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PhD Education / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Programme options

Programme overview.

• 2nd in the UK for Education (Complete University Guide 2024).  
• The University of Manchester was ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Education research (overall GPA, REF2021).
• Learn with research-active experts in the field of education and work with highly diverse cohorts of students and staff.
• Contribute to improvements in the overall wellbeing of students, their families and communities throughout the world through research.

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The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and programmes. On this day, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see Open days.

We will be conducting our PGR virtual open week in October 2024. Find out about future events and postgraduate research sessions by signing up for our email alerts.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Your fees will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation (excluding graduation robe hire).

Payment of tuition fees will also entitle you to membership of The University of Manchester library, the Students' Union and the Athletic Union.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Environment, Education and Development studentships is 19 January 2024.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Postgraduate Research Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• School of Environment, Education and Development Enhancing Racial Equality (SERE) Studentship - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

Imperial College London Imperial College London

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• Postgraduate doctoral
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Looking for funding?

Use our scholarships search tool to look for available scholarships. Also explore our latest funded PhD vacancies .

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the most common type of doctoral degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. 

It normally takes between three and four years of full-time work to complete. It is also possible to undertake a PhD part time, over five to six years.

The main activity of a PhD is to carry out an original research project under the direction of one or more supervisors, to be written up as a thesis.

Different routes to achieving a PhD

There are a number of ways to achieving a PhD at Imperial:

• by undertaking a course of study based on your own research proposal
• by joining a research project that comes with funding attached (known as a studentship)
• by combining it with Master's study in an integrated route that typically lasts four years

Pursuing your own research idea

To search for PhD opportunities based on your own research proposal you first need to identify a research group within Imperial whose area of expertise best matches your idea.

Use the links below to search the different PhD opportunities within our academic departments, centres and institutes. This includes information about current studentships and often guidance on finding a supervisor.

Our interdisciplinary approach means our expertise often spans departmental boundaries – and so do our courses – so you may find opportunities in an unexpected area of the university.

Faculty of Engineering

• Aeronautics
• Bioengineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• School of Design Engineering
• Earth Science and Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Medicine

• Department of Brain Sciences
• Department of Immunology and Inflammation
• Department of Infectious Disease
• Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction
• Department of Surgery and Cancer
• National Heart and Lung Institute
• School of Public Health

Faculty of Natural Sciences

• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Centre for Environmental Policy

Imperial College Business School

• Doctoral programme

Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication

• PhD in Arabic, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish Studies
• PhD in science communication studies

Global Challenge institutes

We have six Global Challenge institutes, which were created to address some of society's biggest challenges.

If you have an idea for a PhD that falls within the remit of one of our Global Challenge institutes please contact them directly to discuss before making a formal application.

• Data Science Institute
• Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment
• Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering
• Institute for Security Science and Technology
• Institute of Global Health Innovation

Energy Futures Lab  does not offer PhD programmes, but does deliver the  MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures .

Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies | Imperial College London-Technical University of Munich

We have recently formed  a strategic partnership in education, research and innovation  with the Technical University of Munich, one of Germany’s most international and entrepreneurial universities, producing highly ranked research, like Imperial, in science, engineering and medicine.

As part of the partnership, Imperial and TUM have launched a 'Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies' with the aim of co-developing cross-disciplinary clusters of PhD students who will have access to world-leading academic supervisors and state-of-the art facilities at both institutions.

The first round of the programme will focus on the theme of 'Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare and Robotics'.

Find out more about the Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies and apply

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's principal research degree for graduate students and is available in all faculties and departments.

A Cambridge PhD is intellectually demanding and you will need to have a high level of attainment and motivation to pursue this programme of advanced study and research.

In most faculties, a candidate is expected to have completed one year of postgraduate study, normally on a research preparation master's course, prior to starting a PhD.

Completion normally requires three or four years of full-time study, or at least five years of part-time study, including a probationary period.

Terms of research are normally consecutive and, for full-time students, require residency in Cambridge. Not all departments offer part-time research degrees.

Various routes to the PhD are possible and, if you are made an offer of admission, it will be made clear whether you are required to study for a master's degree or certificate in the first instance, or will be admitted directly to the probationary year for the PhD. You are registered for the PhD only after a satisfactory progress assessment at the end of the probationary year (five terms for part-time degrees). The assessment is designed also to focus your mind on the stages necessary for the completion of your research within the normal time limit and to address any structural problems that have arisen during the first year. Students must pass the first year assessment in order to continue their PhD study.

During your PhD, your effort will be focused on writing a dissertation. The word count of the dissertation is dependent on the department and the Student Registry or Educational Student Policy will be able to tell you the maximum word limit. This must represent a significant contribution to learning, for example through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory, or the revision of older views, and must take account of previously published work on the subject. Some Cambridge dissertations go on to form the basis of significant publications.

Although you will spend long hours working independently, your department and College will both support you throughout your PhD. You are also able to attend regular seminars in your subject area and could be involved in teaching, perhaps giving seminars or supervising, or in the social life of your department and College.

PhD course search

Go to the Course Directory and filter courses using the relevant checkboxes.

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5 routes to getting a Doctorate

While most of those studying for a PhD take the PhD by thesis pathway, there are five viable routes to achieving a Doctorate degree

PhD by thesis

This is the most common means of getting a Doctorate degree. Over the three or four years of research at university, your PhD supervisor will support you as you aim to produce a thesis based on your research proposal .

A thesis is typically 60,000-90,000 words in length - although this can vary between institutions. For instance, the University of Glasgow's College of Social Sciences expects a thesis to be 70,000-100,000 words including references, bibliography and appendices, while the University of Cambridge has set an upper limit of 80,000 words.

Once completed, you'll need to defend your PhD thesis in front of a panel of examiners during your viva voce .

PhD by publication

This route involves submitting previously published work - such as books, book chapters and journal articles, which together form a coherent body of work and show evidence of an original contribution to a particular field of study.

It's often taken by mid-career academics that haven't had the opportunity to undertake a standard Doctorate degree.

Generally, a minimum of five to eight published pieces are required, but this varies between institutions and depends on their length. The published work will be assessed to the same rigorous standards as a traditional PhD by thesis.

You must also provide a written supporting statement, which can range from 5,000 to 20,000 words, and present your work to an academic committee. A supervisor will assist you with selecting which publications to submit and with the supporting statement.

Some universities accept only their own graduates for a PhD by publication, while others restrict this route to their academic staff. In general, you should have graduated from your first degree at least seven years ago to be eligible.

For example, The University of Manchester has published its own Guidance for the PhD By Published Work , with eligibility only extending to current members of staff.

Professional Doctorate

Geared primarily towards current professionals in vocational sectors such as healthcare , teaching and education , and engineering and manufacturing , this type of Doctorate degree includes a significant taught component and a smaller research project.

Professional Doctorates are often taken on a part-time basis and can last between two and eight years. Like their standard PhD counterparts, they usually begin in October or January.

While you won't typically be looking to get an academic job , your research is expected to contribute to theory as well as professional practice. Projects often revolve around a real-life issue that affects your employer.

Several professional Doctorates, such as the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), are accredited by a professional body - for instance, the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and The British Psychological Society (BPS) - and may also lead to a professional qualification .

Common titles for graduates of professional Doctorate degrees include:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Unlike many professional Doctorates, the EngD is typically offered as a full-time course and is aimed at young engineering graduates with little or no professional experience.

Explore what's currently available at Find a Professional Doctorate .

Integrated PhD

This four-year qualification, also known as the New Route PhD, involves studying a one-year research Masters degree (MRes) before progressing onto a three-year PhD.

Offered by a select number of universities across the UK, integrated PhDs are supported by the government and the British Council through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . Visit Research Council funding for further information on research and funding for different types of PhD.

The integrated PhD involves a combination of taught materials, practical experience and advanced research. This allows you to learn subject-specific methodologies, while building the transferable skills that will enable you to become a leader in your chosen profession.

Institutions can also develop personalised integrated PhD programmes to meet each student's needs. For example, universities may offer you the opportunity to gain a postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education - perfect if you're considering a career as a higher education lecturer .

As PhDs are based primarily on independent research rather than time spent in lectures and seminars, distance learning has always been a viable route for many Doctoral students.

PhDs by distance learning offered by course providers such as The Open University are therefore a good option to consider if you've got family or work commitments or are an international student - as this gives you the chance to undertake Doctoral research without having to live close to your chosen institution. It's also a suitable mode of study if your subject requires you to be based in a specific location away from the university.

For the most part, you'll be in touch with your supervisor by phone, email or Skype/Zoom. You'll need to bear in mind that even if you opt for this form of research, you'll generally still need to attend university for one or two weeks of each academic year for meetings and to receive research skills training. Your final examination may be undertaken either face-to-face or virtually.

With online PhDs, you can usually register as a full or part-time student. The level of fees you pay varies between institutions - some charge the same as for a standard PhD while others offer a reduced rate.

Check that any funding you plan to apply for is available to distance learning students, as this isn't always the case.

Search for distance learning PhDs .

Find out more

• Explore what is a PhD?
• Sort out funding for postgraduate study .
• Consider what to do after completing your PhD .

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• Postgraduate
• Research degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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Postgraduate course

A PhD is your research, your questions and your passion. Immerse yourself in your chosen specialism and conduct high quality academic research, on campus or by distance learning.

Our PhD course lets you plan, design, and conduct research in an area that interests you. Your supervisory team will support you as you evaluate the latest research findings and produce your own thesis. If you know the area you want to specialise in, this course can help you become an expert in the field. A PhD will improve your career prospects and allow you to continue the pursuit of your intellectual interests.

Course location York campus, London campus or by distance learning

• Duration – 2 to 4 years full time, 3 to 7 years part time
• Start date – February 2025, June 2024, October 2024

Minimum entry requirements

2:1 degree in a related subject

Master's qualification

Tuition fees

UK 2023-24 £4,786 per year full time --> full time

International 2023-24 £13,000 per year full time --> full time

Course overview

Your PhD will be challenging, rewarding and will lead you to the highest educational qualification. Your research will be an original contribution to knowledge and have the potential to alter current policies, approaches or practices in the subject area.

You will collaborate with a supervisory team that has been carefully selected for you and be part of an exceptional research community of postgraduate researchers.

When you choose to study with us, you will gain plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional skills. These could include:

• Gaining teaching experience
• Presenting your research at conferences and events
• Engaging with further training
• Working with the community

Professional development and training

During your PhD, you will discuss additional training needs with your supervisory team. Your supervisors will help you identify your strengths and highlight areas for development.

The university delivers a blended training programme that will help you to develop your research and professional skills, enhance your CV and your employability.

Distance learning

Our PhD is also available by distance learning. Studying by distance learning will enable candidates to work remotely and engage with their supervisor through online meetings.

The PhD by distance learning is available to study full time or part time. Fees, assessment requirements and milestones are the same as PhDs on campus, and so are the expectations of time commitment and supervisory meetings.

Course structure

How you will study.

Your PhD will consist of 3 stages where you will:

• Produce a literature review of current research in your field
• Pose a set of novel questions that advance knowledge in your area
• Conduct your research and analyse your results
• Produce and submit your thesis
• Attend a viva voce (oral examination)

At this stage you will conduct the research. You will be expected to obtain ethical approval, collect your data and analyse your results, organising your work into coherent chapters for your thesis. You can present your research at conferences during this time and submit your work for publication. You will have a formal annual review to ensure your project is progressing.

At this stage you will be expected to collect your data and analyse your results, organising your work into coherent chapters for your thesis. You can present your research at conferences during this time and submit your work for publication. You will have a formal annual review to ensure your project is progressing.

Your final stage is where you will focus on writing and completing your thesis. You will have a final formal review alongside your regular supervisor meetings. At the end of your final phase, you will submit your thesis and undertake your viva voce. During this oral examination you will discuss and critically defend your thesis. An independent chair and examiners will be present to assess your research and findings.

Distance learning supervision

Supervision for a PhD by distance learning should take place regularly through online methods, for example Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

The commitment statement agreed when you apply for the PhD by distance learning should set out expectations for the frequency and mode of contact for supervision. The statement will also detail any face to face contact expectations and arrangements for written research reports.

Distance learning attendance and resources

When studying a PhD by distance learning, you will not normally be required to attend the University in person, except induction and oral examinations where attendance is expected. Exceptions to attending in person may be requested if you are not able to do so. 

During the PhD you will be expected to demonstrate attendance through participating in designated academic engagements, including supervisory sessions.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications.

2:1 degree in a related subject See full entry requirements including GCSEs

International Students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 7.0 (with no skill below 6.0) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Applying for PhD by distance learning

Alongside the standard PhD entry requirements, you will also need to demonstrate that you can study successfully remotely. This includes:

• Showing that you can conduct your research with the resources available at your study site.
• Showing that you have access to appropriate IT facilities.
• Showing that you have the time, commitment and attitude to study successfully off-campus.
• Showing that you have access to support for study-related disabilities, if appropriate.

You will need to agree a commitment statement to confirm these requirements before you enrol.

Fees and funding

Uk 2024 - 2025.

The tuition fee for this PhD in the 2024 academic year course is £4,786 for full time UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

For UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man candidates studying part time, the tuition fee for this PhD course in the 2023 - 2024 academic year is £2,393 per year.

The total, capped amount for completing your PhD is £14,358.

Doctoral loans are available to help you pay for your course. Find out more about UK Government Doctoral loans .

More information about funding your PhD is available on our Funding your research degree page.

International 2024 - 2025

The tuition fee for this PhD course is £13,000 per year in the 2024 academic year for full time international candidates.

For international candidates on a part time course  £6,500.

More information about funding your PhD is available on our International Fees and Funding page.

International Visa and Immigration

UK 2023-24 £4,786 per year full time --> full time

Additional costs

Depending upon the nature of your research project, a bench fee might be applied as a separate cost to your tuition fee. Bench fees are normally incurred for laboratory consumables and other significant project costs and any goods will remain under the property of the University.

If you have any queries regarding bench fees, please speak to your potential supervisor during the application process.

Any bench fees will be included in your offer letter and if you accept, the charge will be in addition to your tuition fees.

Contact us to discuss your research proposal

If you know what subject you want to research or you just want to find out more, contacting a School Postgraduate Research Leads is a great first step.

Our School Postgraduate Research Leads are the right people to talk to if you want to study a research degree. They can put you in contact with an academic who is researching a similar subject, and who could be your research supervisor during your course.

School Postgraduate Research Leads

School Postgraduate Research Lead : Claire Hind - [email protected]

Contact Claire if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Drama and theatre
• Music performance and production
• Fine art, illustration and photography
• Media production
• Visual communication

School Postgraduate Research Lead: Dr Scott Cole -  [email protected]

Contact Scott if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Language and linguistics
• Children, young people and families
• Teaching and education
• Psychology and mental health

School Postgraduate Research Lead:  Robert Edgar -  [email protected]  

Contact Robert if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• History and American studies
• Politics and international relations
• Religion, theology, philosophy and ethics
• English literature and media studies

School Postgraduate Research Lead:  Adam Odell -  [email protected]  

Contact Adam if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Maths and data science
• Computer science
• Biomedical science
• Sport and exercise science
• Health sciences

School Postgraduate Research Lead: Rosie Binfield-Smith - [email protected]

Contact Rosie if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Business and management
• Sociology, criminology and policing
• Accounting, economics and finance
• Tourism, hospitality and events

School Postgraduate Research Lead: Dr Khaled Kesseba -  [email protected]

Contact Khaled if you are interested in subjects relating to:

• Management, Business Management and International Business
• Management Studies Research
• Public Health and Global Healthcare Management
• Digital Marketing
• Project Management
• Computer and Data Science

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Postgraduate research students are usually registered initially for the degree of PhD. Your initial studies, under the guidance of an academic supervisor, will prepare you for confirmation of your PhD registration, which takes place within two years (full time), and provide you with the essential foundation to help you make an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen field.

Introducing your degree

PhD in Law (min 2 years) Gain expert knowledge in a specialist legal field, develop your research skills, and benefit from joining our academic community with its national and global networks, by joining our postgraduate research programme in Law. Foster your capacity for originality and analysis throughout this research degree to expand your knowledge of important and fundamental aspects of the law, working towards your PhD.

Programme Overview

View the doctoral programme profile for this course

What's related

• Research Centres and Institutes

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements, applying for a research degree.

The School of Law welcomes applications to undertake research from suitably qualified. candidates. Applications may be made at any time during the academic year, to commence study at any time, although it is usual to commence research at the start of the academic year.

What is required to apply?

• Completed application form -  form available to download  
• Research proposal -  Advice on Writing a Research proposal  
• 2 references, at least one of which must be academic, the other should be academic or relevant professional
• Your Academic transcript

Selection process

For further information on  making an application please see the main University site, and for the  on-line application for Research degree please see the application forms page.

This page contains specific entry requirements for this course. Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country.

Programme Structure

Typical course content.

The PhD has no modules per semester, instead it is an entirely research-oriented programme in which students conduct original research under the guidance of their supervisors.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees.

Fees for postgraduate research degrees vary across the University. All fees are listed for UK, EU and international full-time and part-time students alphabetically by course name.

Scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships or grants may be available to support you through your course. Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or your country of origin. These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.

Study locations

Southampton Law School, Highfield Campus

Situated on the Highfield Campus; occupying building 4, Southampton La... Find out more

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Course type

Qualification, university name.

3973 degrees at 151 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

About Postgraduate

Development economics is a branch of economics that focusses ondeveloping countries and regions. The main aim is to figure out what helps these regions to grow economically, reduce poverty and make people's lives better overall. Experts in this field study how money is allocated in education, healthcare, roads and buildings and the systems that help these countries to function.

In the UK, there are more than 10 PhD options in development economics. Entry requirements for this doctoral programme requires a master's degree in economics or a related field, demonstrating strong quantitive skills and an understanding of development economics, as well as a solid research proposal.

Studying a PhD in development economics means studying advanced ideas and practices related to how economies grow, especially in the context of global challenges. Those who complete this programme can go on to have senior jobs as economists or policymakers, working at international research centres.

What to Expect

The PhD programmes involves an in-depth exploration into your chosen area of interest. Your research will likely cover topics like economic theory, international econometrics, poverty reduction strategies, sustainable development and international trade dynamics.

You’ll dedicate a significant amount of time to your thesis, which contributes scholarly research to the field of development economics. The programme includes opportunities for fieldwork, data collection and collaboration with international development agencies and NGOs.

PhD graduates emerge as experts in development economics, with skills in advanced economic analysis, policy formulation and economic research methods. They are sought after by international development agencies, government economic departments, think tanks and higher education institutions.

Related subjects:

• PhD Agriculture, Animal Care, and Veterinary Science
• PhD Archaeology
• PhD Architecture
• PhD Biology and Life Sciences
• PhD Building, Planning and Construction Management
• PhD Chemistry
• PhD Communications and Media
• PhD Computer Science and Information Technology
• PhD Creative Arts and Design and Illustration
• PhD Economics
• PhD Education
• PhD Electronic and Electrical Engineering
• PhD Engineering
• PhD English Literature
• PhD Environmental Health and Safety, Protection and Conservation
• PhD Financial Management and Accounting
• PhD Food Science and Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics
• PhD Gallery, Conservation and Museum Studies and Museology
• PhD Geography and Earth Sciences
• PhD Health Care Management and Health Studies
• PhD History
• PhD Humanities and Social Sciences
• PhD Industry, Logistics, Manufacturing and Production
• PhD Journalism and Publishing
• PhD Languages
• PhD Law and Legal studies
• PhD Leisure, Hospitality Management and Event Management
• PhD Linguistic Studies
• PhD Literature
• PhD Management, Business and HR
• PhD Marketing and PR
• PhD Mathematics
• PhD Music Technology and Production and Sound Engineering
• PhD Nursing and Midwifery
• PhD Other Sciences and Research
• PhD Performing and Dramatic Arts, Acting and Music Studies
• PhD Philosophy
• PhD Physics
• PhD Physiotherapy and other Therapies
• PhD Psychology
• PhD Religious Studies and Theology
• PhD Social Work, Community Work and Counselling Skills
• PhD Sports and Recreation
• PhD Surgery, Medicine and Dentistry
• PhD Teaching and Training
• PhD Tourism and Travel
• PhD Transport Services and Aviation

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

Business School MPhil/PhD

Middlesex university.

This programme will give you the opportunity to carry out cutting edge research that will help you understand the challenges of business Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,300 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £3,150 per year (UK)

Birkbeck, University of London

An PhD is an advanced postgraduate research degree that requires original research and the submission of a substantial dissertation of Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree
• 7 years Part time degree

PhD Sociology and Social Anthropology

University of hull.

Social science research at Hull is focused on creating a positive impact on the real-life conditions and experiences of individuals and Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD at UCA

University for the creative arts.

MPhil/PhD at UCA at UCA A PhD is an advanced postgraduate qualification that will require you to plan and complete your own focused Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,670 per year (UK)

University of Gloucestershire

A design research degree offers you the opportunity and time to explore innovative research practice through original, critical works. Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £3,400 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate Research in Mathematics

University of east anglia uea.

We are a top tier, research-led university and are committed to making a substantial impact on the global challenges facing society. Our Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD (Prof) Education

University of roehampton.

A professional doctorate with an unusually broad range of available subject specialisms, based within an established School of Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree

Epidemiology and Population Health PhD

London school of hygiene & tropical medicine, university of london.

& Structure The MPhil and PhD are aimed at students who anticipate a career in which research plays a major role and who want to focus on Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £6,740 per year (UK)
• 8 years Part time degree: £3,370 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD Business and Management

University of chester.

Business and Management (BAM) is home to an intimate and burgeoning community of research active academics and doctoral students who want Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 4 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Political Science MPhil/PhD

Ucl (university college london).

The department welcomes research in all the major sub-fields of political science. This includes international relations, political Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,035 per year (UK)

Archaeology PhD

Bangor university.

Research Areas Archaeology with specialisations in Prehistoric landscape archaeology The Iron Age Celtic societies Early medieval Read more...

• 4 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Creative Arts and Cultural Industries

Soas university of london.

This research degree provides advanced training and research experience at a doctoral level in the broad areas at the intersection of the Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,860 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,430 per year (UK)

History, Philosophy and Culture PhD

Oxford brookes university.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our research and the support that we give to our postgraduate research students. The School has an Read more...

Allied Health Studies MPhil/PhD

University of worcester.

Research at Worcester has grown significantly in the last 10 years as the University itself has expanded. As a research student you will Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,950 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,475 per year (UK)

Creative Writing PhD

Bath spa university.

The PhD in Creative Writing combines a proposed manuscript (e.g. novel, short story collection, poems, playscript, narrative non-fiction, Read more...

• 24 months Full time degree: £7,325 per year (UK)

PhD in Chemistry

University of bath.

Research in the Department of Chemistry spans all sub-disciplines, from theoretical physical chemistry to biological chemistry and antibody Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,800 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,400 per year (UK)

Cranfield School of Management’s PhD

School of management, cranfield university.

Cranfield School of Management’s PhD programme is internationally renowned, for its rigour, structure, faculty support and global Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,715 per year (UK)

PhD - Bournemouth University Business School

Bournemouth university.

The research strategy in the faculty is aligned with Bournemouth University’s 2025 vision and strategic plan; a plan that stresses Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Research Degrees

Arts university bournemouth.

Research degrees are awarded in recognition of significant contributions to knowledge and scholarship produced through the development of Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,000 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £3,000 per year (UK)

Pharmacy (Biochemistry and Cell Biology) - PhD

University of kent.

Our research programme in Pharmacy gives you the integrated, broad-based research training needed to exploit current advances in Read more...

1-20 of 3973 courses

Course type:

• Distance learning PhD
• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

• University of Greenwich
• University of Warwick
• Durham University
• University of West London
• Royal Northern College of Music
• Brighton and Sussex Medical School
• City, University of London
• Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
• Rose Bruford College
• Bishop Grosseteste University
• Liverpool John Moores University
• Hull York Medical School
• ICMA Centre (University of Reading)
• AECC University College
• University of Wales Trinity Saint David
• Cardiff University
• University of Portsmouth
• University of Nottingham
• University of Huddersfield
• University of Suffolk

Related Subjects:

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• Visas and immigration
• Work in the UK

Graduate visa

A Graduate visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing a course in the UK.

You must be in the UK when you apply.

Eligibility

You can apply for a Graduate visa if all of the following are true:

• you’re in the UK
• your current visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• you studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
• your education provider (such as your university or college) has told the Home Office you’ve successfully completed your course

You can ask your education provider if you’re not sure whether they’ve told the Home Office you’ve successfully completed your course.

Check if your course is eligible and how long you need to have studied in the UK .

If you’re not eligible for a Graduate visa, you may be eligible for another type of visa to stay in the UK .

How long you can stay

A Graduate visa lasts for 2 years. If you have a PHD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years.

Your visa will start from the day your application is approved.

If you want to stay longer in the UK

You cannot extend your Graduate visa. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example a Skilled Worker visa .

Check you can apply for another type of visa to stay in the UK .

How to apply

You must apply online .

Your partner and children can also apply to stay in the UK if they are eligible.

When to apply

You must apply before your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires.

You can apply after your education provider (such as your university or college) has told the Home Office that you’ve successfully completed the course you took with your Student or Tier 4 (General) student visa. You do not have to wait until you’ve graduated or have been given a certificate.

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

Your application may take longer if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks.

You can stay in the UK while you wait for a decision.

How much it costs

When you apply for a Graduate visa, you’ll need to:

• pay the £822 application fee
• pay the healthcare surcharge - this is usually £1,035 for each year you’ll be in the UK

Check how much it will cost .

If you work in public sector healthcare

If you’re a doctor or nurse, or you work in health or adult social care, check if you’re eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead. It’s cheaper to apply for and you do not need to pay the annual immigration health surcharge.

If you get a job in public sector healthcare after you have paid the healthcare surcharge, you may be able to get a refund .

What you can and cannot do

With a Graduate visa you can:

• work in most jobs
• look for work
• be self-employed
• continue living in the UK with your partner and children , if they’re eligible
• do voluntary work
• travel abroad and return to the UK

You cannot:

• apply for most benefits ( public funds ), or the State Pension
• work as a professional sportsperson

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Graduate visa.

Studying with a Graduate visa

You can only study with a Graduate visa if your chosen course is not eligible for a Student visa . If your course is eligible for a Student visa, you can extend your Student visa instead.

You may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you’re studying or researching sensitive topics.

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MPhil / PhD

View the latest institution tables

View the latest country/territory tables

8 big differences between the US and UK PhD experience

And one important similarity. 

Helen Robertson

Credit: Malte Mueller/Getty

And one important similarity.

11 March 2020

Malte Mueller/Getty

In 2019, I took a risk by moving halfway around the world as a postdoctoral researcher in molecular evolution.

Since then, I’ve been struck by how different the grad school experience is here at the University of Chicago in the US, compared with my time at the University College London in the UK, where I completed my PhD in 2017.

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

1. UK grad school interviews are shorter and more lab-specific

In the UK, you’re likely to apply directly to a lab for an advertised project or one that you develop with your supervisor.

In the US, the application process is more centralized. You usually apply to a school instead of a lab. Some programs even require you to take a standardized Graduate Entry Program test, though this seems to be on the decline .

Grad school interviews in the US tend to be longer. They can involve a series of interviews, tours, and faculty events over a number of days.

2. In the US, a work-life balance is harder to achieve

I’ve been surprised by how all-encompassing a US doctorate can be. Even after the first year of teaching, the number of seminars, journal clubs, and university-related activities make the US PhD experience very grad school-centric.

I was fortunate during my UK-based PhD to approach it more like a full-time job than a continuation of my masters year. There were intense periods that required late nights in the lab, but I had time to pursue other interests , which provided some balance and made me more productive at work.

Of course, it’s difficult to generalize about working patterns. Demanding schedules are not wholly dictated by the country you’re studying in. A recent study found that 76% of surveyed grad students spent more than 41 hours a week on their project.

3. It takes longer to complete a PhD in the US

Probably the best-known difference is the time it takes to complete a PhD.

UK PhD programs tend towards three years in length, although it’s increasingly getting closer to four years – a trend that might soon be reflected in funding arrangements .

It’s a different story in the US, where, according to the Survey of Earned Doctorates , students take an average of 5.7 years to graduate.

4. UK PhD fees tend to be lower

Fees err on the more expensive side in the US, as they do for undergraduate degrees – although this isn’t always true for international students.

US PhD fees, coupled with the longer study time, means that the costs associated with grad school are generally higher than in the UK, even before living costs are considered.

If you have a funding body attached to your project, it will likely pay your tuition fees as part of its finance package. But this flags a major difference between the two countries: funding and scholarships.

5. Many US students need to apply for their own funding

From my understanding, most advertised science-based PhD projects in the UK are attached to funding, which covers tuition fees, bench costs, and living expenses. The tax-free PhD stipend set by all UK Research Councils is £15,285 (approximately US$20,000), although other funding bodies pay more.

In the US, there is no national funding level – your level of financial support will be dictated by your school or lab. This means there is generally much more encouragement for US PhD students to apply for their own funding than there is in the UK.

This is good experience for a future scientific career, but if you have to work additional hours to supplement scholarships, you’ll ultimately end up with less time for your project.

6. US PhD programs are more structured

This is particularly true in the first year for US PhDs, which includes lectures, exams, and lab rotations. Only at the end of the first year, after passing your qualifying exam, do you have the opportunity to pick the lab you’re going to pursue your PhD research in.

In the UK, I started in the lab that I spent the duration of my studies in. This meant no structured classes or rotations in my first year, and I began my own research right away.

PhDs that are run through a Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) – centres that manage the Research Council-funded PhD degrees – are increasingly popular in the UK, and include classes and rotations during the first year, but often without the frequent exams and coursework that characterize grad school in the US.

7. There is more focus on defending your thesis in the UK

Writing my thesis was the final hurdle of my UK PhD experience. It gave me the opportunity to document my ideas, successes (and failures), and the context of my project. I defended my thesis in a closed session with two examiners: one internal to my institution, and one external.

From what I’ve seen, finishing a doctorate in the US is less focused on a thesis. Instead, your committee determines that you have completed sufficient work and skill attainment to warrant your defense. Only then can you write your thesis, and defend it in a public session.

In the UK, it’s unlikely you’ll know your examiners well, but a US PhD defense is assessed by the same thesis committee that have known you for the duration of your studies.

8. Teaching is an added bonus in the UK

My UK PhD funding set no teaching requirements: instead, I was free to teach labs and mark coursework at the discretion of my supervisor. And I was paid for any teaching hours I did.

Teaching requirements in the US vary from school to school. For some students, working as a teaching assistant is necessary to pay fees and living expenses – particularly if you don’t have comprehensive funding.

There might also be minimum teaching requirements for the duration of your PhD in the US. In this respect, the time commitment and financial compensation of teaching is very institution-specific.

One important similarity: The lab you join will determine your experience

Despite the differences in structure and requirements between UK and US PhDs, one thing that is common to them all is that, ultimately, your PhD is going to be shaped by the lab you decide to join.

If have a positive working environment and appropriate guidance and support from your supervisor, and you’re interested in and motivated by your thesis topic, then your grad school experience will likely be rewarding.

And that’s true regardless of the country you’re studying in.

Study Postgraduate

Phd in social work (2024 entry).

Course code

October, January and April

3-4 years full-time; Up to 7 years part-time

Qualification

Centre for Lifelong Learning

University of Warwick

Find out more about this Social Work research PhD.

The PhD in Social Work allows you to select a topic of your choice linked to our expertise within the broad field of social work. Warwick's Centre for Lifelong Learning provides a rich, transdisciplinary academic environment supported by a dedicated team including supervision and personal tutoring.

Course overview

This PhD provides an opportunity to undertake in-depth research linked to our expertise in social work. Our faculty has a range of expertise. We support interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research projects linked to one or more of our main research themes.

Teaching and learning

We provide a pleasant PhD study room and dedicated personal tutor support in addition to the supervisory team. A combined staff and student seminar programme provides a collegiate forum for sharing and discussing current topics and ideas.  

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or a good Master's level degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Research themes can include:

• Social work
• Men/masculinity
• Childbirth/fatherhood
• Health and social work
• Inequalities in health
• Mental Health
• Social work practice
• Social work related legal and policy issues
• Work and practice related to the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007) and the Mental Capacity Act 2005
• International and European approaches and perspectives in mental health practice

Research proposal guidance

Find a supervisor

Please visit our website for a current list of available supervisors and their projects.

Applicants are encouraged to contact their potential supervisor. The most important aspect is the nature of your project and its potential for supervision in our department

You are asked to view your intended supervisor's profile and read their work. Please think about what might make your proposed PhD attractive to your supervisor, and customise the proposal accordingly.

• How does your project relate to your intended supervisor's work?
• How might your project enhance, advance, or develop it?
• Could you take it in a different direction?
• What kind of methods and approaches are likely to appeal to your potential supervisor?

We receive a large number of proposals every year and only have capacity for proposals that are carefully tailored to our specific areas of expertise.

Find a supervisor guidance

Visit our website to explore our PhD routes and areas of expertise. Link opens in a new window

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our  Module Catalogue  (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL)

For more than 30 years, the Centre for Lifelong Learning has been a centre of expertise in the education of lifelong learners in different contexts. It has a focus on enabling adult learners to achieve their personal and professional goals by accessing a Warwick education, irrespective of background.

Our departmental research strategy focuses on four interconnected themes: concepts of lifelong learning; people-focused professions; wellbeing and identity; participation and collaboration. We seek to enthuse staff, students, and the wider community with this vision. More information is available on our website.

Find out more about us by visiting our website. Link opens in a new window

Our Postgraduate Taught courses

• Career Coaching (PGA)
• Career Development and Coaching Studies (MA)
• Career Development and Coaching Studies (PGCert)
• Career Development and Coaching Studies (PGDip)
• Career Development Theories (PGA)
• Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (MA)
• Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (PGCert)
• Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (PGDip)
• Challenges of Careers Work in Higher Education (PGA)
• Coaching (MA)
• Coaching (PGCert)
• Coaching (PGDip)
• Leadership and Team Coaching (PGA)
• Psychotherapy and Counselling (MSc)

Our Postgraduate Research courses

• PhD in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning
• PhD in Social Policy and Social Work
• PhD in Social Work

How to apply

The application process for course that start in September and October 2025 will open on 2 October 2024.

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.  

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2025. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted Events Link opens in a new window

Postgraduate fairs.

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Connect with us

Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.

Page updates

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

9th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2024) Link opens in a new window

67th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) Link opens in a new window

6th most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate employers Link opens in a new window

(The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd. Link opens in a new window )

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2024 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

• Schools & departments

Informatics: ILCC: Language Processing, Speech Technology, Information Retrieval, Cognition PhD, MPhil, MScR

Awards: PhD, MPhil, MScR

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Informatics: ILCC: Language Processing, Speech Technology, Information Retrieval, Cognition

Upcoming Introduction to Postgraduate Study and Research events

Join us online on the 19th June or 26th June to learn more about studying and researching at Edinburgh.

Choose your event and register

Research profile

Strongly interdisciplinary in nature, the Institute for Language, Cognition and Communication ( ILCC ) is dedicated to both basic and applied research in the computational study of language, communication, and cognition, in both humans and machines.

As technology focuses increasingly on language-based communication tools, research into the automation of language processing has become vital. ILCC offers you the broadest research scope in the UK, and a strong computational focus.

Our primary areas of research are:

• natural language processing and computational linguistics
• spoken language processing
• dialogue and multimodal interaction
• information extraction, retrieval, and presentation
• computational theories of human cognition
• educational and assistive technology
• visualisation

Much of our research is applied to software development, in areas as diverse as social media, assisted living, gaming and education.

• ILCC Website

You may find yourself working closely with other departments of the University, particularly the School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences.

Many of our researchers are involved in cross-disciplinary research centres, for instance:

Centre for Speech Technology Research ( CSTR )

The Centre for Speech Technology Research ( CSTR ) is an interdisciplinary research centre linking Informatics and Linguistics. Founded in 1984, it is now one of the world's largest concentrations of researchers working in the field of language and speech processing.

CSTR is concerned with research in all areas of speech technology including:

• speech recognition
• signal processing
• acoustic phonetics
• information access
• multi-modal interaction
• dialogue systems

The Centre is home to state-of-the-art research facilities including:

• specialised speech and language-orientated computer labs
• a digital recording studio
• perception labs
• a meeting room instrumented with multiple synchronised video cameras and microphones

There is also access to high-performance computer clusters, the University storage area network, a specialist library, and many speech and language databases.

• Centre for Speech Technology Research

Centre for Design Informatics

Data-driven innovation is transforming society and the economy. In the Centre for Design Informatics, we design systems for better human data interaction, in diverse settings such as health, culture, mobility and finance.

We explore design from, with, and by data: the central concern is the design of data flow which sustains and enhances human values. Relevant technologies range from:

• the Internet of things
• blockchains
• data visualisation
• interaction design
• social computing

Programme structure

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses.

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

You will carry out your research within a research group under the guidance of a supervisor. You will be expected to attend seminars and meetings of relevant research groups and may also attend lectures that are relevant to your research topic. Periodic reviews of your progress will be conducted to assist with research planning.

A programme of transferable skills courses facilitates broader professional development in a wide range of topics, from writing and presentation skills to entrepreneurship and career strategies.

The School of Informatics is committed to advancing the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. The School is deploying a range of strategies to help female staff and students of all stages in their careers and we seek regular feedback from our research community on our performance.

The award-winning Informatics Forum is an international research facility for computing and related areas. It houses more than 400 research staff and students, providing office, meeting and social spaces.

Amongst other research facilities, it also contains:

• several robotics labs
• an instrumented multimedia room
• eye-tracking and motion capture systems
• a full recording studio

Its spectacular atrium plays host to many events, from industry showcases and student hackathons to major research conferences.

Nearby teaching facilities include:

• computer and teaching labs with more than 250 machines
• 24-hour access to IT facilities for students
• comprehensive support provided by dedicated computing staff

Among our entrepreneurial initiatives is Informatics Ventures - set up to support globally ambitious software companies in Scotland, and nurture a technology cluster to rival Boston, Pittsburgh, Kyoto and Silicon Valley.

Career opportunities

While many of our graduates pursue an academic career, others find their skills are highly sought after in the technology industry. A number of our students serve internships with large UK and international software developers, while others take up positions with major social media companies.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, typically in an area of informatics, such as artificial intelligence, cognitive science or computer science. You should have experience in computer programming.

We may also consider a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in engineering, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, physics or psychology.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 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): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also 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

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you are not an EU , EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

Fees and costs

Scholarships and funding, featured funding.

• School of Informatics scholarships for research students
• Research scholarships for international students
• Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK's governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your residency status.

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• IGS Admissions Administrator
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 3091
• Contact: [email protected]
• School of Informatics Graduate School
• Office 3.42, Informatics Forum
• Central Campus
• Programme: Informatics: ILCC: Language Processing, Speech Technology, Information Retrieval, Cognition
• School: Informatics
• College: Science & Engineering

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Informatics: ILCC: Language Processing, Speech Technology, Information Retrieval, Cognition - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd informatics: ilcc: language processing, speech technology, information retrieval, cognition - 6 years (part-time), mphil informatics: ilcc: language processing, speech technology, information retrieval, cognition - 2 years (full-time), mphil informatics: ilcc: language processing, speech technology, information retrieval, cognition - 4 years (part-time), msc by research informatics: ilcc: language processing, speech technology, information retrieval, cognition - 1 year (full-time), msc by research informatics: ilcc: language processing, speech technology, information retrieval, cognition - 2 years (part-time), application deadlines.

Applications for 2024/25 entry are now open and can be submitted all year round.

Please submit your completed application at least three months prior to desired entry date.

If you want to be considered for School funded PhD scholarships you must apply by one of two rounds:

Please note that some University and School scholarships require separate applications via the Scholarships portal.

(Revised 25 October 2023 to update application deadlines)

(Revised 15 February 2024 to extend the round 2 application deadline)

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

You must submit an application via the EUCLID application portal and provide the required information and documentation. This will include submission of:

• a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• a research proposal (2-5 pages long)
• degree certificates and official transcripts of all completed and in-progress degrees (plus certified translations if academic documents are not issued in English).
• two academic references

Only complete applications will progress forward to the academic selection stage.

Read through detailed guidance on how to apply for a PGR programme in the School of Informatics:

• School of Informatics PGR Application Guidance

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

PhD training looks like UK universities’ next crisis

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Research degrees for home students are becoming financially unsustainable and socially exclusive, says Simon Green

It’s an understatement to say that UK universities are not in a good place. The combination of declining real-terms tuition fees, inflation and an increasingly hostile policy environment for international students is pushing institutions into deficit, with mounting numbers of voluntary severance schemes and outright redundancies. Along with this comes relentless media criticism around freedom of speech, wokery and low-value courses.

However, a further issue looms that goes to the heart of the sector’s long-term future: a coming crisis of doctoral training for UK students. 

At first glance, this might seem like scaremongering: numbers of postgraduate research students in the UK are holding steady at just over 110,000, split 60:40 between home and overseas. Both enrich UK academia and project the UK’s soft power into their home countries. The latest Postgraduate Research Experience Survey shows that at almost 80 per cent, overall satisfaction remains high. 

And yet, warning lights are flashing: numbers of new home students funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fell sharply in 2022-23 . 

While differences in individual students’ funding arrangements, disciplines and institutions make this a complex area, there are three overarching and interconnected problems. 

First, quality: most admissions tutors will tell you it is becoming harder to attract strong home students onto PhD programmes. Even the lure of a studentship funded by UKRI is no longer enough, as well-qualified home candidates can typically choose between multiple offers. By contrast, the UK remains highly attractive to good overseas doctoral students, even once higher tuition fees, visas and exchange rates are factored in. 

Second, maintenance funding for PhD students is inadequate and so potentially exclusionary. While the annual UKRI stipend, which also benchmarks most university-funded studentships, is up by 20 per cent to £18,622 in 2023-24, this has not kept pace with cost-of-living pressures, nor with industry salaries, especially in science and engineering. 

Furthermore, the three-year funding model leaves no leeway for the impact of caring duties, mental health or other life events. The Economic and Social Research Council’s move to 3.5 year studentships is a step in the right direction. But until this becomes the norm, anyone who lacks significant family support, both monetary and emotional, will find a PhD increasingly hard and financially unattractive. 

That runs the risk of casting research degrees, and so the future of the academic profession, as a socially exclusive pathway. Universities cannot have an interest in linking the composition of our future workforce to family resources.

Third, the divergence between PhD tuition fees and the real cost of delivery is growing. Transparent Approach to Costing data for 2021-22 showed that the cost recovery of training and supervising postgraduate research students was just 46.6 per cent —including overseas students paying higher fees.

Complicated picture

In fact, the picture is more complicated, since most PhD students are funded either by themselves or their universities. UKRI funding typically accounts for a lesser proportion of this combined total, albeit with wide variation by discipline and university. This means the future of doctoral training will depend on the ability of universities to fund it, directly through fee waivers and indirectly through staff time. 

Together, these factors risk undermining the government’s aspirations for the UK to become a science superpower and to level up economic performance across the country. Both depend on training more researchers, including at doctoral level. 

Put simply, the UK has long done doctoral training on the cheap, thanks to 30 years of university growth and the country’s appeal to international students. That era is probably ending, with two main implications. 

First, the cost of PhD fees and studentships will almost certainly have to increase. Raising the value of studentships would raise new complexities, including liability to income tax. In the likely absence of additional public funding for PhDs, universities will have to either reduce the number of funded students or reallocate resources from other activities. 

Second, this dynamic affects external funders, several of whom have already confirmed they will be supporting fewer studentships. This will reinforce the trend for PhD training to be funded by universities. 

Given the other pressures institutions are facing, universities could be forgiven for seeing all this as a relatively low priority. But unless the sector starts thinking about this very long-term issue now, it risks acting when it is already too late. 

Simon Green is professor of politics at Aston University. From 2018-23, he served as the university’s pro-vice-chancellor for research.

This article also appeared in Research Fortnight

Microsoft Start Health

Professional Faqs: Are Almonds Keto Friendly?

Posted: May 19, 2024 | Last updated: May 19, 2024

Expert opinion from Cagla E. Kayma

Bachelor of science nutrition and dietetics · 7 years of experience · uk.

Almonds can be enjoyed raw or roasted as a keto-friendly snack. You can also buy or make keto-friendly almond milk or butter. In addition, almond flour is a widely used flour alternative.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to Almond.

→ Love Almond? Get nutritional facts, tips from health experts, and more

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors or nutritionists and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Medical advice varies across region. Advice from professionals outside your region should be used at your own discretion. Or you should contact a local health professional.

Expert opinion from Georgios Christos Bakolas

Master science in sport nutrition · 3 years of experience · uk.

Almonds and almonds products are used in keto diets like any other tree nut because they are packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. Individuals can add in their keto diet almonds or they can make their own keto-friendly almond milk or butter.

Expert opinion from Felicitas Bouche Ocampo

Nutrition professor, bachelor's human nutritional sciences · 5 years of experience · argentina.

Yes. Although almonds contain some carbohydrate content, they are low carb and keto friendly due to their high fat content. Also, they contain some protein, vitamins and minerals.

Expert opinion from Leticia Soares

Postgraduate degree in public and family health/bachelor degree in nutrition and dietetics · 5 years of experience · brazil.

Almonds are keto friendly. One serving of almonds is approximately 23 almonds or ¼ cup, which contains about 165 calories, 6 grams carbohydrate, 6 grams protein, 14 grams fat, and 3 grams fiber. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (80% monounsaturated, 15% polyunsaturated, and 5% saturated) and vitamin E, which help decrease heart disease risk by lowering total and LDL cholesterol and protect our body against others non-communicable diseases. Almonds are also a source of magnesium, which is a mineral that may help manage blood sugar levels among people with diabetes.

Expert opinion from Livia Dickson Chen

Phd in nutrition · 11 years of experience · brazil.

Almond is oilseed, which means that its main nutrient is the lipid. Because it contains less carbohydrate, it is included in the ketogenic diet .

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

‘I quit my job as a TV presenter to become a wizard’

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In the early 2000s, Antonia Harman was a rising star TV presenter, working on shows including Sweet and Sassy and on Sky alongside Keith Lemon .

But one day the 43-year-old, who lives in Cornwall, decided to jack the showbiz life in… to become a wizard.

She now boasts celebrity clients who pay £3,000 for personalised live video sessions, including former X Factor star Diana Vickers.

Diana, 32, who is featured on Antonia’s website testimonials, previously claimed she helped heal her endometritis pain.

The condition, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, left Diana ‘disengaged from my friends’ and ‘crying’ in her bedroom during the day.

She told The Sun that Antonia worked her magic and ‘then I was going out, my pain was going, I was in control of my body again.’

Diana also claimed that Antonia cured her tonsillitis.

In a new interview, Antonia detailed her other happy patients, revealing she once extracted a ‘foot-long energetic parasite’ from a friend’s ear in a restaurant toilet.

Antonia’s tailored services do not come cheap, with clients paying £3,000 for live video sessions that help heal physical and emotional trauma.

For those on more of a budget, though, £55 per month will get you multiple informational videos.

Antonia recalled the first time she proclaimed herself a wizard to The Sun – and it was during an encounter with a police officer.

She said: ‘It was utterly ridiculous. I was stationary with my engine on and handbrake up while checking my maps app, but there had just been a change in the law so I was looking at my phone illegally.

‘I got a “ratatat” on my window and it was a police officer. They gave me some points and a fine and then I got sat in the police car and had to fill in these forms.

‘The officer asked what I do for a living and I just said I was a wizard.’

In official documents, she now puts ‘healer’ as her profession.

Antonia said her career change was ‘very unexpected’ as she had a ‘mainstream’ upbringing.

However, she recalled feeling her grandfather’s death before she was informed it had happened and decided to pursue her sixth sense at a five-day course.

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UK inflation: Why are food prices rising so much?

The average price of food and non-alcoholic drinks in the UK have seen their sharpest increase in more than 45 years - so what are the main reasons for the inflation?

Tuesday 16 May 2023 15:11, UK

Soaring food and non-alcoholic drink prices are driving record-high UK inflation and puting intense pressure on household budgets.

More expensive bread, cereals and chocolate all caused the average price of food and non-alcoholic drink to increase 19.2% in the year to March.

This is the sharpest 12-month increase since August 1977, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Separate figures from Which? show meat, yoghurt and vegetables doubled in price in the year to March.

Here are some of the main reasons food prices are rising so much.

Poor harvests

Food prices, especially for fruit, vegetables and sugar, have risen after poor harvests in Europe and North Africa reduced availability earlier this year.

Retailers and wholesalers have had to pay more for items such as tomatoes, peppers and salad, which have been in short supply.

Dr Peter Alexander, senior lecturer in global food security at the University of Edinburgh, says that climate change is impacting food production by extreme weather events becoming "more frequent and extreme"

"Overall, this has suppressed the rate of increases in agricultural productivity, and potentially lead to greater market price volatility, as well as higher prices," he adds.

An outbreak of bird flu late last year meant poultry were locked inside from November to April - resulting in one billion fewer eggs being produced than in 2019. The government has now lifted restrictions but knock-on effects are still being felt.

Cost of living latest: Supermarket reveals price cuts, as pensioners have days to claim £301

Ukraine war

The National Farmer's Union (NFU) president Minette Batters describes the war in Ukraine as a "game changer" for food supply chains.

Since Russia's invasion in February last year, Europe has been forced to wean itself off Russian gas, increasing the cost of the vast amounts of energy needed to produce and transport food. This is then passed onto consumers as higher prices.

According to the NFU, producers are experiencing a 50% inflation in their costs.

On average, 34.3% of food and drink manufacturers reported global supply chain disruption between March 2022 and January 2023.

As the 'bread basket of Europe', Ukraine's inability to produce and ship grain has also reduced European supply and spiked prices.

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Brexit has "made the situation worse for UK manufacturers", according to the Food and Drink Federation, and been blamed for adding hundreds of pounds to the average UK household shopping bill .

NFU president Ms Batters says that while the UK was still in the European Union, it was the "preferred country to work in" for seasonal labour, but now we're out and freedom of movement has ended, the lack of EU workers has been a "huge, huge isue".

The government is introducing visa schemes instead, but these are for shorter periods than before and higher overall living costs in the UK mean Europeans aren't travelling in big numbers.

Labour shortages led to £16m being wasted in unpicked fruit and vegetables last year, Ms Batters adds.

And the amount of people unemployed in the UK who could take the jobs instead don't match numbers currently needed within food supply chains.

Other issues around post-Brexit border controls, packaging and trade deals with non-EU countries have also added to supply chain problems.

Read more on food price inflation: Food inflation hits another record high as pressure mounts on home finances Inflation eases but still remains above 10% as food costs at 45-year high Food prices will remain stubbornly high for a while but there is good news on inflation ahead

Historically low food prices

As is the case with wider inflation and interest rates, the UK has enjoyed low food prices for a long time, with prices ranked the third most affordable in the world.

To keep prices low, this has meant producers and supermarkets have had very small profit margins.

So now supply chain pressure from things like Ukraine and Brexit mean there is very little that can be done to stop increases translating into higher prices on supermarket shelves.

"There's a real challenge," Ms Batters tells Sky News. "For any business, if it's costing you more than you can sell it for, you're going to contract."

The weak pound

Goods the UK cannot produce domestically have also been made more expensive to import by the pound's weak performance in recent months.

Supermarkets always try not to pass all of this cost onto customers in order to remain affordable.

But with the small profit margins mentioned above, sterling's poor position has left retailers unable to stop prices spiralling.

Read more: Spending calculator - See which prices have gone up or down

What has happened to the prices of some items in the last year?

These figures are based on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure of inflation and have been published by the ONS.

In each case, the figure is the percentage increase in the average price over the 12 months to March.

- Olive oil 49.2%

- Sugar 42.1%

- Low-fat milk 38.8%

- Whole milk 37.9%

- Sauces, condiments, salt, spices & culinary herbs 33.7%

- Cheese & curd 33.6%

- Eggs 32.0%

- Frozen vegetables other than potatoes 30.2%

- Pork 25.2%

- Edible ices & ice cream 24.3%

- Pasta products & couscous 24.1%

- Butter 22.7%

- Yoghurt 21.9%

- Jams, marmalades & honey 20.9%

- Ready-made meals 20.9%

- Fresh or chilled vegetables other than potatoes 20.5%

- Potatoes 20.4%

- Tea 19.0%

- Bread 18.9%

- Mineral or spring waters 18.3%

- Poultry 18.0%

- Crisps 17.9%

- Pizza & quiche 17.2%

- Fish 16.7%

- Coffee 15.6%

- Beef & veal 14.8%

- Chocolate 14.6%

- Fruit & vegetable juices 14.1%

- Rice 13.0%

- Soft drinks 12.2%

- Frozen seafood 11.2%

- Fruit 10.6%

- Breakfast cereals & other cereal products 9.0%

- Lamb & goat 6.4%

- Dried fruit & nuts 5.8%

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