You must hold a UK undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree with at least First-Class or Upper Second-Class honours or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution. All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis with professional experience also given consideration even if academic grades are not quite achieved. See academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements.

1. Make sure we offer PhD/MPhil supervision in the area in which you want to work.
2. Draft a brief (1,000 word maximum) personal statement that explains: why you want to research in this area, describes any relevant research experience - for example, as part of a previous degree and lists any academic work you have published or which is awaiting publication.
3. Prepare your supporting documents, with your application you need to include proof that you meet the academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements : 
   • Include all relevant certificates/diplomas and transcripts
   • International applicants must provide official copies of their entire course transcripts, including explanations of the mark schemes used.
   • Supporting documents not in English must be provided with a certified English translation
   • CV
   • In addition to uploading the above documents please enter contact details for two academic (not personal) referees who can comment on your suitability for the research degree programme or upload letters of reference if already available
4. Submit your online application by using the Apply button at the bottom of this page.

When to apply

We have intakes in January, April, July, and September each year.

You should try to submit your application as far in advance of your preferred start date as possible. If you are an international applicant and require a visa to study in the UK you should submit your application at least three-to-four months before the proposed start date.

After you have submitted your application, it will take a minimum of six weeks for you to receive a decision about your application.

Tuition fees vary according to your fee status and the mode of study (full-time or part-time).

UK campus based

*UK fees will rise each year of study in line with UKRI rates.

Full-time

• 2023/24 academic year: £4,712
• 2024/25 academic year: £4,786

Part-time

• 2023/24 academic year: £2,356
• 2024/25 academic year: £2,393

International campus based

Full-time

• 2023/24 academic year: £21,850 - £35,350 per year
• 2024/25 academic year: £23,650 - £38,300 per year

*International fees for research degrees in this subject area vary according to the nature of the research project to be undertaken. The applicable fee will be determined at the point an offer of admission is made and will be stated in the offer letter.

Please note that owing to UK visa restrictions, part-time campus based registration is not normally available to international applicants.

The maximum registration permitted is four years full-time or seven years part-time.

The normal duration of a PhD programme is three years (full-time). PhD students may use the fourth year as a 'writing-up' year for which a reduced fee is payable if active research has been completed (currently £100).

Funding

For a list of our available scholarships/studentships, please visit our funded opportunities pages.