Applying for a PhD

PhD applications are different to other university courses. For one thing, you won’t be applying to a course.

In the UK, most PhD application deadlines are between late December and mid January. This coincides with the deadlines set by UKRI Research Council funding bodies. Most students will begin work on their application in the autumn. Although less common, many PhD positions and funding opportunities are still available to apply for year round.

To apply for a PhD you’ll need to show that you’re the right candidate to fill an advertised position, or complete a research project that you designed and proposed yourself.

The articles here are designed to help you do that.

We've explained how PhD interviews work (and previewed some of the questions you might be asked). We've also looked at common postgraduate entry tests and provided some advice on eligibility criteria for doctoral research.

All that's left is to wish you good luck. So... good luck!