How to apply for a PhD with your own research proposal
Whether you’re driven by curiosity or a desire to solve real-world problems, study one of our PhD programmes to explore your subject in depth.
What’s the benefit in applying with your own research proposal?
Applying with your own research proposal allows you to shape your project around your specific interests. You can target supervisors or departments, giving you greater control over direction, academic and career goals.
Engaging in independent research under supervision is ideal for anyone passionate about discovery and innovation. It opens pathways to careers in academia, industry, and beyond.
There are a wide range of financial options that you can explore to fund your study.
Step 1: Explore your options
Spend some time exploring the different research degrees available at Newcastle to find a subject that's aligned to your proposed research area.
Research options are varied and depend on the discipline and nature of the degree. They may be entirely focused on independent research or include taught elements.
Consider which type of degree you would like to study. At Newcastle, these include Doctoral Degrees, PhD, Integrated PhD, and Professional Doctorates.
Our flexible study options may allow some courses to be studied either full- or part-time.
Step 3: Contact supervisors
It’s a good idea to research and reach out to potential supervisors before you make your application - some of our degrees require this. Connecting with the right academics helps you refine your research proposal. It also expresses your genuine interest in the programme. It can strengthen your application, giving you the opportunity to discuss your planned research, and helps to make sure who would be the best fit for you and your work.
Use our people search to find academic staff, or browse staff lists on individual School and Faculty websites.
This requirement does vary depending on your programme. Check the details given on your programme profile page for detailed information on what is required in your area of interest.
Step 4: Write your research proposal
Your research proposal should be a concise outline of what you intend to study, why it matters, and how you intend to approach it. It should refer to existing knowledge and debates on the topic. It should also demonstrate the originality and feasibility of your own proposed research. Your proposal should be focused, evidence-based, and tailored to exactly what you are applying for.
Step 5: Explore funding options
There are many ways to fund your degree, and lots of information available to support you in your search.
It’s important that you start your search early, as applying for funding takes time. Funding opportunities are available throughout the year, but are more common between November and March.
Step 6: Apply online
For the majority of courses, you will need to apply via our secure ‘Apply to Newcastle’ portal. Any different application methods will be detailed on the course page.
We accept courses applications throughout the year for our research proposal PhDs.
What happens next?
Once your application has been submitted, there are key steps that will take place before a decision is made. If you have any queries during this process, you should log into your Applicant portal and raise your query there.
Initial review
Our Admissions team will carry out an initial check to make sure that your application is complete and all documents have been received. If any further information is needed, we’ll contact you via email to let you know. You should log into your Apply to Newcastle portal to upload the requested documents before the given deadline. You won’t need to supply references with your application, just details of referees we can contact.
Academic review
Once your application is complete and ready, it will be sent to the relevant school for assessment. Potential supervisors or admissions selectors will review your application and research proposal. This can take a little longer if a potential supervisor hasn’t been stated within the application. During this time, you will see 'awaiting decision' when you log into the Applicant portal. Timeframes for this process can vary depending on associated deadlines or if interviews have to take place.
Final decision
You'll be notified by email if you’ve received an offer after the academic review has been completed. If you receive an offer, it will appear in your Applicant portal, along with the details of any conditions that you need to meet, unless you receive an unconditional offer. If references are required, they won’t be requested until this point.