deadline for phd application in uk

Cookies on our website

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use our site. And we'd like to serve you some cookies set by other services to show you relevant content.

How to apply for a PhD

We are looking for ambitious, talented and motivated students. You'll have the passion to make new discoveries, the drive to test new theories, and the willingness to go above and beyond.

How do I apply?

To find out more about our degrees see our PhD degrees . You apply using our postgraduate application system.

Choose your PhD

Sussex is the perfect place to find a postgraduate research course that allows you to follow your passion and develop your research interests.

• a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil). There are more than 50 degrees to choose from
• Integrated PhDs in the University of Sussex Business School
• full-time or part-time PhDs
• all courses start in September and some courses offer additional entry points in January or May
• the opportunity for research students registered elsewhere to visit Sussex . For more information see our handbook .-->

Distance learning may be available for some PhD courses. Before applying, you should check whether this mode of attendance is supported for the PhD you wish to undertake with the relevant School.

Find out more about our PhD degrees

Check our entry requirements

Our specific entry requirements are listed with each PhD degree .

You also need to meet our general entry requirements, usually an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (2:1) or equivalent international qualification.

You may also be required to have a Masters qualification. If you are applying to the University of Sussex Business School, you may wish to choose the Integrated PhD, which contains an initial year of rigorous training in the research skills needed to become a skilled practitioner. If you are unsure which route to apply for, please apply for the Integrated PhD.

If you are an international student, you need to meet our English language requirements , or successfully complete our Pre-sessional English course .

You may also be asked to attend an interview.

Find out more about our entry requirements for UK applicants

Find out more about our entry requirements for international applicants

Choose a research topic or project

If you apply for one of our funded projects or to a research centre or group you will normally be asked to provide a statement explaining your suitablility for working in that area.

If you wish to propose your own area of research, you need to decide on a research topic and you will normally be expected to write a research proposal. Some areas may only require a summary of academic interests and they will use this to match you to potential supervisors. Before applying check the requirements for your subject area .

Find a supervisor

If you are joining a funded project at Sussex, you will already have a supervisor allocated to you.

If you are proposing your own research topic , you can find a supervisor to support and advise you.

If you think you have found a potential supervisor who matches your research area, check their online profile for indications of their doctoral supervision capacity. If they are open to doctoral applications, you can contact them to check their availability for supervising you

You can either ask a member of our faculty to be your supervisor if you think they have the expertise to support you or we will match you with a supervisor during the assessment of your application. If you ask to be supervised by a particular member of faculty, this will be considered but not all such requests can be accommodated.

Apply to Sussex

You apply directly to Sussex using our postgraduate application system .

You can apply for up to three postgraduate courses. If you are applying for more than one degree, you must submit a research proposal/statement specific to each area of study you apply for.

You must submit the following documents when you apply:

• research proposal/research statement
• summary of academic interests (this is optional depending on the subject area you are applying for)
• degree certificates and transcripts. If the originals are not in English, certified translations must be provided
• your English language qualification, where applicable
• two academic references – including one from your most recent university. Or you can provide contact details for your referees and we will email them.

Follow our tips for applying to Sussex

Find out about our admissions policies

Deadline for applications

You can apply all year round for research degrees starting in September, January and May.

The recommended deadline for applications are:

International applicants: Three months before course start date Home/EU applicants: One month before course start date.

PhD applications received after these deadlines may be considered, but we cannot guarantee you will be able to commence your studies at your requested entry point.

Where you are applying for funding or scholarships, check the deadlines for your application. In some cases, you may need to have an offer from us before you can apply for funding.

Check fees, funding and support

We have a number of PhD funding and scholarship opportunities.

If your application is successful, you will have your fee status assessed . If your fee status is unclear, we will ask you to complete a questionnaire . If you disagree with the outcome of your fee status assessment, you can appeal .

Fees information is listed with each PhD degree

Receiving an offer

We will notify you through our postgraduate application system if we decide to offer you a place .

Your offer may include conditions – for example, completing your undergraduate or Masters degree with a certain grade or meeting our English language requirements . In the University of Sussex Business School, your offer may be for the Integrated PhD rather than the PhD. This will happen if the School feel you need the additional training in research skills which the initial year of the Integrated PhD provides.

If you are an international student studying a certain science- or engineering-based course you must apply for Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance after you receive your offer.

Find out about ATAS clearance on the Student Hub .

If you decide to accept our offer, you can notify us using the postgraduate application system .

You can still accept your offer even if you have not yet secured funding. However, you should have funding in place when you start at Sussex.

Confirming your place

If your offer is unconditional, we may still need to verify your qualifications .

If your offer is conditional, you should send in your results by email as soon as they are available, so that your place can be confirmed.

If you are unable to take up your place, you can request to defer your entry to another available entry point (up to a maximum of 12 months).

If your application is unsuccessful and you are not sure why, you can request feedback .

Before you start at Sussex

You will be sent information about joining us in the months before you start your research.

For most students, the registration process is completed online. Registration opens in:

• early September, if you are starting at Sussex in September
• December, if you are starting at Sussex in January
• early April, if you are starting at Sussex in May.

If you are an international student and you need a visa to study in the UK , you complete most of the registration process online. To register, you need to attend in person, so we can take a copy of your passport and visa.

You might also be interested in:

• student support
• applying for accommodation
• visas and immigration information on the Student Hub .

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

Attend an open day

Discover more about this subject area

PhD Education / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page
• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Programme options

Programme overview

• 2nd in the UK for Education (Complete University Guide 2024).  
• The University of Manchester was ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Education research (overall GPA, REF2021).
• Learn with research-active experts in the field of education and work with highly diverse cohorts of students and staff.
• Contribute to improvements in the overall wellbeing of students, their families and communities throughout the world through research.

Please enable JavaScript to watch this video.

The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and programmes. On this day, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see Open days.

We will be conducting our PGR virtual open week in October 2024. Find out about future events and postgraduate research sessions by signing up for our email alerts.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Your fees will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation (excluding graduation robe hire).

Payment of tuition fees will also entitle you to membership of The University of Manchester library, the Students' Union and the Athletic Union.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Environment, Education and Development studentships is 19 January 2024.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Postgraduate Research Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• School of Environment, Education and Development Enhancing Racial Equality (SERE) Studentship - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Applying to Cambridge
• Application deadlines
• Postgraduate Study
• Why Cambridge overview
• Chat with our students
• Cambridge explained overview
• The supervision system
• Student life overview
• In and around Cambridge
• Leisure activities
• Student unions
• Music awards
• Student support overview
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Disabled students
• Accommodation
• Language tuition
• Skills training
• Support for refugees
• Courses overview
• Course Directory
• Department directory
• Qualification types
• Funded studentships
• Part-time study
• Research degrees
• Visiting students
• Finance overview
• Fees overview
• What is my fee status?
• Part-time fees
• Application fee
• Living costs
• Funding overview
• Funding search
• How to apply for funding
• University funding overview
• Research Councils (UKRI)
• External funding and loans overview
• Funding searches
• External scholarships
• Charities and the voluntary sector
• Funding for disabled students
• Widening participation in funding
• Colleges overview
• What is a College?
• Choosing a College
• Terms of Residence
• Applying overview
• Before you apply
• Entry requirements
• How do I apply? overview
• Application fee overview
• Application fee waiver
• Life Science courses
• Terms and conditions
• Continuing students
• Disabled applicants
• Supporting documents overview
• Academic documents
• Finance documents
• Evidence of competence in English
• AI and postgraduate applications
• Terms and Conditions
• Applicant portal and self-service
• After you apply overview
• Confirmation of admission
• Student registry
• Previous criminal convictions
• Deferring an application
• Updating your personal details
• Appeals and Complaints
• Widening participation
• Postgraduate admissions fraud
• International overview
• Immigration overview
• ATAS overview
• Applying for an ATAS certificate
• Current Cambridge students
• International qualifications
• Competence in English overview
• What tests are accepted?
• International events
• International student views overview
• Akhila’s story
• Alex’s story
• Huijie’s story
• Kelsey’s story
• Nilesh’s story
• Get in touch!
• Events overview
• Upcoming events
• Postgraduate Open Days overview
• Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD Study webinars
• Virtual tour
• Research Internships
• How we use participant data
• Postgraduate Newsletter
• How do I apply?
• After you apply
• Why Cambridge
• International

We advise all applicants to apply as early as possible after thoroughly researching our courses, the funding available, and the University as a whole.

Apply by whichever deadline comes first

Applications open in early September and there are two deadlines you need to consider :

• Course deadline
• Funding deadline

You must apply by whichever deadline comes first . This will depend on the course you have chosen and your funding status. If your application (including supporting documents) is not submitted by the relevant deadline, it will be withdrawn. All application deadlines are 23:59pm (midnight) UK time on the stated date.

Course deadlines

All courses have a deadline and applications cannot normally be considered after this date.

To find the deadline for your course, and details of which supporting documents need to be submitted at the same time, check your course entry in the course directory . 

You should not wait until the day of the deadline to submit your application or supporting documents, as there is no guarantee that places will still be available. If a course closes early, the course directory will be updated accordingly.

Occasionally, deadlines for some subjects may be extended, so you might still be able to apply even if the original deadline has passed. You should check the course page for updates. 

Funding deadlines

Funding deadlines vary according to your chosen course and funding source. There are three main funding deadlines that relate to the three academic terms.

Check the  course directory  to find out which funding deadline applies to you (they appear in the sidebar of every course entry).

See  How do I apply for funding? for funding deadline dates and further information.

Related Links

• Funding opportunities

Postgraduate Admissions Office

• Admissions Statistics
• Start an Application
• Applicant Self-Service

At a glance

• Bringing a family
• Current Postgraduates
• Cambridge Students' Union (SU)

University Policy and Guidelines

Privacy Policy

Information compliance

Equality and Diversity

Terms of Study

About this site

About our website

Privacy policy

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

• Postgraduate
• PhD and Professional Doctorates

How to apply

How to apply for a phd.

At NTU we offer opportunities for self-funded, part-funded and fully-funded PhDs, as well as Professional Doctorates. How you apply differs slightly depending on the type of Research Degree you are applying for.

Preparing a PhD application

You can either apply for one of our PhD projects or submit your own proposal.

Our advertised projects will list the supervisors and how the PhD will be funded. If you are proposing your own project, you will need to find a supervisor and secure your own funding.

On the application form there is a section for your research proposal. When applying for an advertised project, the title has already been developed. The research proposal section of your application should therefore focus on your understanding of the project’s significance and impact, along with the approach you would take.

In all cases, we recommend you discuss your research ideas with a potential supervisor before submitting your application.

Ready to apply now? Head over to our application portal .

Preparing a Professional Doctorate application

If you are applying for a Professional Doctorate you don't need to find a supervisor, but you will need to produce a research proposal. Read your course page carefully as this details advice on what to include. You will need to outline how your research topic will be applied to your professional practice. If you are thinking about studying part-time, contact the Doctoral School and course leader for advice on whether a part-time PhD or Professional Doctorate would be best for you.

Learn more about Professional Doctorates at NTU

When to apply

Our PhDs have four intakes per year and Professional Doctorates have two. Here's the application deadlines for the available start dates:

Nottingham Business School: October is the only intake for PhD projects in NBS.

DPsych Professional Doctorate

Other Professional Doctorates

The steps below outline the application process. When you're ready, click the relevant button at the bottom of the page to be taken through to our application system. There are different applications depending on the type of Research Degree you are applying for, so read the description carefully.

If you have any questions, contact the Doctoral School .

Step 1: check the entry requirements

Before you start your application, make sure you read and meet the entry requirements.

• PhD: you should normally hold a first or upper second class honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification. We also accept a lower second class honours degree with a Masters degree at Merit level from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.
• Professional Doctorates: you will be well-qualified in your chosen field and will normally have a related Masters degree or equivalent qualification, together with sufficient professional experience in the relevant field.
• English language requirements: if English isn't your first language, you will need an overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 with minimum sub-scores of 6.0 in all component sections (writing, reading, listening and speaking). Find out more about the English language requirements for undertaking research at NTU.

Full details on criteria for doctoral study at NTU can be found in the Quality Handbook Section 11 - Research Degrees.

Step 2: register and create an account

Click on "Start your application" when you've read this guide, to be taken to our application channel . Here you will create an account and begin your application.

• Select ‘Not registered yet? Sign up here’ and create an account with a username and password.
• You don’t have to complete your application all at once –  keep your login details safe so you can log back in whenever you want.

Step 3: fill out an application

Our Research Degree application channel is developed and hosted by the company SurveyMonkey and your data will be collected by them. Work your way through the application form, making sure you:

• upload evidence of your qualifications (if you have them);
• provide details of English language qualifications if English is not your first language;
• fill in your proposed supervisor, academic school or research centre alignment, if you know this;
• provide a summary of your proposed research topic (maximum 250 words);
• complete your research proposal (maximum 1,500 words or 500 words for Science and Technology). Read our guide on writing research proposals ;
• write your personal statement (maximum 500 words), detailing your previous experience, interest in your research topic and the skills that will enable you to deliver the project successfully and on time.

Step 4: add referees

Provide the names and contact details of two referees (this cannot be your proposed supervisor). We accept references that arrive after your application.

Step 5: add any additional documents

Upload any additional documents that support your application. This includes:

• Certificates and transcripts: you'll need to make sure the actual or (provisional) grade, grade point average or mark percentage is included. These should be translated into English if required. If you have not finished your current course, indicate this clearly on your application form and provide evidence of your pending degree, such as an up-to-date HEAR report or a provisional transcript.
• English language requirements: if English is not your first language, upload any documents that evidence how you meet the NTU English language requirements for undertaking postgraduate research. If you are submitting an IELTS report, make sure the date of the test is not older than two years.
• Professional experience: include any relevant certification of professional experience, publications, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment.

Step 6: equal opportunities data

We are firmly committed to a diverse and inclusive research culture that is characterised by fairness and equality of opportunity for all. We are actively seeking applications from groups that are currently under-represented in research.

Any data that you provide in this section will not be used in the assessment of your application, but is a requirement of the application process.

Step 7: review the terms and conditions

View information about the Terms, Conditions and Regulations that applies to offers made by the University.

Step 8: submit your application

Review your application carefully and when you are ready click 'review and submit'.

NTU Doctoral applications

Apply for a PhD project, self-funded PhD proposal or a Professional Doctorate. Open to UK and International candidates throughout the year.

Information for research applicants

Phd opportunities.

Discover our PhD opportunities that drive innovation and delivers real-world impact. Browse our PhD projects, or submit your own proposal.

Professional Doctorates

Make an impact with world-leading and award-winning research at Nottingham Trent University.

How to write a research proposal

Your research proposal is the most important part of your doctoral application. Get our advice on how to write yours.

Find a PhD supervisor

Your supervisor will be a subject expert and able to provide support throughout your PhD. Look through our staff directory and find your new mentor.

UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES)

PhD Application Process

Guidance on applying for a PhD within the School.

Additional detailed information on the application form and other tips can be found on the U CL Application Pages within the Graduate Prospectus. 

Applications will open mid-October for the following September entry date. Please note that we accept applicants for September start dates only. 

We strongly encourage applicants to apply as soon as the application is ready and by end of July at the very latest. If you are applying for funding, you will need to apply earlier (usually early January depending on the funder) for external and internal funding schemes. Guidance on funding opportunities and deadlines can be found on our Funding page. 

Entry Requirements

You should normally hold a first or upper second-class honours degree or an equivalent qualification and hold a Masters (or international equivalent). In normal circumstances, we do not accept candidates without an MA degree. Those applying from overseas should have achieved high grades, especially in the modules or subjects relevant to their research, and should attach a certified official transcript to their application.

Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of their capacity to research and write in English. In some cases, we may ask for an English language qualification as part of any offer conditions. 

Further details regarding entry requirements and English language requirements can be found at:  https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/english-language-requirements

Identify a Supervisor

Interested applicants should identify a member of academic staff with the appropriate specialization, and you should approach them well in advance of the application deadline (and any funding deadlines) to discuss their application. All staff and their research profiles are listed on the SSEES website:

• View A-Z of Staff Profiles
• View Staff Profiles by Subject Area

Guidance on contacting potential supervisors: 

Research Proposal

All applicants are required to submit with the application form a research proposal of 1,000 - 1,500 words. When approaching supervisors, you should have a draft version of this to send (at least 500 words). This will help them decide if they are able and willing to supervise your topic. We advise you approach supervisors plenty of time ahead of any funding deadlines so they can give advice on refining this ahead of an application if needed. Some guidance on writing a research proposal is given in the below document:

Once your proposed supervisor(s) has agreed to supervise you and you have completed your research proposal, you should formally apply via the UCL Online Portal. Please note any deadlines for funding and application requirements for certain funding schemes, as some may require earlier submission dates and additional documents ( See Funding pages )

Questions about the application process can be directed to the   Programme Administrator (Research and IMESS) .   Questions about potential supervision can be directed to the Head of Postgraduate Research ,  Dr Kristin Roth-Ey . 

Key Contacts

Head of Graduate Research: Dr Kristin Roth-Ey ( [email protected]) Research Programme Administrator: Lana Smirnova ( [email protected] ) SSEES Admissions Office:   [email protected]

• Register your Interest with UCL

Department of Education

University | A to Z | Departments

• Postgraduate study
• How to apply
• Applying for a PhD - FAQ
• Education home
• About the Department
• Undergraduate study
• Taught Masters
• Teacher Training / PGCE
• Part-time graduate study
• Writing your personal statement
• Scholarships / Funding
• Teacher training/PGCE
• Equality and Diversity
• Meet our students
• International students
• Student wellbeing
• News and events

How do I apply for a PhD?

What does a PhD involve?

A full-time PhD with us involves a three year research project. Research students embarking on a PhD programme will normally be enrolled provisionally for that degree. Confirmation of PhD enrolment will be considered within 18 months (for full-time students) or within three years (for part-time students) once evidence of good progress is established. Students have one, sometimes two, supervisors, plus a small Thesis Advisory Panel.

Some UK doctorates have adopted the USA pattern of a taught course plus a shorter thesis; these are mostly called EdDs not PhDs. York does not at the moment offer an EdD in Education.

Applying for a PhD

What are the starting dates for phd programmes in the department of education.

The normal starting month is September (start of semester 1). In exceptional cases, you may start in January. To explore this option, please talk about it with your prospective supervisor and the PhD administrator during the application process.

When should I apply for the PhD programmes in the Department of Education?

You can apply at any time during the academic year up until mid-June, but please note that the application is competitive and there are three sessions of selection panels, late January, late March and late June . You will need to have applied and have been interviewed ahead of one of those panels in order to be accepted onto the PhD programmes.

• Applicants interviewed before 31 December will be considered in the January panel. This is also the departmental deadline for ESRC White Rose scholarships.
• Applicants interviewed before 15 March will be considered in the March panel. This is also the deadline for Departmental Scholarships (subject to availability).
• Applicants interviewed before 15 June will be considered in the June panel. 

If you apply after mid-June, you may not be offered a place until the next admissions year. Please consult with your prospective supervisor and the administrator during the application process if you are in this situation.

Is there an application fee?

Are there any grants.

Yes. There are government funded ORS grants, university scholarships and sometimes department scholarships. All have deadlines and all are highly competitive. Look at Scholarships for further details on funding opportunities.

What does the admissions process look like?

 The selection process is made up of 4 formal steps:

• Central preselection 
• Departmental preselection
• Interview with supervisor
• PhD committee final decision

Below is a more detailed description of the application and selection process, broken down into more steps. If you have any questions, or if your specific circumstances mean that it is impossible for you to follow these steps, please email [email protected] .

Given you fulfill basic requirements, your research idea is what matters most . What are you interested in? Why? Have you identified a gap in a research area? Has this intuition come from practice? Once you have a clear idea of what you would like to research, here's what your application process is likely to look like:

1) Try to identify a supervisor in our department who could supervise your project

You might want to look at our Research Centre pages , staff pages and the Education Department PURE page . This should help you get a sense of whether your research interests would be a good fit for our department or not.  

Before applying, you may email prospective supervisors in the department directly. Please note that they are not obliged to reply to you until you have formally applied for the PhD programme .

2) Apply formally for the PhD programme, with a full proposal and required documentation

You will find plenty of information about what a research proposal should look like on our FAQ page .

3) Your application will now be reviewed by central admissions

At this stage, if it fails, it is because basic entry requirements are not fulfilled.    If your application is accepted at this stage, then...

4) Your application will then be reviewed by PhD programme leaders

At this stage, the most common reasons for an application being rejected are:

• your project is not aligned with anyone's research expertise here. It does not necessarily mean your proposal is not of good quality! It is not in your interest to be supervised by someone who does not have the expertise, so do look for a better fit elsewhere.
• there is someone in the department who could supervise your research project, but they are currently at maximum capacity for PhD supervisees. Supervisors cannot take too many PhD supervisees at one time, so they sometimes have to regretfully decline good applications.

If your application is accepted at this stage, then...

5) Your prospective supervisor will contact you to arrange an interview

At the interview (which is likely to be online), there will be your prospective supervisor and another researcher, who may or may not be in your research area.

The interview will be conversational and relaxed, but it is a formal part of the selection process . You will doubtlessly be asked to talk about your proposal, to give an idea of your familiarity with the field, to justify your planned methodology, etc. It is perfectly normal at this stage to be unsure about what your PhD will look like exactly, so don't worry about emitting doubts or asking for your interviewers' opinion about your planned methods.

The two interviewers will also use this opportunity to evaluate your overall profile as a potential researcher with us, including personal and contextual characteristics. You should feel absolutely free to ask them questions about the Department and what it would be like to work with us.

At the end of the interview, it is quite common for interviewers to ask candidates to revise and resubmit their proposal. This helps them assess the candidate's receptiveness to feedback and should not be taken as a sign that your proposal isn't good.

Following the interview, your prospective supervisor will let you know whether or not you have passed this stage of the selection process.    If your prospective supervisor supports your application after the interview, then...

6) Your application will be considered at the next PhD committee

• Applicants interviewed before15 March will be considered in the March panel. This is also the deadline for Departmental Scholarships (subject to availability).
• Applicants interviewed before 15 June will be considered in the June panel.

The committee reviews all applications supported by supervisors, and makes a final decision acceptances. You will be notified after the panel whether or not an offer is made to you.

If you accept our offer, then...

7) Thank you, and congratulations!

We will be very pleased to welcome you among our research community when you join us! 

Should I mention a potential supervisor in my application?

Yes, please - it is very helpful to you and to us if you can mention a member of the academic staff in the Department whom you've identified as having relevant expertise and interests. Your application has far greater chances of being considered if you mention a potential supervisor among our staff and if your proposed research project fits their area of expertise.

Should I approach this potential supervisor before applying?

You may, although there is no guarantee they will reply. But if your project truly is aligned with their interests, and they have capacity to take on new PhD supervisees, they will probably reply encouragingly. Not getting a reply is not a sign that you would not obtain a place if you applied, so feel free to apply anyway and mention their name.

What are the main reasons for rejecting applicants outright in your department?

Provided you meet the basic requirements, the main reason for outright rejections is lack of supervisor capacity. This means either that there is no one in the department who has the expertise and interests to support you through your PhD journey, or that there is someone, but they can't currently take on a new supervisee because of other commitments.

Being rejected is disappointing, but the most important thing for you as a PhD researcher is to find a supervisor somewhere who has the expertise and capacity to help you. We would not be able to offer the same quality of supervision if we admitted all candidates, even self-funded, and even excellent, who want to do projects we cannot support them with.

Writing a research proposal

Whose job is it to find a research topic.

Yours. Occasionally, researchers advertise PhD studentships to investigate specific topics, but these are rare. In 99% of cases, you have to find a topic. We have a page of Research Project Ideas , aligned with staff members' interests; but you can also come up with your own research project and apply with us - if there is expertise and interest in our department for the type of study you're projecting to do, you have a chance to get in. 

Can I develop my MA dissertation or an assignment?

Yes. And you can reference your MA dissertation in your PhD thesis, just like any journal article or book. However, the PhD must be a genuine development with fresh data; you cannot submit the same data or the same words for two degrees.

Do I need to write a proposal before I apply?

Yes. We cannot consider your application without a research proposal. Your proposal is a key part of your application; the better it is, the more likely you are to be accepted and the better your research will be. Although you will continue to develop it and work on it for several months after you start the PhD, you still need to prepare a good proposal at the application stage.

Most proposals are about 1,500 words in length. Format it like an MA assignment: word processed, double spaced on A4, a footer with your name and the page number, subheadings in bold, all references in a consistent style. Make certain that your English is accurate. Remember, your proposal is your major vehicle for demonstrating to us or other universities that you are intelligent, can think in a research-oriented way, are able to read critically and are likely to complete a thesis successfully in 3-4 years (full-time).

What does a research proposal look like?

Your research proposal is a key part of your application; the better it is, the more likely you are to be accepted and the better your research will be. Although you will continue to develop it and work on it for several months after you start the PhD, you still need to prepare a good proposal at the application stage. We will not hold you to doing exactly what you say in your proposal. However, your proposal needs to give us a clear idea of your thinking about the research topic: in particular, when, where and how you plan to collect your data; and what relevant reading and research you are aware of. A research proposal should be about 1,500 words in length.

Please make every effort to match your proposal to the research expertise of our staff closely. Familiarize yourself with the areas that our staff are willing to supervise. See  https://www.york.ac.uk/education/our-staff/academic/

Your proposal is more likely to succeed if you name a preferred supervisor on your application.  Your proposal must strongly align with their research interests.  The Department will only consider applications for ESRC or Departmental studentships if they align closely with staff interests. See  https://www.york.ac.uk/education/postgraduate/phd/research-projects

Your proposal should address these questions:

Our questions Comments Does your topic fit the PhD Programme? Make sure you apply for the right PhD programme. Read the guidance on the different PhD programmes offered by the Department carefully. What do you want to research? A working title A general topic area and main aim of the study Why? Is there a serious problem or gap? You need to demonstrate that there is a genuine gap in the literature. A PhD needs to be a genuine original contribution to the area. What benefit would your research bring?  How does the problem relate to relevant theories (of education, language or psychology)? What are your research questions? One or more answerable research questions. What aspects are new, different, innovative? Give an overview of the literature in the specific area you want to contribute to. This section is an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you have immersed yourself well in the relevant literature, and that you have identified a gap that your research would address. How do you plan to carry it out? Give a brief research design Explain your proposed methods: sample, data collection methods, methods of analysis, location for the study. How will you plan your time? Give an outline timetable of the work. Can you do it? Indicate what relevant experience you already have in key areas. State what training needs you might have. Consider whether your plans for data collection and your timetable are feasible. Please make sure that your proposal is of the highest possible standard of academic English writing. The process of selecting PhD applicants is very competitive. You can find samples of successful PhDs at https://www.york.ac.uk/library/ You can find guidance on how to write a proposal here: Dunleavy, Patrick.  Authoring a PhD: How to plan, draft, write and finish a doctoral thesis or dissertation . Palgrave Macmillan, 2003. Verschuren, Piet, Hans Doorewaard, and Michelle Mellion.  Designing a research project . Vol. 2. The Hague: Eleven International Publishing, 2010.

Do my BA/BSc or MA/MSc grades matter?

Yes. A PhD is exciting work, but it is also hard work. You have to work independently and you have to read difficult books and articles, as you have to be able to work seriously with the details of theories and research methods. Your MA/MSc assignment grades are one piece of hard evidence, as is your dissertation grade. Grades are by no means everything, but you do need to show us that you have learned during your previous degrees to cope reasonably easily with high-level academic work.

Does my English matter?

Yes. A normal UK PhD is about 80,000 words long; about four to six times the length of a Masters dissertation. It is also on open access internationally. All the chapters have to be very detailed, closely argued and cross-referenced. The thesis therefore needs to be in good and correct English. It will be hard to write even if English is your first language. If English is a second language, you need to show us when you apply that you can write academic texts in reasonable English, and your English level will be one of the criteria we use to make a decision on whether to accept you.

Who should I use as referees?

Two people who have known you in different ways. Assuming you have an MA, one should be your supervisor, or a module tutor who is familiar with your assessed written work. If you have worked in education, commerce or industry, then the other could be an employer. The aim of the second referee should be to tell us how reliable, hard-working, honest you are, plus whether you have the drive to work independently.

Department of Education University of York , Heslington , York , YO10 5DD , UK Tel: work +44 (0)1904 323460 | [email protected]

Legal statements | Privacy | Cookies | Accessibility © University of York | Modify | Direct Edit

Global main menu

• Queen Mary University of London
• Postgraduate
• Research degrees

Key Dates and Deadlines

You can apply online for all our Postgraduate Research programmes (doctorate or PhD). This page outlines the key dates and deadlines for both Home/ European and International students applying to Queen Mary University of London. 

Most PhD programmes at Queen Mary start in September-October or January each year. Enrolment at different points in the year may be possible, for example, where funding for a specific project starts mid-year.  A small number of students start their programmes in late Spring (April/May).

If a non-standard start date is approved, please note that enrolment must be completed within two weeks of the programme start date.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Any applicant who is not a European Economic Area or Swiss national, applying for a Postgraduate Research course, may require an  Academic Technology Approval Scheme  (ATAS) security certificate.

If you require an ATAS security certificate, you will need to obtain your ATAS certificate,  before  requesting a CAS. Queen Mary University of London will not issue a CAS until your ATAS certificate has been obtained. Applicants should note, during busy periods, it can take up to six weeks to receive your ATAS security certificate. 

Deadlines for funded studentships

• Law studentships: Wednesday 6th December 2023
• Humanities and Social Sciences Studentships: Wednesday 24th January 2024 (except Law)
• Science and Engineering Studentships: Wednesday 31st January 2024
• China Scholarship Council applicants for any subject area: Wednesday 31st January 2024
• MRes-PhD applicants for the School of Economics and Finance: Monday 5th February 2024
• Projects for the School of Medicine and Dentistry: various - check the advert for the project.
• Doctoral Training Partnerships: There may be an additional application and an earlier deadline. Please check their websites carefully.

Further information on  Queen Mary Research Studentships can be found on our dedicated webpages.

September 2024 Entry

• October 2023 - Applicants for postgraduate research programmes for entry in September 2024 open
• Wednesday 6th December- Law Studentships close for applications
• Friday 22 December 2023 - Tuesday 2 January 2024 - University Christmas Closure. Online applications may be submitted during this period. We will endeavour to respond to applicant enquiries and process newly submitted applications as soon as possible upon reopening in January.
• January 2024 - deadlines for other studentships (see above)
• March 2024 - Accommodation applications open. For further information, please visit our  Accommodation  pages.

How to apply for a PhD in the UK

Applying for a phd is not quite as daunting as you might think. a postgraduate student recruitment officer from the university of sussex shares his tips for putting together a phd application.

Ben Osborne

There are many different reasons for wanting to pursue a PhD – to move into an academic role at a university, to continue studying a subject you are passionate about or to further your career. 

Whatever your motivation, many students are now choosing to pursue a PhD abroad. This guide will help you understand how to apply for a PhD at a UK university and answer any questions you might have around doing PhDs.

How to apply for a PhD

Application rules and methods vary for each university. The number of courses that you can apply for in a year will vary. For example, at the University of Sussex , you can apply for up to three postgraduate courses per year using the postgraduate application system.

If you are applying for more than one degree, you must submit a research proposal/statement specific to each area of study you apply for.

You can also apply to different universities to improve your chances of being accepted to a PhD course of your choosing. 

What qualifications do I need?

Each PhD will have specific entry requirements and you will also need to meet a university’s general entry requirements.  This may be an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (2:1) or an equivalent international qualification. For some PhDs you may need a master’s qualification, and you may be asked to attend an interview.

International students may also be required to prove language proficiency. This will vary across institutions so do check what level universities expect before starting your application. 

Applicants should always check the specific entry requirements in a university’s online prospectus before making an application.

When should I start applying?

This will depend on when your term start date is. Most research degrees will start in September but some courses offer additional entry points in January or May.

You can apply all year round for research degrees starting in September, January and May, and the deadlines for applying are usually one month before the course start date for UK applicants, and three months before for international applicants.

If you’re applying for funding from an external organisation you’ll need to be aware that they may have different deadlines for the funding application. So give yourself plenty of time to research your funding options, and ensure you know how long the application process takes. 

Many universities offer a number of funded PhD opportunities and PhD scholarships for UK and international students, and it’s always worth investigating funding routes such as research councils and other organisations, both in the UK and overseas.

In some cases, it may be possible to study a PhD by distance which means you’ll be able to learn online and have virtual meetings with your supervisor.

If this is something you would be interested in doing you should check before applying whether your university can accommodate this option. 

Nine things to know before doing a PhD Starting a PhD during the pandemic Studying for a part-time PhD: the challenges and the benefits Is it possible to do a three-year PhD as an international student?

How should I look for a supervisor?

Usually if you are applying for a funded project, or to a research centre or group, you will normally be asked to provide a statement explaining your suitability for working in that area, and if successful you will be allocated a supervisor.

If you wish to propose your own area of research, you need to decide on a research topic, and you will be expected to write a research proposal. In some cases you may only be required to provide a summary of academic interests and this can be used to match you to a researcher that suits you.

If you are proposing your own research topic, there may be a research database at your university that you can search, or your university will match you with a supervisor during the assessment of your application. It may be possible to request supervision by a particular member of faculty – this will be considered but not all requests can be accommodated.

If you do find a potential supervisor who matches your research area, check their online profile for indications of their doctoral supervision capacity. If they are open to doctoral applications, you can contact them directly to check their availability for supervising you.

It is a good idea to draw up a shortlist of two to three potential supervisors, and take an in-depth look into their research history. You can also find out more about your potential supervisors by looking in the reference sections of academic textbooks and searching for articles in research databases and academic blogs.

When you contact your potential supervisor, it is important to tell them something interesting about yourself, and explain your research interests and how you feel your research proposal matches their expertise.

How do I write a research proposal?

If you are proposing your own research you will need to write a strong proposal that formulates a precise, interesting research question, and establishes the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking.

You’ll need to make sure your proposal describes the data or source material your research requires, and outlines a clear and practical methodology that enables you to answer the research question and that states clearly what you hope to discover at the end of your research, and what new areas it might open up.

The precise content and structure of your research proposal will depend on your subject area, and the University of Sussex has some helpful resources on our website to guide you through the process.

How long does the application process take?

Completing an application and writing a research proposal may take some time and should not be left until just before the application deadline.

It’s not easy to give a definite idea of how long it takes to hear if your application has been successful, as it will depend on when the application is made and the nature of the specific PhD, and you would need to meet any conditions contained within the offer before you can start the PhD.

What are the associated costs?

There won’t typically be an application fee for PhDs but there are tuition fees. If a university does charge application fees they will usually be between £50-£100.

The tuition fees for students studying in the UK are set by UK Research and Innovation . Fees for international students are £18,975 for non-lab-based subjects, and £22,975 for lab-based subjects per year.

You’ll also need to factor in living costs, but there are a number of funding routes you can apply for to help with this. As well as PhD scholarships and funded research projects there are research council awards, PhD loans for those eligible, and various organisations to which international students can apply for funding, such as The Gen Foundation and Open Society Foundations.

It’s important to be aware of the costs involved, but it’s also worth remembering that the educational, career and personal benefits of PhD study can be worth it.

You may also like

.css-185owts{overflow:hidden;max-height:54px;text-indent:0px;} How to apply for a PhD in the US

Giulia Evolvi

Women in STEM: undertaking PhD research in cancer

Grace McGregor

PhD diary: Where do I begin?

Charlie Pullen

Register free and enjoy extra benefits

Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience.

Main navigation

How to apply for research programmes.

• Jump to: How to write your research proposal
• Jump to: Before applying

Before applying to study for a research programme at SOAS, ensure that you can meet all the entry requirements.

The information below includes details on how and when to apply for our research programmes.

Postgraduate research degrees

We welcome applications from qualified students holding a good Master’s level degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant subject for research degrees at SOAS.

Before applying

Before applying for a research programme, please: 

• check that you meet the programme entry requirements which can be found on individual programme pages
• check that your chosen School can provide supervision in your research area. You will be asked to indicate a supervisor in your application form
• consider your funding options and check if we offer any studentships in your research area
• contact the PhD Coordinator for your research area before you apply (you can find their details on your relevant research area   page)

When to apply

• The admissions cycle for September 2024 entry starts on the 1 November 2023 and the deadline to apply for a research programme is  15 June 2024 . We may consider applications received after this date up until the 'late application' deadline of 5 July, but this will not be guaranteed. We therefore encourage you to apply by 15 June for guaranteed consideration.
• Research Degrees start in September.
• The assessment of your suitability and the availability of supervision can take some time, typically between two and three months from submission of your application.
• If you are an overseas applicant, we advise you to apply well in advance of your preferred start date as the Student Visa application process can be very lengthy.
• If you do miss the relevant ‘apply by’ date we will do our best to process your application in time, but you may have to consider a later starting date
• Visiting Research Applicants will need to ensure an application is submitted 3 months prior to the start date of the term you intend to commence your studies.

Application requirements

An application is only considered complete if the following requirements have been fulfilled:

• Your application will only be initially assessed once your reference has been confidentially submitted by your nominated referee. The Doctoral School Admissions team will check that all required documentation has been provided and that the reference is acceptable and meets our requirements during the initial assessment.
• Incomplete applications, missing any of the below elements, cannot be considered and will not go forward to the Academic Selectors within the Department for consideration. 1. A formal application form 2. A supporting/personal statement 3. An up to date CV 4. A research proposal 5. Full academic transcripts 6. Degree certificates 7. English language evidence  8. One reference

Applying for one of our Global Partnerships programmes?

If you are applying for the joint MPhil/PhD in Applied Development Economics programme with University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), as well as completing all the steps in the ‘How to Apply’ section above, you will also need to specify either SOAS or Wits as your ‘Home Institution’ in the Partnership Universities section of the application form.

If you plan to be based mainly at SOAS in the UK for the duration of the programme, please select SOAS as your Home Institution.

If you plan to be based mainly at Wits in South Africa, please select Wits as your Home Institution.

Apply to SOAS

You can apply for postgraduate study at SOAS through our dedicated application system.

Further info

Fees and funding

Find out how to fund your studies with more information on student loans, grants and a range of scholarships that may be available.

SOAS Open Days

SOAS open days are the perfect way to explore our central London campus, meet staff and students, and ask any questions you may have.

Related content

Our research is about change. We see the world differently, and we seek new solutions to historic challenges.

Research fees

Information on our bands of Research fees.

How to apply for the PhD Programme

The phd application process.

The application deadline for intake in October 2024 are specified below:

For applicants who seek funding through a Studentship , the application deadline is 31st January 2024 for Actuarial Science and Management applicants, and 11 February 2024 for Accounting and Finance applicants. For self-funded applicants, the application deadline is 31 March 2024.

The final decision of Studentship award admission is made by the PhD Directors of the programme. If your application is successful we will inform you by the end of March 2024.

Those students who are self funded will be informed of their outcome by end of April 2024.

For more information on scholarships can also be found on the PhDs in Accounting , Actuarial Science , Finance and Management, Marketing and Operational Management pages.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for next academic year, you must hold a first degree (a first or equivalent) in a subject related to your proposed research topic.

The following qualifications are highly desirable and would enhance your likelihood of being accepted:

• A masters degree from a leading institution with a distinction or equivalent
• A GRE or GMAT score is required for applicants Management and highly recommended for applicants in Finance and Actuarial Science.

Our students have a variety of academic backgrounds ranging from Accounting, Actuarial Science and Economics to Engineering, Finance, Management and Mathematics.

We are looking for mature, highly-motivated individuals with excellent analytical, problem-solving and verbal skills.

Documents required for all applicants

The following items (in electronic format) are compulsory for your application:

• Research proposal with a 400 word non-technical summary (please include with the proposal)
• Statement of Purpose 300 words
• Your CV/resume including a passport photograph
• Names and e-mails of two academic referees
• Your personal details, including a contact email
• Official transcripts for your Bachelor and or Master's Degree
• Official transcript of proficiency in English, if English is not your first language.
• A GRE or GMAT score is a requirement for applicants in Management and highly recommended for applicants in Finance and Actuarial Science. Please upload this in the relevant section.

The following items should be supplied if available:

• Transcripts or provisional results of your Master's degree(s)
• Professional qualifications
• Employment history.

Make an application

Applications are currently closed and will reopen by mid November 2024 for October 2025 intake.

Research proposal

Please provide details of your intended research proposal in support of your application. This is an important part of your application in which you outline up to two research directions you would like to pursue in your PhD.

Before preparing your proposal you should familiarise yourself with the research interests of Bayes academics to make sure that your research is aligned with their expertise.

The research proposal should include

• an abstract
• the research objectives
• the proposed research methodology
• a summary review of the relevant literature and current understanding or knowledge
• an indication of how the proposed research will contribute to the discipline.

You should also provide an outline work plan for the period of research including consideration of approval of any research ethics implications. You are also asked to comment on why you wish to pursue this research and what you feel you will bring to it. The research proposal should be a maximum of three sides of A4.

In addition, if you wish to be considered for a Bayes Studentship, you should provide a non-technical summary of your proposed research. This summary should be no more than 400 words.

Academic references

You will need to provide names and emails of two referees who know your work well and can comment on your aptitude for critical thinking and original research within a well-defined framework. We will contact the referees once you have submitted your application.

Please note: the email account of referees are required to be a professional email account. We cannot accept references emailed from web-based email accounts such as @gmail.com, @hotmail.com or @126.com because we cannot confirm the provenance of these. Please bear this in mind when you fill in their email address on the application.

English language requirements

For students whose first language is not English, the following qualifications will normally meet the English language requirement for entry to a postgraduate course of study and to apply for a Student Route visa:

• A first degree from a UK university or from the CNAA
• A first degree from an overseas institution recognised by the institution as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language for example, from institutions in Australia, Canada or the USA
• GCE O-level/GCSE English language or English literature, grade C minimum
• Cambridge ESOL CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) at grade C or above
• An overall minimum score of 7.0 in the English Language Testing System (IELTS *Academic) with a 6.5 minimum in all 4 areas (IELTS scores are only valid if they are less than two years old on the programme start date)
• We accept TOEFL iBT score of 100 or higher overall. TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition City’s institution code for TOEFL is 0870 Please note we do not accept My Best Scores

In addition to the above, we will also monitor your English language skills throughout the admissions process.

Please note, at the initial stage of your application we will accept electronic copies of your official transcripts. If your application is successful we will require you to send us the original hard copies before a final offer of place is made.

Do your application

When you are ready, you can apply online. Please note there is no offline application process available.

A confirmation email will be sent to you on successful submission of your application.

Attachments

You will need to upload your supporting documents to the online application form.

We accept attachments in doc and pdf formats only. Please make sure all attachments are less than 1MB in size (the smaller the better) and filenames are no longer than 32 characters containing only English letters and/or numbers, otherwise, depending on your internet connection speed, you might not be able to complete your application and will need to re-apply.

After you apply

The PhD Admissions Office processes all applications, which are then reviewed by the Director of the programme. The numbers of applicants, their quality (web application, research proposal, transcripts and references) and the availability of an appropriate supervisor are considered.

• The final decision of admission is made by the PhD Director of the programme. If your application is successful we will inform you by the end of March 2024 .
• We aim to admit 20-25 new research students per year.
• It may be several months before you are notified of a decision by the PhD Office.

An interview will be held if your application progresses.

Unfortunately detailed feedback is not possible.

Unsuccessful applicants

We may have to turn away good candidates if there is no suitable research supervisor available. Competition is also intense and many good students may not be accepted.

If your academic background or examination grades/predicted grades do not reach the required standard this will form part if not all of the explanation for your rejection.

• Postgraduate study

Key dates and deadlines for postgraduate courses

This page lists the standard key dates and deadlines for applications to postgraduate courses.

A few courses starting in September use different dates from those listed. If this is the case for your course, it will be indicated on our webpages and/or in your offer letter.

If you're applying to a course that uses our staged admissions process, you should also consult the additional/alternative deadlines listed on our dedicated website:

Staged admissions for postgraduate taught course applications

If your course starts at a different time of year, these dates will not apply to your application. However, we would advise you to follow an equivalent timescale for your start date, for example by applying for your CAS number no later than three weeks before your course starts.

Related information

Semester dates

Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.

• Postgraduate Research

How to apply for a PhD programme

Now that you've chosen a PhD programme, it's time to submit your application. Follow the below instructions to get started.

Studentships

The University of Liverpool offers various PhD studentships, which may be funded, self-funded or competition funded. To apply:

• Find a  studentship/project   that matches your research interests.
• Check the studentship advert for any  specific application requirements  and follow them where applicable.
• Finally,  register and apply online . (See  full application requirements  below)

Research degrees

Research degrees (MPhil/PhD/MD) are usually self-funded or externally funded. To apply:

• Find a research opportunity  which matches your research interests
• Identify potential supervisors for your research project. You can do this by contacting the relevant institute or school’s   Postgraduate Research Support Team  and by viewing the staff and research pages of their area of the University website
• Whilst it's not obligatory, we encourage you to indicate your preferred supervisor(s) in your application. It's also a good idea to contact potential supervisors before making an application. They may indicate an interest in your research proposal, but this does not guarantee entry to the programme
• Put together a research proposal to outline the research you would like to undertake. You will need this for your application and may also need it for funding applications
• Finally,  register and apply online . (See  full application requirements below)

Application requirements

For both Studentships and Research Degrees, you'll need the following when completing your online application:

To complete the online application, you'll need:

• School or college transcripts/certificates
• University transcripts
• Degree certificates
• English language certificates (International applicants only)
• A personal statement
• Two signed references on letterheaded paper (these should be academic references if you have been in full-time education in the last three years)
• A research proposal (may be tested for plagiarism, collusion and other irregularities)

Applications are assessed primarily on the basis of prior and predicted academic achievement, so you should complete the application form without any omissions.  If you wish to apply for a degree under a collaborative agreement with another institution, you must state this in your application.

References can be either uploaded directly to the application form by the applicant or emailed to the Department Admissions team (details below).

If you're considering applying for a University of Liverpool PhD based at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), China, you should contact their Graduate School Office .

Useful contacts

For any admissions related queries please contact the relevant School/Institute Admissions Team :

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

• Institute of Life Course & Medical Sciences: [email protected]
• Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences: [email protected]
• Institute of Population Health: [email protected]
• Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology: [email protected]

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

• In the first instance, please visit  Applying for a PhD - Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences - University of Liverpool   For more detailed enquiries regarding opportuinities within Humanities and Social Sciences, please contact the one of the School teams below.
• School of the Arts: [email protected]
• School of Histories, Languages and Cultures: [email protected]
• School of Law and Social Justice: [email protected]
• Management School: [email protected]

Faculty of Science and Engineering

• School of Engineering: [email protected]
• School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science: [email protected]
• School of Physical Sciences: [email protected]
• School of Environmental Sciences: [email protected]

Back to: Study

Find a course

• A-Z of courses /
• Studentship vacancies

Undergraduate enquiries

International enquiries

Postgraduate taught enquiries

Postgraduate research enquiries

Ask the University of Liverpool a question

• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate Taught
• Online programmes
• Welcome to Liverpool

Learn about...

• Visits and Open Days
• Accommodation
• Student support
• Careers and Employability
• Continuing Education
• Continuing Professional Development

Information for...

• International students
• Mature students and access courses
• Parents and supporters
• School and careers advisors

Applying for research degrees

You can apply for a research degree online and track your application at each stage of the process. 

Before you apply please read the following application steps and check the admissions process and requirements for your research area.

Some faculties have specific guidance relevant to their area. Where instructions or advice are different, the faculty-specific guidance should be followed. If you have any queries, please contact the relevant postgraduate research admissions team .

Take a look at our most recent  admissions policy .

Apply online for a research degree now

If you are a current postgraduate researcher studying at another institution and need to use our facilities, please  contact the relevant postgraduate research admissions team .

If you have any difficulties using the online application form, please email our research admissions team via [email protected] .

International applicants

International applicants can contact  University representatives overseas  for support.

You can also review  information about visas and immigration  and specific entry requirements, including English language requirements .

For specific information about visa and immigration requirements for all types of temporary study and research visits, see the visas for research and study visits page .

Disabled students

We are committed to providing high-quality advice and support for postgraduate researchers. You can choose to tell us about your disability during the application process. See how in our information for disabled postgraduate researchers .

Disability information that you disclose on your research degree application form will not be visible to admissions colleagues, but it will be made available to our Disability Services team who will contact you should you accept an offer from us. You can also  register with Disability Services in advance of accepting an offer .

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the admissions and scholarships selection process , please contact the relevant postgraduate research admissions team to discuss your needs.

You are not obliged to inform us of any disability, but you will still be covered by the Equality Act (2010) if that disability becomes known to us.

Application process

Applying for a research degree is a simple five-step process:

Step 1 — choose an existing research project or start your own

For information on the research degrees we offer, visit our research opportunities directory .

Please make sure that you meet the following requirements before submitting your application: 

• The University's English language requirements .
• The academic entry requirements for your course. Programmes have different entry requirements. If you need confirmation of the academic and English language entry requirements for your programme, please contact the relevant postgraduate research admissions team .
• Research degree fees .

Start dates vary and some academic schools and faculties have only one or two start dates per year. Main start dates are commonly in October and February. Please contact the relevant postgraduate research admissions team for advice on when you can start your research or check individual school websites.

Start your own project

If you would like to start your own research project we recommend you are up to date with related literature and news so you are ready to discuss the direction you intend your research to take with potential supervisors. You need to identify the supervisors available to work with you. They must be experts in the topic you are interested in to ensure that your research is accurate and adding to current knowledge. You will then need to develop a research proposal for your application.

Please read the procedures for investigating plagiarism in a research proposal (at the admissions stage) (PDF) , which explains the actions taken when plagiarism is suspected when processing an application. 

How to search for supervisors:

• Search in our research opportunities directory .
• Browse  research news : find academics who are taking part in breakthrough research at the University.
• Check  faculty websites : browse our faculty site list by subject to find our academics.
• Search for authors of recent research journals and articles on The Conversation and Academia  websites.

Step 2 – apply

When applying, it is important you state clearly the intended project or programme.

The supporting documents your school needs to process your application may vary but you must provide copies of your academic transcripts or certificates. 

You may also need copies of:

• a research proposal
• certificates and transcripts of any academic qualifications
• English language qualification certificates
• visa and immigration documents.

All documents should be in English or be accompanied by a certified translation into English. They can be sent via the online research degree application or can be emailed to the relevant postgraduate research admissions team after you have submitted your application. Your email should include your student ID number (emailed to you on submission of your application), full name and your intended course of study.

Please do not send original documents at the application stage and only provide documents via email.  

In most faculties, you need to provide the names and contact details of a minimum of two academic referees in support of your application. These should be entered in the referees section of the online application form.

Read more about  references for research degree applications .

Research proposal 

Some faculties require a brief description of the general research area you are interested in, or a specific research proposal. Be aware that the faculty may have deadlines for your proposal so be sure to ask before you apply. Your research proposal is submitted via the application form.

You may not need to provide a research proposal if you are applying for a pre-defined project studentship but please check when applying. 

Declaring a criminal conviction

If you have an unspent criminal conviction, you may need to declare it to us. This is usually required when we make you an offer that you wish to accept. For a small number of our courses, you will need to declare it when you apply. Having a criminal conviction will only rarely stop you from studying at Leeds. Find out more about declaring a criminal conviction .

We advise you to apply at least four months before your proposed start date. This is to allow sufficient time to review your application and undertake any additional checks. You may also need adequate time to apply for ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance or a Student visa, as well as making arrangements to travel to Leeds.

We cannot guarantee that we will be able consider applications received after this date and, where there is not sufficient time, we may consider you for the next possible start date instead.

If you are applying for a scholarship or funding opportunity, this may require you to apply for a place of study much earlier and in advance of funding deadlines, which can often be up to 12 months before the proposed start date.

After you have applied

If you have applied online you will be able to log in and track your research degree application’s progress . The school will contact you if it has any further entry requirements and to let you know if your application status changes. 

Step 3 – find scholarships and sources of funding

There are many options available for you to secure the funding you need to commence your research studies including scholarships and bursaries.

• UK research councils : competition for these scholarships is high but the majority of your fees will be funded so it is well worth applying.
• University research degree scholarships : we offer scholarships centrally and on faculty level to help fund your research.
• Alumni bursary : if you are a University of Leeds alumnus you could receive a 10% discount on tuition fees.
• Other sources of funding: there are databases with funding opportunities as well as charities to help support your research.

Step 4 – accept your offer

If your application is successful you will be sent an offer letter that you will need to respond to. You can accept your research degree offer online using your web login ID and web login PIN. 

If you do accept your offer you will be agreeing to the terms and conditions outlined in your acceptance letter and you should only do so if you have secured funding for your studies.

Changing the start date

To request a new start date, you should contact the relevant postgraduate researcher admissions team . If they are able to accommodate this change then a new formal offer letter will be issued with your revised start and end date. You will have to accept this new offer as outlined previously. 

Related links

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

When should I start applying for a PhD program in the UK?

I am starting my MSc. this September (UK), and am strongly planning ahead and setting myself goals. Simply, when would be the appropriate time to submit my applications?

My MSc is 12 months long and will go from Sept 2018 to Sept 2019. I was thinking of applying 6-8 months into my MSc.

What do you think? When is the most logical time to submit my applications?

• application
• united-kingdom

• 4 Just before the application deadline? –  JeffE Commented Jun 30, 2018 at 13:19

3 Answers 3

This kind of depends on what sort of PhD you wish to study.

For the most part, you don't get accepted for a PhD position in the UK by applying to a graduate program. Most universities/departments simply do have a formal "program". There are acceptations to this of course. Several of the larger funders run formal programs, look out for the Wellcome Trust PhD 4-year programs for example. Some of the research council's Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) operate on this basis as well. These are rare, and tend to be highly prestigious and often associated with research institutes rather than university departments (the Wellcome trust ones are also very well paid compared to other ways of doing a PhD). They are recruiting earlier and earlier in order to try to grab the best students. For example, the Sanger Institute 4-year program's 2017 deadline with 2nd of December.

For the majority of PhDs in the UK though, the supervisor will apply for funding from a funding body for a particular project. If they are successful they will advertise individually for applicants, interview on their own schedule, and the successful candidate will start at the earliest convenience of the both the supervisor and the candidate. This often ends up being the start of the next academic year as the candidate generally has to finish their Undergrad/Masters degree first. When these positions are advertised/when the closing dates are will depend most of all on the funders grant deadlines. Our DTP (where we get most of our students from) has a dealine just before christmas and we will generally be advertising in Feburary. A good place to look for adverts for studentships like this is FindAPhD.com . Another place to look is jobs.ac.uk . I would have alerts set up on these sites for the whole year, but expect the busiest time to be the first quarter of the year.

Finally, if you will fund your PhD yourself somehow (either though your own funds, or that of a company or from a foriegn government), its generally up to you. The application process may take a couple of months and if you are not native the visa process can take months as well. If you want to aim to start at the beginning of the new academic year (which is not a terrible idea, since you'll be starting with all the RCUK funded students, making things socially easier), I'd probably start this process in the early spring: give you plenty of time, and it you are sorted early, waiting to start is not going to be a problem.

• 1 Minor counterpoint: this could be discipline-dependent, even within STEM. It seems currently the case in most UK (pure) maths departments that one should apply directly to the university, perhaps after unofficially contacting some people in the maths department, stating explicitly that one is seeking funding. Departments will then have their own mechanisms for allocating the limited amount of funding they have, from various sources; this can include RCUK studentships that have been allocated to the department from a more central pool –  Yemon Choi Commented Jul 2, 2018 at 14:17
• I guess this is more or less what I meant by the third route I talked about. Except that we would never consider anyone unless they knew exactly what funding it wast they were planning to apply for and what their chances of being successful were. The EPSRC, like other councils in RCUK, now longer awards all departments block grants for students, but operates through DTPs. Some depts will choose to operate a program, others will fund projects. I don't know of any that operate as a scholarship scheme that is only available if you apply by other means, but I guess that probably exists somewhere. –  Ian Sudbery Commented Jul 2, 2018 at 15:48

Funded PhDs in the UK usually follow the academic calendar and start in late September or early October. Accordingly, application deadlines tend to be in February or March (often set by the funding councils and hence will be the same for every university).

The exception to this is if you are planning to self-fund your PhD, in which case you will have more flexibility on starting dates (but check with the universities you are going to apply to if you are planning to do this).

The best time for you to submit your applications is probably as close to the deadline as possible, especially if you want to use your supervisor/ tutor/ other lecturer from your MSc as a reference. The longer you wait to submit the application, the better they will get to know you and hence be able to write a better reference.

However, don't wait until the last minute to ask for a reference! Ask well ahead of time (>1 month) and let them know when the application deadline is so they have time to prepare.

Google up the schools you are interested in and ask them. The people who will know are the support staff of the head of department, head of grad studies, and like that. Their secretary, clerk, assistant, etc. That's who you want to ask.

These are people that you should always try to stay friends with. They know everything. They see everything. And they know what will work and what won't. Always stay friends with the support staff.

• This is not helpful, almost any question could be answered by saying, "Google it, ask around and then figure it out". –  rhermans Commented Apr 25, 2023 at 15:30

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged phd masters application united-kingdom ..

• Featured on Meta
• Upcoming sign-up experiments related to tags

Hot Network Questions

• Problem with internal forces in spring following Hooke´s law
• I did not contest a wrong but inconsequential accusation of plagiarism – can this come back to haunt me?
• Does casting Heat Metal on a creature's weapon inside a Wall of Water incur full damage?
• Rule of Thumb meaning in statistics
• Can a prone player character use a disengage action in DnD 5e?
• Is my understanding of Quine's Bizet-Verdi counterfactuals correct?
• Are Context-Free languages closed under XOR?
• Expand a `.cs` defined by key inside the function
• Keep your ----- ◯ and find the answer!
• How and why did baptism become linked to Apostle's Creed "forgiveness of sins" in the 381 Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed?
• Identifying a K'nex-like piece
• Practical Combat Pipe
• Why do some GA aircraft need weights on the control surfaces?
• When should a function be given an argument vs getting the data itself?
• Can the laser light, in principle, take any wavelength in the EM spectrum?
• Is there a front rim and back rim
• What is the minimum number of avoids to never have a match in Dota 2?
• Does every proof need an axiom saying it works?
• how to format a text file in bash with dots from right
• Encrypting a message by calculating the digits of a complicated irrational number
• How many vials would reasonably fit inside of a chest?
• Is the work I do on the object always equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the work the object does on me?
• A "hard core" Sci-Fi movie featuring alien "invasion/infiltration" and a dome creating an atmosphere of methane and ammonia
• How does MPPT maintain a constant voltage?

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience, monitor site performance and tailor content to you

Read our cookie policy to find out how to manage your cookie settings

This site may not work correctly on Internet Explorer. We recommend switching to a different browser for a better experience.

How to apply for a PhD

1. is a phd at the university of reading right for you .

Before applying for our PhD programme, please read our  What to expect during your PhD guide .

To find out how to apply for the  Centre for Doctoral Training in the Mathematics for our Future Climate programme, please read our  Mathematics for our Future Climate page .

2. Check our entry requirements

To be accepted onto a research degree programme, you will need to have obtained a strong merit grade (equivalent to 65% or above on a UK programme for both the coursework and the dissertation) on a master's degree in a relevant field, but applicants with other qualifications may be accepted in certain circumstances. Applications to this Department should be accompanied by an outline of proposed research of 2,000 words. For information on how to write a research proposal to accompany your application, read the PhD Proposal Guidelines document .

If you are from outside of the UK, you will also need to demonstrate you have a certain level of proficiency with written and spoken English. Our requirement is that before starting the course, you have an overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0, with no sub-component below 6.5. The IELTS certificate must be less than two years old by the time of the course start date, even if you have studied at an institution in an English-speaking country.

3. Select a topic

There are different routes for selecting a PhD research topic:    

If you are interested in a broad area of research, you can find more information on our research interests on our Research page .    

If you have a clear idea about a research project of your choice, you should first determine whether the project is suitable for study at PhD level. The project must also be feasible within the resources and time frame available to you; it should also address a perceived 'gap' in the literature and, most importantly, be of interest to you.

4. Identify a Supervisor

Please contact the Department's Director of Postgraduate Research Studies by emailing Prof Parvaneh Tavakoli [email protected] or calling Marina Krouski on +44 (0)118 378 4741.  

You should contact the Director of Postgraduate Research Studies rather than a potential supervisor you may have identified.  

It is not essential to communicate directly with the Department before submitting your application, but many candidates find it helpful.

5. Make an application

Please apply using the PhD and professional doctorate online application programme . This allows you to complete the necessary information and attach copies of relevant documents, including the details of two appropriate referees. Although you will be working with a specific department or supervisor, all PhD applications have to be made centrally.  

The University will acknowledge your application and then pass it on to the appropriate school or department.  

All new students join the PhD programme in September. It may be possible to start your studies at another point in the academic year in exceptional circumstances.

Take the next step

• How to apply
• Get a prospectus
• Ask us a question
• Learn about the Doctoral and Researcher College

Application deadlines

for Postgraduate Research Degrees

• Research with us
• Postgraduate Research
• Latest PhDs and Research Studentships
• How to apply
• Application Deadlines
• Culture, Creativity and Belief
• Healthy living and ageing
• Rethinking Society
• Securing Energy, Food and Water
• Understanding Human and Natural Environments
• Understanding the Fundamentals
• What to expect from your PhD
• How to write your research degree proposal
• How To Apply
• Make An Enquiry
• Find a PhD Supervisor
• Studentships and Stipends
• Stipends and Fee Levels
• Self-Funded PhD Research
• ARIES - Environmental Sciences
• CHASE - Arts and Humanities
• NRPDTP - Biosciences
• Agri-FoRwArdS Researchers
• Critical Decade for Climate Change Leverhulme Doctoral Scholars programme
• EDESIA Supervisors
• Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation Research Studentships
• EDESIA FAQs
• EDESIA Case Studies
• MRC DART iCASE - Antimicrobial Resistance
• SENSS - Social Sciences
• Environment
• Funding and how to apply
• Professional Doctorates
• Postgraduate Research Themes
• PhD by Publication
• Master's by Research
• Arts and Humanities Graduate School
• Medicine and Health Graduate School
• Science Graduate School
• Social Sciences Graduate School
• Earlham Institute
• John Innes Centre
• Quadram Institute Bioscience
• The Sainsbury Laboratory
• Training Programme
• Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership
• John Innes Centre /The Sainsbury Laboratory Rotation
• EDESIA - Plants, Food and Health
• University of Suffolk Graduate School
• Training Pathways
• Facilities for Postgraduate Researchers
• Annual Reports
• Meet our Research Students
• New Students FAQs
• Make an enquiry
• How to Apply
• Arts and Humanities Fellowships
• Social Sciences Fellowships
• Science Fellowships
• Archives and Collections Visiting Fellowships
• Meet our Fellows
• Working at UEA
• Performance
• UEA’s AHRC Impact Acceleration Account
• Deictic Communication
• Climate-relevant Ocean Measurements and Processes on the Antarctic Continental Shelf and Slope (COMPASS)
• Social Influence and Disruptive Low Carbon Innovations (SILCI)
• Volcanoes: eruptive style, pre-eruptive evolution and risk (VESPER)
• Global Challenges Research Fund
• Newton Fund
• Quality Related GCRF
• Global Research Translation Award
• Partnerships
• UEA REF21 Impact
• Norwich Research Park
• Research Portal
• Open research: Microfinance misconceptions
• Open research: Brain evolution
• Open research: A royal shipwreck
• Ethics: Supervisor Mentoring
• Research Culture Timeline
• Research groups and centres

These are the deadlines for PhD studentships in the 2023/2024 recruitment year.

Details for each individual studentship can be found either via our  course search  or on the studentship's host website.  

PhD and Studentship funding deadlines

PhD project deadlines

Additional deadlines for individual PhD projects both self-funded and funded can be found on the Postgraduate Research  PhDs and Studentships  in our  course finder . 

Self-funded research degree start dates and deadlines

Please note that not all of the start dates are available for each school.  Contact the Postgraduate Research Service for more information.

The School of Global Development only has an October start date. 

The EdD has a start date every other year. The next start date is expected to be in October 2024.

• Photo Gallery
• Who Does What
• Admissions Officers
• Academic Affairs Officers
• Directors of Graduate Studies
• Directors of Graduate Certificates
• Office of Diversity and Inclusion
• Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
• Honorary Doctoral Degrees
• Application Process
• Graduate Programs
• Graduate Certificates
• Living in Lexington
• Catalog (Bulletin)
• Graduate Catalog (Bulletin) Archive
• Degree Forms
• Student Forms
• Health Plan
• Thesis and Dissertation Preparation
• Graduate Student Travel Policies
• Scheduled Dissertation Defenses
• Graduate Student Resources
• Graduate Student Congress
• Graduate School Newsletter Archive
• Types of Assistantships
• Tuition Scholarship & Billing Information
• Fellowships
• External Funding
• Professional Enhancement
• Preparing Future Faculty
• Graduate Certificate in College Teaching & Learning (GCCTL)
• Kentucky Graduate Internship
• New Graduate Student Orientation
• Grad Student Pathways
• Career Resources
• Graduate Data Portal (login required)
• GS Staff Operations Data Portal
• For Directors of Graduate Studies
• For Directors of Graduate Certificates
• For College Deans
• For TA Coordinators
• For postdocs
• Graduate Council
• Graduate Faculty
• Faculty & Staff Forms

The Application Process

The application for graduate study at the University of Kentucky is fully online.

The first step is to set up a new account and establish a user name and password. Do not lose this information; you will need it if you wish to return to continue an unfinished application or review a completed application. You will also need this login to access the decision on your application.

You will need the following to complete your application:

Admissions Requirements and Transcripts

Test scores, program-specific requirements, application deadlines, application fee.

List of GRE Waivers through Summer 2024

Programs Requiring GRE Scores for Admission for Fall 2024

All applicants must meet both program and Graduate School admission requirements.

Students seeking admission to the Graduate School must have obtained a bachelors degree, prior to the start of the term for which s/he is admitted, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. An accredited U.S. institution is one that is accredited by one of the seven regional academic accrediting associations . A recognized foreign institution is an institution that is recognized by that nation's Ministry of Education or similar authority as a post-secondary, academic degree-granting institution.

Minimum Undergraduate GPA: 2.75*

Minimum Graduate GPA: 3.0*

*on a 4.0 scale (individual programs may have higher requirements)

Students who wish to calculate their GPAs for self-reporting may wish to use https://www.scholaro.com/ .

If you are offered admission and decide to enroll you will then be required to submit official transcripts to the Graduate School.

Official transcripts can be sent the following ways:

Electronic transcripts: Graduate Admissions, University of Kentucky gradtranscripts @uky.edu . You may also choose to use the  National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment, used by most institutions. Electronic transcripts must be sent through one of these clearinghouses or directly from your institution.

You can direct  hard copy  transcript mailings from your institution to:

• University of Kentucky

Graduate Admissions

202 Gillis Building

Lexington, KY 40506-0033

Test scores can be self-reported in the application, however official scores should be sent directly from the testing agency.

This may include a curriculum vita, personal statement, writing sample, letters of recommendation, portfolios and program application deadlines. The documents required by your program of interest must also be uploaded to the application;  you can review these requirements here .

For domestic applicants the Graduate School requires applications to be submitted no later than one month prior to the start of the term the applicant intends to begin graduate work. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for typical semester starting dates. For international applicants the following Graduate School deadlines apply:

• Fall semester admission– April 15
• Spring semester admission- September 15
• Summer semester - International students are not admitted for summer sessions

Please note that some programs have earlier deadlines than those specified above, and some restrict admission to specific semesters.  This information is also available here.

Domestics Application Fee $65

International Application Fee $75

You may apply for as many programs as you wish, but each application requires completion of a separate application form and fee. The application cannot be submitted without payment of the fee.  

The application fee is non-refundable.

The Graduate School pays the application fee for domestic students (U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident) who are participants in the following programs:

          a. National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Sciences (GEM)

          b. Ronald E. McNair Scholars

          c. National TRIO Scholars

          d. Bridge to the Doctorate

          e. The Kentucky - West Virginia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (KY-WV LSAMP)

In addition, the Graduate School pays the application fee for applicants who are U.S. military veterans.

In all cases, the student must have started the application for the program.

** List of GRE Waivers through Summer 2024 admission:

• Accounting (MS, UK students only)
• Anthropology (MA, PhD) Effective Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
• Applied Behavioral Analysis (MS)
• Applied Environmental and Sustainability Studies (MS)
• Applied Mathematics (MS)
• Art Studio (MFA)
• Arts Administration (MA)
• Athletic Training (MS)
• Biochemistry (PhD)
• Biology (MS, PhD)
• Biomedical Engineering (MS, PhD) Effective Fall 2022 - Fall 2024
• Biostatistics (MS)
• Business Administration (MBA - Contact the Program)
• Chemical Engineering (MS, PhD)
• Chemistry (MS, PhD)
• Classics (MA)
• Civil Engineering (MS, PhD) Applies to students who graduated from ABET-accredited program
• Communication (MA, PhD)  Effective Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
• Communication Sciences and Disorders (MS)  Effective Fall 2021 - Spring 2024
• Community and Leadership Development (MS) 
• Computer Science (MS, PhD)
• Counselor Education (MAC)
• Creative Writing (MFA)
• Curatorial Studies (MFA)
• Curriculum and Instruction (MA, MS, PhD)
• Curriculum and Instruction - Secondary Education (Masters with Initial Certification)
• Data Science (MS) Effective Fall 2022
• Digital Mapping (MS)
• Diplomacy and International Commerce (MA)
• Education - School Psychology (EdS) GRE optional through 2024
• Education and Counseling Psychology - Counseling Psychology (MSEd, PhD) GRE optional through 2024
• Education and Counseling Psychology - Educational Psychology (EdD, PhD) GRE optional through Fall 2022
• Education Sciences - Educational Policy Studies: Philosophical and Cultural Inquiry option (PhD)
• Education Sciences - Educational Policy Studies: Evaluation and Policy option (PhD)
• Educational and Counseling Psychology (MSEd) GRE optional through 2024
• Educational Leadership (MEd, EdS)
• Educational Policy Studies (MSEd)
• Educational Policy Studies, Measurement, and Evaluation (EdD)
• English (MA, PhD)
• Entomology (MS, PhD)
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics (PhD) For holders of specific degrees - see program page
• Exercise Science (PhD) Effective Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
• Family Sciences (MS, PhD)  Effective Fall 2023 - Spring 2024
• Finance (MS)
• French (MA)
• Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics (MS)
• Forest and Natural Resource Sciences (MS, PhD)
• Gender and Women's Studies (PhD)
• Geography (MA, PhD)
• Geological Sciences (MS, PhD)
• German (MA)
• Health Administration (MHA)
• Health Services Research (PhD) For holders of specific degrees - see program page
• Higher Education (MSEd)
• Hispanic Studies (MA, PhD)  Effective Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
• Historic Preservation (MA)
• History (MA, PhD)  Effective Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
• Information Communication Technology (MS)
• Instructional Systems Design - Online (MS)
• Integrated Biomedical Sciences (PhD)
• Integrated Plant and Soil Sciences (MS, PhD)
• Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Educational (MSEd)
• Kinesiology and Health Promotion (MS, EdD)  Effective Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
• Kinesiology and Health Promotion - Health Promotion Option (MS)  Effective Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
• Library Science (MS)
• Linguistic Theory and Typology (MA)  Effective Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
• Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MS)
• Mathematics (MA, MS, PhD)
• Medical Sciences (MS) Effective Fall 2022
• Music Education (MMME, PhD)
• Music Performance (MM, DMA)
• Music Theory and Composition (MA, MM, DMA, PhD)
• Music Therapy (MM)
• Nursing (PhD)
• Nursing - Healthcare Systems Leadership (MS)
• Nutrition and Food Systems (MS)
• Nutritional Sciences (MS, PhD)
• Orientation and Mobility (MS)
• Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)
• Philosophy (PhD) - Effective Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
• Physics (MA, PhD)  Effective Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
• Plant Pathology (MS, PhD)
• Psychology (MA, MS, PhD)  Effective Fall 2021 - Spring 2024
• Public Administration (MPA)
• Public Financial Management (MS)
• Public Health (MPH)
• Research Methods in Education (MS)
• Retailing and Tourism Management (MS)
• Science Translation and Outreach (MS)
• Social Work (MSW)
• Sociology (PhD)
• Special Education (MSEd)
• Sport and Exercise Psychology (MS) Effective Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
• STEM Education (MS, MAT, PhD)
• Studies in Higher Education (PhD)
• Supply Chain Management (MS)
• Teacher Preparation Program in Visual Impairments (MS)
• Teaching English as a Second Language (MA)
• Teaching World Languages (MA)
• Toxicology and Cancer Biology (MS, PhD)
• Veterinary Science (MS, PhD)

**For holders of M.D., D.M.D., D.D.S., Pharm.D., D.V.M., D.O., D.N.P., D.Sc., or Ph.D. degrees, no GRE or GMAT is required for admission to: (through Summer 2024)

• Business Administration (MBA)
• Clinical and Translational Sciences (PhD)
• Dentistry (M.S. for domestic students only)
• Public Administration (for PharmD students applying to this program)
• Toxicology and Cancer Biology (PhD)

**No GRE or GMAT is required for admission in the following categories: Graduate certificate, Professional/Graduate dual degree programs (for example Pharm.D./MPA), Post-baccalaureate, University Scholars (all programs), Fifth Year, Rank I, and other certifications. 

Programs requiring gre scores for admission for fall 2024 on:.

• Agricultural Economics (MS, PhD)
• Animal and Food Science (MS, PhD)
• Architecture (MAR)
• Art Education (MA)
• Business Administration (MBA, PhD)
• Economics (MS, PhD)
• Electrical Engineering (MS, PhD)
• Marketing (MS)
• Mining Engineering (MME, PhD)
• Musicology (MA)
• Radiation and Radiological Sciences (PhD)
• Radiation Science (MS)
• Urban and Environmental Design (MS)
• An Equal Opportunity University
• Accreditation
• Privacy Policy
• Accessibility
• Lexington, Kentucky 40506

EPSRC CDT in Future Propulsion and Power

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About the course

The DPhil offered by this EPSRC funded Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Future Propulsion and Power provides graduates with the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge, understanding and expertise in aircraft propulsion and gas turbines. This is a joint programme between the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Loughborough, together with leading engine manufacturers and partners in the field. 

In the first year, all students study for a master’s degree in Future Propulsion and Power at the University of Cambridge. In years two to four, Oxford's students will undertake industrially-focussed projects at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute – also known as Osney Laboratory - in the Department of Engineering Science.

Year one is oriented towards developing your knowledge base. Along with CDT students from Cambridge and Loughborough, you will register and study for an MRes degree in Future Propulsion and Power at the University of Cambridge. The course involves taught lectures and laboratory modules, along with several mini projects of two to three weeks each undertaken at the three partner universities and at some of the sites of the industrial partners. These are precursors to your DPhil study, to hone your research skills and shape your main research area. You will meet your supervisor regularly to assess progress and discuss academic issues.

Years two to four see an increasing emphasis on individual research. Oxford's students register for the degree of DPhil and carry out a research project at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute, an internationally-recognised centre for research in Gas Turbine Heat Transfer and Aerodynamics, and part of Oxford’s Department of Engineering Science. You will benefit from the network of leading experts in the field, and develop a portfolio of academic, laboratory and career-oriented skills. Throughout of the research project, close interaction with an industrial partner is expected. In addition, the full cohort meets regularly for CDT seminars and workshop events.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Engineering Science, in conjunction with the University of Cambridge, and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Engineering Science.

You will join your supervisor's research group which normally has post-doctoral researchers and other research students working on broadly similar research themes. Typically you would interact daily with members of the group and have weekly contact with your supervisor. Many groups have weekly meetings where members discuss their research or perhaps present other published work.

You will be assessed continually throughout the first year at Cambridge during courses and projects, and will be formally examined in your MRes programme. At the end of your second year in Oxford, you will be required to write a report and give a presentation on your research, and to present a detailed and coherent plan for the research-intensive phase in the third and fourth years of your doctoral studies. Progress towards completion is again formally assessed some way into the final year of study.

For the DPhil, you will be required to submit a substantial thesis that will be read and examined by experts in the field, one from the Department and one from elsewhere. Often the thesis will result in the publication of several journal and conference papers.

Graduate destinations

The CDT’s in-depth training by world experts combined with engagement with research problems of vital interest to our industrial partners and with the progressive increase both in responsibility and external exposure, have made our graduates from the CDT well equipped for leadership roles in industry, both nationally and internationally. Others may wish to continue to spend time in post-doctoral research, probably further developing the work in their theses towards commercial application.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours , usually in engineering with some specialisation in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.

Candidates with undergraduate degrees from related fields will also be considered.

A previous master's qualification is not required.

Note that each candidate will need to get accepted by both Oxford (for the DPhil) and Cambridge (for the MRes). Although you will start the CDT program in year one at Cambridge, your admission to the MRes at Cambridge will be conditional on your already holding a conditional offer of a DPhil place at Oxford for years two to four.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience 

• Entry into the CDT programme is competitive and will take account of academic qualifications, performance and aspirations.
• Publications are not required.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews (in person or by other means) may form part of the admissions process.

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Some postgraduate research students in science, engineering and technology subjects will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate prior to applying for a  Student visa (under the Student Route) . For some courses, the requirement to apply for an ATAS certificate may depend on your research area.

The CDT is resourced by the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and is jointly hosted by the universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Loughborough.

Oxford students will spend the first year as members of the Department of Engineering in Cambridge and years two to four in Oxford. At Oxford, engineering research and teaching takes place in a unified Department of Engineering Science with over 100 academic staff who are committed to advanced work in their own specialities, while recognising a common engineering foundation. This creates an intellectual space where interdisciplinary work thrives, and where expert advice is available to students in areas which though not central to their core research still impinge on it.

The department occupies some 16,000 square metres, and has well-equipped research areas and workshops, as well as offices, lecture theatres, library, common room, stores, reprographics and other facilities. The department has around 350 research students and about 200 postdoctoral researchers and research fellows. Direct funding of research grants and contracts, from a variety of sources, amounts to an annual turnover of approximately £25m, in addition to general turnover of about £26m.

The key research area for the CDT is Thermofluids and Turbomachinery, which takes in the Osney Thermofluids Laboratory, located in a facility to the west of the city called the Southwell Building. The laboratory was opened by Oxford's Vice Chancellor in 2010 as part of the University's strategic investment in the nation's science base. The lab houses some of the most sophisticated turbine and high speed flow facilities in the UK, and the research group includes internationally recognised experts in CFD, flow and heat transfer experiments and instrumentation. The lab is outstandingly supported by highly experienced technical, computing and administrative staff.

Engineering Science

The Department of Engineering Science brings together the study of all branches of engineering at Oxford. It has a community of around 550 graduate students at any given time.

The department has a substantial research portfolio, including much that is directly supported by industry. The major theme underlying this research portfolio is the application of cutting-edge science to generate new technology, using a mixture of theory, computation and experiment.

Study and research opportunities in the department include both conventional disciplines of engineering and newer areas of interest, such as information engineering, low-temperature engineering, nanotechnology and experimental plasma physics.

There are no barriers between different branches of engineering. The department is involved in a great deal of multidisciplinary and collaborative research with groups in other departments, from archaeology to zoology. 

The department has an excellent record of engagement with industry and of translating research results into real-world applications. It has generated numerous successful spin-out companies.

The department offers a range of research degrees, including four-year programmes as part of several specialised Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs).

View all courses   View taught courses View research courses

For details about searching for funding as a graduate student  visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information on external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

For details of any college-specific funding opportunities please visit individual college websites using the links provided on our  college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Students admitted by the University of Oxford are enrolled on the MRes in Future Propulsion and Power at the University of Cambridge for their first academic year. During that year you will be liable for fees at the University of Cambridge and will be charged fees by that University at their fee rates .

Annual fees for the 2024-25 academic year at the University of Cambridge

Subject to meeting the progression criteria, you will then be enrolled by the University of Oxford and will be liable for a further 9 terms of course fees at the University. During each subsequent year, you will be charged course fees at Oxford's fee rate for that year of study. For an indication of costs, the table below shows the estimated annual course fees for the second academic year of this course.

Estimated annual fees for the 2025-26 academic year at Oxford

Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

Please consult the University of Cambridge website for further information about living costs while studying at that institution.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

The following colleges accept students on the Future Propulsion and Power CDT:

• Balliol College
• Brasenose College
• Exeter College
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• New College
• Pembroke College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Hilda's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable per course application. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students

If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .

Application fee waivers for eligible associated courses

If you apply to this course and up to two eligible associated courses from our predefined list during the same cycle, you can request an application fee waiver so that you only need to pay one application fee.

The list of eligible associated courses may be updated as new courses are opened. Please check the list regularly, especially if you are applying to a course that has recently opened to accept applications.

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

Before you apply, please familiarise yourself with the Future Propulsion and Power website and refer to the  list of research group leaders  to identify areas of research that interest you. You should then make contact with the potential supervisor(s) in the department to discuss the possibility of joining the research group, as well as research projects that you could undertake.

If you would like to discuss your research proposal and potential supervisors  contact the CDT Director, Professor Ireland . General enquiries can be directed to the course administrator, via the contact details provided on this page.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Proposed field and title of research project

If known, under 'Proposed field and title of research project', enter the research project you have in mind. If you do not have a specific project in mind, you should simply enter 'EPSRC CDT in Future Propulsion and Power' as the proposed project.

You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).

Proposed supervisor

Under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the name of the academic(s) who you would like to supervise your research. 

Referees: Three overall, of which at least one must be academic

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

Professional references are welcomed, but these must be obtained from your line manager (or equivalent). At least one academic reference must be provided.

Your references will support your intellectual ability, academic achievement and potential, motivation, creativity, and ability to work singly and in a group.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Statement of purpose/personal statement: A minimum of 1,000 up to a maximum of 1,500 words

Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you and/or you intend to specialise in. 

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

This will be assessed for:

• your past commitment to sustained and intense study and your reasons for wishing to undertake research
• evidence of interest in, and experience and understanding of, the proposed area of study
• the originality of the proposed research
• the feasibility of successfully completing the project in the time available
• your ability to present a reasoned and coherent case in English.

Your statement should focus on your research ambitions in engineering, rather than on personal achievements, interests and aspirations.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.

Application Guide   Apply

ADMISSION STATUS

Open - applications are still being accepted

Up to a week's notice of closure will be provided on this page - no other notification will be given

This course opened to applications after our standard application deadlines had passed. The 'Admissions status' (above) will provide notice of the deadline.

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24) † Total number of places available across the three partner institutions.

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the Department of Engineering Science

• Course page on the centre's website
• Funding information from the department
• Academic and research staff
• Departmental research  and studentships
• Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences
• Residence requirements for full-time courses
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 283249

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

• Scholarships

Learn about scholarships and your path to financial support and academic excellence.

• Admissions & Aid
• Financial Aid & Scholarships
• Scholarships & Grants

Explore Seattle University Scholarships

Learn more about scholarship opportunities for first-year undergraduates, transfer undergraduates, graduate students, ROTC students and more.

Merit Awards: Undergraduate University Scholarships

First-year, transfer, undocumented and international students who complete an admissions application to Seattle University are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.  

For first-year students, these scholarships are renewable (up to 4 years!). Transfer students with more than 45 credits may receive awards for up to 3 years. Transfer students with less than 45 credits may receive awards for up to 4 years. 

Merit scholarships are based on the information in your admissions application—not finances—and are at least $8,000 per year.

Full-Tuition Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Opportunities

Your path to affordable education and academic success at Seattle University.

Students enrolled in Washington’s College Bound Program may be considered to receive financial aid to cover their full, demonstrated financial need for four years for incoming first-year students at Seattle University. The financial aid will be in different forms and from a variety of sources, such as federal, state, and Seattle University—combined with the College Bound scholarship.

Seattle University Bound Eligibility

To be considered for the program, incoming first-year students must fulfill the following:

• Be enrolled full-time and eligible for the Washington State College Bound Scholarship
• Earn at least a 3.5 cumulative unweighted high school GPA
• Apply for Fall Quarter as an incoming first-year student to Seattle University by January 15 (the Regular Decision deadline)
• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1 of your senior year in high school (must be eligible for federal aid)
• Maintain College Bound eligibility and satisfactory academic progress while enrolled at Seattle University and complete the yearly FAFSA filing requirement

Seattle University is committed to supporting the success of its students. Learn more about the different services and resources dedicated to student success.

For questions about the Seattle University Bound Program, call or email the Admissions Office at 206-220-8040, [email protected], or contact your Admissions Counselor . Seattle University can be found on the Common Application.

Seattle University aspires to be the preferred transfer destination for Seattle Promise students. Seattle Promise students enrolled in the Washington State College Bound Scholarship program that complete a DTA or AS-T with a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA are guaranteed admission. They are also eligible to receive full tuition awards to Seattle University.  

Seattle U Promise Eligibility 

To receive the scholarship, incoming transfer students must fulfill the following: 

• Be enrolled at one of the Seattle Colleges (Seattle Central, North Seattle, South Seattle) as a Seattle Promise student 
• Be enrolled in the Washington State College Bound Scholarship Program  
• Complete the required prerequisite classes for the program of interest 
• Apply as a transfer student to Seattle University by the quarterly application deadline   
• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1 prior to enrolling at Seattle University (must be eligible for federal aid) 
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress while enrolled at Seattle U, and complete the yearly FAFSA filing requirement. 

Seattle University is committed to supporting the success of its students. Learn more about the different services and resources dedicated to student success.  

• Transfer Student Reidy Collegium
• The Outreach Center
• Advising Services

For questions about the Seattle U Promise Scholarship, call or email the Admissions Office:  1-206-220-8040  [email protected] 

Alfie Scholars

The Alfie Scholars Program offers a scholarship and special programing for underrepresented community college transfer students who are admitted to Seattle University. In addition to the $30,000 scholarship, distributed over two years, the Alfie Scholars Program provides civility leadership training, intensive summer programing and individual advising.

Alfie Scholars Program

Additional Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities

Fostering Scholars is a full scholarship and program of support awarded to eligible students currently in—or who aged out of—the foster care system. Recipients receive financial, academic and personal support towards the completion of an undergraduate degree at Seattle University. 

Fostering Scholars

Sperry Goodman Endowed Scholarship

The Sperry Goodman Endowed Scholarship is for incoming freshmen majoring in computer science, environmental science, mathematics, physics or an engineering discipline. Preference is given to students with financial need. A Sperry Goodman scholarship is an award of $5,000 per year.

Sperry Goodman Scholarship

Seattle University Math and Science Scholars (SUMSS) Scholarship

The SUMSS Scholarship is designed to help high-achieving students with demonstrated financial need pursue career opportunities in biology, chemistry and mathematics. This scholarship is up to $10,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

SUMSS Scholarship

Current students can visit Seattle University's ScholarshipUniverse to search for and apply for scholarships. The campus has hundreds of different scholarships each with different requirements, so we encourage everyone to complete the application process.

Many scholarships are automatically matched to applicants based on the information contained in their student records. These scholarships generally do not result in an increase to gift aid and will replace generic Seattle University funding with a named scholarship which allows the University to recognize students for their unique qualities and abilities.

These named scholarships are funded by generous Seattle University donors, alumni and friends. Student recipients are asked to complete a post-acceptance thank you biography.

ScholarshipUniverse

Graduate Student Scholarships

Seattle University offers Graduate Scholarships at the time of admission. Most scholarships are based on the information in your admission application, and most are renewable. Please contact Graduate Admissions for more information.

Additional Graduate Scholarship Opportunities

The Sinegal Fellowship provides support for underrepresented minority Costco Scholars who have graduated from either the University of Washington or Seattle University and who are pursuing an advanced degree at Seattle University. The Sinegal Fellowship is a 2-year award with a stipend of $5,000 for each year. Questions about this fellowship should be directed to [email protected] .

Eligible full-time religious and lay teachers and principals of Catholic schools under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Seattle may apply for this grant. Master in Teaching (MIT) and Doctor of Education (EdD) students are not eligible. Additional information and the application for this grant become available on May 1 preceding the upcoming academic year. Learn more through Student Financial Services.

Several graduate departments offer program-specific scholarships. Scholarships are generally limited; some awards may be need-based and some may be renewed. Please consult college, department or program websites, faculty or staff for more information about availability, eligibility and application procedures. Current students can also visit Seattle University's ScholarshipUniverse to search for and apply for scholarships. 

ROTC Scholarships

Learn about ROTC scholarships and financial aid.

Contact the Student Financial Services Office to schedule an appointment with the counselor responsible for administering the ROTC program to learn about the possible impact of ROTC funding on other financial aid and the requirements for continuing to receive ROTC funding in subsequent years.

Financial aid awards are revised to include ROTC funding when all information regarding that funding is received from the military.  This often happens fairly late in the cycle. As soon as the Student Financial Services Office receives the necessary information, ROTC students' financial aid awards are updated to include any and all funding for which they are eligible.  

No. Financial aid awards for students who participate in ROTC programming but don't receive ROTC funding are not affected.

Visit the ROTC web page or contact the Recruiting Operations Officer using information below.

Recruiting Operations Office Phone: 1-206-296-2439 Email: [email protected]

Scholarships From Other Sources

Looking for more scholarships? Learn more about applying for outside scholarships. 

When, Where and How to Apply for Outside Scholarships 

Click here for a tip sheet on Exploring Outside Scholarships . 

Seattle U students can also search for opportunities on ScholarshipUniverse , a resource for both institutional and outside scholarships.

Scholarship Workshops

For information about upcoming scholarship workshops and resources check out the Student Academic Persistence webpage.

What To Do If You Have Received an Outside Scholarship  

Outside scholarships are scholarships students bring with them to Seattle University. On the award letter these scholarships are labeled "Private Outside Scholarship." 

If the student has received a scholarship from an outside donor that is not included on their award letter, they should notify the Student Financial Services Office as soon as possible so it will be considered when determining eligibility for other financial aid and revising the award if necessary.  

If the Student Financial Services Offices receives a check from an outside scholarship's donor that requires the recipient's endorsement, an email will be sent to the student's SU e-mail address telling them to come to Student Financial Services to sign the check. 

The following information may be helpful for students and scholarship donors: 

• Report the amount of the scholarship for the entire 9-month academic year, even if it will be sent in separate, quarterly payments. 
• Unless the donor specifies otherwise, scholarships are disbursed equally over all three quarters: fall, winter and spring. 
• Scholarship checks should be made payable to "Seattle University," with the student's name and SU ID # clearly noted, and mailed to Student Financial Services. 
• If the scholarship check is sent to the student rather than to Seattle University, they should notify the Office of Student Financial Services of the amount of the scholarship as soon as it is known.
• If the donor requires enrollment verification, the student may obtain an Enrollment Verification document from SU online by navigating to the 'Students Menu' and under 'Academic Profile section selecting 'Enrollment Verification'.  Be sure to then select 'Real Time Verification' to view a document that student can save as PDF or print. 

If the donor requires that Seattle University bill them prior to releasing the scholarship funds, please provide: 

• The student's written permission for Student Financial Services to provide the requested billing; 
• The name of the donor and/or contact person; 
• The address where the invoice should be mailed; 
• Any instructions the donor has given about what should be included on the invoice; and 
• Whether the donor needs quarterly invoices or a single invoice for the entire year. 

Supporting Offices

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about scholarships at Seattle University contact:

Student Financial Services

Vi Hilbert Hall

• [email protected]
• 1-206-220-8020

Mobile Menu Overlay

The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

FACT SHEET: President   Biden Announces New Actions to Keep Families   Together

Since his first day in office, President Biden has called on Congress to secure our border and address our broken immigration system. As Congressional Republicans have continued to put partisan politics ahead of national security – twice voting against the toughest and fairest set of reforms in decades – the President and his Administration have taken actions to secure the border, including:

• Implementing executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum when encounters are high;
• Deploying record numbers of law enforcement personnel, infrastructure, and technology to the Southern border;
• Seizing record amounts of fentanyl at our ports of entry;
• Revoking the visas of CEOs and government officials outside the U.S. who profit from migrants coming to the U.S. unlawfully; and
• Expanding efforts to dismantle human smuggling networks and prosecuting individuals who violate immigration laws.

President Biden believes that securing the border is essential. He also believes in expanding lawful pathways and keeping families together, and that immigrants who have been in the United States for decades, paying taxes and contributing to their communities, are part of the social fabric of our country. The Day One immigration reform plan that the President sent to Congress reflects both the need for a secure border and protections for the long-term undocumented. While Congress has failed to act on these reforms, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to strengthen our lawful immigration system. In addition to vigorously defending the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals) policy, the Administration has extended Affordable Care Act coverage to DACA recipients and streamlined, expanded, and instituted new reunification programs so that families can stay together while they complete the immigration process.  Still, there is more that we can do to bring peace of mind and stability to Americans living in mixed-status families as well as young people educated in this country, including Dreamers. That is why today, President Biden announced new actions for people who have been here many years to keep American families together and allow more young people to contribute to our economy.   Keeping American Families Together

• Today, President Biden is announcing that the Department of Homeland Security will take action to ensure that U.S. citizens with noncitizen spouses and children can keep their families together.
• This new process will help certain noncitizen spouses and children apply for lawful permanent residence – status that they are already eligible for – without leaving the country.
• These actions will promote family unity and strengthen our economy, providing a significant benefit to the country and helping U.S. citizens and their noncitizen family members stay together.
• In order to be eligible, noncitizens must – as of June 17, 2024 – have resided in the United States for 10 or more years and be legally married to a U.S. citizen, while satisfying all applicable legal requirements. On average, those who are eligible for this process have resided in the U.S. for 23 years.
• Those who are approved after DHS’s case-by-case assessment of their application will be afforded a three-year period to apply for permanent residency. They will be allowed to remain with their families in the United States and be eligible for work authorization for up to three years. This will apply to all married couples who are eligible.  
• This action will protect approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens, and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen.

Easing the Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates, Including Dreamers

• President Obama and then-Vice President Biden established the DACA policy to allow young people who were brought here as children to come out of the shadows and contribute to our country in significant ways. Twelve years later, DACA recipients who started as high school and college students are now building successful careers and establishing families of their own.
• Today’s announcement will allow individuals, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers, who have earned a degree at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education in the United States, and who have received an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree, to more quickly receive work visas.
• Recognizing that it is in our national interest to ensure that individuals who are educated in the U.S. are able to use their skills and education to benefit our country, the Administration is taking action to facilitate the employment visa process for those who have graduated from college and have a high-skilled job offer, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers. 

Stay Connected

We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better.

Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden.

• Is Business Right for Me?
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Business Minor
• Entrepreneurship Minor
• Real Estate Development Minor
• Course Catalog
• Electives, Minors & Opportunities
• Global Student Experiences
• Summer Business Academy
• All-Access Weekend
• Discover Ross

Ranked #4 by U.S. News & World Report, the Michigan Ross BBA Program is one of the best undergraduate business program in the world. Explore what makes our inclusive community of learners so unique.

• Which MBA Format is Right for Me?
• Full-Time MBA
• Weekend MBA
• Executive MBA
• Evening MBA
• Which One-Year Master's Degree is Right for Me?
• Master of Accounting
• Master of Business Analytics
• Master of Management
• Master of Supply Chain Management
• Global Student Experiences (graduate)
• MAP Projects & Testimonials

At Michigan Ross, you gain more than just a first-class business education. Our collaborative, supportive, inclusive community enriches your experience, and sets you up with a lifetime network of friends across the globe.

• Faculty Overview
• Faculty Directory
• Faculty News & Research
• Academic Areas
• Books & Publications
• Faculty Excellence
• Faculty Recruiting
• Centers, Institutes & Initiatives
• India Initiatives
• Technology & Business Innovation Forum
• Thomas C. Jones Undergraduate Innovation Initiative
• Tozzi Electronic Business and Finance Center
• PhD Program

The work of Michigan Ross faculty influences the world’s largest companies and global economies. Every day we’re creating real-world solutions for the most pressing challenges in our world. 

• Centers & Institutes
• Executive Education
• Alumni News
• Michigan Ross+Financial Times
• School News
• Student Voices
• Browse All Events
• Social Media
• News Archive
• For the Media
• Commencement
• Handleman Lecture Series
• William K. McInally Memorial Lecture Series
• Mitchell Lecture Series
• Full-Time MBA: Ross Women’s Weekend and UpClose Diversity Weekend

Follow a monthly poll co-created by Financial Times and Michigan Ross for insights on how American voters perceive key financial and economic issues in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

• About Michigan Ross
• Mission & Values
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Key Facts & Figures
• Ross Experiences in Action-Based Learning: REAL
• Business+Impact
• Business+Tech
• Ross Around the World
• About Sharon F. Matusik
• Ross Leadership Team
• Ross School Advisory Board
• 100 Years of Michigan Ross
• Visit Ann Arbor
• Visit Detroit

Discover more about the history, people, milestones, and contributions that have shaped Michigan Ross.

• Application Requirements
• Class Profile
• Admissions Events
• Connect with a Student or Alum
• Tuition & Financial Aid
• Affording Your MBA: Scholarships & Support
• MBA Admissions Blog
• International Students
• Meet our Team
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Specializations
• Data and Business Analytics Concentration
• Design Thinking and Innovation Concentration
• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Concentration
• Fast Track in Finance
• Healthcare Management Concentration
• Management Science Specialization
• Real Estate Development Certificate
• Dual Degrees
• REAL. Business Experiences
• Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP)
• Living Business Leadership Experience
• +Impact Studio Course
• Student Investment Funds
• Global Opportunities
• Summer Business Experiences
• Entrepreneurship
• General Management
• Human Capital
• Social Impact
• Sustainability
• Real Estate
• Employment Data
• Student Experience
• Student Stories
• Featured Profiles
• Clubs & Involvement
• Partners & Families
• Download Brochure
• Admitted Student Guide
• Quantitative Readiness Course
• Connect with a Student
• Company Sponsorship
• Marketing & Sales
• Social Impact & Sustainability
• Learning Experience
• Sample Course Schedule
• In-Person Residencies
• Multidisciplinary Action Project (MAP)
• Tell Us About Yourself
• Tips for Sponsorship
• Leadership Development
• Executive MBA Faculty
• Executive Coaching
• Career Consultants
• Our Locations
• Specializations & Dual Degrees
• Global MBA MAP
• Career Development
• Accounting Analytics Concentration
• EY Symposium
• Admission Events
• Consulting Studio
• Clubs and Involvement
• Management Consulting Studio
• Career Paths
• Contact Us
• Supply Chain Studio
• Short-Term Global Experiences
• Global Exchange
• Exchange at Ross
• Health & Safety
• U-M Global Programs

Admissions Update: The Fall 2025 Michigan Ross MBA Application is Live

The Admissions team has been actively engaging with prospective MBA students through virtual and in-person events, with many more planned in the coming months. We have enjoyed meeting attendees and discussing what makes the Ross School of Business and our Full-Time MBA Program unique, and look forward to continuing this momentum. Our focus on a welcoming, diverse community and action-based learning sets us apart.

Application Now Open for Fall 2025

The Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA application for Fall 2025 is now live! Here are some key updates and resources to consider as you prepare your application. Remember, our Round 1 deadline this year is Sept. 9.

Essay Changes and Recommendations

We've made a few changes to this year's application essays. For detailed information on the new essay prompts, check out our previous blog post and watch our essay tips video .

We continue to require only one recommendation letter. Choose a recommender who can speak to your professional performance and work style, ideally someone who has worked directly with you. A recommendation from your current supervisor is preferred. If that isn't possible, consider a project manager, client, former supervisor, or, if you’re an entrepreneur, an investor. We use the Common Recommendation Form , which is accepted by Ross and nine other Top 15 business schools, allowing your recommenders to answer the same questions and use a standard rating grid.

Scholarship Consideration

When you apply, you are automatically considered for scholarships — no separate application or extra work is needed. We review your entire application to assess your professional and personal achievements, academic ability, and potential contribution to the Ross community. If you receive an award, you will be notified upon admission.

Preparing Your Application

As you prepare your Ross application, focus on telling your story. Your application is how we get to know you, so be self-reflective and share your experiences both inside and outside of work. Here are our top suggestions for impressing the admissions committee :

• Understand and articulate your story.
• Be self-reflective.
• Highlight experiences from both your professional and personal life.

For those applying through the Consortium, we also have top tips for a successful application .

Information for Reapplicants

Are you planning to reapply for Fall 2025? If so, self-reflection is imperative for reapplicants aiming for success. Reviewing your initial application to improve less competitive areas can make a significant difference. Consider retaking tests, leading new projects, clarifying career goals, or selecting a recommender who can better highlight your strengths.

While you do not need to redo the entire application if reapplying within a year, updating key aspects and demonstrating progress since your last application is essential. Additionally, completing our new essay prompts. Whether you apply in Round 1 or later, ensure your application is at its strongest. For more advice, check out our Full-Time MBA admissions session on July 18, featuring insights from a successful reapplicant.

Get to Know Us

Now is the time to get to know us better. Understanding what Michigan Ross has to offer and what the experience is like will help you prepare a stronger application. Click here to see all Ross MBA events you can attend.

We look forward to getting to know you and assisting you in your application journey to Michigan Ross!

"Be open to new experiences while embracing your true self."

• More Downsizing at Beleaguered ETS

The former SAT administrator and owner of the GRE offered buyouts to most of its U.S. workforce Tuesday morning, kickstarting its second round of job cuts in under a year.

By  Liam Knox

You have / 5 articles left. Sign up for a free account or log in.

Educational Testing Service has faced significant financial headwinds in recent years. This is the organization’s second round of layoffs since September.

Photo illustration by Justin Morrison/Inside Higher Ed | iStock/Getty Images

Educational Testing Service, the longtime administrator of the SAT, offered voluntary buyouts to every U.S. employee with more than two years of service on Tuesday morning. It’s the second major round of job cuts within the past year at the standardized testing pioneer, which has struggled to maintain its foothold in the shrinking assessment space.

In a video sent to employees and obtained by Inside Higher Ed , CEO Amit Sevak said that while the organization is “cash flow positive for the first time in five years,” a number of revenue challenges have put it under financial strain.

“ETS is at an inflection point, one that requires critical decisions to ensure our sustainability,” he said.

That inflection point comes after the organization inked a new contract with the College Board this month, under which ETS will no longer administer the SAT, a College Board spokesperson confirmed. A fiscal year 2023 audit of ETS showed that 30 percent of the organization’s revenue, or about $300 million, came from its College Board contract alone.

The move also follows years of steep test-taker declines for its marquee product, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

The news comes less than a year after ETS laid off 6 percent of its global workforce—about 150 people—in September, the second such downsizing in Sevak’s two-year tenure. The company also downsized in 2021 ; in fact, this is ETS’s fifth round of job cuts in five years.

Sevak said that by offering voluntary severance agreements, ETS was “putting this decision in [employees’] hands.” He encouraged anyone “on the fence” about staying at ETS to take the buyout, adding that the package is “above market practice” and that officials “do not plan to offer something similar again.” He also said that the pace of change at the organization would be “intense,” and that those who stay would be expected to give “110 percent.”

“The purpose is to reduce our staff in the most gracious way we can,” Sevak said. “This is an opportunity.”

A longtime ETS employee who received the buyout offer told Inside Higher Ed that judging from messages sent by colleagues following the announcement, that’s not how staff see it.

“This is affecting people who raised their families alongside their work at ETS, people who have spent lifetimes working on a single product,” said the employee, who requested anonymity to avoid backlash from the company. “It’s been an hour since the news broke and folks are earnestly sharing self-harm and suicide-prevention hotlines.”

An ETS spokesperson confirmed the news in an email to Inside Higher Ed , saying the buyouts would allow officials to “make necessary changes to our organization.”

“Today’s announcement is one of the many ways ETS will continue to adapt and build momentum so that we can best serve the learners and customers that rely on our solutions well into the future,” the spokesperson wrote.

Editors’ Picks

• Questions Linger After Penn State Buyouts
• UNC Fires Professor They Secretly Recorded

The anonymous ETS employee said that morale has been low across the company for a long time, an observation confirmed by internal employee satisfaction survey responses obtained by Inside Higher Ed in September. But the source said it’s gotten worse since the fall layoffs, and employees have been expecting more bad news for months.

“There are so many people who just want to do their jobs, for their work to improve, and that hasn’t happened,” the employee said. “We’ve all been kind of waiting for the bullet to hit the bone.”

Employees who received the offer have until July 11 to accept, and ETS will decide whether to approve those by July 25. The ETS spokesperson said there are over 2,000 U.S. employees but declined to answer questions from Inside Higher Ed about the number who received buyout offers or the company’s total expected layoffs.

“When this process of voluntary separation is over,” Sevak cautioned in the video, “it is likely that we may need to proceed with an involuntary layoff.”

‘A Perfect Storm’

ETS—the “largest private educational assessment organization in the world,” according to its website —owns and administers two of the largest exams in the U.S.: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), commonly taken by international students looking to study in the U.S., and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the standard post-baccalaureate exam.

But the organization has faced mounting market challenges for years, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those include the declining popularity of the GRE, whose customer base had nosedived due to the normalization of test-optional policies for grad programs. The GRE suffered a dramatic drop in test-takers after the pandemic, falling from 541,750 in 2017 to 341,574 in 2021; last May, ETS cut the time it took to complete the test in half in an effort to attract more customers.

Sevak also cited a “significant reduction in work from the College Board,” with whom ETS has had a decades-long partnership in administering the popular standardized exam. ETS’s previous contract with the College Board ends this month, a College Board spokesperson told Inside Higher Ed in September, and Sevak said that though they signed a new agreement, it is less lucrative than the previous one.

“While the new contract maintains a relationship, it is a significant reduction in scope,” he said.

A College Board spokesperson told Inside Higher Ed that although ETS is no longer the SAT administrator—a role it held for nearly two decades—their relationship will continue.

“We plan to continue working together to administer our AP and CLEP [College Level Examination] programs,” the spokesperson wrote in an email Tuesday afternoon. “With the SAT Suite’s full transition to digital on College Board’s Bluebook testing platform, we now develop and administer the SAT and PSAT-related assessments directly.”

In March, the College Board launched its new, digital-only SAT, a massive pivot for what remains the most popular standardized test in the country.

The testing industry is going through a period of turmoil and change. The ACT, the organization that runs its namesake test, was purchased by venture capital firm Nexus Capital Management in April. ACT, which struggled during the pandemic, laid off over 100 employees ahead of the acquisition.

Sevak said that as the assessment landscape continues to change, “inefficiencies” in ETS’s structure and business model have prevented them from adapting.

“If we do nothing, we will be left behind. In fact, we’ve been looking at backsliding into tens of millions of dollars in loss by 2025,” he continued. “It’s a perfect storm.”

A Skills-Based Pivot?

In April, ETS’s research institute released a report titled “Charting the Future of Assessment,” which concludes that opportunities for testing in traditional college admissions are limited and hamstrung by mounting challenges such as data security and the evolution of artificial intelligence.

The new frontier, the report declares, is skills assessment, certifications and credentials—and the biggest untapped consumer pool for assessment companies are adults interested in lifelong learning and continuous career development.

“Skills are the future currency,” the report says. Assessment companies, it goes on to assert, can be trusted just as much as an accredited university or employer to identify those skills and convert them into hard cash on the job market.

“A variety of certification sources, which will include universities, but also corporate training and testing organizations, will be approximately equally valued in producing certifications and credentials,” the report says.

In the video announcing employee buyouts, Sevak stressed the need for ETS to be nimble and to adapt to rapidly changing market demands for educational assessments.

“We see our competitors operating with a much lower and more flexible cost base, and with highly automated models,” he said. “The way we’re structured is inhibiting us from swiftly pivoting to mitigate external threats such as AI, geopolitics, future customer needs, and the disruptive, competitive context [of testing].”

A number of recent acquisitions point to ETS’s venture into the skills-assessment space. In September, the company acquired Wheebox , an “assessment platform and proctoring solutions company,” to the tune of $12.2 million, according to the audit. Wheebox’s LinkedIn describes it as a “global work skill assessment firm. And in January, ETS acquired PSI , a “global leader in workforce certification and licensure” which administers, among other professional tests, the Federal Aviation Administration exams.

Are Students Who Protested Losing Out on Job Opportunities?

In a survey by Intelligent.com, students who had job offers rescinded largely attributed it to their activism.

Share This Article

More from graduate.

Rethinking Grad Admissions in a Post-SFFA World

Nick Eubank writes that a mission-derived rubric can help programs admit students with a wide range of life experienc

Access, Fairness and Graduate Programs in the Humanities

In favoring applicants from elite private institutions, graduate programs in the humanities are shutting out talented

A ‘Near-Record’ International Student Surge

• Become a Member
• Sign up for Newsletters
• Learning & Assessment
• Diversity & Equity
• Career Development
• Labor & Unionization
• Shared Governance
• Academic Freedom
• Books & Publishing
• Financial Aid
• Residential Life
• Free Speech
• Physical & Mental Health
• Race & Ethnicity
• Sex & Gender
• Socioeconomics
• Traditional-Age
• Adult & Post-Traditional
• Teaching & Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Publishing
• Data Analytics
• Administrative Tech
• Alternative Credentials
• Financial Health
• Cost-Cutting
• Revenue Strategies
• Academic Programs
• Physical Campuses
• Mergers & Collaboration
• Fundraising
• Research Universities
• Regional Public Universities
• Community Colleges
• Private Nonprofit Colleges
• Minority-Serving Institutions
• Religious Colleges
• Women's Colleges
• Specialized Colleges
• For-Profit Colleges
• Executive Leadership
• Trustees & Regents
• State Oversight
• Accreditation
• Politics & Elections
• Supreme Court
• Student Aid Policy
• Science & Research Policy
• State Policy
• Colleges & Localities
• Employee Satisfaction
• Remote & Flexible Work
• Staff Issues
• Study Abroad
• International Students in U.S.
• U.S. Colleges in the World
• Intellectual Affairs
• Seeking a Faculty Job
• Advancing in the Faculty
• Seeking an Administrative Job
• Advancing as an Administrator
• Beyond Transfer
• Call to Action
• Confessions of a Community College Dean
• Higher Ed Gamma
• Higher Ed Policy
• Just Explain It to Me!
• Just Visiting
• Law, Policy—and IT?
• Leadership & StratEDgy
• Leadership in Higher Education
• Learning Innovation
• Online: Trending Now
• Resident Scholar
• University of Venus
• Student Voice
• Academic Life
• Health & Wellness
• The College Experience
• Life After College
• Academic Minute
• Weekly Wisdom
• Reports & Data
• Quick Takes
• Advertising & Marketing
• Consulting Services
• Data & Insights
• Hiring & Jobs
• Event Partnerships

4 /5 Articles remaining this month.

Sign up for a free account or log in.

• Create Free Account