How to apply and ATAS

To make an application to a research degree programme please follow the link below. You will need to complete the online research degree application form and upload your supporting documents.

If you are submitting your own research proposal, please note that it must include:

An outline of the research to be undertaken
Research questions
Proposed planning of work
Context (why is it important, likely outcomes etc.)
Bibliography (important references in the proposed field of research)

Before making your application please ensure you can fulfill all of the entry requirements (including English language) and have identified your source of funding. The Research Graduate School may issue a conditional offer letter but all conditions must be met eight weeks before the next start date to allow sufficient time to submit your visa application.

Please consult the guidance notes - DOCX 815.3 KB before you start your online application.

Apply now

If you would like to be considered for one of our pre-written proposals please click here to view them. You will need to enter your chosen proposal number on the online application form.

Applications will be considered for entry to one of three structured induction dates. View more information and deadline dates

Entry qualifications

Applicants for a research degree should have a good Honours degree (2:1 or above) or Masters degree or equivalent in the relevant subject area.

For MSc/MA by Research a good Honours degree is required in the appropriate subject.

English Language Entry Requirement - Research Graduate School

All international/overseas research degree applicants for whom English is not their first language* are required to have an English language qualification with IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or equivalent:

IELTS

with a score of 6.0 or more.
The individual tests within IELTS must have a score of no less than 5.5

TOEFL

with a score of 72 or more.
Individual scores as follows: Listening –17 (or above) Reading –18 (or above) Speaking - 20 (or above) Writing -17 (or above)

Please note that the test must have been taken no more than two years prior to application.

Applicants who have successfully completed a degree from a UKBA recognised English speaking institute may use this as proof of English proficiency.

*Please note the UKBA has permitted exemptions from the requirements for sponsors to confirm English language competence for those who are nationals from a majority English-speaking country. These are defined by the UKBA as:

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
The Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United States of America

ATAS (Academic Technology Approval System)

As of November 2007 the Voluntary Vetting Scheme (VVS) was replaced by the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).

Under the new scheme an ATAS clearance certificate will be mandatory for all non-EU students seeking leave to enter or remain under the Immigration Act in order to study in the UK and who are intending to undertake PhD level research (including a few postgraduate Master's students) in specific, limited/programmes of study.

An ATAS clearance certificate will be needed before a student applies for entry clearance. It will also apply to those students seeking an extension of stay if already in the UK (e.g when moving from undergraduate studies to a Master's or PhD, or from a Master's to PhD, that is covered by the provisions of ATAS).

Applicants who have an existing visa and whose subject area falls within the specific fields identified by FCO will also be required to obtain ATAS clearance prior to engaging in their studies.

For more information please visit www.fco.gov.uk

Registering with the police

Prior to registering onto a course at the University, students of certain nationalities will need to register with the police

Apply now

Contact Us