Studentships

Applications can be made using our online application form. Before applying please ensure that you inform your referees.

Once you have submitted your application, the system will automatically contact your referees on your behalf. Your application will not be considered without two appropriate references and all additional documents required with your application, which include:

• Copies of certificates/transcripts
• Copy of English language proficiency certificate (if required)
• Full curriculum vitae
• Broad outline of your proposed research project
• You may also be asked to complete a fees assessment in order to determine the level of tuition fee payable.

Please note that tuition fees are only covered at the UK/EC rate, so international students are liable for the difference in fee rates. Some sponsored studentships may have additional eligibility criteria.

If you will be based overseas for your research, you will also be asked to answer additional questions relating to:

• Where your research will be conducted and how you will meet the attendance requirement of at least 30 days attendance per annum on one of the University’s campuses (or 15 days for part-time students)
• How you will access appropriate training opportunities
• How you will access resources required for your research
• How your supervision requirement will be met (i.e. meeting, email exchange, phone conversation, video conferencing)
• What opportunities you will have to interact with other researchers

Once your application is submitted, we will then forward it to the relevant department for consideration. You will receive a copy of your submitted application via email.

Once your application has been received, an interview with the proposed supervisory team and an independent academic will be arranged. Interviews are usually held at the University, although telephone or Skype interviews can be arranged for overseas students, and are quite informal.

When will I receive a decision?

We will usually contact you with our decision within 4 weeks, however, please ensure you respond to requests for further information as quickly as possible.

If your application is successful, an offer of a place will be made in writing by Postgraduate Admissions and an offer of the Studentship will be made in writing.

If you are unsure about anything, please contact us.

Visas and Immigration

For further information, advice and guidance on Visas and immigration, please visit our international student section. 

ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme)

If you are a non-EU/EEA (including Switzerland) national and are planning to take postgraduate study in the UK in certain Technology, Engineering or Science subjects, then you will also need to obtain an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate before applying for your Visa, Entry Clearance or Extension of Stay as a student. Further details on the ATAS certificate.