Applicant profile

A competitive applicant profile will show:

• Strong academic credentials
• Your readiness to be an independent PhD researcher
• A clearly written research proposal, including its intended aims, topic and methods
  
• Strong alignment with the proposed Lead supervisor’s research area

Application guidance

You should prepare a clear and detailed written proposal of the research you would like to conduct. Our academic staff are always open to hear how your research can build on their existing work or about a new topic in their current subject areas. Occasionally it is also possible to apply for one of our pre-defined research projects.

You must identify at least one (up to two) intended lead supervisor(s) in your application. We cannot consider your application if no supervisor has been named.

To increase your chances of success, we strongly recommend that you contact your intended supervisor(s) proposed Lead supervisor ahead of submitting your application to make them aware of your interest and to discuss the intended research project. This is especially important if you intend to apply with your own project idea because, in this case, you will need to ensure, firstly, that your research interests are compatible with the expertise of your proposed Lead supervisor and, secondly, that they have capacity to take on new PhD students.

When preparing your research proposal you should explain the potential contribution to existing knowledge and give an indicative timeline of work.

In all cases, in your personal statement, you will need to tell us why you are interested in pursuing independent research, quote examples of your undergraduate or master's research projects, and explain how a PhD fits with your career plans.

See our guide on how to apply for doctoral study for more information and further documents required.

If you are applying for funding through the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership, you must develop your own project idea and submit a Student Statement Form (Annex A) with your application. See our guidance on applying for ESRC funding for more information.

Selection process

The outcome of the Doctoral Admissions team review will be sent to your intended supervisor(s) who will then decide if they wish to invite you to interview. Interviews will typically be conducted online by the prospective supervisor(s) and an independent member of academic staff or the Director of Studies.

If, after the interview, they would like to offer a place, the Doctoral Admissions team will review your application. This will include assessing your tuition fee status and, checking that your application is complete.

If you are applying to a funding competition, there may be further shortlisting and decision stages which will be competition specific.

It is important to remember that PhD places are competitively awarded, and your application will be considered as a whole including the quality of all your uploaded documents and your references as well as your ability to meet entry requirements and demonstrate relevant research experience/potential.

Immigration requirements

If you are an international student, you can find out more about the visa requirements for studying in the UK.

You should note that the part-time Student visa has restrictions which include, but are not limited to, prohibiting you from bringing dependents with you, undertaking any paid or unpaid work in the UK (including placements) or working remotely for an overseas company whilst in the UK. Find out more about the types of Student visa.

For additional support please contact the Student Immigration Service for matters related to student visas and immigration.