How to apply

To apply for a research degree at UCA you will need to apply online. Applications for 2024 entry have now closed. To register your interest for 2025 entry please complete this form:

For 2024 entry the application deadlines were: The deadline to apply for the Vice-Chancellor’s Studentships is 10 April 2024. These Studentships are also available on a part-time basis. All applications close on 10 June 2024.

Entry requirements

To apply for a PhD at UCA, you must have a recognised Master’s degree (or equivalent) relevant to your proposed programme of study, or a first-class honours degree (or equivalent) with appropriate research or professional experience.

International candidates must have an IELTS 7.0 in English Language for a standard thesis route (or equivalent qualification).

PhD application and assessment timeline

Our applications portal is now closed for 2024 entry.

Applying will activate Stage 1 of the applications process, where our research degree team will assess your potential for PhD study at UCA.

If successful, you will be invited for an interview. Interviews will take place online, and will review your research experience, qualifications, references, motivation for study and the details of your research proposal and the feasibility of your potential PhD project.

If you are successful, you will enrol with the UCA Doctoral College in early September 2024.  

How do I find a supervisor?

If you are successful in gaining a place on the PhD programme, UCA will appoint a supervisory team for your project. If there is a member of staff who you would particularly like to work with you can let us know in your application. If you wish, you may also contact a potential supervisor directly for their advice about your application. 

Complete your application

After logging into the application portal, please ensure you have completed the below sections before submitting or we will be unable to process your application.

  • Personal Information
  • Educational Information
  • A two-minute video introducing yourself and presenting your plans and goals for a PhD (uploaded to your personal YouTube, set to unlisted and with a link to the video provided in the application form).
  • A 300-word description of your research idea
  • A 3000-word writing sample (not a proposal, but example of your academic writing ability).

Before beginning your application, be sure to review this year’s Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Studentship competition, which offers candidates fully funded PhDs in a range of different categories.