Your postgraduate research application
We believe higher education is for everyone. We value the experiences, ideas and perspectives that make you unique. So we'll consider your application on its merits — whatever your academic or professional background.
Applying for a postgraduate research degree at Portsmouth
1. Explore our types of research degrees and subject areas
Whatever postgraduate research path you take, you'll first need to identify which of our research degrees and our subject areas is the best fit for your research. We recommend you get in touch with the relevant subject area supervisor ahead of applying. You can discuss your research ideas with them and ensure we have supervisory expertise to support you.
If you are interested in an MD, PhD by Publication or Professional Doctorate, you can find application guidance on the respective webpages.
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 using our Find a PhD Supervisor tool.
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. Once you're ready to apply, follow the 'Apply now' link at the end of the project page.
Some pre-approved projects would require you to submit a brief proposal outlining the main features of your proposed research design.If that is the case it’ll be clearly stated in the project page.
Looking for funded PhDs?
Discover our funded PhD scholarships, see if you're eligible to apply, and contact a project supervisor today.
4. Consider your funding options
We know funding your research can be as challenging as undertaking it. We attract funding for postgraduate research degrees from a range of sources. Browse our funded PhD opportunities or check out loans and discounts on offer.
5. Check out 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.
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. How to apply
When you're ready to apply for an MPhil, PhD or a PhD by Publication, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the relevant PhD subject area page.
If you're applying for a pre-approved research project, remember to add the project code to your application form. The project code can be found at the top of the project page.
If you are applying for an MD or Professional Doctorate, you can find links to the form and guidance on the respective programme pages.
MPhils, PhDs or a PhD by Publication
Use the application link on our relevant subject area page.
Pre-approved research projects
You'll need to add the project code from the top of the project page to your application form.
Additional application information
When you apply to us, we'll ask you to declare if you have any relevant criminal convictions. A 'relevant' conviction is defined as one involving any kind of violence. These include:
- offences concerning the intention to harm or resulting in actual bodily harm
- the unlawful supply of controlled drugs or substances where the conviction concerns commercial drug dealing or trafficking
- offences involving firearms
- arson
- offences listed in the Sex Offences Act 2003 or the Terrorism Act 2006
'Spent' convictions are no longer 'relevant' unless you're applying for a teaching, health or social work course or a course involving work with children or vulnerable adults. A conviction becomes 'spent' if you don't re-offend during your rehabilitation period (as defined by The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974).
Assessing applicants with relevant criminal convictions
If you've declared a relevant criminal conviction in your application, we'll contact you to confirm you've declared it correctly. Please don't give us details of the offences when you contact us.
Once we have your confirmation, a panel of our senior staff will consider your application confidentially.
When to apply
For most of our research degrees we offer three intakes a year: October, February and April.
We accept applications all year round, but we suggest applying 2–3 months before your chosen start date — so for a February start, you should apply in the preceding November, for an April start, you should apply in the preceding January and for an October start, you should apply by May or June.
If you can't apply that far in advance, don't worry — we'll do our best to process later applications too.
If you are an international applicant please refer to these recommended deadlines.
After you apply
Once we've received your application, it usually takes us around 4 weeks to process it and give you an update. To help us review your application as quickly as possible, you should make sure to include all the relevant supporting documentation (including a proposal, if required). It's also helpful if you've discussed your research interests with a potential supervisor beforehand.
If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to an interview.
Accepting your offer
Once your application has been processed, you'll be able to accept your offer via your Student View portal.
Completing your application
At this stage you'll:
- Upload evidence to meet the conditions of your offer
- Pay your deposit or provide evidence of sponsorship
- Apply for your Doctoral Loan — for eligible UK and EU nationals
- Apply for ATAS if required
More about applying for your research degree
Funding your research degree
Find out how you can fund your postgraduate research project, with options including loans, bursaries, and scholarships.
Writing a research proposal and personal statement
Explore our advice on what you should be looking to include in your research proposal and your personal statement before you apply.
Postgraduate Research Proposal Guide
If you are considering undertaking a postgraduate research degree, follow our step by step guide to writing the perfect research proposal.
