How to apply for postgraduate research study
Entry requirements and find a supervisor
Prior to submitting an application for postgraduate research study, please refer to our Entry Requirements.
You may wish to consult the Subject Area to which you propose to apply and make informal contact contact with an individual staff member whose research interests closely match your own. If you do so, please copy in the PGR Convener in that subject area so that your enquiry can be logged. Please do not email multiple prospective supervisors simultaneously. If your prospective supervisor is not able to supervise your proposed project, the PGR convener for that subject area will be able to redirect your enquiry to an appropriate colleague. Please be aware that a formal offer can only be made after a complete application is submitted and processed.
You can also use the University staff research interests search to identify potential supervisors.
Supporting documents
As part of your application you will be required to upload the following documentation:
- a transcript of your degree results
- two references
- your CV
- a research proposal of around 1000 words, having made reference to our Guidelines for Research Proposals
- a sample of your academic writing (e.g. an essay or a chapter from a thesis, etc)
Please refer to Research Subject Areas for specific entry requirements and supporting documents for each School/Subject area.
Application submission deadlines
Session 2025-2026
- UK applicants - 15 August 2025
- International & EU applicants - 02 June 2025
Please note that some research degrees may have alternative application deadlines, please refer to Research Subject Areas for details.
Apply online
To submit an application for postgraduate research study, please visit How to apply for a postgraduate research degree and follow the five step process.
Once you have all your supporting documentation you can apply online through the Online Application System