Applications

How to apply

The research degree application form is available to download here or can be obtained in paper form either from the School or Department or from the University Student Centre. You should submit two copies of your completed application form to the appropriate School or Department as indicated on the relevant School web pages. Unless otherwise indicated by the School, you should make informal contact with the relevant School or Department before submitting a formal application, to ascertain whether your research proposal meets School requirements and can be appropriately supervised.

 

The form requests full information about education, professional qualifications and employment history, and requires a brief outline of the intended research. Two academic referees are also required. However, if you have been out of education for several years, it is acceptable to submit one academic and one employment reference. You may apply to be registered on a full-time or part-time, internal or external basis (see registration categories), subject to the agreement of the School. Registration as an external candidate is usually available only in very limited circumstances.

 

Before registration, all applicants other than City University graduates may be required to submit the original certificates or certified copies of relevant degrees and other qualifications.

There are no closing dates for applications to research degree study, although study usually begins in February or October, and the University does not charge an application fee. Applicants seeking a University research studentship should discuss this with their School or Department, but otherwise submit their application in the normal way. The studentships are awarded annually and students wishing to be considered for one of these need to meet the studentship deadline. 

Entry requirements

Each application is considered on its own merits and receives full consideration from academic staff. Applicants for all research degrees should normally have a minimum of an honours degree in an appropriate subject, or equivalent qualification, although some subjects will also require an appropriate Master's level qualification. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a suitable aptitude and motivation to undertake a course of independent research. Most research students initially register for an MPhil degree and transfer to a PhD, subject to appropriate progress with their studies. Applicants wishing to register directly for a PhD degree will need to provide evidence of previous research and academic suitability.