The PhD application process has several key steps, from finding a supervisor to writing a research proposal, to completing an interview. It can take anything from a year to 18 months to think about and prepare for an application, so make sure you have given yourself enough time. Making sure you have enough time will ensure that you really think about what you want to do and that your eventual application will be as strong as possible.
Putting together a research proposal
After you've contacted a potential supervisor, and you've heard back that they may be able to supervise you, you can then send them your research proposal.
You should make sure that your research proposal is as polished as you can make it. It may be a draft, but it needs to show you and your potential work in the best light.
It's a good idea to show it to someone else and get their feedback first – someone who taught you on your undergraduate or Master's course is a good idea.
What your research proposal should include
You can find tips on what a research proposal should include on our How to Write your Research Proposal page. Remember that the requirements will be different in different disciplines.
You will need to show:
- That you are aware of and understand the current thinking in your area of research. Cite and quote from specific scholars to show this
- That you see a gap or a lack in the current debate or work, or that it can be expanded or added to in some way. It is fine to disagree with current work as long as you can justify your disagreement. You should also show how the research you are proposing fills this gap
- That you can carry out the proposed research in the time you have to do the degree
Getting feedback on your research proposal
It is likely that your potential supervisor will have suggestions for your draft proposal – this is completely normal and is a sign that they would be an engaged and supportive supervisor. At this stage, you and your potential supervisor are getting to know each other, and thinking about whether you would work well together.
If you do begin a PhD, you will receive lots of feedback, from your main supervisor, from second supervisors, from others at progress review stages, and finally from your examiners. Being open to feedback now will show your supervisor that you are willing to develop. However, if you feel the feedback shows they have not quite understood your project, then they might not be the supervisor for you.
When the application process starts
At the University of Westminster, we have two intakes for those beginning PhDs, one in September and one in January.
The deadlines for applying for each of these varies depending on whether students will need to arrange visas. Remember that the period of processing applications for PhD can be up to three months.
You can find more about when to apply to our research degrees on our How to apply page.
Entry requirements and criteria
Our entry criteria are listed on individual research degree pages. Generally, we ask for a 2:1 in the first degree, and sometimes a Master's. If you are applying for a studentship, particularly from one of the research councils in the UK, it is more likely that a Master's will be required.
Our entry requirements are there to ensure that an applicant is ready to do a PhD, however, there is a lot of evidence that such criteria disadvantage those from underrepresented backgrounds. If you do not meet these criteria it does not mean that you will not be offered a place or that you will not be successful in applying for funding. The most important part of your application is your research proposal. If that is strong, then you have a very good chance of a place and a competitive chance at funding.
If you are in this situation, discuss it before application with your potential supervisor and/or the PhD coordinator or admissions tutor where you are applying. They will help to ensure that your application is strong enough to justify waiving such criteria.
What to expect at the interview
For most research degrees, you'll need to attend an interview before a final decision on your application is made. The interview panel is usually made up of your potential supervisor and one or two people responsible for PhD management in the department or school.
Questions are likely to include:
- why you want to do a PhD
- why you want to study with us
- more detailed questions about your research proposal
This is a chance for the interviewing panel to hear more about your ideas, and for you to talk about why the research you are proposing needs to be done and how you would like to do it.
Try to enjoy talking about your research. You are bound to be a bit nervous – everyone is when being interviewed – but remember that everyone is on your side. They want you to succeed.
At the end of the interview, it is likely that you will be asked if you have any questions for the panel. Make sure you prepare for this and ask questions that show you have thought carefully about what it is like to do a PhD, and that you have done some research on the department. Most departments really want their PhD students to be part of the research community, so have a think about what you would like to be involved in beyond the research itself.
For more information, you can read FindAPhD's helpful guide to PhD interview questions or their top tips for interview success.