Apply early. Supervisors can accept students on a first-come, first-served basis, and the programme may close early if it reaches capacity.
Full details of the academic, English Language, and application requirements for your application are detailed below.
Requirements
Applicants should have a postgraduate Master’s degree from an accredited institution in the UK or overseas, showing evidence of above-average academic achievement.
This includes:
- A Master’s-level degree in a relevant subject with a classification of 65% or more overall (University of Edinburgh level, or overseas equivalent)
- A Master’s dissertation worth a third of the degree’s credits at the distinction level (University of Edinburgh level, or overseas equivalent)
- Applicants with a Master’s degree without a dissertation component worth a third of the degree’s credits will require a distinction or equivalent overall.
If you do not have a Master’s degree you may still be considered if you have a UK undergraduate degree with first class honours, or international equivalent, with a mark of 70 or more in the dissertation module.
Applications may be accepted from those still currently studying for a degree, however, any offer will be conditional on the successful completion of the degree at the required standard.
Applicants who pass the entry requirements will be interviewed by a panel. The final decision on your application will be made based on the strength and rigour of your research proposal and performance in the interview.
An applicant who wishes to have non-standard evidence considered as part of their application should contact the Admissions team to discuss this before making an application.
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.
English language tests we accept
We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:
- IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
- TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 5.0 with at least 4.0 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
- Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
- Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old
The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
- Trinity ISE
- Oxford ELLT
- Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old
All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.
UKVI list of majority English speaking countries
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).
Approved universities in non-MESC
How old your degree can be
If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.
This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.
Find out more about our English language requirements
Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.
In order to apply for a PhD you need to consider:
1. What is your research proposal?
2. Who do you intend to work with while undertaking your research?
We strongly recommend you make contact with a potential supervisor before applying. In your application, you must name your preferred supervisor (or up to 3 in order of preference) and the academic research area you wish to work in.
Choosing a supervisor and research area
3. Do you have the supporting documents needed for your application?
Please be aware that only complete applications will be considered. Complete applications must contain all necessary documents, including a proposed supervisor or indicating a research group in the Business School.
Joining from overseas
If you are an international student, you may need to apply for permission to study in the UK. Our Edinburgh Global office on provides information on immigration and visa requirements for students.