The following guidelines apply to prospective students interested in a PhD or MSc by Research programme at the Business School. These include application dates, the overall application process, and how to apply online.

Entry Date Application Period
1 September 2025 1 October 2024–31 May 2025

Your application checklist

1. Check entry requirements

Before applying for a programme, please consider whether you meet the minimum academic requirements.

See entry requirements
2. Propose a supervisor and subject group

Review staff profiles to ensure supervision for your own research can be secured and state your chosen subject group.

Find a supervisor
3. Write a research proposal

Your research proposal is an essential part of your application that will be used to assess your suitability for the PhD programme.

See proposal guide
4. Submit your application

Applications are only accepted via our online application portal. Before your application can be completed, you will need to supply required documents.

See required documents guide

Important points to remember

  • For your application to be processed, you must provide the minimum required documents on submission.
  • When completing your online application, you can save your progress and continue at a later date.
  • You will receive a Universal Username (UUN) at the end of the application process, which should be used in any further correspondence with us.
  • You must provide your official transcript and grading scheme on submission.
  • In your application, we firmly advise you to propose a supervisor (or up to three) as part of your application. This will increase your chances of an offer. Please also state the academic subject group you wish to work in.
  • In the Proposed Supervisor section of the online application, you must name your potential supervisors in order of preference.
  • If you require a visa, we recommend you submit your online application at least four months prior to the programme start date.
  • If you wish to be considered for any of our scholarships, you may review available scholarships, application instructions and closing dates before applying.

Ready to apply?

Apply 2025

Next steps

To answer all your post-application questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Please note: if you withdraw your application at any time, please contact us and provide your UUN to advise.