How to apply - PhDs
Applying for a PhD is quite different to the process for undergraduate and Master’s degrees – you need a clear and original idea that aligns with the strategic themes of a faculty, as well as ensuring your research project will make a positive contribution to research at BCU. To ensure you are fully prepared, here are the key steps of the PhD application process.
PhD Studentships
PhD studentships are PhD funding opportunities supported by the University and organisations, where your research will be actively used in overcoming real-world problems.
Contribute to research expertise at BCU and explore current PhD studentships here.
VC's 2024 Studentship Scheme
We are delighted to launch the first phase of the Vice Chancellor’s Inaugural PhD studentship scheme, which is offering 23 doctoral studentships to undergraduates and taught postgraduates with the potential for onward teaching employment following completion of the doctoral study.
Fees and funding
Find out more about all the funding opportunities that are available to you, as well as guidance on fees and studentships.
Find out moreResearch Centres
Our research centres work to address key local, national and global challenges, in line with the priorities of the University and our students.
Explore our centresContact Us
Got any queries or concerns about what studying is a PhD is like? Send us a question or find the answer in our FAQs.
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Applying for a PhD is quite different to the process for undergraduate and Master’s degrees – you need a clear and original idea that aligns with the strategic themes of a faculty, as well as ensuring your research project will make a positive contribution. To ensure you are fully prepared, here are the key steps of the PhD application process.
Write your proposal
Your research proposal should give potential supervisors a clear idea of your intentions for your research project, including what you aim to solve/find out and why your research will be important. Outline the idea of your research, what you hope to achieve with it, provide a firm academic context and highlight what benefits your research will have. You can find help and guidance for writing proposals via our PhD pages.
Apply online
Now you’ve written and refined your proposal, it’s time to send in your application through our application portal. As well as your research proposal you will need to upload your proof of qualifications, including your qualifications and transcripts. If you are an overseas student, you also need to upload proof of English language proficiency and your passport. Once you have submitted, the Doctoral Research College will assess your application to see if our academic staff are able to supervise you.
Attend an interview
If your chosen research can be supported, the relevant faculty will invite you to an interview. There, they will discuss your application in more detail and explore your project further. Ensure you have an updated CV with details of qualifications and prepare a brief summary of your research interests.
Receive your offer
Following a successful interview, you will receive an offer of a place to study your PhD, DBA or EdD programme, which will also include information on fees and the payments required at enrolment (unless you have applied and been granted funding for your project). For international students, there will also be information and guidance on securing the appropriate visa.
Begin your journey!
Whether you’re studying full-time or part-time, your PhD will be one of the most challenging, exciting and highly rewarding times of your life. It is a chance for you to conduct innovative research in an area that interests you. Let the journey commence!