Studying at postgraduate level is always a big commitment, but applying for a PhD or other

doctorate, which will take a minimum of 3 years, is a major decision.

In the UK, the most common model for a doctorate is a ‘traditional’ PhD - where a substantial
original piece of research is carried out and ‘written up’ into a thesis over 3 (sometimes 4)
years if study is full time, or up to 6 or more years if studied part-time. There are other
models of the PhD offered in the UK and in other countries which include PhDs judged by a
portfolio of published papers.

In other European countries, PhD candidates are usually salaried employees, whereas in the
UK they are normally students. The ‘Viva Voce’ or defence of the PhD in the UK is usually
done in private with a set number of examiners (usually 2 or 3) whereas in other countries,
especially in Europe, the ‘defence’ may take the form of a public session with an
examination panel.

It is also possible to take a 'professional' doctorate – these are usually studied part-time
whilst the student continues to work, and the professional context forms a key part of the
doctorate with the candidate undertaking two or more substantial pieces of research rooted
in their professional area and their work. The most long standing examples of this
professional Doctorate in the UK include EdD (in Education), EngD (Engineering) and
DClinPsy (Psychology) and DBA (Business) but many others have also been developed in
recent years, often in health and social sciences related areas.

Here are some of the things you might find it helpful to consider when thinking about a PhD
or other doctorate:

Is Research the life you want for the next 3 years or more?

Success in an undergraduate or masters project can give you some idea of whether
research would suit you in the long term but it’s not an infallible guide. Talking to both staff
and current PhD students, especially about the realities of daily life as a doctoral student will
help you understand more about what is required before you apply.
Do you have funding for a doctorate?

Check out TalkPostgrad’s recent articles on where to look for funding from
both Universities and charities.
Should you do a masters before applying for a PhD?

In some subject areas, including social sciences and arts, undertaking a research based
masters is either a requirement or something you would be strongly advised to do before
embarking on a PhD. This type of masters will teach you valuable research skills. There are
however PhDs in these subjects that now incorporate substantial research skills training as
part of the PhD. If you are at all uncertain as to whether a PhD is right for you, whatever your
subject area, a masters that includes a substantial piece of independent research may help
you make up your mind.

Should you visit the University before applying for a PhD?

It’s great if you can, but of course its not always possible, so if you can’t visit in person, we
would definitely recommend calling to speak with your potential supervisor, a discussion
over skype if you can manage it, phone calls and emails. Anything that gives you a feel for
whether the research environment at the University or within that research group would be
right for you, and gives you an opportunity to communicate with the person who would be
your supervisor is a good idea. You may also be able to speak to other research students
currently working within the group or department, either over skype or if the University offers
online chat sessions. If you need to submit a research proposal as part of the application
then speaking to the supervisor before you start is a good idea.

How do you write a research proposal?

If the University requires you to send in a research proposal as part of your application, they
may well have guidelines on the form they expect it to take. If you can’t find any guidelines,
don’t be afraid to ask, and they may even be able to send you some past examples.
How long does it take to apply for a PhD?

PhD funding and opportunities are advertised throughout the year – some have deadlines of
just 3 weeks, or if might be 3 months. You may well end up applying for a number of different
PhDs as they are very competitive, particularly where funding is involved. We would certainly
suggest making sure you have enough time for each application. We’ve created a useful
online tool to help you manage your applications if you make more than one, and keep track
of where everything is – take a look at http://www.MyPostgradApps.com to find out how it
can help you.
Will I definitely get funding for my PhD?

For many students this is the most important question, but its one of the most difficult to
answer. You can help maximise your chances by setting aside plenty of time to apply,
establishing good relationships with the supervisors in the research groups you are applying
to, and doing your research before you contact the University. Be prepared to persevere!

If you are looking for PhD Funding, apply to attend our PhD Funding Fair 2016. Meet
leading UK Universities with funding on offer, chat to current PhD students, attend talks on
how to apply, and find out what it’s really like to be a PhD student.
Tell us what you think about applying for a PhD by commenting on this article on our
TalkPostgrad page on Facebook. If you have very specific questions you can include them
there too, or you can also try the Postgraduate Forum on TheStudentRoom which you can
access via MastersCompare or PostgraduateStudentships.

PhD Study - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a PhD for me?
It depends! What would you like to research? What type of training do you want and what are
your future ambitions? A PhD is first and foremost a period of research training and an
intellectual challenge. Does this sound appealing to you? On a secondary level, a PhD can also
be a springboard for specialist expertise, a rite of passage or a job credential. What it means for
you will depend on which opportunities you seize, whether you keep an eye on `the Big Picture',
what sorts of relationships you form and so on.

Read more

How long does a PhD take?

In the UK most PhD programmes last for three years. Students are expected to submit a thesis
within 12 months of the end of the programme (and preferably within the three year period).
There are an increasing number of programmes, such as the New Route PhD scheme or
the Wellcome Trust Four year PhD scheme, which incorporate a number of taught modules into
the programme: increasing its length to four years.

How much will it cost me?

This depends on where you are from, where and what you want to study and whether or not you
qualify for funding. For indicative fees and other costs (such as bench fees), search our
database and then consult individual institutions’ websites.
Funded projects are available on a competitive basis, but be sure to check the eligibility
criteria. Search our database and select the funding status which suits your circumstances.

Can I fund myself?

It is possible to fund your PhD, whether you are applying for grants to create your own package
of funding, are using personal funds or a combination of both. Self-funding is not always easy
and will require careful financial planning. Remember, unless your research is mostly desk-
based, there may be additional costs such as photocopying, research materials, software,
access to facilities and travel. Having your own funding is also no guarantee of a PhD place. You
will still need to fulfil entry requirements and to find a supervisor willing to take you on.

PhD Funding Guide

What qualifications do I need?

A Masters degree, or its international equivalent, is often required for entry onto a PhD and this is
usually the case in arts and humanities subjects. In the sciences, however, students can
sometimes progress directly to a PhD after their undergraduate degree. In addition to any
postgraduate requirements, you’ll also need to demonstrate good performance during your
undergraduate degree. An upper second class bachelors degree is generally the minimum entry
requirement. If you think you may need to complete a Masters prior to your PhD you can visit our
sister site FindAMasters.com to see what courses are on offer.
If your PhD is not conducted in your first language, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency
through a language test.

More on PhD Eligibility

Is my qualification equivalent to a 2(i) degree?

To give you a rough idea, a British 2(i) degree (referred to as an 'Upper Second Class Honours
Degree' or a 'Two-One') is the second highest mark available for a British Honours Degree.

Qualification Equivalencies

Can I study part-time?

Yes. Many students choose to study part time, particularly when they are self-funded. It is likely
that the majority of funded PhD positions will require a full time commitment.

Part-Time PhDs

What is an MPhil?
Most UK universities require PhD students to start their studies by registering for the degree of
MPhil. The student is usually required to produce a report at the end of the first year and may
undertake a more informal internal examination of this material as part of their upgrade process.
If their work is judged to be of the required standard the student’s registration will transfer to a
PhD.

MPhil or PhD?

How do I decide where to study?

Primarily you should look for a project which interests you. Sometimes, it is considered better to
study for a PhD in a different university from the one where you did your first degree, as this will
expose you to a different set of academic influences. However it is not uncommon for people to
stay in the same place, either because of family commitments or because of the quality of
projects on offer.

Where to Study for your PhD

How do I approach prospective supervisors?

Identifying the best supervisor is an essential part of the search for your future PhD. You'll need
to do some research and plan how you best approach potential supervisors. To learn the ‘Golden
Rules’ for making that first contact, read our article Choosing a supervisor.

When should I apply?

In the UK and in most countries around the world, PhD studentships begin in
September/October. However, funded and self-funded PhDs can start at any time of year. You
should begin applying as soon as possible. Although new studentships are advertised throughout
the year, competition for places gets higher the closer you get to October.

Do I need to write my own research proposal?

The answer for scientists and engineers is only if you're asked to. In these subject areas most
funded projects in the UK (and particularly those on this site) have been thought up by the
supervisor concerned and peer reviewed. Your job is to convince them that you'll be able to do
the work. If you have your own research proposal, then you may find it difficult to get it funded.
Pre-defined projects and studentships are less common in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
areas and you will likely find yourself producing your own research proposal. In this case you'll
certainly need the support of your prospective supervisor (if you’ve established one) or another
leading academic in your field of interest.
For further advice, read our articles on PhD Study in the Arts, Humanities & Social
Sciences (which cover proposal writing and choosing a good research project). There’s also a
handy guide to writing a Good Postgraduate Research Proposal here.

What should I put in my application?

Your application should include all the usual information on qualifications and employment
history. You should also list the modules covered in the final year of your undergraduate degree
and the title of any dissertations or research projects. If you're fortunate enough to have been
published, include the reference. In your covering letter state why you are interested in the
particular research project and what you enjoyed about any research you have already done. If
you intend to find your own funding, make this clear in the application.
When applying from this site apply to the person indicated in the 'Enquiries To' line, unless the
description of the project says otherwise. You can also email the project supervisor to ask for
further details. If you do, make sure your message is personalised; sending bulk emails to
supervisors does not work.

Who should I ask to provide a reference for my application?

References will be an important part of your application and will have as much bearing on the
decision to admit you as your academic background, research proposal and/or personal
statement.

What happens at a PhD interview?

You may be asked to attend an interview (face-to-face or via tele-/videoconference), especially if
you are applying for a studentship.

PhD Interviews

What's it like to do a PhD?

The million-dollar question! Past and present PhD students can fill you with tales of dread and
delight. See our guide for more information.

Is there an average PhD week?

The short answer is: probably not! How you manage your time over the week will depend on a
number of factors. Read more.

How to apply for a PhD

We are looking for ambitious, talented and motivated students. You'll have the
passion to make new discoveries, the drive to test new theories, and the willingness
to go above and beyond.

How do I apply?
For most of our PhD degrees you apply using our online application service.

You can set up an account or log in to start your application.

Sussex representatives should use our Sussex representative login.

 For some of our PhDs you need to apply through other routes. Find out which
degrees this includes.

Follow our step-by-step guide to help you apply to Sussex:

1. Choose your research degree

With 90 research centres and groups, Sussex is the perfect place to find a postgraduate
programme that allows you to follow your passion and develop your research interests.

We offer:

o a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). There are 40 subject
areas to choose from
o two different routes to achieving your MPhil or PhD - join one of our funded
projects, or propose your own area of research. Find out more about our PhD
degrees.
o full-time or part-time PhDs
o start dates in September, January or May.

You can request to study via distance learning if you are applying for a MPhil or PhD and
live outside the UK with a job that prevents you from attending full-time study. However,
you must spend at least one term studying at Sussex.

Find out more about our PhD degrees

2. Check our entry requirements

Our specific entry requirements for research at Sussex are listed with each PhD degree.

You also need to meet our general entry requirements, usually an upper second-class
undergraduate honours degree (2:1) or equivalent international qualification.

You must have a Masters qualification for research degrees in the arts and social sciences.

If you are an international student, you need to meet our English language requirements, or
successfully complete our Pre-sessional English course.

You may also be asked to attend an interview.

Find out more about our entry requirements for UK applicants

Find out more about our entry requirements for international applicants

3. Choose a research topic or project

 If you are applying for a funded project at Sussex, you must propose a research project which
falls within the research topic you are applying for, and write a research project proposal.

If you are proposing your own area of research, you need to decide on a research topic and
write a research proposal as part of your application.

Find out how to write a research proposal

4. Find a supervisor
If you are joining a funded project at Sussex, you will already have a supervisor allocated to
you.

If you are proposing your own research topic, you can find a supervisor to support and advise
you.

You can ask a member of our faculty to be your supervisor if you feel they have the expertise
to support you. Alternatively, after you have been offered a place at Sussex, we will match
you with a suitable supervisor.

Find out more about choosing a supervisor

5. Apply to Sussex
For most degrees, you apply directly to Sussex using our online application system.

You can apply for up to three postgraduate programmes. If you are applying for more than
one degree, you must submit a research proposal specific to each area of study you apply for.

You must submit the documents below for your application:

o research proposal
o undergraduate or Masters degree certificate (if available)
o two academic references (one of the references must be from your most recent
university)
o CV
o if your undergraduate or Masters degree certificate is not written in English, you must
submit a certified English translation of your certificate
o if you are an international student applying for a science or engineering-based
programme, you may need approval from the Academic Technology Approval
Scheme (ATAS) to be accepted.

Follow our tips for applying to Sussex

Find out about our Admissions policies

Degrees where you must apply through other routes:

 For all courses listed in the medicine and health studies subject area, you apply via
the Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

6. Deadline for applications

You can apply all year round for research degrees starting in September, January or
May. You can see the deadlines for applying on each PhD degree.

If you are applying for funding or scholarships you must check the deadlines for your
application.

In some cases, you will need to apply for a place and be given an offer before you can apply
for funding, and so you must submit your academic application in plenty of time to meet your
funding or scholarship deadlines.

7. Check fees, funding and support

We have a number of funding and scholarship opportunities.

Find out more about our PhD scholarships

If your application is successful, you will have your fee status assessed. If your fee status is
unclear, we will ask you to complete a questionnaire. If you disagree with the outcome of
your fee status assessment, you can appeal.

Fees information is listed with each PhD degree

8. Receiving an offer
We will notify you through our application system if we decide to offer you a place.

Your offer may include conditions - for example, completing your undergraduate or Masters
degree with a certain grade or meeting our English language requirements.

If you decide to accept our offer, you can notify us using the online application system.

You can still accept your offer even if you have not yet secured funding. However, you
should have funding in place by the time you start at Sussex.

Find out more about our offers

9. Confirming your place

If your offer is unconditional, we may still need to verify your qualifications.

If your offer is conditional, you should send in your results by email as soon as they are
available, so that your place can be confirmed.
 If you are unable to take up your place, you can request to defer your entry for a year.

If your application is unsuccessful and you are not sure why, you can request feedback.

10. Before you start at Sussex

You will be sent information about joining the University in the months before you start your
research.

For most students, the registration process is completed online. Registration opens in:

o early September, if you are starting at Sussex in September

o December, if you are starting at Sussex in January
o early April, if you are starting at Sussex in May.

If you are an international student and you need a visa to study in the UK, you complete most
of the registration process online. In order to finalise your registration, you need to attend in
person, so we can take a copy of your passport and visa.

Find out how to apply for a visa