How to apply for a
Postgraduate Research Degree
How you apply for a postgraduate research degree at Newcastle University
will depend on your ideas and future ambitions.
Understanding your study options
There are a number of different routes into postgraduate research study. Your choice will depend on your study level, research interests, career goals and funding requirements.
Propose your own PhD
Do you have a passion for a certain area and an idea for original research you’d like to propose? Applying with your own proposal involves finding a research supervisor, as well as identifying funding for your study.
Doctoral degrees (PhDs) are an opportunity to become an expert in your field, positioning you at the forefront of innovation and discovery.
The outcome of your study is likely to be an extensive thesis, parts of which can be adapted for publication in academic journals, opening doors to academia and industry.
Apply for a funded PhD
Do you know the research area you would like to work in, but don’t have a clear idea of a specific PhD project? Researching our studentships could be the right choice for you.
The majority of studentships have a fixed project title and named supervisor or supervisors. Occasionally there are those with a broader subject areas and without a specified supervisor. Opportunities are listed in our Postgraduate funding database.
Some of our funded PhD studentships are available via our Doctoral Training Centres and Partnerships. You'll work with other PhD students and leading researchers from different universities and schools. Study is often interdisciplinary and you could get the chance to collaborate with an organisation from business or industry.
Research Master's - MRes, MLitt, MPhil, LLM by Research
Ideal for building research skills and furthering your interests in academia, Research Master’s courses are varied, dependant on the discipline and nature of the degree.
Courses may be entirely focused on independent research with bespoke training or include specific training or taught elements that augment the independent research experience.
Steps to making your application
1. Find a research degree or project
Explore the different research degrees that are available and find a route that matches your interests.
2. Research and contact potential supervisors
Check if you need to identify a potential supervisor before you apply, and reach out to those you would like to speak to.
Review our research groups and academic staff profiles online and consider whether their specialisms are a good fit with yours. Information can be found on individual schools and institutes pages.
3. Check entry requirements
Academic and English language requirements are all given in individual course profiles. Studentship adverts will specify academic and English language requirements.
4. Prepare your application documents
You'll find information on what documents are required on course pages and studentship adverts.
5. Apply for your course - and good luck!
International applicants
Applying from outside the UK? Here’s what you need to know:
- entry requirements: check your course page and see what’s needed on our country pages. You can also consult your supervisor or studentship provider
- English language: make sure you meet the language requirements
- visa process: you’ll need a valid passport and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for your student visa
- essential documents: prepare your personal statement, academic transcripts, and contact details for two referees
- conditional documents: upload items like your degree certificate, passport (this must be valid for six months from the course start date) and English test results as soon as possible via the application portal
