop it and work on it for several months after you start the PhD, you still need to prepare a good proposal at the application stage. We will not hold you to doing exactly what you say in your proposal. However, your proposal needs to give us a clear idea of your thinking about the research topic: in particular, when, where and how you plan to collect your data; and what relevant reading and research you are aware of. A research proposal should be about 1,500 words in length.

Please make every effort to match your proposal to the research expertise of our staff closely. Familiarize yourself with the areas that our staff are willing to supervise. See  https://www.york.ac.uk/education/our-staff/academic/

Your proposal is more likely to succeed if you name a preferred supervisor on your application.  Your proposal must strongly align with their research interests.  The Department will only consider applications for ESRC or Departmental studentships if they align closely with staff interests. See  https://www.york.ac.uk/education/postgraduate/phd/research-projects

Your proposal should address these questions:

Our questions Comments Does your topic fit the PhD Programme? Make sure you apply for the right PhD programme. Read the guidance on the different PhD programmes offered by the Department carefully. What do you want to research? A working title A general topic area and main aim of the study Why? Is there a serious problem or gap? You need to demonstrate that there is a genuine gap in the literature. A PhD needs to be a genuine original contribution to the area. What benefit would your research bring?  How does the problem relate to relevant theories (of education, language or psychology)? What are your research questions? One or more answerable research questions. What aspects are new, different, innovative? Give an overview of the literature in the specific area you want to contribute to. This section is an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you have immersed yourself well in the relevant literature, and that you have identified a gap that your research would address. How do you plan to carry it out? Give a brief research design Explain your proposed methods: sample, data collection methods, methods of analysis, location for the study. How will you plan your time? Give an outline timetable of the work. Can you do it? Indicate what relevant experience you already have in key areas. State what training needs you might have. Consider whether your plans for data collection and your timetable are feasible. Please make sure that your proposal is of the highest possible standard of academic English writing. The process of selecting PhD applicants is very competitive. You can find samples of successful PhDs at https://www.york.ac.uk/library/ You can find guidance on how to write a proposal here: Dunleavy, Patrick.  Authoring a PhD: How to plan, draft, write and finish a doctoral thesis or dissertation . Palgrave Macmillan, 2003. Verschuren, Piet, Hans Doorewaard, and Michelle Mellion.  Designing a research project . Vol. 2. The Hague: Eleven International Publishing, 2010.

Do my BA/BSc or MA/MSc grades matter?

Yes. A PhD is exciting work, but it is also hard work. You have to work independently and you have to read difficult books and articles, as you have to be able to work seriously with the details of theories and research methods. Your MA/MSc assignment grades are one piece of hard evidence, as is your dissertation grade. Grades are by no means everything, but you do need to show us that you have learned during your previous degrees to cope reasonably easily with high-level academic work.

Does my English matter?

Yes. A normal UK PhD is about 80,000 words long; about four to six times the length of a Masters dissertation. It is also on open access internationally. All the chapters have to be very detailed, closely argued and cross-referenced. The thesis therefore needs to be in good and correct English. It will be hard to write even if English is your first language. If English is a second language, you need to show us when you apply that you can write academic texts in reasonable English, and your English level will be one of the criteria we use to make a decision on whether to accept you.

Who should I use as referees?

Two people who have known you in different ways. Assuming you have an MA, one should be your supervisor, or a module tutor who is familiar with your assessed written work. If you have worked in education, commerce or industry, then the other could be an employer. The aim of the second referee should be to tell us how reliable, hard-working, honest you are, plus whether you have the drive to work independently.

Department of Education University of York , Heslington , York , YO10 5DD , UK Tel: work +44 (0)1904 323460 | [email protected]

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King's College London

How to apply: research courses, commitment to research excellence.

As a research student, you experience connections with world-leading researchers and research projects to stimulate your academic development. Please see our research & innovation webpages for more information on our research activities.

Steps to applying

1. choosing your course.

The three main routes of entry to a research degree are listed below. Please ensure you read this in conjunction with any specific guidance provided via the relevant webpage for your course, which you can find using our postgraduate course finder .

In the Sciences and Health Sciences , supervisors usually devise projects, attract funding and advertise them. You can find out more information about funding opportunities, scholarships and studentships on our funding database . If you require further information or wish to discuss the project in more detail, you should contact the named individual advertising the project.

In the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Global Institutes you are often expected to devise your own research project. This is best done in conjunction with a potential supervisor so you should ensure that staff at King’s are undertaking research in the field that interests you. You can identify potential supervisors with interests in common with your own via the ‘staff and groups’ section on the relevant webpage for your course, which you can find using our postgraduate course finder . If you are sure they are the right person to supervise you, contact them directly, copying your correspondence to the relevant admissions office.

If you need help in devising a research project but are unsure who might be the best person to supervise it, the King's research portal can give you a more detailed understanding of the range of expertise of specific academics and research activity at King's.

2. Review entry requirements

After you have chosen a course, read the entry requirements on the webpage relating to your course (which you can find using our postgraduate course finder ) to find out if you fulfil or are expected to fulfil the minimum entry requirements, including English language requirements if relevant. The page also contains information on any specific application procedures for your course.

3. Check tuition fees and available funding

It is important that you consider the availability of finances to cover both the tuition fees and living expenses. Details are shown under the ‘Fees and funding’ tab of the web page for your course.

Check the funding details on the relevant webpage for your course, which you can find using our postgraduate course finder .

Additional funding opportunities at King’s and advice on other sources of funding can also be found on our postgraduate funding pages. Don't forget to check deadlines carefully!

4. Submit your application

To submit a formal application, please register on our online application system King's Apply . If you have applied to King's previously, including via UCAS, you should already have an account. If are unable to access the online postgraduate application form, please contact our King's Advisors for advice.

Please ensure that you send in all relevant documentation with your online application, as otherwise delays will occur in processing your application. Usually this includes:

A personal statement

A research proposal and/or project approval form

Transcripts of your previous qualifications (with official English translations if not originally in English)

An academic reference. Please note you may be required to obtain a second academic reference at the request of the department

Any English language qualifications that you have (if your first language is not English).

Some courses require specific additional documents to be submitted with the application, such as a sample of previous academic writing. Please check the ‘Entry requirement’ section in the course's entry on the postgraduate course finder for further details.

Please note that some research degrees will offer up to four entry points (September, January, April and July). Please check our online prospectus for details.

5. Track your application

Using King's Apply you can:

Track the status of your application

See if you've been invited to interview

View your offer details

Upload supporting documents, such as English language test results

Contact us about your application.

How long does it take?

King’s aims to make decisions on applications within 6-8 weeks, though some programmes operate a ‘gathered field’ process and may therefore take longer, as indicted on the relevant course page. Depending on the time of year it may also take longer to process applications, particularly around deadline periods. Please ensure that your online application form is as complete as possible at the time of submission to avoid unnecessary delays, and ask your referees to be ready to submit a reference promptly. 

More about Postgraduate Research

Postgraduate entry requirements

Find out more about entry requirements for our postgraduate courses.

Course types

King's offers an extensive range of postgraduate-level qualifications.

Disabled applicants

Find out what support is available for disabled applicants.

Funding & Scholarships

Discover our range of postgraduate research funding opportunities.

Visiting research and experience students

Find out about visiting research or experience students at King's.

International student research funding

Funding opportunities for international research students.

Information for Postgraduate Research Offer Holders

Admissions glossary

Find out the meaning of terms to help you navigate the application process.

Imperial College London Imperial College London

Latest news.

US health research agency ARPA-H sets out funding vision during Imperial visit

Seven Imperial scientists elected as Fellows of the Royal Society

GSK backs Imperial’s Fleming Initiative with £45m pledge to fight AMR

• Postgraduate doctoral
• Application process
• Choose a course

Looking for funding?

Use our scholarships search tool to look for available scholarships. Also explore our latest funded PhD vacancies .

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the most common type of doctoral degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. 

It normally takes between three and four years of full-time work to complete. It is also possible to undertake a PhD part time, over five to six years.

The main activity of a PhD is to carry out an original research project under the direction of one or more supervisors, to be written up as a thesis.

Different routes to achieving a PhD

There are a number of ways to achieving a PhD at Imperial:

• by undertaking a course of study based on your own research proposal
• by joining a research project that comes with funding attached (known as a studentship)
• by combining it with Master's study in an integrated route that typically lasts four years

Pursuing your own research idea

To search for PhD opportunities based on your own research proposal you first need to identify a research group within Imperial whose area of expertise best matches your idea.

Use the links below to search the different PhD opportunities within our academic departments, centres and institutes. This includes information about current studentships and often guidance on finding a supervisor.

Our interdisciplinary approach means our expertise often spans departmental boundaries – and so do our courses – so you may find opportunities in an unexpected area of the university.

Faculty of Engineering

• Aeronautics
• Bioengineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• School of Design Engineering
• Earth Science and Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Medicine

• Department of Brain Sciences
• Department of Immunology and Inflammation
• Department of Infectious Disease
• Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction
• Department of Surgery and Cancer
• National Heart and Lung Institute
• School of Public Health

Faculty of Natural Sciences

• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Centre for Environmental Policy

Imperial College Business School

• Doctoral programme

Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication

• PhD in Arabic, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish Studies
• PhD in science communication studies

Global Challenge institutes

We have six Global Challenge institutes, which were created to address some of society's biggest challenges.

If you have an idea for a PhD that falls within the remit of one of our Global Challenge institutes please contact them directly to discuss before making a formal application.

• Data Science Institute
• Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment
• Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering
• Institute for Security Science and Technology
• Institute of Global Health Innovation

Energy Futures Lab  does not offer PhD programmes, but does deliver the  MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures .

Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies | Imperial College London-Technical University of Munich

We have recently formed  a strategic partnership in education, research and innovation  with the Technical University of Munich, one of Germany’s most international and entrepreneurial universities, producing highly ranked research, like Imperial, in science, engineering and medicine.

As part of the partnership, Imperial and TUM have launched a 'Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies' with the aim of co-developing cross-disciplinary clusters of PhD students who will have access to world-leading academic supervisors and state-of-the art facilities at both institutions.

The first round of the programme will focus on the theme of 'Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare and Robotics'.

Find out more about the Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies and apply

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PhD applications are different to other university courses. In this section you can find out how to apply for and fund a PhD.

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What is a PhD?

A PhD refers to a Doctor of Philosophy degree. It is a postgraduate research degree awarded by universities in the United Kingdom. It is recognised as a mark of advanced knowledge in a particular subject.

Most PhD's take three to four years of full-time study. This can vary depending on the field of research and the individual's progress. During a PhD students will conduct original research. This is under the guidance of a supervisor or a team of academic advisers.

PhD students will normally write a thesis or dissertation based on their research findings. They must defend their research in front of an examination committee (this oral test is called a viva ). The thesis is assessed, and if it meets the required academic standards, the candidate is awarded a PhD degree.

More information

Finding and applying for a phd.

Discover the options for finding a PhD, when to apply and how to make a successful application.

Funding a PhD

Find out about the funding options for a PhD and how to apply for them.

Applying for research degrees

You can apply for a research degree online and track your application at each stage of the process. 

Before you apply please read the following application steps and check the admissions process and requirements for your research area.

Some faculties have specific guidance relevant to their area. Where instructions or advice are different, the faculty-specific guidance should be followed. If you have any queries, please contact the relevant postgraduate research admissions team .

Take a look at our most recent  postgraduate research admissions policy .

Apply online for a research degree now

If you are a current postgraduate researcher studying at another institution and need to use our facilities, please  contact the relevant postgraduate research admissions team .

If you have any difficulties using the online application form, please email our research admissions team via [email protected] .

International applicants

International applicants can contact  University representatives overseas  for support.

You can also review  information about visas and immigration  and specific entry requirements, including English language requirements .

For specific information about visa and immigration requirements for all types of temporary study and research visits, see the visas for research and study visits page .

Disabled students

We are committed to providing high-quality advice and support for postgraduate researchers. You can choose to tell us about your disability during the application process. See how in our information for disabled postgraduate researchers .

Disability information that you disclose on your research degree application form will not be visible to admissions colleagues, but it will be made available to our Disability Services team who will contact you should you accept an offer from us. You can also  register with Disability Services in advance of accepting an offer .

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the admissions and scholarships selection process , please contact the relevant postgraduate research admissions team to discuss your needs.

You are not obliged to inform us of any disability, but you will still be covered by the Equality Act (2010) if that disability becomes known to us.

Application process

Applying for a research degree is a simple five-step process:

Step 1 — choose an existing research project or start your own

For information on the research degrees we offer, visit our research opportunities directory .

Please make sure that you meet the following requirements before submitting your application: 

• The University's English language requirements .
• The academic entry requirements for your course. Programmes have different entry requirements. If you need confirmation of the academic and English language entry requirements for your programme, please contact the relevant postgraduate research admissions team .
• Research degree fees .

Start dates vary and some academic schools and faculties have only one or two start dates per year. Main start dates are commonly in October and February. Please contact the relevant postgraduate research admissions team for advice on when you can start your research or check individual school websites.

Start your own project

If you would like to start your own research project we recommend you are up to date with related literature and news so you are ready to discuss the direction you intend your research to take with potential supervisors. You need to identify 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. You will then need to develop a research proposal for your application.

Please read the procedures for investigating plagiarism in a research proposal (at the admissions stage) (PDF) , which explains the actions taken when plagiarism is suspected when processing an application. 

How to search for supervisors:

• Search in our research opportunities directory .
• Browse  research news : find academics who are taking part in breakthrough research at the University.
• Check  faculty websites : browse our faculty site list by subject to find our academics.
• Search for authors of recent research journals and articles on The Conversation and Academia  websites.

Step 2 – apply

When applying, it is important you state clearly the intended project or programme.

The supporting documents your school needs to process your application may vary but you must provide copies of your academic transcripts or certificates. 

You may also need copies of:

• a research proposal
• certificates and transcripts of any academic qualifications
• English language qualification certificates
• visa and immigration documents.

All documents should be in English or be accompanied by a certified translation into English. They can be sent via the online research degree application or can be emailed to the relevant postgraduate research admissions team after you have submitted your application. Your email should include your student ID number (emailed to you on submission of your application), full name and your intended course of study.

Please do not send original documents at the application stage and only provide documents via email.  

In most faculties, you need to provide the names and contact details of a minimum of two academic referees in support of your application. These should be entered in the referees section of the online application form.

Read more about  references for research degree applications .

Research proposal 

Some faculties require a brief description of the general research area you are interested in, or a specific research proposal. Be aware that the faculty may have deadlines for your proposal so be sure to ask before you apply. Your research proposal is submitted via the application form.

You may not need to provide a research proposal if you are applying for a pre-defined project studentship but please check when applying. 

Declaring a criminal conviction

If you have an unspent criminal conviction, you may need to declare it to us. This is usually required when we make you an offer that you wish to accept. For a small number of our courses, you will need to declare it when you apply. Having a criminal conviction will only rarely stop you from studying at Leeds. Find out more about declaring a criminal conviction .

We advise you to apply at least four months before your proposed start date. This is to allow sufficient time to review your application and undertake any additional checks. You may also need adequate time to apply for ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance or a Student visa, as well as making arrangements to travel to Leeds.

We cannot guarantee that we will be able consider applications received after this date and, where there is not sufficient time, we may consider you for the next possible start date instead.

If you are applying for a scholarship or funding opportunity, this may require you to apply for a place of study much earlier and in advance of funding deadlines, which can often be up to 12 months before the proposed start date.

After you have applied

If you have applied online you will be able to log in and track your research degree application’s progress . The school will contact you if it has any further entry requirements and to let you know if your application status changes. 

Step 3 – find scholarships and sources of funding

There are many options available for you to secure the funding you need to commence your research studies including scholarships and bursaries.

• UK research councils : competition for these scholarships is high but the majority of your fees will be funded so it is well worth applying.
• University research degree scholarships : we offer scholarships centrally and on faculty level to help fund your research.
• Alumni bursary : if you are a University of Leeds alumnus you could receive a 10% discount on tuition fees.
• Other sources of funding: there are databases with funding opportunities as well as charities to help support your research.

Step 4 – accept your offer

If your application is successful you will be sent an offer letter that you will need to respond to. You can accept your research degree offer online using your web login ID and web login PIN. 

If you do accept your offer you will be agreeing to the terms and conditions outlined in your acceptance letter and you should only do so if you have secured funding for your studies.

Changing the start date

To request a new start date, you should contact the relevant postgraduate researcher admissions team . If they are able to accommodate this change then a new formal offer letter will be issued with your revised start and end date. You will have to accept this new offer as outlined previously. 

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This section provides a complete guide to the postgraduate application process at Cambridge, from finding your ideal course and making your application, to receiving an offer to study here.

Find a course

Before applying, you should thoroughly research your prospective course, including its requirements, deadlines, and course costs .

Information about all our postgraduate courses is in the Course Directory . Check carefully that you meet the entry requirements of the course you want to study.

We usually update the Course Directory on 1 September with information for admission in the following academic year.

Check the application deadlines

There are two application deadlines that you need to consider: the course deadline and the funding deadline. You must apply by whichever comes first.

Register for the Applicant Portal

Applications to Cambridge are made through the Applicant Portal . Once you have selected your course in the Course Directory , click the 'Apply Now' button to be directed to the Applicant Portal to start your application. You can save your application at any stage and return to it later to complete.

Contact your referees 

You'll need two references to support your application, and their details need to be submitted via the Applicant Portal. Your referees will then receive an automated reference request. You should ensure you have their consent before you apply.

Research the Colleges

All postgraduate students are a member of a College . In your application, you'll be asked to indicate two College preferences - or you can choose to make an open application and have a College allocated for you.

Apply for funding

The University’s main sources of funding can be applied for through the Applicant Portal. Please ensure you leave plenty of time to consider and complete the funding section of your application.

If you're applying for a master's level course, you'll be asked to pay an application fee  before you can submit your application. Some applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver . 

Submit your application

Once you have finished writing your application, all your supporting documents are uploaded, and you have paid the application fee (if applicable), your application is ready to be submitted.

Please note that you will not be able to edit your application once it has been submitted. You will also not be able to download a copy of your submission, so please save your application before you submit if you would like your own copy.

If your application is accepted to the next stage in the admissions process, most departments and faculties will want to interview you. Some scholarships and studentships will also invite shortlisted candidates for interviews. Most interviews will be conducted via video conferencing or telephone.

See What happens after applying for information about the next stage of the process.

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• Find Your UK University

• Application , College Acceptance , Graduate
• February 8, 2024

UK Graduate Application Decisions: Timeline and Expectations

If you have applied or will apply to UK graduate university degree programs and plan to study your master’s or PhD, you are probably wondering when universities will reach out to you after you have submitted your application.

Below, we dive into tips and expectations after submitting your UK application:

It typically takes anywhere from 2-8 weeks to receive a decision. However, the amount of time you wait can vary depending on several factors, which can help you manage your expectations.

• Popularity: The more popular or competitive a program or university, the more applications the admissions teams need to review.
• Application completeness:  If you are missing information in your application or any required documents, this can prolong the process as the university may need to reach out for more information.
• Admission requirements:  Certain programs may require interviews, auditions, or entrance exams, adding additional steps to the decision-making process.
• Application deadlines: While most programs don’t have strict deadlines, there are a few that do. For programs that do have an application deadline, keep in mind that it may take longer to receive a decision due to the university receiving a large number of applications at one time. Applying earlier can generally lead to a quicker response.

Additional tips :

• Regularly check your university portal, or university website for updates.
• Work on sorting out your financial plan, applying for FAFSA/loans, and researching scholarships while you wait.
• Contact the university admissions office if you are concerned that you haven’t received any decision or update from the university within the anticipated time frame.

By understanding the factors that can affect decision times and preparing yourself for a bit of a wait, you can navigate this time more effectively and help ease any anxieties or frustrations. Good luck with your applications!

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