The application process comprises two phases:
- Phase 1: Expression of Interest (no fee)
- Phase 2: Full prima facie application (fee payable)
Phase 1: Expression of InterestApplicants must first submit an Expression of Interest to the University’s
Doctoral College -
doctoralcollege@plymouth.ac.uk - comprising:
- an abstract of their research (of no more than 300 words)
- a list of the works on which the submission is likely to be based, and
- a curriculum vitae (no longer than 5 pages)
There is no fee attached to this phase of application.
The Doctoral College will, having consulted with relevant Faculties, send the application for consideration by the appropriate School within the University.
The purpose of this stage is to enable the University to determine whether resources and expertise are available to support the applicant to completion of the degree within this area of study.
Phase 2: Full prima facie application
If, under Phase 1 (above), a Faculty confirms that it has the resources and expertise to support the research content to completion, candidates must submit a full application within three months of the Phase 1 outcome. The purpose of Phase 2 is to satisfy the University that a prima facie case can be made for candidature.
An application ‘reading fee’ is payable for this phase. Details of application and tuition fees for postgraduate research students are linked from our fees and funding page.
The Faculty Doctoral Committee will determine whether a prima facie case exists and if accepted then the applicant will be permitted to enrol for the degree and to prepare their submission for examination.
The successful candidate will be assigned a supervisory team and have a maximum of 12 months from the time of approval of the prima facie case to prepare their final submission for examination.
For full details on how to apply and what the programme entails, please read the section ‘AWD2 PhD on the Basis of Prior Published Works’ in the University of Plymouth Academic Regulations. When you are ready to make an application, please complete an expression of interest template and return it to doctoralcollege@plymouth.ac.uk.