HOW TO apply.
We value the experiences, ideas and perspectives that make you unique. So we will consider your application on its merits— whatever your academic or professional background.
1. Explore subject areas and types of research degree
Whatever postgraduate research path you take, you’ ll first need to identify which of our research degrees and subject areas is the best fit for your research. We recommend you get in touch with the relevant subject area supervisor before you apply.
Making a successful research degree application: a step-by-step guide
2. Find a supervisor
If you’ ve got your own research idea, or want to discuss your options, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours. Use our‘ Find a PhD Supervisor’ tool to search through over 500 supervisors.
PORT. AC. UK / PHD-SUPERVISOR
Once you’ ve found someone suitable, contact them directly to have a discussion.
3. Explore our pre-defined PhD projects
Browse our list of already-approved PhD projects. Available across most of our subject areas, these are PhD projects where a supervisory team is already in place. If you find one that fits your interests, contact the relevant supervisor to discuss your interest.
PORT. AC. UK / PHD-PROJECTS
4. Check our entry requirements
We typically expect a minimum of an upper second-class honours degree or a Master’ s from an internationally recognised university. For a Professional Doctorate, your work environment must also be able to support your professional research and development project.
English language requirements If English isn’ t your first language or your first degree is not from an English speaking university, you will need to demonstrate your English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5, with no component score below 6.0. If applying to a subject area that is particularly linguistically demanding( e. g. law, applied linguistics, translation studies and English literature) you’ ll need IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5.
5. How to apply
When you’ re ready to apply for a research degree with us, follow the‘ apply now’ link on the relevant PhD subject area page at port. ac. uk / research-subjects.
You’ ll need to create an account so you can save, complete and submit your application in your own time. If you’ re applying for a pre-defined project, you’ ll need to add the project code to your application form.
Supporting documentation You’ ll need to have the following supporting documentation ready to complete your application:
Proof of your first degree and grades( officially certified and translated copies if not in English)
Proof of your English language proficiency( if English is not your first language)
A personal statement
A research proposal( if required) or the project code( if you are applying for a pre-approved project)
Details of two referees or references on official headed paper, one of which should be an academic reference
An up-to-date copy of your CV
6. When to apply
We accept applications all year round, but we suggest applying two to three months before your chosen start date. For most of our research degrees, we offer three intakes a year: October, February and April.
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