How to apply (Research)

Everything you need to know to apply for a research degree.

Applying for a research degree

We accept applications all year round, with start dates in January and September. The application deadlines are:

31 August for a January start
30 April for a September start

Please note:

Your attendance in person at Induction is compulsory. If you were unable to attend this then your start date would have to be deferred to the next entry point.
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences welcomes applications; however, applications will not be considered until after each deadline.
We are currently not accepting MPhil/PhD applications in the Faculty of Business and Digital Technologies.
For Theology, through a partnership with Sarum College, the University is only able to accept MPhil/PhD applications that fall under the remit of Sarum College, as all supervision will be provided by Sarum College staff. Please consult the Sarum College website or contact ssnyder@sarum.ac.uk for more information.

Supervision

Before anything else, you will need to make sure that we can supervise your proposed research project. There are various ways to find a potential supervisor:

Directly, through our Staff Directory
By faculty: explore our faculties or research in our faculties
By keyword: use the Find an Expert widget below

Once you have identified two potential supervisors, please email them your thesis proposal details to ascertain if they are interested in your project. Once you have identified potentially interested supervisors you can proceed to applying by completing the application form (below).

Please note that there is no guarantee that we will have the capacity to supervise a project or that the supervisors you have nominated will be allocated if you are offered a place. Upon receipt of your application the Doctoral School will liaise with the relevant faculty to consider your application.

Please email the Doctoral School if you are transferring from another institution.

Your proposed research

Your application will include a proposal for your research. The proposal is an opportunity for you to communicate your passion for the subject area and to make a persuasive argument about what your project can accomplish. Make sure that your passion for the subject shines through in your application.

Preparation for Research Pathway

Some applicants who would like to study for a research degree (MPhil/PhD) may need some help in preparing their research proposal. For these students, we offer a Preparation for Research Pathway. For a one-off fee (not eligible for any bursary), students may register as a Preparation for Research student.

Fees

Information on fees and other financial information can be found on the Postgraduate Financial Information page.

Application Form

Download Form A - Application Form for Research Degree March 24

Return your completed form, electronically, to the Doctoral School.

Entry requirements

Applicants must ensure they meet the following entry requirements:

Qualifications

Applicants for entry to postgraduate research programmes should have at least one of the following qualifications:

A Masters degree from a UK university or a degree from a non-UK institution deemed to be of equal standing to a UK degree, or
A first class or upper second-class Bachelors degree award by a UK university or a degree from a non-UK institution deemed to be of equal standing to a UK degree
A professional qualification recognised as equivalent to a good degree
Equivalent evidence of prior professional practice or learning that meets the University's criteria and guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)*

*Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL, formerly known as APEL)

Applicants who wish to apply for advanced standing (exemption from part of a programme) based on previous study and/or experiential learning may apply for RPL. Please note that any credits or marks gained from previous study shall not be counted in your final result as your award is calculated solely on the credits and marks accumulated while registered at the University of Winchester.

An application for RPL to exempt the postgraduate research student from part of the research skills programme, or from a module on the pre-thesis stage of a professional doctorate programme, should normally be submitted at the application stage. Please note RPL cannot be used in relation to the thesis for a Professional Doctorate, MPhil or PhD qualifications. Please read the RPL Policy or email us for further details.

Additional requirements

Two satisfactory written reports from academic referees
A student is admitted to a Professional Doctorate or Professional Master's programme on the basis of being actively engaged in a profession relevant to the award being sought
For the award of PhD by Works in the Public Domain or the Professional Doctorate by Contribution to Practice, an appropriate number of prior publications or other outputs (this shall be determined on a case by case basis as specified in the programme outlines). These degrees are currently available only to members of staff and to people who have an existing relationship with the University.

English language proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English shall be required, in addition to satisfying the general entry requirements, to have achieved an average score of 6.5 Academic IELTS, with a minimum of 7.0 for written English.

Digital literacy

Digital literacy contributes greatly to the confidence with which students engage in learning and teaching towards their degree. This includes general university processes and communications, the virtual learning environment (including assignment submission), online library access and presentation of work. Potential students are strongly advised to anticipate and address their needs before starting and, once enrolled, to take advantage of the support available.