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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.

Download your Study Abroad Guide for FREE!

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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Imperial College London Imperial College London

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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Entry requirements for UK applicants

We are looking for bright, enthusiastic and dedicated students to join our research community. We accept research applications from across the world.

Two PhD students walk through the School of Business, Management and Economic's Jubilee building at the University of Sussex

General entry requirements for UK students

At Sussex, our usual entry requirements for UK and international students are:

at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree
a Masters degree if you are applying for research degrees in the arts or social sciences.

We will also consider candidates who can demonstrate appropriate alternative learning such as experience gained in the workplace or professional qualifications.

If you are an international student see the international qualifications we accept .

Specific entry requirements for UK students

You must also meet our specific entry requirements for each research programme. These are listed with each PhD degree .

Check:

the grade required for your PhD
if you need to have a Masters qualification.

Interviews

For some research degrees we may ask you to attend an interview.

If you are an international student, you may be interviewed over the phone or via Skype.

How to apply for a research degree

Once you’ve found a PhD project or decided on your own proposal and spoken with a potential supervisor, you can apply using our online application system.

Prepare your application

The online application form takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Typically when you apply, you’ll need:

your personal details
how you plan to fund your studies
project title
supervisor name (you should speak to the supervisor before applying)
2 academic references from your most recent place of study
an academic transcript of your undergraduate degree showing modules and marks achieved
an academic transcript from your Master's degree showing modules and marks achieved if you have already graduated
undergraduate degree certificate and Master's degree certificate (if you have already graduated)
English language qualification (if required)
CV (also referred to as a resume)
personal statement
research proposal (if you are planning your own project or if it states you need to provide it)

Apply as early as possible if you need to secure a UK visa or if you are applying for funding or sponsorship. Deadlines for research funding are usually at least 6 months in advance of the start date.

Some projects will have a different application procedure. This is usually the case when the project is funded by a doctoral training partnership.

Steps to apply

Check that you meet the entry requirements and confirm the key dates either on the project page or with your potential supervisor.
Write a personal statement including your motivation for the project, your relevant skills and experience, and how it supports your future goals. Keep this focused and concise.
Have supporting documents ready to attach to your online application.
Register for an account then complete and submit the online application form. You’ll be able to save and review your application before submitting it.
Check you have received our email confirming we've received your application. We usually send this straight away.
Use your account login details to track the progress of your application.

Ready to apply?

for questions about applying, please contact our faculty graduate schools:, arts and humanities: .

Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 (0)23 8059 7433

Environmental and life sciences:

Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 (0)23 8212 6521

Engineering and physical sciences:

Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 (0)23 8059 3782

Medicine:

Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 (0)23 8212 6501

Social sciences:

Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 (0)23 8212 6529

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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.

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The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's principal research degree for graduate students and is available in all faculties and departments.

A Cambridge PhD is intellectually demanding and you will need to have a high level of attainment and motivation to pursue this programme of advanced study and research.

In most faculties, a candidate is expected to have completed one year of postgraduate study, normally on a research preparation master's course, prior to starting a PhD.

Completion normally requires three or four years of full-time study, or at least five years of part-time study, including a probationary period.

Terms of research are normally consecutive and, for full-time students, require residency in Cambridge. Not all departments offer part-time research degrees.

Various routes to the PhD are possible and, if you are made an offer of admission, it will be made clear whether you are required to study for a master's degree or certificate in the first instance, or will be admitted directly to the probationary year for the PhD. You are registered for the PhD only after a satisfactory progress assessment at the end of the probationary year (five terms for part-time degrees). The assessment is designed also to focus your mind on the stages necessary for the completion of your research within the normal time limit and to address any structural problems that have arisen during the first year. Students must pass the first year assessment in order to continue their PhD study.

During your PhD, your effort will be focused on writing a dissertation. The word count of the dissertation is dependent on the department and the Student Registry or Educational Student Policy will be able to tell you the maximum word limit. This must represent a significant contribution to learning, for example through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory, or the revision of older views, and must take account of previously published work on the subject. Some Cambridge dissertations go on to form the basis of significant publications.

Although you will spend long hours working independently, your department and College will both support you throughout your PhD. You are also able to attend regular seminars in your subject area and could be involved in teaching, perhaps giving seminars or supervising, or in the social life of your department and College.

PhD course search

Go to the Course Directory and filter courses using the relevant checkboxes.

Term Information

Fee terms	9 terms
Research terms	9 terms
Thesis terms	12 terms

Fee terms	15 terms
Research terms	15 terms
Thesis terms	21 terms

Explanation of terms

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Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship

Applications for the academic year 2024/5 are now closed.

This scholarship covers the University tuition fee as well as a stipend for students starting their PhD research in the 2024/25 academic session. Subject to satisfactory progress, the scholarship is offered between three and four years (or pro-rata if taken on a part time basis).

Eligibility

The awards are open to UK and overseas students applying to start their first year of study for an on-campus research degree in 2024/5. Prospective students applying for a PhD by Distance programme are not eligible to apply for the EDCS award.

Please note that the funding applications have their own separate timelines and rules for both the study and the scholarship applications, which differ from the deadlines generated automatically by the application portal when submitting your study application.

To be considered for the EDCS funding, you must complete the following two steps :

Step One: Application for PhD study

Apply for your study programme

Your completed PhD study application must be submitted through the University’s online application system by Wednesday, 17 January 2024, 23:59 UK time. This means that all your supporting documentation must also be uploaded, including the research proposal of 1,000-2,000 words, copies of undergraduate and postgraduate degree certificates and transcripts (and their official translations if not in English), and two academic references. For instructions on uploading additional documents after submitting your application, please follow the support guidance available here .

The scholarship panel will not consider incomplete applications. Please see the below guidance on what to do if any of your documents are missing or pending:

Academic references

Please liaise closely with your referees to ensure they supply the required reference within ten working days of your submission and no later than 1 February 2024, 23:59 UK time.

Postgraduate degree result

Please note that you must submit your undergraduate and postgraduate degree certificates and transcripts to be considered for PhD admission. If you are still studying towards your postgraduate qualification, we will require you to submit an interim transcript or a certificate of matriculation so we can consider your application and, where appropriate, make you a conditional offer on the condition of successful completion of your current master's degree.

Proof of English competency

If a degree result or test of English competency is pending, we can consider your application and, where appropriate, make you a conditional offer on the condition of supplying these at a later date.

IMPORTANT: If you are unsure about the eligibility of any of your documents, please email the Postgraduate Research Office well ahead of the submission deadline.

Email the Postgraduate Research Office

Step Two: Application for EDCS

Eligible candidates must submit a separate scholarship application in the MyEd portal by Thursday, 1 February 2024, 23:59 GMT. Please note you cannot access the online funding application form in the MyEd portal unless you have first applied for admission to the University of Edinburgh (see Step 1) and received your login details (University username and password).

Full details about submitting the scholarship application can be found on the University Scholarships and Funding page: Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships | The University of Edinburgh

Do I need a study offer before applying for the EDCS scholarship?

You may apply for the EDCS scholarship before receiving a decision on your application for a PhD place, but if you do not receive a study offer, your application cannot proceed.

Applications which do not meet the deadlines stated above won't be considered.

Useful Links

Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships | The University of Edinburgh

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The Ultimate Guide to Studying in United Kingdom in 2024

Browse all phd programmes in united kingdom.

Sep-May Academic Year
135 Listed Institutes
130 Ranked Universities
551,000 Int. Students
2,734,000 Students
67,330,000 Population

Why study in United Kingdom

If you're looking to study at a university in the United Kingdom , you will find a multitude of higher education opportunities, providing diverse academic programmes and vibrant city experiences. Universities in the UK are well known in the world for their top-quality education. Critical thinking, creative methods of teaching, and quality-control merge successfully in British higher education.

Here are the top reasons why the uk is the best place to study:

The highest number of ranked universities. The UK has the highest number of ranked universities in relation to the size of the country: 111 ranked universities . University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London constantly feature in the world's Top10.
Quality of teaching regulated by the government. The UK is home to some of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities. This doesn’t happen by chance. Bodies such as the Office for Students (OfS) and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) make sure that universities meet national standards for academic quality.
Big focus on independent learning and creative thinking . As a student in the UK you will be expected to take responsibility for your learning and develop critical thinking skills. This is different from other countries where lecture-based learning is considered more important. This approach encourages you to take an active role in your learning, rather than simply listening to lectures and memorizing information, which can help you develop a deeper understanding of your subject matter.
Nightlife for many tastes and interests. Big cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow have a well-established nightlife scene with many clubs, bars, and music venues that cater to different tastes and interests. However, smaller cities and towns may have a more limited nightlife scene, but will still offer a range of student-friendly places like museums, cinemas, and live music venues.

The country offers some of the best and most comprehensive support systems for international students, both as part of the university and through government or independent bodies and organisations. It’s no wonder why so many international students choose to study in the UK.

At the same time, while they do have high tuition fees and living costs which won’t be easy to meet, the UK also provides students with a lot of scholarships and funding opportunities.

What’s more, British universities excel in all fields of study (Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, and Natural Sciences) but what matters most is that here you can find study areas that are unique in Europe, like Creative Writing or innovative interdisciplinary courses that may sound like this: “Are We Alone? The Search for Extraterrestrial Life.” or “From Sherlock Holmes to CSI : a History of Forensic Science and Medicine.”

Culture in United Kingdom

People in the UK are generally friendly and polite, with a strong sense of humour and an appreciation for social etiquette. They usually think that it's important for people to have their own freedom, be able to do things on their own, and keep some things private. They also have a deep respect for tradition and history. Some of the most iconic aspects of British culture and traditions include the monarchy, teatime, pub culture, the London Underground, and the Beatles.

With a population of almost 68 million, the UK is not one of the world’s biggest countries. In fact, having a size just 60% of California, it only ranks 80th in the world. UK culture and traditions are "a melting pot of cultures", with a long history of immigration and diversity. The Kingdom itself is actually made up of four different countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and each of these four has its own cultural identity and unique traditions.

Cultural diversity in the UK

The UK is a diverse and multicultural society, with people from many different cultural backgrounds living and working in the country. Approximately 14% of the population of 68 million people belongs to an ethnic minority. Some of the largest cultural groups are from India, Poland, and Pakistan. This diversity is reflected in everything from food and music to arts and literature. Of all the cities in the UK , the highest diversity is in London, where 40% of the population comes from an ethnic minority background. Apart from the capital, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leicester are also great examples of high cultural diversity.

Languages spoken in the UK

English is the official language and by far the most commonly spoken, but there are also several other languages spoken throughout the country, like Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic. At the same time, according to the London Museum, in the capital city, there are over 300 languages spoken today.

UK food culture

British food culture has influences from all over the world, and expat communities can often enjoy the taste of their home food in restaurants and shops across the UK. At the same time, some of the most iconic British dishes include fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd's pie and roast beef and Yorkshire puddings. Fun fact: there are around 10,500 fish and chip shops in the UK today. But the British are also known for their love of tea, ale, and other alcoholic beverages.

Weather in the UK

You probably know the UK has a reputation for being rainy because of its geography. Throughout the year, temperatures in the UK tend to vary between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. You'll enjoy the warmest and driet summers in the south-east of the country.

How to choose a university in United Kingdom?

Deciding where you want to study is a deeply personal choice, but there are a few general ideas you should consider . To make things simpler for you, we put together the following Choosing a university checklist:

A big-city life and cultural diversity in large university hubs like London , Birmingham , or Manchester
A more relaxed lifestyle where you could experience the more traditional aspects of British culture specific to smaller cities like Bath , York , or Southampton
A high-ranking university, like the ones belonging to the Russell Group , will look more impressive on your CV because these are universities that have a reputation across the world for being very good and teaching the smartest and most talented people. Attenting one of them will give you more opportunities, but it will be harder to get in, more expensive, competitive, and more focused on academic results.
A university that doesn’t rank as high will probably offer you a more inclusive and relaxed environment. These universities are often top quality as well, but less famous. You will face easier admission and enjoy a more flexible schedule
Read student reviews to learn how other students feel at that university. If you access a programme of study on our portal , you can read tens of student reviews for each study programme. And if you're still in doubt, try chatting with students who are currently studying at universities you are interested in.
Research how well a university performs in your particular field of study by checking Meta-rankings in the UK , which combines the latest data from the most prestigious university ranking systems in the world.

What are the best universities in the UK

Its centuries-old tradition, high standards of teaching and commitment to providing students with a world-class education, lead to the UK having over 100 world-ranking universities. Here are the top 5 universities in the UK:

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the UK, benefiting from a distinctive collegiate structure. Both students and academics belong to a college or hall, a self-governing organisation within the university.
The University of Cambridge is, alongside Oxford, one of the ancient English universities consistently ranking among the top 5 in the world, with a rich tradition of over 800 years and world-leading research.
Imperial College London started from a vision of Prince Albert (the consort of Queen Victoria) who wanted to create a cultural area to include museums and colleges. The college focuses only on business, science, technology, and medicine.
University College London (UCL) the very first university in London, is a rule-breaking institution: the first university in England to accept students of any religion and one of the first to admit women as students.
The University of Edinburgh is the best Scottish university and the fifth ranking in the UK. With an entrepreneurial and cross-disciplinary culture, it attracts students and staff from across the globe.

> C Check Meta-rankings for the full list of university rankings in the UK .

What are the top student hubs in the UK

The biggest student hub in the UK is of course London . The city was declared Best Student city by QS, and it has no less than 18 ranked universities. It’s huge – the third biggest city in Europe with a population of over 9,3 million people, multicultural, and very diverse.

But big-city life is only for some, and the UK offers many other excellent student hubs . In the North of England, you have Manchester with five big universities, BBC and ITV studios and many thriving businesses. Even further to the North, another thriving city full of charm and history is Edinburgh , Scotland's capital, home to one of the best five universities in the UK.

If you want your experience of studying in the UK to be even more relaxed, so you can enjoy that orderly and calm British life, consider the famous cities of Oxford and Cambridge , as well as Bath or Liverpool with their highly ranked universities.

Tuition Fees in United Kingdom

British students pay different tuition fees from international students ( including EU students ). Fees are also different depending on the university or study programme you choose.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students range between £9,000 and £33,500 per year, while tuition fees for international students at postgraduate level cost between £7,000 - £36,400 per year, the average programme being £20,000. For UK nationals, tuition fees at undergraduate level range between £1,820 and £9,250 , while postgraduate courses cost between £3,350 and £22,300 .

If cost is a big factor for you when choosing a university, the cheapest tuition fees for international students according to QS TopUniversities are Coventry University , Royal Agricultural University , and University of Suffolk . Also, keep in mind that online programmes are usually cheaper than campus-based ones. We have over 700 online Bachelor’s programmes in the UK, the cheapest only £1,784 per year and over 2,500 online Master’s programmes , starting at £540 per year.

Sometimes, students can benefit from a tuition fee waiver, meaning a discount applied to your overall tuition fee. However, this is usually available only for UK and sometimes EU students. Check on your university’s page to be sure. Also, remember that there are plenty of scholarships available for both national and international students.

Use the ‘Tuition fee’ filter on the left menu of our Bachelor’s , Master’s or PhD search pages to find the programme best suited for your budget. You can also sort the list of available programmes by Lowest tuition fee, by clicking the top right Sort button.

Can I study in United Kingdom for free?

Unfortunately, there is no free education in the UK for international students or for home students, but there are ways to go around it and minimise or completely reduce your costs during the years of study.

Home students have the option to apply for a Student Loan which will cover their undergraduate tuition fees in full, and they only have to pay it back once they start earning enough money to classify for repayments. To apply for the loan for your undergraduate studies, you have to access Student Finance on Gov.UK once you have an offer from university. In addition, home students can also apply for a loan for their Master’s degree of up to £11,836 , but this may not fully cover the cost of the programme.

As an international student , if you’re wondering how to study in the UK for free, the only option is to win a scholarship that fully covers your tuition fees and potentially living costs as well. While these are very competitive, there are plenty available, so go on and check Mastersportal for all scholarships available to study in the UK .

Finally, if you want to do a doctorate in the UK, whether you are a national or international student, the only way to do it tuition free is through a scholarship for PhD studies , but you can also get a job as an assistant within your university and earn some money while researching as well.

Financial Aid and Scholarships in United Kingdom

Many universities, private organisations, NGOs, and governmental institutions offer scholarships and grants to international students.

Each scholarship or grant has different criteria; some are awarded for academic success, others for financial needs, and some for students coming from developing or underdeveloped nations.

You can apply for financial aid after acceptance, meaning soon as you have an offer from your university. There are many scholarships allow you to apply even after you’ve started your programme. Learn about the best practices when applying for a scholarship. You’ve got nothing to lose.

Head over here to see our full list of cholarships on offer in the UK.

Types of scholarships on offer

There are several types of financial aid for international students in the UK. The most common are scholarships, but you can also find bursaries (typically awarded based on financial need), grants and loans.

Scholarships can be awarded based on merit, financial need or other criteria. For example scholarships for excellent academic results or scholarships for students with low incomes, and see what fits best with your situation. Learn all about the different types and how to start applying for scholarships , in this article.

There is no limit to how many scholarships you should apply for, just go for as many as you can. Ensure you meet the criteria before searching for the best scholarships to apply for. Begin with the ones where you feel you have the highest chances of success.

Where you can find scholarships

Our database, which lists hundreds of scholarship opportunities in the UK , is an excellent starting point when you’re trying to figure out where to apply for scholarships.

Other credible sources with up-to-date information about scholarships and financial aid you can access:

Studyportals Scholarship – International Distinction Award , open to all international students – see FAQ about the award
Your preferred university's official website. They will likely award scholarships themselves or recommend partner organizations where to apply for financial aid.
Government Scholarships (British Council Scholarships):
The Chevening Scholarships for Master’s
The Commonwealth Scholarships for PhD and Master’s
GREAT scholarships
Scholarships offered by universities:
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship
University of Bristol Think Big
Imperial College London Scholarship
GEMS International Undergraduate Scholarship
Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarships

You can learn more about Scholarships offered by UK universities in this article.

Euraxess UK Portal for PhD and Postdoc Euraxess UK is a portal for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers looking to work or continue their research in the United Kingdom. It provides information on funding opportunities, research networks, job vacancies, and other resources to help these professionals succeed in their careers.

You can also find some of the best options of scholarships in the UK for international students in this article.

How to apply

Once you’ve done your research on how to apply for a scholarship in the UK and shortlisted the scholarships you want to apply to, it’s time to get going with the actual application. Applying for a foreign university scholarship may be intimidating, but if you follow these steps, it won’t be that hard:

Check the eligibility criteria: make sure you meet all the requirements, which may include academic achievements, nationality, age, field of study, and more. Applying for a bursary or a university grant may have different rules from applying for a scholarship.
Gather the required documents: Financial aid providers all have a how-to-apply for university funding or scholarship page. This is the place to find and check what documents you need, things like transcripts, a motivation letter for applying to the scholarship , and recommendation letters.
Complete the application: pay attention as you fill out the scholarship application form to ensure you include all required information.
Submit the application: very important step, take a deep breath and click submit!
Wait for a response: this may be harder than it sounds. But if you are shortlisted, you will probably be called for an interview or asked to provide additional information. See our advice on how to do well in a scholarship interview.
Accept the scholarship: the best part! If you are selected, read through the terms and conditions and accept the scholarship offer if you are happy with the terms.

What to include in your application

The specific requirements for a scholarship application will vary depending on the type of financial aid or scholarship, and the program you are applying to. However, a scholarship application will always ask you to explain why you are applying for financial aid and how it will help you achieve your academic and career goals. This is usually done in a motivation for applying, or a request letter for your scholarship application and it might just be the most important element of your application. That’s why it’s essential to Learn how to write a motivation letter for your scholarship .

Other information to include in your application will likely be:

Personal information
Academic background, such as your academic transcripts, degrees, and certificates
Letters of recommendation, typically by teachers, professors, or employers who can vouch for your academic abilities and potential
Financial Information: the scholarship you’re applying for might not cover the total costs of your studies, in which case they can ask about how you will cover the rest of the money.
Essays or writing samples that demonstrate your writing skills and ability to think critically.

Other supporting materials, such as a portfolio of work or a list of awards and honours.

Interested in scholarships for United Kingdom? Check out our scholarship search page.

Apply to university in United Kingdom

All UK applications are made through the UCAS website . You can submit only one application for each study cycle and within this application you can select up to 5 different study programmes. Unlike in many other countries where you must tailor your application to each individual university, here you need a general application.

What’s the structure of the UK academic year

The UK academic year typically starts in late September or early October and ends in June. The exact dates may vary depending on the institution and the course, but most universities follow a similar timeline.

During the academic year, there are three main terms:

Autumn term (September to December),
Spring term (January to April),
Summer term (from May until late June).

These terms are broken up into several weeks of teaching and a few weeks of holidays or exams:

Christmas Break: (mid-December to early January)
Easter Break: (two weeks, during spring)
Summer Break: (the longest break of the year, from June to late September)
Half-Term Breaks: (roughly every six to eight weeks throughout the academic year)
Bank Holidays ( public holidays in the UK )

Some institutions may have slight variations on this structure, but the three-term system is the standard for most UK universities.

When to apply for British universities

Most universities and courses in the UK have the application deadline in January for courses starting September the same year. But Cambridge and Oxford as well as programmes in Medicine will likely have an earlier deadline. Make sure to check UCAS for the exact dates each year.

You can still apply to university after the deadline through Clearing , from July until October, but you must keep in mind that this round of applications is only for the places left unfilled in the regular application process, so you should only use it if you didn't manage to secure a place beforehand.

Documents needed to apply for university

Each UCAS application contains this list of documents you need to apply for university:

Personal details
Education history
Employment history
Programmes selection
Personal Statement (a very important part of you application)
Reference (from a current teacher or employer, depending on your situation, written in English)
Payment of the application fee

Next step is to await an answer. If you are accepted, you can receive a conditional offer or an unconditional offer .

A conditional offer means that your acceptance depends on meeting some conditions in the future, like obtaining certain results at exams or language tests. An unconditional offer means you already meet all requirements and are definitely accepted.

Language requirements

If you want to study in the UK, your programme will be taught in English, so you must have a certain level of proficiency in order to perform your academic work. That’s why you will definitely need to meet certain English language requirements for UK universities. To do that, you have to take one of the approved tests and obtain the minimum score required by your university.

Commonly accepted UK language tests :

You’ll get a score of 0 to 9 for each category (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), as well as an overall band score. Generally, UK universities ask for a minimum score of 6.0 or 6.5, with some more reputed universities requiring 7.0 or 7.5.

The four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) have a score of 0 to 30 points each. You can get a maximum of 120 points. Many universities ask for a score of 70-80 to be admitted, while the more famous ones like Oxford and Cambridge ask for a score over 100 points.

You can obtain a score between 10 and 90 points in the three sections Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. To study for a degree level course, UK universities usually ask for a minimum of 59 points.

The Cambridge exams range from pre A1 - Starters to C2 Proficiency which means scores starting at 80 points and going up to 230 points. For UK universities, you need to obtain the C1 Advanced certificate with a score range of 180-200 points.

The test is gaining more and more popularity and is already accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide. You’ll get a score between 10 and 160 points, where 95-100 points is the equivalent of the 6.0 IELTS score.

To learn more about the different tests you can take, read this comprehensive guide on English language certifications that we’ve put together.

Student housing in United Kingdom

When you’re looking for student housing in the UK, you have two options:

On-campus accommodation : these are halls of residence managed by your university; they are basically blocks of flats where hundreds of other students live. Additional costs such as water, heating and electricity fees are included most of the time, and as much as possible, first-year and international students have a guaranteed place if they apply on time.

This type of student accommodation in the UK generally offers small, clean rooms, with a bed, wardrobe, and desk. The kitchen and common room are shared, and sometimes the bathroom is as well. You can have a lot of fun living in a hall of residence and fully immerse yourself in student life, but will also need to learn how to share and live with people you’ve just met.

Off-campus student housing: this option can mean private student housing apartments or halls, where you will have more privacy, less sharing, and probably a more modern environment. Of course, this can come at a higher monthly cost. At the same time, another option to live off-campus is to share a house with a couple of other friends. The cost will be more affordable, and you won’t share the place with people you don’t know. However, you need to find the place yourself, sometimes pay rent in advance, and handle your own additional costs like heating, water, internet or electricity payments.

When to apply for student accommodation

In order to know when to apply for university accommodation on campus, you should check the university’s website for specific deadlines. The rule of thumb is to start applying once you have an unconditional offer from the university and before you arrive in the UK.

On the other hand, if you prefer off-campus student housing, start applying as soon as you know you will start studying at that university to have a better chance of getting the accommodation you want.

Extra resources for finding student housing apartments

Amber , a portal listing verified private student accommodation in over 250 cities worldwide.
Student , options for private student housing in over 400 cities across the world, with 24-hour support from the booking team.
Unite Students , private accommodation in the UK, with all utilities included, as well as the option to book a shared accommodation with one or more of your friends.
Right Move , a portal where you can search for private student housing in the UK, on-campus halls of residence, and private halls close to your university.

Cost of living in United Kingdom

The average cost of living in the UK with rent, food, transport, and entertainment included is around £12,000-£15,000 per year .

London, the country’s capital, has by far the highest cost of living in the UK. Here, you might end up paying almost double the amount you would pay in the rest of the country. The average monthly rent in London is over £1,000 for a small apartment where you pay the bills or a room in a private student hall with bills included, while in other cities, the average cost is around £700 per month.

For students in the UK, the cost of living varies according to each region. Belfast in Northern Ireland, Cardiff in Wales, and Glasgow in Scotland are more affordable locations with an average monthly cost of living around £1,000 - £1,300, while Manchester in England and Edinburgh in Scotland are more expensive, the average being £1,400 - £1,700 respectively. London remains the most expensive location in the UK with a monthly average cost of £2,500. This data is based on Numbeo and refers to the living expenses of a single person, however as a student you will be able to get different discounts and promotions, so your actual expenditure will probably be smaller if you budget your money well.

Cost of food in the UK

On average, a meal in a mid-range restaurant costs around £15-£20, while a week's worth of groceries for one person can cost anywhere from £40 to £60. However, international students can save money by cooking at home, shopping at local supermarkets and taking advantage of student discounts. The average monthly cost of food for a student in the UK is around £250 ($338).

Work and study in United Kingdom

Are international students allowed to work in the UK?

Generally yes, but there are some restrictions. The maximum number of working hours for international students in the UK depends on your exact Visa conditions. Usually, the limit is 20 hours during term time and full-time during holidays, but sometimes, international students can be restricted to only 10 hours during term times. To be sure, you must check what conditions are set on your Visa. Furthermore, your university may also impose further restrictions.

If you are eligible, the first place to search for a job is your university’s career page where they post jobs, specifically for students. The following are some popular student job sites that offer part-time, full-time, temporary, and seasonal work opportunities, as well as internships and graduate schemes. Many of them share useful information on job hunting, CV writing, and interview preparation:

SaveTheStudent

Read this article for Tips on Finding Part-Time Jobs for International Students , including ideas of how to get an internship or a work from home job for students.

Is United Kingdom safe?

The UK is generally considered a safe country: according to the latest data available from the Global Peace Index 2021, which ranks countries based on their level of safety and security, the UK is ranked as the 42nd safest country out of 163 countries worldwide.

Additionally, a survey conducted by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) in 2018 showed that 87% of international students in the UK felt safe living in the country. This was based on responses from over 2,000 international students.

Universities in the UK take the safety and security of their students very seriously, and many have dedicated support services and advice available to help students stay safe. However, like in any country, there are still some risks that students should be aware of, such as pickpocketing, petty theft, and online fraud. It’s good to remember some of these common-sense personal safety measures that you would use anywhere else in the world:

Make sure you know the emergency numbers : 999 or 112
Avoid dark corners or streets at night
Pay extra attention when you take money out from ATMs
Try not to walk around alone at night
Be mindful of pickpocketing

Healthcare options

The healthcare system in the UK is called National Health Service (NHS) , and to be able to access its services as an international student, you need to pay a £470 Healthcare surcharge along with your Visa application. This is enough to cover your healthcare needs.

Although more expensive, private providers are an alternative to the NHS and offer faster access to specialists and shorter waiting times. There are various private healthcare providers in the UK, including BUPA, AXA PPP, and VitalityHealth, among others.

You may also get healthcare through your university, which may have its own healthcare facilities or partnerships with private providers.

Student insurance in United Kingdom

Your student Visa will cover your basic healthcare needs, however, you may prefer private insurance which will give you extra benefits like emergency assistance and money to support you in case of a long illness.

>>> Request an Aon Student Insurance online . For international students, researchers, Erasmus students and educational staff - we have the right insurance for your situation.

Support services available for international students

Your university is the most important place where you can find quality student support services during your university years. Examples of student support services include disability support, counselling and mental health, academic support, language support, orientation programmes, sexual harassment support, conflicts and violence support, and support services for special needs students.

Your university will have an International Office where you can access some of the above-mentioned services, like information about immigration, visas, funding your studies, employment regulations and opportunities.

Here are a couple of organisations providing support to international students:

Student Minds , a charity meant to support students in the UK with all mental health issues.
The British Council , where you can also find a lot of information about everything to do with your international study experience.

Student organisations

There are several popular student organisations for international students in the UK, including:

The Student Union is the most important student organisation in the UK and will likely be part of the National Union of Students (NUS) . The union is meant to protect students’ rights without being affiliated with the university where it operates. The Student Union at your university is run by students and forms a great student community where you can easily get involved.
UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) , a charity created to support international students with advice and information in many areas, including Visas and Immigration, Fees and Money, Working, Preparation and Arrival, and more.
The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) provides support for international students studying in Europe, including the UK. They offer a range of activities and events, including language exchanges, cultural trips, and social events.
The International Students House (ISH) : provides accommodation and support services for international students studying in London. They offer a range of services, including housing, social events, and academic support.

Things to do for students on a budget

One of the free things to do in the UK for students is go to the museum. There is a rich selection of awesome museums, and most of them have free entry. Museums in the UK are lively places, where kids are allowed to play and often enjoy interactive experiences. Head over here for a full list of museums in the UK .

You will also find many cheap things to do in the UK if you visit different cities or outdoor locations. The UK is not very big, which makes travelling easy and as an international student, you won’t want to miss the most famous and epic tourist destinations in the country.

Top 5 urban attractions:

Read this article about Cheap Things You Can Do in London on a Student Budget to discover plenty of ideas.

Roman heritage in Bath. Home to beautiful 2000 years-old Roman baths, Bath also showcases some great examples of Georgian architecture, a style dating from the 18th century, named after four British kings named George.
Scottish medieval sights in Edinburgh . You shouldn’t miss this awesome Scottish city, even if you can only visit it for one day. Edinburgh Castle sits in the middle of the city built atop an extinct volcano. You can also visit The Royal Botanic Gardens as well as the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, where you’ll definitely have a lot of fun.
See the famous location of The Canterbury Tales. Here you can visit the famous Canterbury Cathedral, the very first cathedral of England, the Roman Museum hosted inside an original Roman Villa, or the Franciscan Gardens, belonging to the first Franciscan Settlement in Britain.
See where Titanic took off in Southampton . You can see the Titanic Exhibition because Southampton was the home port of the Titanic, and the city has a fascinating exhibition about the ill-fated ship and its passengers. And keep the mood, you can continue by exploring the SeaCity Museum which features interactive exhibits, artefacts, and stories about the city's relationship with the sea.

Top 5 outdoor attractions

Keep these in mind for great adventures in nature after you’re done with those busy exams and assignments and need a taste of fresh air and wild beauty.

The Lake District . Situated in the North of England, this is the largest national park in England where you can climb its highest mountain, Scafell Pike. The park is famous for its beautiful lakes, mountains, soft valleys, and sandy coastlines. It’s the perfect place for a late spring or summer adventure in nature. Don’t miss it.
Scilly Island . If you visit the gorgeous Isles of Scilly in summer, you might wonder if you’re still in Britain. Well, you are, although it looks like a tropical paradise.
The Scottish Highlands . Snow covered mountaintops and old castles amid crystal clear lakes and an atmosphere of perfect peace. This is what you’ll find in the Scottish Highlands whether you go hiking in summer, skiing in winter, or horse-riding any time of the year.
Stonehenge . A famous prehistoric site in Salisbury, believed to have been built over a 1000 year period from 3000 BCE to 2000 BCE, which is still a big mystery for archaeologists. Stonehenge is an engineering masterpiece, a spiritual place, and still an inspiration for people today.
Cotswolds . Here you can get lost into the charming British countryside, walk on the streets of pretty villages made of limestone and traditional market towns. The place is so beautiful, it was declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AOBN).

Travelling in the UK

To get to your destinations, you can take a train or coach. The National Railway tends to be a bit more expensive, but you can travel on a budget with coach rides from National Express .

You can also buy a number of student cards which offer student travel discounts:

16-25 Railcard which gives discounts for rail tickets if you are 16 to 25 years of age.
18+ Student Oyster photocard for students living in London to get a 30% discount of Travelcards, as well as Bus&Tram season tickets.
Young Persons Coachcard for discounts when travelling with National Express coaches if you’re aged 16 to 26.
International Student Identity Card which gives discounts to international students for a bunch of things, not only travelling, but also food, entertainment, clothes, and more. The card is valid in 125 countries, not just the UK.

Learning English

As a foreign student in the UK, there are several ways you can improve your English language skills:

practice with native speakers;
watch English TV shows and movies;
read English books and newspapers,
attend an English language course
use language learning apps, such as Duolingo

There are many language schools and colleges in the UK that offer English language courses for international students. These courses are designed to improve your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Living as an expat in United Kingdom

Once you graduate, the main thing that changes is that you will no longer have a study Visa so you’ll need to find a different type of Visa (such as a work visa or residency permit) in order to be able to stay in the country.

To be eligible for such a visa you will need a job offer from a UK employer. Once you’ve secured a job, the next step should be finding your expat apartment. As an expat in the UK you can use the National Health Service (NHS), but many choose to take out private health insurance as well.

Expat communities in the UK

The most represented countries in the expat communities in the UK are Poland, Republic of Ireland, India, Romania, and Italy. Followed by Portugal, Spain, Pakistan, Nigeria, and the USA.

Expats living in the UK can benefit from a supportive and vibrant expat community. UK expat forums and online communities can be a great place to connect with others like you, and to find advice on everything from finding housing to navigating the healthcare system.

Here are some useful resources:

Expatica website where you can find a lot of useful information about living and working in the United Kingdom as an expat.
InterNations website where you can connect with other expats in your city or country.
HSBC guide and resources for expats (HSBC is a major bank in the UK)
Expat website with a lot of information for expats around the world.

There is no one best place to live in the UK for expats. True, larger cities like London offer many social or cultural activities and job opportunities. But you may also consider a smaller city with a quieter pace of life.

United Kingdom Immigration rules

How your immigration status changes after graduation.

Once you graduate, your immigration status changes and you can no longer stay in the UK on a student Visa. To continue living there, you need to apply for a different kind of Visa or apply for citizenship if you already meet the requirements.

Types of Citizenship

Apply for a new Visa depending on your circumstances after graduation:

Graduate Visa . This is the most common route for international students, which allows international students who completed a higher education course in the UK to stay in the in the country for up to 2 years.

Skilled Worker Visa . You can apply for this Visa if you have a work offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office who can give you a “certificate of sponsorship” detailing your role which must fit in this list of occupations . The Visa is valid for up to 5 years and can be extended any number of times.

Global Talent Visa . This is for you if you can prove to be a leader in one of these fields: Arts and Culture, Academia and Research, Digital Technology. This Visa is valid for 5 years with the possibility to extend it if you still meet the conditions.

Start Up Visa . This isn’t the easiest Visa to get, but if you have an innovative idea for a business that doesn’t exist in the UK, you should try it. This Visa is valid for 2 years and cannot be extended.

Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Usually, you can get Indefinite Leave to Remain after you lived in the UK for 5 years continuously, but sometimes it can be even 3 or 2 years, depending on the type of Visa you had previously. You should apply for ILR as soon as you meet the required time period if you plan on gaining British citizenship.

Apply for British Citizenship

Once you had Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status for a minimum of 12 months, you are eligible to apply for British Citizenship. You will also need to prove you English skills and pass the Life in the UK test where you will have to answer 24 questions about traditional practices and ways of life that have been passed down through generations in the UK.

To stay up-to-date on the latest UK immigration news for student visa, check the updates from UK immigration authorities . It's also important to budget your immigrant visa application processing fee, which can be different based on your country of origin.

Immigration processing times

The processing time for immigration applications in the UK can vary depending on several factors such as the type of visa or permit being applied for, the volume of applications being received by the UK Home Office, and the complexity of the application itself.

Generally, the UK Home Office aims to process most visa applications within 3 weeks or less, but some applications may take longer. For example, applications that require additional documentation or information may take longer to process.

Job opportunities in United Kingdom

Most of the job opportunities in the UK for international students after graduation are in the larger cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Leeds, Cardiff, Belfast, and so on. Of course, you’ll find the biggest pool of work opportunities in London.

But if you hope to get a job when you graduate, you should consider getting some part-time work or volunteering during your studies as well because experience is very important.

The following websites for UK jobs after graduation are a valuable resource for international students looking to start their careers. You will likely find opportunities across different industries and sectors:

Jobs in the UK on the Government's platform
The Prospects jobs platform
Jobs Section on The Guardian
Addeco jobs platform

Additionally, many universities in the UK have their own job boards and career services, which may be helpful if you are a recent graduate.

Continue your studies in United Kingdom

If you are an international student who will graduate from a UK university and would like to continue your studies in the UK, there are several options available to you:

Pursue a Master’s degree: You can apply for a Master's degree if you already have a Bachelor's degree. Apply through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, or through individual university websites. Head over here to see over 1900 Master’s in the UK .
Apply for a PhD: If you are interested in pursuing a research-based degree, and you already have a Master’s degree, you can apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in the UK. Here’s a list of over 2000 PhDs in the UK .
Apply for a postgraduate diploma or certificate: These shorter courses are designed to provide additional training or education in a specific field and can be completed in a shorter amount of time than a full degree program.
Apply for a professional qualification: Professions such as law, medicine, or teaching require additional qualifications beyond a degree. You can apply for these professional qualifications through professional organisations or regulatory institutions.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, international students need a visa to study in the UK. The type of visa required depends on the length and level of study, as well as the student's nationality and individual circumstances.

The UK offers high quality education, an extensive portfolio of courses taught in English, the option to have a part time job while studying, many scholarships and other types of funding opportunities, as well as a dynamic and multicultural environment. All these make for very good reasons for studying in the UK.

Tuition fees for international students at undergraduate level cost between £11,400 - £38,000 per year while tuition fees for international students at postgraduate level cost between £9,000 - £30,000 per year.

If you apply to a university in the UK as an international student, you will need to show proof of English Language skills. You can take the IELTS, but also other tests like TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English Advanced.

To study in the UK, you have to send all the required documents in your application, including education history, proof of English language test, personal statement, and references. On top of that, you will need to get a Student Visa and be able to prove that you can support yourself financially during your studies.

To start studying in the UK, you need to take the A Levels in subjects required for your particular degree. If you are from a country where you don’t take A Levels, you will need the equivalent of that. You will find the approved exam qualifications for each country on your university’s website.

To get permanent residency in the UK, you can apply for the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) visa after five years of working a graduate job. You also need to take the Knowledge of Life in the UK test and one of the approved English language tests.

Interesting programmes for you

Find phds degrees in united kingdom, what subject to study in united kingdom.

Agriculture & Forestry 39 Masters
Applied Sciences & Professions 127 Masters
Arts, Design & Architecture 349 Masters
Business & Management 342 Masters
Computer Science & IT 201 Masters
Education & Training 189 Masters
Engineering & Technology 405 Masters
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences 190 Masters
Hospitality, Leisure & Sports 74 Masters
Humanities 654 Masters
Journalism & Media 93 Masters
Law 97 Masters
Medicine & Health 710 Masters
Natural Sciences & Mathematics 639 Masters
Social Sciences 956 Masters

PhD Degrees in United Kingdom

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 3633 programmes
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) 44 programmes
Doctorate (Doctorate) 71 programmes

Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.

University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.

Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.

PhD (postgraduate) Degrees

If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.

PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.

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How to Apply for a PhD – Application Process Explained
Applying to a PhD

This guide explains the PhD application process and outlines the steps you will need to follow, and information you will need to provide when applying to a PhD programme.

How to Apply for a PhD – Application Process

There is no single guide that can cover the entire application process for applying to PhDs, as it differs not only between universities, but also between programmes. In the same sense, what a supervisor might consider a strong application for one of their programmes, they may consider a weak application for another of their programmes.

Furthermore, the process of applying for a PhD in the UK can be slightly challenging to navigate as there is no centralised application system, as is the case with undergraduate degrees, and the process can vary from university to university.

Regardless of this, the below outlines the most common steps you will need to follow when applying for a PhD. Pay particular attention to each stage, as slipping on a single one of them can significantly affect your chances of securing the PhD you want.

1. Find Research Projects you like

Identify research areas that align with your research interest.

This should be done by thinking about all topics, courses, projects, recent publications, recurring questions or experiences that have caught your curiosity over the past year.

Once you have a better understanding of your preferred research area, browse through our PhD listings or the ‘postgraduate research degree’ and ‘research centre’ sections of a university’s website if you already have a particular one in mind.

This is probably the most important thing to consider before you apply to PhD programmes given you will be working on your project for the next three to eight years – make sure not to rush it.

Note: If you intend to study part time or via distance learning, make sure to check the university offers this option as not all do.

2. Contact Potential PhD Supervisors

If you are proposing your own research project, which is usually the case with a self-funded postgraduate programme, you will need to find your own potential supervisor.

The best way to find a suitable PhD supervisor is to review the staff profiles on the department’s webpage and examine the topics they have published on in the past two years, as well as the research projects of the students they have supervised in the past. This will help you decide whether their research interests coincide with yours. Outside of research interests, there are other aspects you will want to look for, such as their level of support and patience, and how successful their former students have been. For further information on this, you can learn how to find a good PhD supervisor here .

If you are applying to a pre-determined research project, which is usually the case with funded programmes, you do not need to find a supervisor, as they already have a supervisor assigned to them.

Before you formally apply to funded PhD projects, most PhD supervisors will prefer you to apply informally by sending them an email with your CV. This is so they can better understand your motives for applying and where your academic strengths lie before you start the formal application process.

3. Online Application Form

Once you have found a research programme you are interested in, most universities will require you to make a formal application via their online application portal. The below outlines the supporting documentation you will likely require when completing your online application form.

Academic Qualifications and Transcripts

If you have completed your studies, you will be asked to provide original or certified copies of your academic qualifications.

If you are still studying, you will need to provide an interim transcript of the grades you have received to date and details of any previous qualifications you have acquired.

Academic CV

An academic CV outlines your contact details, academic background and relevant experience. You can read our guide on how to prepare an effective academic CV here .

Cover Letter

An academic cover letter can be requested alongside your CV. An academic cover letter explains why you are applying for the particular PhD project, why you are a strong candidate for the position and what you can offer the department as a research student. You can read our guide on how to prepare a strong cover letter here .

Personal Statement

Instead of a cover letter, you may be asked to submit a personal statement. A personal statement is a short document describing your interest in the research programme and explaining why you believe you are suitable for it.

Research Proposal

Most universities will require you to submit a research proposal, especially if you are not applying to a pre-determined research project.

A research proposal is a short document describing your proposed research project. It outlines your research question, which topic it concerns and why you consider it valuable. It is used to show you have the potential for postgraduate-level research by showing that you can communicate complex ideas and evaluate them at their fundamental level. A research proposal also allows the academic department to match you with a suitable PhD supervisor with the expertise to support you if needed.

To support your application, you will be asked for an academic reference, ideally from one or more academic referees.

This is so the university has evidence from another academic source that you are a person who is capable of undertaking PhD study, not only in terms of your credentials and academic abilities but also in terms of your character, as someone who demonstrates commitment, perseverance, independence and the ability to communicate effectively.

To ensure the legitimacy of your references, universities often have strict requirements for how they are to be provided, such as requiring the use of official letterheads and original signatures from the reference provider. Therefore, you must check the specific requirements of each institution and forward them to your referee to minimise the risk of any rejections.

Other Supporting Information

Most online forms also have sections where you can upload any additional supporting information. This can include example evidence, such as previous papers you have published or conferences you have participated in.

Note that e xample evidence, especially of scientific research, is rarely required for STEM subjects

4. Entry Requirements

Academic qualifications.

The entry requirement for most UK universities is a 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject.

Note that while many universities require a Masters degree, not all do; it’s possible to enrol in a PhD programme with just a Bachelors degree , as many students have successfully done so in the past.

In both cases, you will be asked to submit a copy of your degree certificate if you have completed your undergraduate study.

English Language Requirement

If you are an international student from a non-native English speaking country, most universities will require you to either meet their English language requirements or complete an English course with them before starting your PhD.

The two most common tests used to examine English language proficiencies for postgraduate study are the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Although the score requirements will vary depending on the course and institution, the typical requirements are:

IELTS – Overall score of 6.5, and no less than 6.0 in each test category.
TOELF – Overall score of 88.

International Applicant

If you’re an international student, you may need a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa to study in the UK. If this is the case, the university will require your passport details or a copy of your first page and photo page.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

5. Other Things to Keep in Mind

In most countries, including the UK, a PhD studentship starts in September or October of each academic year. However, it’s worth noting that most PhD projects are flexible and can therefore start at any time throughout the year.

Application Deadline

The deadline for a PhD position will be indicated in its advert description, however, you should apply to them as early as possible as a PhD position can sometimes be filled before its official closing date.

As well as monitoring the course deadline, also be aware of the closing dates of associated doctoral research funding opportunities. This is because some funded PhD projects require you to apply individually to both the course and the funding opportunity.

Standardised Tests

Depending on the type of doctorate you are applying for, you may need to take examinations as part of the application process.

While this is uncommon in the UK, most graduate schools in the US and Canada integrate standardised tests into their doctoral course admissions process, with minimum test scores set as an entry requirement for their PhD programs.

MPhil Registration First

In the UK, most PhD students first have to register for an MPhil ( Master of Philosophy ) for the first year of their studies, and only if they pass it, which usually requires the production of a report and an informal interview, will their course be upgraded to a PhD.

Making Several Applications

Unfortunately, for various reasons, you may not always get your preferred supervisor or research project, so it is best to apply for several projects on one or more research topics you interest you.

Please note that the application process for a professional doctorate, such as a DBA or EngD, is slightly different from the one mentioned in this guide . Therefore, please consult the guidelines of the university you wish to apply to before applying.

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Postgraduate Research

How to apply for a PhD programme

Now that you've chosen a PhD programme, it's time to submit your application. Follow the below instructions to get started.

Studentships

The University of Liverpool offers various PhD studentships, which may be funded, self-funded or competition funded. To apply:

Find a studentship/project that matches your research interests.
Check the studentship advert for any specific application requirements and follow them where applicable.
Finally, register and apply online . (See full application requirements below)

Research degrees

Research degrees (MPhil/PhD/MD) are usually self-funded or externally funded. To apply:

Find a research opportunity which matches your research interests
Identify potential supervisors for your research project. You can do this by contacting the relevant institute or school’s Postgraduate Research Support Team and by viewing the staff and research pages of their area of the University website
Whilst it's not obligatory, we encourage you to indicate your preferred supervisor(s) in your application. It's also a good idea to contact potential supervisors before making an application. They may indicate an interest in your research proposal, but this does not guarantee entry to the programme
Put together a research proposal to outline the research you would like to undertake. You will need this for your application and may also need it for funding applications
Finally, register and apply online . (See full application requirements below)

Application requirements

For both Studentships and Research Degrees, you'll need the following when completing your online application:

To complete the online application, you'll need:

School or college transcripts/certificates
University transcripts
Degree certificates
English language certificates (International applicants only)
A personal statement
Two signed references on letterheaded paper (these should be academic references if you have been in full-time education in the last three years)
A research proposal (may be tested for plagiarism, collusion and other irregularities)

Applications are assessed primarily on the basis of prior and predicted academic achievement, so you should complete the application form without any omissions. If you wish to apply for a degree under a collaborative agreement with another institution, you must state this in your application.

References can be either uploaded directly to the application form by the applicant or emailed to the Department Admissions team (details below).

If you're considering applying for a University of Liverpool PhD based at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), China, you should contact their Graduate School Office .

Useful contacts

For any admissions related queries please contact the relevant School/Institute Admissions Team :

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Institute of Life Course & Medical Sciences: [email protected]
Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences: [email protected]
Institute of Population Health: [email protected]
Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology: [email protected]

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

In the first instance, please visit Applying for a PhD - Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences - University of Liverpool For more detailed enquiries regarding opportuinities within Humanities and Social Sciences, please contact the one of the School teams below.
School of the Arts: [email protected]
School of Histories, Languages and Cultures: [email protected]
School of Law and Social Justice: [email protected]
Management School: [email protected]

Faculty of Science and Engineering

School of Engineering: [email protected]
School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science: [email protected]
School of Physical Sciences: [email protected]
School of Environmental Sciences: [email protected]

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Finding and Applying for a PhD

The process of applying for a PhD is different to other university courses. In this section you'll find out how to apply and where to find a PhD.

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Entry requirements

Each PhD will have specific entry requirements. Applicants should always check the specific entry requirements online before applying.

You will usually need at least an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (2:1). International students will need an equivalent international qualification. For some PhDs you may need a Master’s qualification, and you may need to attend an interview.

International students may also need proven language ability. This will vary across institutions. Check what level your university expects before applying.

When to apply for a PhD

Application timings will depend on when your term start date is. Many research degrees start in September. Some will begin in January or May. Some PhD positions and funding opportunities are available to apply for year-round.

However, most UK PhD application deadlines are between late December and mid-January.

This is because of deadlines set by UKRI Research Council funding bodies. Most students will begin work on their application in the autumn. Completing an application and/or writing a research proposal will take time. We recommend you don’t leave it until the last minute!

UK applicants will usually need to apply at least one month before the course start date. International applicants will often need to apply at least three months ahead.

External organisations may also have different deadlines for funding applications. You will need time to research your funding options. Make sure you know how long the funding application process takes.

Finding an advertised PhD

Most universities will advertise PhD opportunities in their website. You can check the websites of any universities that have a relevant department.

The following external websites also advertise PhD opportunities:

Postgraduate Studentships.co.uk

Writing a research proposal

For an advertised PhD, you won't usually need to submit a research proposal. The broad aims and objectives for your PhD will already be set.

If you're choosing your own research topic within a university's PhD programme, you will need to write a proposal.

Research proposals need be persuasive. Potential supervisors and funders will need to believe your work is worth supporting.

A research proposal usually:

is between 1,500 and 3,000 words long
needs to have a clear, original, precise, interesting research question
explains the relevance and value of your proposed research
describes the data or source material your research requires
outlines the methods you will use to answer the research question
states what you hope to discover at the end of your research

Check any guidelines offered by your chosen institution. These can vary and include word limits, suggested structure etc.

We offer feedback on applications for postgraduate study but can’t do so for research proposals. We advise seeking guidance from a prospective supervisor or other academic related to your chosen field, before submitting your proposal.

The following websites offer advice on putting together a research proposal:

How to write a great PhD research proposal – advice from find a PhD.com
Guidelines for producing a Research Proposal (PDF: 42KB) – guidance from Newcastle University
How to write a successful research proposal – tips from Prospects

Some universities provide examples of research proposals for specific subjects. These include:

The Open University - Social Policy and Criminology
University of Sheffield - Sociological Studies
University of Sussex
University of York - Politics

Finding a PhD Supervisor

You will need to begin by identifying universities that offer the specialism that you want to research.

What is a PhD Supervisor?

A PhD supervisor is an academic who to uses their expertise to support you with your project. They should have interest in your project and provide regular feedback on your work. Each person's supervision experience depends on their university, department, and personal preferences.

An advertised funded PhD will usually have a supervisor allocated. If you want to propose your own area of research, you will need to write a research proposal and find a supervisor.

Your supervisor will:

play an important role in your PhD. They should support you from starting your research to submission of your thesis
have responsibilities towards you and your project. They will meet to discuss your work
read drafts of your work
respond to emails and other forms of contact, though this might not be immediate
be an expert in your academic field. They will have recognised research experience, and relevant publications. They may have supervised other students working on related subjects

Your supervisor won’t be an expert in your exact topic. If they were, you couldn’t research it as an original PhD.

Some universities formalise these commitments in a research degree handbook. Other universities leave the specific details to the student and supervisor to arrange.

How to find a supervisor

Some universities have a database that you can search for supervisors. This can be helpful if you want to propose your own research topic.

Otherwise, your university may match you with a supervisor during your application assessment. Sometimes they will use a summary of your academic interests to match you to a supervisor.

It is possible to request supervision by a particular member of academic staff. Be aware that the university will consider this but may not accept your request. Carry out research to find a potential supervisor who matches your research area:

start by shortlisting of two to three potential supervisors
explore their research history
find out more by looking in the reference sections of academic text books
search for articles in research databases and academic blogs

You can check academics online profiles to find out about their doctoral supervision capacity:

If they are open to doctoral applications, you can contact them to see if they will supervise you.
when you contact your potential supervisor, explain your research interests.
show how you feel your research proposal matches their expertise

It may also be possible to study your PhD by distance learning. This would mean you’d learn online, and your supervisor meetings would be virtual.

Find out more about finding a supervisor below:

What to expect from a PhD supervisor
Choosing your PhD supervisor | Prospects.ac.uk

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PhD studentships

If you're looking to get PhD funding for a specific research project or field of study, Doctoral studentships can provide you with either a partially or fully-funded PhD

Who awards PhD studentships?

PhD studentships are most commonly awarded by the UK's seven Research Councils in the form of Research Council grants , with research funding overseen by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) .

Individual UK universities also offer scholarships and bursaries to PhD students, while many professional bodies fund Doctoral research in collaboration with these academic institutions.

For instance, research awards are offered by the following engineering organisations:

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) - QUEST scholarships
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng)

Additionally, CASE studentships (formerly known as Cooperative Awards in Science and Engineering) can be part-funded by any non-academic body in partnership with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) . These four-year PhDs require the student to work at the organisation for at least three months.

You can also apply for funded PhD opportunities through many charities, foundations and trusts, including:

Action Medical Research
Alzheimer's Society
British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG)
British Heart Foundation (BHF)
Cancer Research UK
Diabetes UK
Rosetrees Trust - PhD Plus
The Leverhulme Trust
Wellcome Trust

Before you start applying for a funded PhD, it's always a good idea to discuss this with a prospective supervisor first, as they're often able to provide tips on maximising the likelihood of receiving financial support.

How much can I receive?

Many PhD studentships, including those offered by universities, professional bodies, or charities, foundations and trusts, provide three years' funding paid at a similar rate to the Research Council grant:

Fees-only studentship - These cover a student's tuition fees, plus any associated project and training costs (a minimum of £4,786 per year in 2024/25).
Full studentship - These add a non-repayable, tax-free maintenance grant known as a 'stipend'. In 2024/25, this is worth a minimum of £19,237 and it can be used towards living costs - see UKRI - Find studentships and Doctoral training .

For example, at The University of Manchester, the School of Social Sciences PhD studentship includes tuition fees for three-and-a-half years and a maintenance grant of £18,622 (2023/24 rate) per year for living expenses, plus associated research costs - such as fieldwork and attending conferences - from the Research Training Support Grant.

However, you should be aware that some PhD studentship recipients are required to teach undergraduates. While this provides an excellent opportunity to gain vital employability skills, it can also be hugely time-consuming. You must be satisfied that tutoring won't negatively affect the quality of your research before accepting your place.

Is my programme eligible for a PhD studentship?

PhD studentships can start at any time of the year, but most begin in September, October or January.

Certain types of PhD, for example professional Doctorates, may not be eligible for a PhD studentship. The same applies to part-time or distance learning options.

Am I eligible?

PhD studentships typically demand that applicants have a Bachelors degree at 2:1 or above, plus a relevant Masters degree or professional experience at that level of study.

Those who already possess a PhD are often ineligible, while some PhD studentships are limited to students fitting certain criteria - for example, those from a disadvantaged background, from a certain country or of a certain ethnicity.

If you're a European Union (EU) national, you'll need to have settled or pre-settled status under the government's EU Settlement Scheme to be eligible for student finance in this country - and this includes PhD studentships.

How do I apply for a PhD studentship?

The application process can be lengthy, and competition is fierce.

Some PhD students will be automatically considered for financial support once they've been accepted by an institution, but many are required to make separate PhD funding applications. These are usually made directly to the university - even for those studentships from Research Councils, professional bodies, or charities, foundations and trusts.

You'll typically be asked for your PhD application form, a research proposal , a cover letter and your references. After the institution has reviewed your application, you may be invited to interview.

Throughout this process, the university will scrutinise what you'll bring to the institution. Applicants at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), for example, are judged on:

the quality of their research project and how it connects with research currently being undertaken at the institution
how appropriate the supervisory team is
their calibre, academic qualifications and academic/research experience
whether the research can contribute towards the Research Excellence Framework (REF), meaning that interdisciplinary research will be preferred.

How do I increase my chances of getting a PhD studentship?

You can improve your chances of success by:

asking a friend or family member to proofread your application
carefully choosing your referees, ensuring that they'll speak positively of you
discussing your draft application with a relevant academic
explaining how your work will be unique and innovative
following the funding body's guidance regarding word counts and formatting.

What other PhD funding is available?

If you're unsuccessful with your PhD studentship application, you could consider:

crowdfunding
employer sponsorship
PhD loans .

Find out more

Explore 5 routes to getting a Doctorate .
Read about 5 challenges faced by PhD students .
Consider what to do next after completing a PhD .

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Research programmes

Before applying to study for a research programme at the University, ensure that you can meet all the entry requirements. The information below includes details on how and when to apply for our research programmes.

Finding a supervisor

Before applying to study a research degree at the University of St Andrews, please make sure that you have found a suitable supervisor first.

It is your own responsibility to find a supervisor who may be interested in working with you before you apply for a research degree. You can search for a researcher or academic by keywords using the St Andrews research portal , and you should contact a researcher directly by email explaining your background and what you would like to research.

As a prospective PhD, MSc(Res), or MSt(Res) student, you will apply to work with an individual supervisor or supervisory team within a School or institute, and not a specific programme of study. It is therefore important that you look at staff research interests within the University and ensure that your project matches an existing area of research .

If you are unable to identify a possible supervisor, please contact the School directly, who will be happy to advise you of the most appropriate academic for your chosen research area.

Applicants applying for the MFA, MRes or MPhil programmes are not required to contact a possible supervisor before making an application.

Entry requirements

Admission to research study within the Faculties of Arts and Divinity is normally on the basis of a good Masters degree which must be related to your area of research. Research applicants within the Faculty of Science require a good first degree with Honours at 2.1 (UK) or the overseas equivalent – more details can be found at entry requirements and country information .

The degree of MD (Medicine) requires a medical qualification that is recognised by the UK General Medical Council .

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency. For further information on what evidence of English proficiency is required, please see the postgraduate English language requirements web page or email [email protected]

Supporting documents and references

All applications must include the required supplementary documentation before a decision can be made. This varies by programme but includes:

CV or résumé. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
A research proposal – see School-specific details below.
A sample of academic written work in English – see School-specific details below.
Two original signed academic references.
Academic transcripts and degree certificates. Please only send certified copies with official English translations if applicable. Do not send original documents as they cannot be returned.
English language requirements certificate.

Research proposal

Applicants intending to read for a PhD, DLang, MPhil, MSc(Res) or MSt(Res) award should include an outline in English of not more than 500 words, with the following exceptions:

School of Art History For MSt(Res) programmes, 800-1000 words. For PhD programmes, 1000-1500 words. Where appropriate, proposals should be accompanied by properly captioned images. All proposals must also include a substantial bibliography listing relevant publications.
School of Classics 1,000 words and personal statement of no more than 600 words.
School of Chemistry No research proposal or writing sample is required, but we would encourage applicants to indicate which research projects they are interested in, or supervisor they would like to work with.
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences No research proposal is required however a personal or motivation statement should be submitted. Statements should be around 1,000 words and include why you have chosen St Andrews and the particular project. Also, explain how your current study and future career plans fit with the project. The selection committee and external funding bodies put great emphasis on this statement, so it is important it clearly applies to your chosen project. If you apply to more than one project, provide a personal statement for each.
School of Economics and Finance 2,000 words.
School of English 2,000 words, including draft title and chapter outlines where possible.
Department of Film Studies 1,000-word research proposal.
School of Geography and Sustainable Development 1,500 words and personal statement of no more than 600 words.
School of International Relations If applying for the PhD, a 1000-word research proposal (word count excludes bibliography and footnotes) and personal statement (statement of purpose) is required.
School of Management 1,500 words, excluding references.
School of Modern Languages 2,000 words.
Department of Philosophy PhD 1,000-word research proposal.
Department of Philosophy MPhil a short summary of research interest (200 words maximum), plus the name of a proposed supervisor at either St Andrews or Stirling.
School of Physics and Astronomy No research proposal is required, but we would encourage applicants to indicate which research projects they are interested in. A list of currently advertised research projects is available.

Written work sample

All applications submitted to the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Divinity should include a 2,000-word sample of written work in English, with exceptions for:

School of Classics provide a sample of written work between 2,500 to 5,000 words in length; this should be written in English
School of English submit a 3,000 to 5,000-word critical essay. This can be an extract from a previous project or essay, or part of your dissertation.
School of Geography and Sustainable Development The School of Geography and Sustainable Development offers Arts and Science PhD programmes. Please provide an academic writing sample which should be your undergraduate or Masters dissertation, a published article, or something similar; this should be written in English.
School of Management a piece of academic work by you in the area in which you intend to study (maximum of 3,000 words).
Department of Philosophy provide a sample of written work between 2,000 to 4,000 words in length.

Applicants who cannot provide a sample such as this should contact the appropriate School directly for further guidance.

Students applying to the Faculty of Science are not expected to submit a sample of their written work.

Two referees must be supplied per application.
university or business
country of their university or business
university or business email.
The online application system will automatically generate an email to the referees.

We will automatically contact your named referees only when you have submitted your final application. On submission of your application, you will receive notification that we have contacted your referees requesting a reference; we will require one from each referee.

Your referee will be emailed a link to a web form to complete a reference online or to upload a document. You and your School will receive a notification when each referee has successfully uploaded a reference.

Referees who do not provide a reference within two weeks of the first request will be automatically emailed once more. Beyond this, it is your responsibility to ensure that your referees provide references.

Important dates and deadlines

For the majority of Schools, there is no deadline on applying for research. However, the following Schools have specific deadlines each year:

School of Classics All complete PhD applications received by Thursday 30 November 2023 will be considered for SGSAH scholarship funding (there will be a limited number of studentships available for international students including EU). All complete applications received by Monday 15 January 2024 will be considered for School and University funding (Home, EU and Overseas students).
School of Divinity Applications received by Friday 3 November 2023 will receive first consideration both for acceptance and for School and University funding; applications received after that date are considered on a rolling basis if and as places are available.

Applicants who wish to be considered for any funding first need to submit their University PhD application by Wednesday 15 November 2023, 5pm (GMT). Applicants applying for SGSSS or/and SGSAH-funded PhD studentships must notify the School of their intention to apply for this funding by emailing [email protected] by Wednesday 15 November 2023, 5pm (GMT) and must have secured a supervisory team before applying for either funding route. Applications for SGSSS are submitted via their portal Student-led Open Competition 2023/24 – Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (sgsss.ac.uk) . The deadline is Friday 1 December 2023, 5pm (GMT). Applicants for SGSAH Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities - Prospective Students - AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership (sgsah.ac.uk) must email their nomination form to the School [email protected] by Friday 1 December 2023, 5pm (GMT). Nomination forms can be downloaded from the SGSAH website. Self-funded applicants must submit by Thursday 11 January 2024, 5pm (GMT).

School of Psychology and Neuroscience Only complete PhD applications received by Monday 8th January 2024 will be considered for scholarship funding. There is no deadline for applicants not seeking funding.

For all other Schools or Departments, applications can be sent in any time throughout the academic year. However, it is important to remember that if you are applying for any scholarships or funding, then the deadline for this may be early in the year.

Start dates

We strongly encourage students to begin their studies in September, but the start date for research study can be flexible. Your start date will be decided between yourself and your supervisor, but you may indicate your preferred start date on the application.

Start dates are:

27 September

Fees and funding

Tuition fees will vary depending on what programme you are studying and where you live. You may be able to apply for help with funding your studies at the University.

Early application is strongly advised if you are applying for a scholarship. Many have an early closing date (often between December and February) and most scholarships require you to be holding an offer in order to be considered for funding.

We continue to accept self-funded applications even after scholarship deadlines have passed. If you need further guidance on this, please contact the School that you are applying to.

For more advice on scholarships and funding, please go to postgraduate scholarships. You can also find out about our current tuition fees.

Applicants with special needs or disabilities

Applicants should disclose the details of any special needs or disabilities that they have in the relevant section of the application form. This information will be passed on to the Advice and Support Centre's disability team. Applicants with a special need or disability are encouraged to get in touch with the disability team (email [email protected] ) as early as possible to ensure that their needs will be met by the University.

If you are a student with a special need or disability, and the University has not been made fully aware of your disability requirements prior to an offer being made, we cannot guarantee that suitable resources will be available on your arrival in St Andrews.

All applications are assessed purely on academic merit, and the impact of a disability will be considered only after a final decision has been made.

Research degrees

Research degrees in the Faculties of Arts and Divinity are usually offered to students who have already obtained a good Masters degree in their chosen area of research.

In the Faculty of Science , research degrees are usually undertaken by students already holding a good undergraduate degree.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research degree is usually three and a half years full time. At St Andrews, 98% of research students are studying for a PhD. The qualification is completed upon submission of a substantial thesis of original research. You will be supported by a supervisor and second supervisor throughout your time with us. You may also have the opportunity to teach undergraduate-level work. This pattern of research allows you to focus on your doctoral thesis from the very start.

MRes, MSc (Res), MSt (Res)

The Master of Research (MRes), the Master of Science by Research (MSc (Res)) and the Master of Studies by Research (MSt (Res)) are research-based Masters degrees. You will engage in a full-time research project and write a dissertation. It is an excellent opportunity to spend a shorter time in a research environment either for a standalone degree or as preparation for a PhD.

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing is a postgraduate degree offered by the School of English, and allows students to complete a substantial piece of creative work. It is also the standard qualification for those who wish to teach Creative Writing. It consists of two distinct years of study in either prose or poetry; both years include careers skills modules. The first year is taught through technical seminars, workshops and individual tuition. In the second year, students will receive individual supervision and submit creative work in the form of a short thesis.

The Engineering Doctorate (EngD) is a four-year research degree with a strong industry focus. A substantial amount of time is dedicated to research work, usually based at the premises of the sponsor company, with the remaining time being spent on taught coursework at the University.

MPhil (Taught)

A taught Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a stepping-stone between the Masters-level degree and a doctoral degree. The first year comprises taught modules which may be undergraduate or postgraduate level depending on the subject area, while the second year is dedicated to a thesis of up to 40,000 words. Some well-qualified candidates with a good postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline or a suitable research background may be admitted directly into the second year to begin the research thesis.

MPhil (Research)

A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in research involves two years of research resulting in a 60,000 word-thesis.

The Doctor in Medicine (MD) degree is offered by the School of Medicine to candidates holding a recognised medical qualification.

Global PhDs

Tailored opportunities for joint PhDs, allowing students to conduct doctoral research at two institutions and to obtain to a jointly awarded degree are also available.

SPMIC people

Apply for a PhD

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Events and Seminars
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Projects and Funding Available

We have a long history of training PhD students in MRI at Nottingham.

If you are interested in studying then please review our research pages and the research interests of our academic staff and contact one or more of us directly, to discuss how your interests might fit with our research programmes.

Funding for UK students: Most years the University also offers a few highly competitive scholarships for PhD candidates. If you submit an application through the University application process, we will consider you for one of these funding schemes:

Studentships in Magnetic Resonance & Precision Imaging within the NIHR Nottingham Biodmedical Research Centre
IMPACT MRC DTP with Leicester and Birmingham
Other potential projects

International students: Some students are luck enough to be able to secure funding from their institution or government. Beyond that our University is involved in a few extremely competitive schemes that provide funding for some international students which will be suitable for applicants from a limited number of countries. Click here for more details .

Useful links

Research Interests of our academic staff Postgraduate application page

General application process

The application process depends on your primary discipline and preferred School. We welcome informal discussions and visits at any time; contact the relevant person named below in the first instance.

All new SPMIC PhD students are encouraged to enroll in NMedIA ( Nottingham Medical Imaging Academy ). This page can be accessed by intrnal users only,

Penny Gowland

Entry requirements:

We offer PhDs in Physics to students who have graduated with an excellent first degree in the physical sciences, engineering, computer science, applied maths & statistics, or allied disciplines. A masters qualification is desirable but not essential.

The research interests of our academic staff cover a wide range of topics in biomedical imaging. Feel free to email Penny Gowland for further discussion about research opportunities and the PhD application process.

Please consider our academic staff’s research interests (linked below). Email people for further discussion if you are interested in their research and would like to do a PhD with them.

Adam Berrington Richard Bowtell Matt Brookes Sue Francis Nail Holmes Walter Kockenberger Karen Mullinger Alexey Potapov

Stam Sotiropoulos

We offer postgraduate research opportunities (PhD, DM, MPhil and MRes) to students who have graduated in a variety of undergraduate subjects, such as medicine, neuroscience, computer science, engineering, physics, applied maths & statistics. A masters qualification is desirable but not essential.

The research interests of our academic staff cover a wide range of topics in biomedical imaging. Feel free to email Stam Sotiropoulos for further discussion about research opportunities and the PhD application process.

Dorothee Auer Michael Chappell Rob Dineen Marcus Kaiser Thomas Meersman Paul Morgan Galina Pavlovskaya Stefanie Thust

Matias Ison

We offer postgraduate research opportunities (PhD) to students who have graduated in a variety of undergraduate subjects, including psychology, cognitive neuroscience, as well as computer science/ engineering/ mathematics/ physics and data science. A masters qualification is desirable but not essential.

The research interest of our academic staff with expertise in brain imaging (linked below) cover a wide range of topics in psychology and cognitive neuroscience. For a general overview of research areas see the School of Psychology page . Feel free email Matias Ison for further discussion about opportunities and the PhD application process.

Life Sciences

Nicholas Blockley

We offer postgraduate research opportunities (PhD, MRes) to students who hold a degree in an appropriate subject at a minimum of a 2.i for a PhD programme or a minimum of a 2.ii for an MRes, or the equivalent international qualification.

The research interests of our academic staff cover a wide range of topics in biomedical imaging. Feel free to email Nicholas Blockley for further discussion about research opportunities and the PhD application process.

Nicholas Blockley Matthew Brook Paul Greenhaff Sebastien Serres Moira Taylor

Taught material

Apart from following a program of research, as a PhD student you will also be offered formal teaching in

discipline-dependent topics probably from the host school
medical imaging from the SPMIC
general topics from the Graduate School.
workshops and external courses where appropriate.

You will be expected to complete reports, assignments and deliver seminars. It is likely that you would attend a major international conference and these often include additional educational lectures for students.

If English is not your native language then you will have to meet the School and University requirements.

Our postgraduate students can be funded from a variety of sources including UK research council grants and funds from the schools or University.

These schemes may have their own eligibility criteria, application procedures or educational requirements but applicants will always need to satisfy the University of Nottingham eligibility criteria.

European Union students and Overseas Students may apply for University Scholarships but you will need an offer of a place first. There are only a few places and they are highly competitive. The deadlines for such scholarships are quite early in the new year. Further information can be obtained from the International Office .

General information and links to follow regarding fees, funding and procedure is available on the postgraduate application page .

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Applying for Graduate Research Study at UCL

We've made this guide to help you to apply for graduate research study at UCL.

If you’re applying for Graduate Taught Study, see our separate guide .

Before applying

Selecting your programme.

See our Graduate Prospectus for our available programmes.

Each prospectus page has information about a programme’s content, entry requirements and application deadlines. Find more specific information about a programme’s content from that academic department’s website.

Most opportunities (and potential funding) are not advertised or packaged as studentships. If you meet the entry requirements, be proactive to identify opportunities with UCL academics whose recent research closely match your interests.

There are three main ways to identify an appropriate supervisor to contact:

Browse research programmes to find centres of research in your area of interest. Click through to the department or centre website to find staff profiles.
Search for relevant academic units and potential supervisors by keyword using UCL’s Institutional Research Information System (IRIS) . Not all academics are listed in IRIS but it is a good place to start.
Search our online research repository ( UCL Discovery ) where all UCL’s research papers are published, subject to approvals. If you identify a research paper that particularly interests you, it is likely that one of the authors would be a suitable research supervisor.

Please note

Before you apply, contact the academic department to discuss your suitability and to ensure a suitable supervisor is available

If an academic is impressed with your research experience and proposal, they may be able to help you identify sources of funding (including from their own, or departmental, research funds). They can also nominate you for scholarships.

Not sure which programme to apply to or about life at UCL? Join one of our many recruitment events .

Check the academic and English language entry requirements

You need to check you meet the minimum academic and English language entry requirements for the programme. Entry requirements are clearly listed on each programme’s prospectus page .

Funding your studies

Carefully consider how you will fund your studies. This includes tuition fees and the day-to-day costs of being a research student.

See our scholarship and funding pages to check if you are eligible for UCL funding. This is a separate application and different deadlines apply.

Check if you need a visa to study

If you are an international student, you might need a visa to study at UCL. Please check our immigration and visas pages for more information about applying for a visa to study.

Transferring to UCL

For graduate research degree programmes at UCL, there may be the possibility to transfer into a programme from another institution or department.

Preparing to apply

Check if your application requires references.

The number of references needed to support your application can be found on the prospectus page for your programme. See selecting your references for details on who to choose.

you should contact your nominated referee(s) before starting your application to check they can provide a reference for you

Deciding when to apply

See your programme’s prospectus page for deadline information.

If your programme has a set application deadline, you must submit your application before 5pm (UK time) on the day of the application deadline.

If your programme has no application deadline, we recommend you apply at least 4 months before your intended start date.

if you are applying for funding, there may be separate deadlines set by the academic department

Getting your supporting documents ready

As part of your application, you must provide the following supporting documents:

Your official transcript. Please read our guide on getting your academic transcript . This explains exactly what UCL can and cannot accept. Sending documents that cannot be accepted will delay your application being processed.
A research proposal. Your research proposal is an important part of your application. It should outline the area of research you wish to undertake, demonstrate your knowledge of the subject area and summarise the question you want to answer through your research.
If you need a visa to study at UCL you will need to provide a copy of your current passport . If you do not have a valid passport, you can complete our Missing passport document and provide your passport later.
If you meet our English language requirements (using a UCL-recognised test), you should upload your official test report form or qualification. If you cannot provide this evidence when you submit your application, your application will still be considered.

Submitting your application

Applications should be submitted online.

Before you submit your application, please carefully check the information you have provided or uploaded. Once you have submitted your application, you can only update your name, contact details, referees’ details (if applicable) and passport details (if you require a visa).

you cannot replace or add additional documents once you have submitted your application

You should make sure:

You have selected the correct programme of study
Your names are entered exactly as they appear in your passport
You have entered the correct details of your academic qualifications. These should match the information on your transcript.
your institution
a list of your modules and any grades you have received.
You have provided accurate details of any work experience or previous employment you would like UCL to be aware of, either in the employment section or as part of your uploaded CV.
You have uploaded any compulsory supporting documents required for your course to proceed.
If applicable, you have entered your referee details correctly and have provided institutional or professional email addresses.

If you are unable to apply online due to accessibility reasons, please contact Graduate Admissions .

We advise that you add [email protected] to your list of approved contacts so that you receive any correspondence sent by the Graduate Admissions Office.

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PhD Study in the UK

What is a phd.

A PhD is a research degree and is the highest award available at universities in the UK. The study is based on a substantial research project on an area of academic interest, typically up to 100,000 words in length, written as a thesis, which then must be defended in an oral examination in front of a panel of experts. Students are assigned a supervisor, and a PhD duration is typically three years full-time and six years part-time.

Very few research degrees feature taught modules, so students are expected to take more responsibility for their work and schedule.

PhD Eligibility

UK universities are free to admit anyone, with PhD admission generally conditional on the prospective student having completed an undergraduate degree with at least upper second-class honours and a master's degree . English language ability must be proved; a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 is generally required.

PhD Research Proposal

All students who apply for a PhD must submit a research proposal ( example ). The proposal should address the research you wish to undertake, how you will do it, and why it is important. A panel of experts must accept the proposal before your programme can begin.

Other types of Research Degree

Mphil (master of philosophy).

If you wish to study for a PhD, you may first need to begin an MPhil and then transfer to a PhD programme after 12-18 months. An MPhil is also a qualification in its own right and is generally thesis-only, lasting one year full-time and two years part-time. The thesis must present the results of a study and research and be a maximum of 60,000 words.

Students choose to study an MPhil if the proposed research has insufficient scope for a full PhD.

MRes (Master of Research)

An MRes is an advanced postgraduate research degree in the areas of art, humanities, and social sciences. Some Ph.D. Programs require an MRes qualification before beginning a PhD. The programme proper, and the student is required to complete a 40,000-word dissertation.

An MRes is a good way to see if you enjoy conducting research without fully committing to and funding a full PhD.

Professional Doctorate

Professional doctorates are similar to PhDs but are intended to advance professional practice rather than improve academic ability. Joint professional doctorates include law, education, business, engineering, and medicine.

How long does a PhD last?

A PhD in the UK usually takes three to four years if you study full-time. However, it can vary depending on the subject and how quickly you make progress. If you study part-time, it may take longer, typically five to seven years.

How much does a PhD cost?

Funding and researching a PhD can be expensive, with EU students paying up to £6,000 per year, and international students more.

It is rare for a PhD student to not be supported by some form of bursary, grant or scholarship though, and many universities and research councils provide monetary support for part or all of a PhD programme.

PhD admission - how do I apply?

Once you have decided on an area of research and have looked into how you will fund your study, you will need to fill out several documents required when submitting your application. They can include:

Academic transcripts
Academic references
Personal statement
Research proposal ( example )

Students will also need to identify a supervisor who will oversee their PhD.

Top PhD Programmes in the UK

- university of oxford.

The DPhil in Computer Science at Oxford University offers students the chance to do advanced research in a beautiful setting. You can study topics like linguistics, biology, medicine, and quantum computation alongside computer science, get one-on-one guidance from experienced supervisors, attend lectures, and gain transferable skills.

Popular PhD course: DPhil in Computer Science
Entry requirements: A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a four-year undergraduate degree (equivalent to a master's degree) in a relevant subject, or a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a three-year BSc/BA degree and a master's degree with merit or distinction in a relevant subject.
International fee: £29,700

- University of Cambridge

The PhD in Computer Science at Cambridge University is research-focused. Students work on their research projects under the guidance of a supervisor for three to four years. When admitted, students undergo a probationary period and are registered for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS).

Popular PhD courses: PhD in Computer Science
Entry requirements: A UK First class Honours Degree or international equivalent. Additionally, having a master's-level degree or equivalent postgraduate work is highly desirable.
International fee: £35,673

- Imperial College London

The Imperial College Business School offers a Master's in Research (MRes) that introduces students to theory and research methods in Finance, Economics, and Management, providing a solid foundation for future doctoral studies. Depending on the chosen research area, the MRes programme can be completed in one or two years.

Popular PhD course: One year Master’s in Research
Entry requirements: A high academic standing (such as a distinction or merit), or a first-class or upper second-class honours undergraduate degree.
International fee: £17,500

- University College London

The Management MRes + MPhil/PhD programme at UCL School of Management offers a prestigious research experience for students seeking scholarly careers in management studies. With a strong reputation for world-leading research, the programme provides rigorous academic training and personalised research mentorship.

Popular PhD course: Management MRes + MPhil/PhD
Entry requirements: A first-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an equivalent overseas qualification. UCL encourages applicants from various disciplines to apply and requires them to have taken the GMAT or GRE General Test.
International fee: £29,000

- University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh’s PhD in Informatics focuses on training researchers with comprehensive knowledge in their discipline and a specialised area. During the first year, you will attend relevant lectures, submit a thesis proposal, and receive annual progress reviews. Successful completion of a thesis and oral examination leads to the award of a doctorate. Regular talks and seminars provide additional learning opportunities.

Popular PhD course: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Informatics
Entry requirements: A degree in an Informatics-related field like Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Science, or Computer Science. Proficiency in computer programming is required.

Study a PhD in the UK

If you are interested in studying for a research degree in the UK, arrange a free consultation today. The PhD Service can also help you apply with expert application advice, interview practice and research proposal editing.

PhD Admission FAQ

Is a phd fully funded in the uk for international students.

PhD funding for international students in the UK varies. Some universities offer full funding, while others require students to find funding. Scholarships, grants, and assistantships are available, but not all PhD programmes are fully funded.

What are the requirements for studying for a PhD in the UK?

To study for a PhD in the UK, you generally need a master's degree or an equivalent qualification in a related field. You'll also need to write a detailed research proposal explaining your research objectives and academic references that assess your research abilities. Additionally, you must secure funding to cover your tuition fees and living expenses, which can come from scholarships, grants, personal funds, or sponsorship. Requirements may vary, so it's best to check with individual universities.

Can international students apply for a PhD in the UK?

international students can apply for a PhD in the UK. UK universities accept applications from students worldwide.

How much does a PhD cost for international students in the UK?

PhD tuition fees for international students in the UK depend on factors such as the university, field of study, and location. On average, fees range from £15,000 to £35,000 per year. However, it's important to note that actual fees can vary significantly .

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Studying For A PhD

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Applying for a phd: step-by-step guide.

Studying a PhD is a big decision and submitting your application can feel like a long process. Though with the right guidance, applying for a PhD will be a lot more straightforward than you think.

There is a lot of PhD application advice out there. To help you make sense of it all, we’ve put together a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to apply for a PhD. We cover the PhD application process, what you need to consider, what to prepare and how to submit your application.

Follow the steps below to understand everything you need to know when applying for a PhD.

PhD application checklist

Choose your subject area
Choose your type of PhD
Check application deadline
Draft a research proposal
Contact potential PhD supervisors
Check PhD entry requirements
Check PhD fees and funding
Make your PhD application
Submit your PhD application

In this article, we’re going to look at all these different elements in greater detail to help you with the PhD application process.

1. Choose your subject area

You will be studying your PhD for a long time – between three- and four-years’ full time and up to eight years part time – so it is essential you choose to study a subject you are passionate about.

Most PhD students study a subject area that they have studied previously, but in much greater detail. Most PhD courses require some previous academic experience in the research area, for example if you choose to study your PhD on William Shakespeare, you are likely to have studied the works of Shakespeare as part of an English Literature masters degree. Similarly, if your PhD research is in a science-based topic it is likely to be going more in depth into a science-related field you studied as an undergraduate and then as a masters student.

However, your PhD does not have to be directly related to your masters degree, for example an English Language masters graduate could expect to be successful if applying to do research in an English literature PhD if they have achieved the necessary grades.

There are many areas that you can consider when choosing the subject area for your PhD. These could come from the Arts , Humanities , STEM , Social Sciences and Business .

Research the department at your chosen university to find the perfect PhD program to apply for.

2. Choose your type of PhD

Whilst most PhDs follow a traditional route (completing an independent research project under a supervisor), there are alternatives.

The two main types of PhD include: self-proposed PhD projects and predesigned PhD projects.

Self-proposed PhDs are the most common and traditional type of doctoral degree, although universities also offer predesigned PhD courses that integrate aspects of taught study.

Make sure you’ve considered your PhD options fully before applying for a PhD. Here are the main differences between self-proposed and predesigned PhD projects.

Self-proposed PhD projects

Self-proposed PhDs are the most common type of PhD, where students propose and design their own research.

With a self-proposed PhD, the student has a lot of control over their work and can specialise in any area that interests them with the support and approval of their academic supervisor.

Not all self-proposed PhDs receive funding, so applicants will need to make sure they have appropriate funding in place to pursue their self-proposed PhD.

There may also be some additional steps in the application process for self-proposed to ensure success in their PhD application. The student will have to dedicate a lot of time to their PhD application as it will need to include their PhD study proposal.

Predesigned PhD projects (Doctoral Training Centres)

Many universities now have something known as ‘DTC centres’, or ‘ Doctoral Training Centres ’. Many of these are in economic, social or scientific research areas, so if this is your area of interest, PhDs run out of DTC centres are worth exploring, as they can have substantial funding included.

Predesigned PhD projects are usually slightly longer in course length than most traditional PhDs, as they’re likely to include a year of lectures and a variety of projects in the first year, before choosing to specialise in the second year.

This option is great if you know you want to do a PhD but aren’t entirely certain of what you’d like to do beyond a general area. Best of all, they often offer fully funded studentships .

3. Check application deadlines

When applying for a PhD it is important to ensure you meet all application deadlines, this includes the deadlines for your PhD application form and PhD proposal as well as any PhD funding deadlines.

Different universities will have different deadlines, and some universities may even have rolling deadlines, this means it is important to check on the website of the university and department you are interested in, to make sure you get your application in on time.

4. Draft a research proposal

It’s important to draft a PhD proposal when you are applying for a PhD. This is a requirement of most self-proposed PhD applications and can also be necessary when applying for other PhDs.

To ensure the success of your PhD research proposal, it’s a good idea to do some research around the subject area before submitting your research proposal. This will give you a better idea of what it is you want to research and will also help you to present your proposal more clearly.

How to write a PhD research proposal

When writing a PhD research proposal, you will need to include the following:

A TITLE that clearly conveys the theme of your research project.
The main RESEARCH QUESTION that will be the focus of your research.
An EXPLANATION of why your research topic is important.
Brief LITERATURE REVIEW demonstrating your knowledge to answer the question.
Proposed METHODOLOGY for answering your research questions.
TIMELINE SCHEDULE of the research project.

5. Contact potential PhD supervisors

You want to make sure you choose your potential PhD supervisor in plenty of time. Of course, you should always leave plenty of time for any application, but this is especially important for a PhD, as you will often be applying to a particular supervisor who is a specialist in your area of study.

Therefore, you need to ensure you have enough time to research into suitable PhD supervisors and get in contact with them before you apply for the doctorate.

You shouldn’t rush this research, as getting the most out of your supervisor is the first step to doing well in PhD study – it’s important to make sure you pick the one best for you.

Another important consideration is where you choose to study . You’ll want to look at the department’s reputation, and to make sure it excels in research in the area you intend to study do you get the support you need.

6. Check PhD entry requirements

To be eligible to study a PhD, you will usually need a masters qualification in the subject area or in a closely related subject to the subject upon which you wish to base your PhD research.

However, entry requirements will differ depending on the university, so it is important to check the PhD eligibility requirements of the PhD and university that you are interested in studying at.

Applying without a masters

Some PhD courses will allow you to apply without a masters degree although you will need a bachelors degree. These are only usually offered as integrated masters and PhD programs which include a year of masters study before PhD.

Applying for a PhD as an international student

If you are an international student applying to study a PhD in the UK, check the visa requirements that you need to meet.

To apply for a PhD in the UK, international students need a Student Route visa.

The Student Route visa is a points-based visa system for all international students – including EU, EEA and Swiss students – who want to study in the UK. This has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

You can apply for a student visa if you meet the following criteria:

You have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
You have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
You can speak, read, write and understand English – you may need to prove this through a recognised English language test.

Student visas can only be issued for certain courses, and if your course is eligible, your education provider (Student sponsor) will give you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) which you use to apply for a student visa.

The earliest you can apply for a student visa is six months before the start date of the course.

7. Check PhD fees and funding

Before committing to PhD study, it is important to check the PhD tuition fees and these will differ depending on the university and the course.

PhD tuition fees in the UK will be more expensive for international students than for home students. Tuition fees in the UK usually range from £3,000-£6,000 per year for home students and up to £18,000 per year for international students.

As a PhD student you will need to cover tuition fees, living expenses and any other unforeseen costs.

PhD scholarships and studentships are available, as is funding from various research councils, so make sure you investigate all your options and find out what financial help is available.

Funding your PhD

There are various funding options available to PhD students – here are the main ones:

University funding – some universities offer alumni funding support for students continuing their studies at their university. Check funding webpages for details.

PhD loans – PhD loans are available from the UK government .

PhD scholarships – many universities and companies offer PhD scholarships , this includes our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries .

PhD studentships – PhD studentships at your university are a great option as they usually include a stipend that covers full PhD tuition fees and some living costs.

Research councils – there are seven research councils in the UK that can provide funding for PhD students, these are:

Arts and Humanities Research Council
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Economic and Social Research Council
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Medical Research Council
Natural Environment Research Council
Science and Technology Facilities Council .

Their funding can come as PhD studentships.

Self -funding – as a postgraduate student, you may have saved up money through work to enable you to self-fund your PhD.

Don’t just apply to the standard big research funding bodies, but do your research and look into charities too. There are plenty of funds, foundations and other sources of money available to people with the right interests – and you might just be one of them!

8. Making your PhD application

Now you’ve done most of the preparation for your application, what about the actual application for a PhD? What does it involve?

When applying for a PhD, you usually apply directly to the university, rather than via a third party such as UCAS .

PhD applications will differ from university to university, so check on the admissions page of the course you are interested in to make sure you include everything they ask for. You are likely to have to include:

Completed application form
Research proposal
Personal statement
Academic CV
Academic references
Proof of English language proficiency
Student visa documentation

Ideally, you should have already contacted your intended supervisor and talked about it with them, via email or perhaps in person. They will give you a run through of everything to include in your application to help ensure you don’t leave anything out by mistake.

You should ensure that you’re not too modest in applying for a PhD! If you’ve been published in a relevant area, or if you did exceptionally well or presented a particularly successful paper at a conference, mention it. You don’t need to brag, but you shouldn’t hide your achievements either.

PhD interviews

Unlike with bachelors degrees and many masters degrees, you will probably need to have a PhD interview as part of your application. If you’ve not had a university interview before, make sure you prepare well for it.

Ideally, if you’re still in education, see if a tutor you know can give you tips, or potentially a mock interview. If not, many universities’ careers service will remain open to you after graduating,,so contact them and see what advice they can offer you.

Ensure you read up on anything you mentioned in your application and have good solid reasons for why you wish to do a PhD, and why you’ve chosen to do it at in that particular topic at that particular university.

You should already know by now what it takes to study a PhD and be able to answer convincingly when asked about these things during your interview.

9. Submit your PhD application

Now you’ve reached the final step – it’s time to submit your PhD application!

This is likely to be online, although it’s important to check this with your chosen university in case you need to send any hard copies of original certificates or documentation in the post.

Follow the university guidelines. They will usually indicate how to submit your application, what to include, and when you should hear back about the success of your PhD application.

What Is A PhD?

How Long Is A PhD?

How To Get A PhD

Dos & Don'ts Of A PhD Interview

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When should I start applying for a PhD program in the UK?

I am starting my MSc. this September (UK), and am strongly planning ahead and setting myself goals. Simply, when would be the appropriate time to submit my applications?

My MSc is 12 months long and will go from Sept 2018 to Sept 2019. I was thinking of applying 6-8 months into my MSc.

What do you think? When is the most logical time to submit my applications?

application
united-kingdom

4 Just before the application deadline? – JeffE Commented Jun 30, 2018 at 13:19

3 Answers 3

This kind of depends on what sort of PhD you wish to study.

For the most part, you don't get accepted for a PhD position in the UK by applying to a graduate program. Most universities/departments simply do have a formal "program". There are acceptations to this of course. Several of the larger funders run formal programs, look out for the Wellcome Trust PhD 4-year programs for example. Some of the research council's Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) operate on this basis as well. These are rare, and tend to be highly prestigious and often associated with research institutes rather than university departments (the Wellcome trust ones are also very well paid compared to other ways of doing a PhD). They are recruiting earlier and earlier in order to try to grab the best students. For example, the Sanger Institute 4-year program's 2017 deadline with 2nd of December.

For the majority of PhDs in the UK though, the supervisor will apply for funding from a funding body for a particular project. If they are successful they will advertise individually for applicants, interview on their own schedule, and the successful candidate will start at the earliest convenience of the both the supervisor and the candidate. This often ends up being the start of the next academic year as the candidate generally has to finish their Undergrad/Masters degree first. When these positions are advertised/when the closing dates are will depend most of all on the funders grant deadlines. Our DTP (where we get most of our students from) has a dealine just before christmas and we will generally be advertising in Feburary. A good place to look for adverts for studentships like this is FindAPhD.com . Another place to look is jobs.ac.uk . I would have alerts set up on these sites for the whole year, but expect the busiest time to be the first quarter of the year.

Finally, if you will fund your PhD yourself somehow (either though your own funds, or that of a company or from a foriegn government), its generally up to you. The application process may take a couple of months and if you are not native the visa process can take months as well. If you want to aim to start at the beginning of the new academic year (which is not a terrible idea, since you'll be starting with all the RCUK funded students, making things socially easier), I'd probably start this process in the early spring: give you plenty of time, and it you are sorted early, waiting to start is not going to be a problem.

1 Minor counterpoint: this could be discipline-dependent, even within STEM. It seems currently the case in most UK (pure) maths departments that one should apply directly to the university, perhaps after unofficially contacting some people in the maths department, stating explicitly that one is seeking funding. Departments will then have their own mechanisms for allocating the limited amount of funding they have, from various sources; this can include RCUK studentships that have been allocated to the department from a more central pool – Yemon Choi Commented Jul 2, 2018 at 14:17
I guess this is more or less what I meant by the third route I talked about. Except that we would never consider anyone unless they knew exactly what funding it wast they were planning to apply for and what their chances of being successful were. The EPSRC, like other councils in RCUK, now longer awards all departments block grants for students, but operates through DTPs. Some depts will choose to operate a program, others will fund projects. I don't know of any that operate as a scholarship scheme that is only available if you apply by other means, but I guess that probably exists somewhere. – Ian Sudbery Commented Jul 2, 2018 at 15:48

Funded PhDs in the UK usually follow the academic calendar and start in late September or early October. Accordingly, application deadlines tend to be in February or March (often set by the funding councils and hence will be the same for every university).

The exception to this is if you are planning to self-fund your PhD, in which case you will have more flexibility on starting dates (but check with the universities you are going to apply to if you are planning to do this).

The best time for you to submit your applications is probably as close to the deadline as possible, especially if you want to use your supervisor/ tutor/ other lecturer from your MSc as a reference. The longer you wait to submit the application, the better they will get to know you and hence be able to write a better reference.

However, don't wait until the last minute to ask for a reference! Ask well ahead of time (>1 month) and let them know when the application deadline is so they have time to prepare.

Google up the schools you are interested in and ask them. The people who will know are the support staff of the head of department, head of grad studies, and like that. Their secretary, clerk, assistant, etc. That's who you want to ask.

These are people that you should always try to stay friends with. They know everything. They see everything. And they know what will work and what won't. Always stay friends with the support staff.

This is not helpful, almost any question could be answered by saying, "Google it, ask around and then figure it out". – rhermans Commented Apr 25, 2023 at 15:30

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Postgraduate research

Qualification: PhD

Department: Population Health Sciences

Application deadline: 8 August 2024

Start date: 23 September 2024 preferred (Alternative start dates available up to January 2025)

Supervisors:

Dr Clare Gillies [email protected]
Dr Cameron Razieh
Anna Meffen

Project Description

Multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs)1 refers to the co-existence of two or more chronic conditions (physical or mental) in a person. There are an estimated 14 million people in England living with MLTCs and this number is growing.2 It is already estimated that people with MLTCs account for more than half of NHS primary and secondary care costs. This project aims to assess the impact of obesity on the prevalence and development of multiple long-term conditions in different ethnic groups. The project objectives are:

To assess prevalence of MLTCs by obesity level, for different ethnic groups
To assess common clusters of MLTCs related to obesity; and assess if these differ by ethnicity
To assess progression (rates and patterns) within these common clusters of MLTCs for different ethnic groups, and by obesity level.

To assess if obesity as a risk factor for both MLTC and related adverse events (e.g. cardiovascular events and mortality) differs between ethnicities

This PhD will use a longitudinal database of health data to fulfil the study objectives. Essential this research project will involve the management and analysis of large datasets, and will suit an individual with an interest in pursuing a career in medical statistics or epidemiology. You will be based within the Leicester Real World Evidence Unit at the Leicester Diabetes Centre, and will benefit from being part of a team of experienced researchers.

References:

https://www.nihr.ac.uk/about-us/our-key-priorities/multiple-long-term-conditions.htm#:~:text=The%20term%20'multiple%20long%2Dterm,referred%20to%20as%20'multimorbidity'
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01410768231206033

This 3 year studentship will be University / NIHR EM-ARC funded and will provide:

3 years UK tuition fees
3 years stipend at UKRI rates (£19,237 per year for 2024/5)

International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to demonstrate they can fund the difference between UK and overseas fees for the duration of their study. This will amount to £18,864 per year of study (as at 2024/25).

Applicants eligible for UK fees can study either full time or part time.

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to hold a Bachelor Degree with 2:1 honours or better and hold/or expect to obtain a Masters degree (or equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution) in a relevant subject (e.g. Medical Statistics, Epidemiology or Biostatistics)

The University of Leicester English language requirements apply

Informal enquiries

Project enquiries to Dr Clare Gillies [email protected]

General enquires to [email protected]

How to apply

To apply please use the Apply button at the bottom of this page and select September 2024.

With your application, please include:

Personal statement explaining your interest in the project, your experience and why we should consider you.
Degree certificates and transcripts of study already completed and if possible transcript to date of study currently being undertaken
Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available. (Referees should not be the the supervisors named on this project)
In the funding section please specify PHS Gillies
In the proposal section please provide the name of the supervisors and project title (a proposal is not required)

Eligibility

Project is open to UK and Overseas* applicants. *Overseas applicant please see funding section. Applicants who hold EU Settled or Pre-Settled status may be eligible for UK fees. Please email us a share code to [email protected] so that we can verify your status (The share code we need starts with S)

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PhD Applications - Information, Guidance & Advice

PhD Applications

PhD applications are different to other university courses. For one thing, you won’t be applying to a course.

We’re here to help you through the PhD application process. We've explained how PhD interviews work (and previewed some of the questions you might be asked). We've also looked at common postgraduate entry tests and provided some advice on eligibility criteria for doctoral research. The main thing to remember is that you’ll need to show that you’re the right candidate to fill an advertised position, or complete a research project that you designed and proposed yourself.

In the UK, most PhD application deadlines are between late December and mid January. This coincides with the deadlines set by UKRI Research Council funding bodies. Most students will begin work on their application in the autumn. Although less common, many PhD positions and funding opportunities are still available to apply for year round.

Outside of the UK, PhD applications may be accepted for both the autumn and winter intake. As well as the below, you can check out our advice for international students , as well as country-specific guides and language tests , which you will need as part of your PhD application.

All that's left is to wish you good luck. So... good luck!

Ready to find a PhD?

Use our course search to filter PhD opportunities by topic, keywords, location and funding.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

Understand what a successful PhD research proposal needs to include and how to go about writing one for your project application.

Our guide explains how to contact a potential PhD supervisor to discuss your proposal or ideas with them before applying.

What actually happens at a PhD interview? And how should you prepare for yours? Read our top tips.

Some PhD applications require students to write a personal statement (also known as a statement of purpose) outlining their background, goals and academic interests.

What questions will you be asked at a PhD interview? And how should you answer? Find out with our handy guide.

Applying for a PhD in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) often works a little different to other subjects. Here's everything you need to know about applying for a STEM PhD.

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Environment
Energy infrastructure

Policy statement on onshore wind

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities
HM Treasury
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Published 8 July 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/policy-statement-on-onshore-wind/policy-statement-on-onshore-wind

1. Delivering our clean power mission will help boost Britain’s energy independence, save money on energy bills, support high-skilled jobs and tackle the climate crisis. We are therefore committed to doubling onshore wind energy by 2030. That means immediately removing the de facto ban on onshore wind in England, in place since 2015. We are revising planning policy to place onshore wind on the same footing as other energy development in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

2. Currently, planning policy includes two tests, set out in footnotes 57 and 58 to paragraph 163 of the NPPF, that apply only to onshore wind. Together they say that development can only be considered acceptable:

a. In areas either allocated in a development plan or through Local Development Orders, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders. This sets a higher bar than is set for other forms of development.

b. With the narrow exception of proposals brought forward by Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders, where the proposal has proved community support. In practice this has often been interpreted to mean that any opposition means the proposal cannot be considered acceptable.

3. These policy tests no longer apply. The removal of these tests from planning policy means that onshore wind applications will be treated in the same way as other energy development proposals.

4. These changes take effect today (8 July 2024). The government will confirm this position to Parliament on 18 July, following the State Opening. These changes will also be reflected in the forthcoming NPPF update.

5. Through that update we will go further and set our proposals for wider changes to support renewable energy development. Alongside this we will consult on bringing large onshore proposals into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime, to support quick determination, followed by a revised National Policy Statement. Local communities will play an essential part in delivering this mission and we will empower them to participate in decisions on local infrastructure. Communities should rightly benefit from hosting local renewable energy infrastructure and that is why we will shortly publish an update to the Community Benefits Protocol for Onshore Wind in England.

Annotated NPPF extract

162. In determining planning applications, local planning authorities should expect new development to:

a) comply with any development plan policies on local requirements for decentralised energy supply unless it can be demonstrated by the applicant, having regard to the type of development involved and its design, that this is not feasible or viable; and

b) take account of landform, layout, building orientation, massing and landscaping to minimise energy consumption.

163. When determining planning applications 57 for renewable and low carbon development, local planning authorities should:

a) not require applicants to demonstrate the overall need for renewable or low carbon energy, and recognise that even small-scale projects provide a valuable contribution to significant cutting greenhouse gas emissions;

b) approve the application if its impacts are (or can be made) acceptable 58 . Once suitable areas for renewable and low carbon energy have been identified in plans, local planning authorities should expect subsequent applications for commercial scale projects outside these areas to demonstrate that the proposed location meets the criteria used in identifying suitable areas; and

c) in the case of applications for the repowering and life-extension of existing renewable sites, give significant weight to the benefits of utilising an established site, and approve the proposal if its impacts are or can be made acceptable.

Footnotes to paragraph 163 (no longer apply)

57 ( no longer applies ) Wind energy development involving one or more turbines can also be permitted through Local Development Orders, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders. In the case of Local Development Orders, it should be demonstrated that the planning impacts identified by the affected local community have been appropriately addressed and the proposal has community support.

58 ( no longer applies ) Except for applications for the repowering and life-extension of existing wind turbines, a planning application for wind energy development involving one or more turbines should not be considered acceptable unless it is in an area identified as suitable for wind energy development in the development plan or a supplementary planning document; and, following consultation, it can be demonstrated that the planning impacts identified by the affected local community have been appropriately addressed and the proposal has community support.

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Online MEng: Computer Engineering

Earn Dartmouth's Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering (MEng: CE) from anywhere in the world. Our fully online program will help build your expertise in intelligent systems—the foundational technology for artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented reality, and autonomous robots and cars. Offered in partnership with Coursera , a leading online platform, the MEng: CE is for engineers seeking a high-impact graduate degree with the flexibility of an online program.

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The online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering (MEng: CE) offers world-class education you expect from Dartmouth, with the flexibility of a fully online degree.

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Designed for working professionals, the online MEng: CE provides valuable expertise and project-based experience to position graduates for technical leadership in a growing field. You'll be taught and supported by cross-disciplinary faculty experts and industry leaders throughout your academic journey.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

"The flexibility of the online program allows talented people to pursue a master's degree within the context of a busy life, in a rapidly evolving field that is increasingly impacting so many aspects of our world."

—Eugene Santos Jr., Professor of Engineering and Faculty Director, Master of Engineering Program

Dartmouth Experience

From start to finish, you'll be part of a welcoming Dartmouth Engineering community with dedicated orientation and programming, and access to academic support and career services, along with a powerful Dartmouth alumni network to help you thrive in your courses and beyond.

GRADUATE OUTCOMES

Curated curriculum, developed and taught by Dartmouth Engineering faculty.

Pursue at your own pace, at a time and location that fits your busy schedule.

Complete your degree in as little as 15 months, or at a pace that works for you.

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From virtual assistants to virtual reality, intelligent systems are embedded in our everyday lives, and this program creates engineers who understand both the technology and the human impact.

— Alexis Abramson Dean, Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth

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