Apply for a postgraduate research programme

How to apply to study on a postgraduate research programme at the University of Plymouth as a home student, an international student or a studentship candidate
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Apply for a postgraduate research programme

How to apply to study on a postgraduate research programme at the University of Plymouth as a home student, an international student or a studentship candidate

Applying for a postgraduate research programme

Start your postgraduate research programme application by visiting the relevant course page and select the apply now button where you will be directed to the ‘self-manage’ Applicant Portal. 
You can use the 'Search for a course' tool to find a Postgraduate Research course.
Our Applicant Portal at the University of Plymouth is designed as an easy way for you to access updates about your application to study with us, provide us with more information if needed, find out what to do next and to stay in touch.

Search for a course

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Before applying

Admissions policy
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
International students
In addition to the entry requirements for your chosen programme, please check the entry requirements for your country, including the English language requirements.
Studentship candidates
Please follow the instructions on the advert(s). Read the entry requirements for your chosen postgraduate research studentship carefully before starting your application to ensure you submit the correct supporting documents.

Potential supervisors

As a researcher, your academic journey will be supported by supervisors who possess relevant research expertise and share common research interests.
As a first step, you should discuss your project ideas with a relevant member of academic staff.
When looking for potential supervisors:
  • identify academic staff through our school websites who are actively engaged in teaching and research within your field of interest
  • review their recent publications and ongoing research projects on their webpage and any social media platforms for insight.
To identify a suitable supervisor, you can also check our Experts Directory. 
You will need to have identified an academic supervisor and have agreement from them to proceed. Please obtain written confirmation to upload as official evidence of support when submitting your formal application
Please note: that a supervisor's willingness to supervise your project does not guarantee admission to the research degree programme.
What is a research degree?
Research degrees require a high degree of self-management, extensive independent study and original work under the guidance of a supervisor, rather than strict timetables and assessed modules. Because of this, the application process is fundamentally different: you are not just applying for a place on a course; you are essentially proposing a professional collaboration to an academic expert.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The application should be written by yourself and not be AI generated; the ideas, the reflection and the tone, must come from you.

Completing your application

Submit your formal application from the relevant course page, select the ‘Apply Now’ button where you will be directed to the ‘self-manage’ Applicant Portal.
It is important to include all the necessary information so we can process your application as quickly as possible. Please complete all sections of the form.
You will need to upload:
  • A research proposal. This will need to be detailed enough to show that you’ve selected a well-defined research question (for some project-based studentship applications, please follow the instructions on the advert). 
  • Provide a letter of support from your supervisors, which should be uploaded as an attachment. Applications without this letter will not be considered. A formal letter (with supervisor signatures) or email confirmation is acceptable.
  • Evidence of qualifications (degree certificates and full transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements. 
  • Your personal statement. This is a short essay or letter, written by you and explaining your reasons for applying to the University. Explain why you feel the University should offer you a place on the course, using previous study and work experience, as well as your personal interests, to support this. Make particular and detailed reference to the degree course you are applying for. 
  • Your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s.
  • Proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
  • A copy of your current passport.
  • Two references, at least one of which must be from an academic who has taught you (only references on headed paper and from professional or academic email accounts can be accepted).
International students
In addition to the above, you will also need to upload:
  • A copy of the information page of your current passport (tell us immediately if you get a new passport at any time before you come to the UK to study).
  • A copy of any previous or current UK visa.
  • A copy of any English language qualifications you have (for example, IELTS or PTE Academic).

Application deadlines

There are three intakes for research degrees, so you can start your studies with us in either 15 September (ResM)/1 October, 1 January or 1 April. 
Application decisions can take several months, so it is very important that you apply well in advance of the date you wish to start.
If you are applying for one of our postgraduate research studentships, they will have stated an application closing date for that specific opportunity. For all other applications the standard closing dates are as follows:
Home and Channel Island applicants International applicants
September/October 15 July 15 May
January 15 October 15 August
April 15 January 15 November

Receipt of application

We will acknowledge receipt of your application via your applicant portal. 
If you have not sent all the required supporting documents we need to make a decision, we will contact you via your applicant portal with information on the documentation we require. Please upload this information to your application portal as soon as possible so we can refer your application to the relevant School to make a decision on whether to offer you a place.

Your offer letter

If you have been offered a place at the University of Plymouth, your offer letter will include information on your programme of study, tuition fees, deposits (fee assessed as International), your start date and any academic/non-academic conditions you may need to satisfy. Please read the letter carefully, as it will contain all of the information you will need to make your decision regarding your offer.
Your offer will be either Conditional or Unconditional:
  • Conditional means that you have not yet satisfied our academic, English language or any other entry requirements. 
  • Unconditional means that you satisfy all our academic, English language (if relevant) or other conditions.

Next steps

You can accept your offer via your applicant portal. If we have not heard from you by the official start date of your programme, we reserve the right to withdraw your application. 
International students – Deposit and CAS Deadlines
Once your conditions have been met, this includes your £3,500 tuition fee deposit (please note that this deposit amount is subject to change). Then we will send you the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You will need your CAS if you need to apply for a Student visa to study in the UK.
If you require a student visa, we can only start preparing your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) after we receive your deposit. It usually takes up to 5 working days for deposits to clear.

Deadline dates

Entry points/Start dates Deposits/Conditions CAS
15 September (ResM) 14 August 21 August
1 October 28 August 4 September
1 January 27 November 3 December
1 April 26 February 2 March
  • Check if you need a Student visa
  • Apply for a Student visa
    We are a licenced Student visa sponsor under the Points-Based Immigration System. To comply with our duties as a Student visa sponsor, we are required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, such as any previous studies and your immigration history in the UK or other countries.  
We may require you to attend an interview before we issue you with your CAS.  If you are required to attend an interview, the University’s Credibility Team will contact you with details of the time and date and joining instructions.  

More help with applying

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Student regulations, policies and procedures

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International student advice

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Find support through our disability services

Research degree awards

The University of Plymouth currently offers a wide range of postgraduate research degree programmes which can be studied both full time and part time. 
 
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Postgraduate research areas

Find out more about the areas in which we supervise postgraduate research at both doctoral and masters levels. 
Offering a flavour of potential topics for your own research project and who to contact to discuss your options.
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Doctoral College Admissions Team

+44 1752 587640

4th Floor Nancy Astor Building, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA

9:00–16:30 Monday to Thursday, and 9:00–16:00 on Fridays. Closed on bank holidays.