College of Social Sciences Graduate School

Is it possible to do a PhD by distance?

You can study PhD by distance.

Please liaise with your School PGR Administrator for further information:

If I am an international student, will I receive any assistance with my visa application?

You can visit the International Student Support webpages for information and advice regarding visa applications

Should I contact a prospective supervisor before I apply for entry to the PGR programme?

You should identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. You can see more about research areas on the School websites:

You can also use the University of Glasgow staff research interests search to find potential supervisors in your research areas of interest.

Please be advised that the Administrative team cannot assist applicants with queries regarding identifying appropriate supervisors. Candidates should direct enquiries about supervision to relevant academic supervisors in the first instance.

Who is eligible to act as a supervisor?

The Graduate School is responsible for ensuring that there is a supervisory team in place for each student. 

Supervisors should be appointed in line with guidelines set out in the PGR Code of Practice, Sections 5.2-5.5 (Supervision)

CoSS Supplementary guidance: 

  • Supervisory teams must consist of at least two University of Glasgow supervisors. 
  • Maximum and minimum supervision % loads are outlined in the CoSS PGR Handbook (Supervision, Roles and Responsibilities section) .
  • Honorary or Affiliate members of staff are only permitted to supervise higher degree students in the capacity of a secondary supervisor.
  • Postdoctoral researchers may be appointed as additional secondary supervisors.
  • LTS staff can be 1st or 2nd supervisor IF they meet the criteria in the Code.
  • If there are two LTS colleagues but one or both of them are engaged in research and have a sustained record of publications then, there is no issue. However, if the two LTS colleagues only fulfil ‘engaged in research’, but not ‘sustained record of publications’ then a third supervisor is required with a sustained record of publications.

All supervisors must have completed the Fundamentals of Postgraduate Supervision Training (1-hour, online), within the last 5 years. 

If a prospective supervisor supports my application, does this mean that I am guaranteed acceptance?

You should identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. Even if the supervisor supports your application, you will not automatically be guaranteed acceptance to PhD – you must meet the entry requirements of the PhD you wish to undertake.

Your application will be reviewed by the School and the Admissions Team to ensure your documentation satisfies compliance and quality standards.  The School and the Admissions team will provide status updates when stages are completed or decisions are made.

How do I apply, and can you help with the application form?

PhD application information is available via Research Opportunities A-Z.

The Graduate School webpages provide details on how to apply for postgraduate programmes within the College of Social Sciences in the University of Glasgow.

On these pages you will find application submission deadlines, links to fees and funding available for students in the College of Social Sciences plus information regarding application supporting documents.


I am ill and need some time off, what do I do?

You can apply for a Suspension of Study. Please submit a leave of absence request via UofG Helpdesk.

Further details are available online regarding Forms & Requests.

I am not ill, but I need to suspend my studies for some time, is that possible?

You can apply for a Suspension of Study. Please submit a leave of absence request via UofG Helpdesk.

Further details are available online regarding Forms & Requests.

I need some training on time-management, where can I get help with additional training needs?

The Researcher Development Programme provides additional courses and training for PGRs.

Do you offer any help to students with a disability?

Yes - you can access information and register with the University Disability Service.

The Wellbeing Team offer support and advice for a range of wellbeing concerns or difficulties. They can help with signposting to sources of information, advice and guidance in relation to wellbeing.

I am almost done with my PhD, do you have any career advice?

Information and resources are available via the University Careers Service and the CoSS Employability (PGR Opportunities Hub) provides training, internships and funding opportunities designed to support your development of key transferable research skills.