How to apply

To apply for a research degree at UCA you will need to apply online using the appropriate link below:

The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026, please see below for more details about the application and assessment timeline.

Entry requirements

You must have a recognised Master’s degree (or equivalent) relevant to your proposed area of research, or an undergraduate degree (or equivalent), usually at class 2:1 or above, with additional appropriate research or professional experience.

International candidates must have IELTS 7.0 in English (with 7.0 in writing and no less than 6.5 in any other category) or an equivalent English language qualification.

Application and assessment timeline

The portal will open for applications (September 2026 entry) on 17th November 2025. The deadline to be considered for our scheduled interview blocks is 31st March 2026.  After this date you can still apply, but places may already be filled, as supervisory capacity is limited.

If our research degree team determine that your application shows potential for research degree study at UCA, you will be invited for an interview. Interviews will be held in two blocks in February and April 2026, with a final block of interviews, open only to current UCA Master’s students, in July 2026. Interviews will take place online, and will review your academic track record and qualifications, relevant work experience, your research experience and motivation, and the details of your research proposal, including its feasibility and how well it fits UCA’s research specialisms.

Supervisors

The interview and offer process will include consideration of how we can best match you with a supervisory team.

Decisions on supervisors are taken by the Schools and Doctoral College, and you do not need to identify a possible supervisor in advance.

If you know of a UCA supervisor you would like work with, you should name them in your application. However, if you are offered a place, whether you are assigned to this supervisor will depend on their availability.

Preparing your proposal

If you would like to discuss your PhD proposal before making an application you can contact a supervisor or the School PGR Lead in your field.

View the profiles of UCA Research Supervisors

School PGR Leads:

Please note that supervisors and the School PGR Lead may offer advice but will not be able to give you repeated or intensive feedback on your proposal.

Please read our guidance on preparing a proposal.

Making your application

The application form requires:

  • Information about your education and work experience
  • A research proposal of up to 2,000 words
  • A portfolio of creative practice (if relevant)
  • A personal statement introducing yourself and your motivations for undertaking a PhD. This can be either:

    - A two-minute video uploaded to your personal YouTube; set the video to ‘unlisted’ and load a link to it in the application form
    - A written statement of not more than one page in length.
  • A writing sample of up to 3,000 words; this is in addition to your proposal and should evidence your academic writing ability. It could be an essay, a section of your dissertation from a previous academic course, or another piece of writing produced by you in an academic, creative or professional context.

Make sure you complete all sections of the application form and upload all the required documents before submitting.  We are not able to process incomplete applications.

Offers and enrolment

If you are successful and are offered a place, you will enrol with your School and the UCA Doctoral College in autumn 2026.

You will be required to attend induction sessions in mid-late September and to attend research-methods training sessions in your first year in person at UCA’s campuses; throughout your research degree, you will need to attend the University for supervisory meetings and other activities.