phd application qmul

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• School of Law
• Postgraduate
• PhD and research degrees
• Application process

PhD law application process

All applications must be made through the online system. Before beginning your application, please read the University's research degree application guidance notes as well as the information provided on this page.

To apply online, please click on the buttons on the right and choose full-time or part-time, depending which mode of study you want. These buttons are portals to the online application system - once you are in the application system, please follow the instructions.

Application deadlines

The deadline for application submissions for entry in September 2024 is midnight on Wednesday 5 June 2024.

However, if you need to secure funding for your PhD in the form of a Studentship, the deadline for your application will depend on the particular scheme you are applying for. All awards require the submission of the main PhD application and supporting documentation prior to the deadline. Find out more about fees and funding.

Here is a list of studentships available to offer-holders with the deadline to receive your application:

• PhD Studentships - 6 December 2023
• School of Law - China Scholarship Council (CSC) Studentships – Late January 2024
• PhD Graduate Teaching Assistantships - 6 December 2023
• London Inter-Disciplinary Social Science (LISS) Doctoral Training Partners (DTP) ESRC Studentship - Late January 2024
• London Arts & Humanities Partnership (LAHP) PhD Studentship - Late January 2024
• Intellectual Property PhD - Herchel Smith Scholarships - 3 June 2024

We strongly advise against deadline-surfing. Supervisor support is vital for crafting a competitive funding application. If you are not already in contact with a potential supervisor prior to making your PhD application, then you will need to factor in a period of at least one month for the admissions team to identify suitable supervisors.

You will also need to apply in advance of the June deadline if you need to apply for a visa. Where the grant of a visa depends on your receiving an unconditional offer, you must also make sure that you have also satisfied any English and Academic entry requirements .

The assessment process

Once your application is submitted, it will be read by an academic member of the Graduate Studies team, who will review the application, potentially in conjunction with other relevant academic members of staff. Individual academics cannot guarantee acceptance into the PhD programme, but you will be in a stronger position if you have already secured support for your application from a potential supervisor.

If you have been unable to identify a potential supervisor for yourself, the Director of Graduate Studies will try to assemble a supervisory team. If no suitable members of staff can be found, then your application will be rejected, even if you have developed a strong research proposal and you meet our academic and English language qualification requirements .

If your PhD proposal has attracted supervisor interest, then the final stage of the application process is an interview with potential supervisors. You should be available for an in-person or online interview if requested. Offers of study will only be made following a successful interview.

We receive a high volume of applications so we cannot offer individual feedback on unsuccessful applications.

Assessment criteria

Your proposal will be assessed on the following criteria:

• Quality of proposal 
• Preparedness of applicant 
• Feasibility of project
• Institutional fit

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• School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences
• Postgraduate
• PhD programmes

Application process

The application process for our PhD programmes is outlined here. Applicants who are already prepared to submit a formal application can click here  for the online application forms.

1. Identify a potential supervisor

Before applying, you will need to identify a potential supervisor for your PhD. We have a limited number of funded projects available which are advertised on our postgraduate research studentships page . We also have a list of PhD projects available for applicants with, or who intend to apply for, alternative funding. Applications from candidates intending to self-fund their PhD are also accepted – please visit our self-funding students page for relevant information.

Once you have found a PhD project you would like to apply for you should express your interest, usually via email, with the supervisor before you make a formal application. The contact details for supervisors, and any information/documents they require from you, are listed on the project page. If you are applying for one of our postgraduate research studentships, please ensure that you complete the formal application before the advertised deadline.

Other projects may also be possible and should be discussed with a prospective supervisor. The research themes of the School can be found on our research pages and research interests of individual members of staff can be browsed on their personal pages . Applicants should contact suitable members of staff by email to enquire about possible research opportunities and with the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Information on research interests
• An outline of how you intend to fund your studies

2. Formal application

Once you have contacted a potential supervisor, and they have agreed to consider your application further, you will be required to make a formal application. Formal applications should be submitted through the Queen Mary online application portal – links are provided at the end of this webpage.

If you are applying for one of the Doctoral Training Partnerships, please visit the relevant website for information on their application procedure.

Queen Mary online application form

Your application should include the following:

a) A completed application form - Please ensure you complete information regarding your supervisor's name and how your PhD will be funded.

b) Transcripts

c) Proof of English language ability for applicants from non-English speaking countries

d) Curriculum Vitae (CV)

e) Statement of purpose (one-side A4 maximum) - This should set out:

• Your previous academic, or other, experience relevant to the proposed research
• Why you wish to undertake this research at Queen Mary
• Your previous research or professional training and what further training you think you will need to complete a PhD
• The ethical issues you will need to consider in undertaking this research.

f) Research proposal (where required) - see the central webpages for further information on preparing a research proposal.

g) References - You will need to supply contact details of two academic referees. At least one reference must be from an academic referee who is in a position to comment on the standard of your academic work and suitability for postgraduate level study. Where appropriate, a second referee can provide comment on your professional experience.

We will contact your referee(s) by email to supply a reference. However, a scanned colour copy of a reference provided on paper can also be provided either at the point of application or in response to the reference request email your referee will receive.

If your referee emails your reference to us we can only accept it if it is sent from a university or company email address (i.e. not Hotmail, Yahoo etc.). Paper reference forms should be endorsed by an appropriate official stamp or on institution/company letterhead. Alternatively, if your referee has agreed to provide an open reference letter, you can scan this and upload it in the upload document section of the online form.

3. What happens next

All applications are reviewed initially by the Admissions Office. The Admissions Office will forward your application to the School. Your application will be reviewed by academic staff, including your potential supervisor, and if the School is interested in taking your application further, they will contact you directly to arrange an interview with two members of academic staff (one of whom will be your potential supervisor). The interview may be in person or virtually, for example using Skype. You should be prepared to answer questions about your application, experience, motivation and background knowledge relevant to your proposed project.

We aim to inform you of a decision on your application within six to eight weeks of receipt if you have provided all the required documentation. If you require a decision by a given deadline in order to apply for funding please make this very clear on your application, and also to your potential supervisor.

If you are unsure about the application process for your chosen PhD project, contact us for further advice:

Email: [email protected]

Online application forms

Biological sciences.

Full-time applications:

PhD Biological Sciences - Semester 1 start (Sept 2024)

PhD Biological Sciences - Semester 2 start (Jan 2024)

PhD Biological Sciences - Semester 3 start (Apr 2024)

PhD Psychology - Semester 1 start (Sept 2024)

PhD Psychology - Semester 2 start (Jan 2024)

PhD Psychology - Semester 3 start (Apr 2024)

Part-time applications:

UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Artificial Intelligence and Music (AIM)

In September 2023 we completed recruitment of the fifth and final funded cohort of the AIM CDT. For 2024, we intend to recruit a number of PhD students; positions include 1 PhD studentship for a home student to start in Spring 2024 funded by the UKRI, and 2 PhD studentships to start in September 2024 funded by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). We also accept applications from candidates funded through national scholarship schemes and self-funded students. On this C4DM web page , we list several PhD topics that we would be interested in supervising. Please note that this page also includes scholarship schemes outside the remit of AIM.

Why apply to the AIM Programme?

• Extensive choice of projects, drawing on a supervisory team of over 30 academics
• Access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and music/audio technology
• Comprehensive technical training at the intersection of AI and music through a personalized programme
• Partnerships with over 25 companies and cultural institutions in the music, audio and creative sectors

For more information on the AIM Programme structure click here .

Who should apply?

We are on the lookout for outstanding students interested in the intersection of music/audio technology and AI. Successful applicants will have the following profile:

• Hold or be completing a Masters degree at distinction or first class level, or equivalent, in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Music/Audio Technology, Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology. We also accept applicants holding or completing a Masters degree at distinction or first class level, or equivalent, in Music Performance/Composition or Musicology, provided that the applicant has a suitable technical background to undertake a PhD in AI and Music. In exceptional circumstances we accept applicants with a first class Bachelors degree who do not hold a Masters degree, provided that applicants can provide evidence of equivalent research experience, industry experience, or specialist training.
• Programming skills are strongly desirable; however we do not consider this to be an essential criterion if candidates have complementary strengths.
• Musical training (any of performance, production, composition or theory) is desirable but not a prerequisite.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our student admissions processes. We particularly welcome applications from women and under-represented groups, and from applicants in all stages of life.

We have one AIM PhD studentship for home applicant to start in the Spring of 2024 and two China Scholarship Council (CSC) PhD studentships to start in Autumn 2024. The CDT will also provide funding for conference travel, equipment, and for attending other CDT-related events.

External PhD studentships The AIM programme also welcomes applications from students who have sponsorship for PhD study from numerous international funding agencies including: Commonwealth PhD Scholarships CONACYT (Mexico) Islamic Development Bank

Please see the PhD funding page for full details of Queen Mary’s funding partners, including other schemes not listed here.

Important information for CSC applicants: the AIM programme is able to offer tuition fee waivers to applicants who receive PhD studentships from the China Scholarship Council (CSC) . Applications must state on their application form that they intend to apply for CSC funding. Following the PhD offer acceptance, applicants will then need to submit a separate studentship application to the CSC. Following a change in CSC regulations, applicants should ensure that they have met the English language requirements by the point of offer in order to be eligible for CSC funding.

Self-Funding It is always possible to apply to the AIM programme as a self-funded student or with funding from another source. Please be aware that you will need to be able to prove that you have the funding to cover the tuition fees, living costs, and the additional travel and accommodation costs required for this course.

Tuition fees vary according to your fee status. To discuss living costs, tuition fees and additional programme costs, please contact us at [email protected]

Visa fees and healthcare surcharge Please note that for international students on a student visa, the AIM programme is not able to cover any visa application fees and/or the healthcare surcharge .

How to apply

To apply for the AIM PhD position for Spring 2024 entry, complete the online application form which can be found at: https://mysis.qmul.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RFQM-G4ZG-05&code2=0001

To apply for the CSC PhD positions for Autumn 2024 entry, complete the online application form which can be found at: https://mysis.qmul.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RFQM-G4ZG-09&code2=0006

The deadline for applications is on 31 January 2024 (23:59 GMT). Interviews are expected to take place in the following weeks.

What you should include in your application:

• Fully complete application form, transcripts of your previous degree(s), and a Curriculum Vitae PDF document. Overseas applicants from non-English speaking countries must include a proof of English language ability (see details on English requirements below).
• A two page A4 “Research Proposal” – a PDF document in which you provide a description of your top choice of PhD topic. You can either: (i) Select a PhD topic from the list of suggested PhD topics ; or (ii) Propose your own PhD topic, which will have to fall in the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Music. In your research proposal, we strongly encourage you to list up to 3 PhD topics in order of preference, either from the list of suggested AIM topics or based on your own suggested topic(s). You should describe only one topic in detail in your research proposal document. You should use 11pt fonts in the document; references do not count in the page limits. We encourage you to contact your chosen supervisor for an informal discussion – this will also help you to put together your research proposal, which is an integral part of your application. Note: submission of a research proposal is mandatory , irrespectively if you are choosing a topic from the pool of suggested PhD topics or if you are proposing your own topic; applications without a research proposal will not be considered.
• A one page A4 “Personal Statement” – a PDF document in which you set out your previous academic or other experience relevant to your proposed research interests, why you wish to undertake this research at QMUL, and why you want to do the AIM PhD – think of it like a covering letter to explain why you want to apply for the AIM PhD.
• Two references are required – either two academic, or one academic and one work related reference. Your academic referee must be able to comment on the standard of your academic work and suitability for postgraduate level study. Where appropriate, a second referee can provide comment on your professional experience (if you are unable to obtain references prior to submission please send/ask your referee to send it to the following email address, including the application number in the subject: [email protected] ).
• Select a supervisor – in case you have chosen a PhD topic from the list of suggested PhD topics , this would be the topic’s respective supervisor. In case you are suggesting your own topic, have a look at the list of academics at the School of EECS: http://eecs.qmul.ac.uk/people/academic/ and the research groups in the School: http://eecs.qmul.ac.uk/research/research-groups/ . Make sure to contact possible supervisors in advance and agree who would be you supervisor and what the topic would be.
• In the box “How do you intend to finance your studies at Queen Mary” – if you are not looking for a scholarship and you will be self-funded please state “self-funded”. If you have or are applying for another source of funding such as China Scholarship Council please state this.

Additional tips for completing your application:

• The online application link above will take you directly to the “PhD FT Artificial Intelligence and Music – Semester 1 start” application form (Course reference RFQM-G4ZG-09). Please use that link to complete your application.
• For faster processing of your application, please submit all application documents in PDF format (please avoid uploading DOC, DOCX, JPG, PNG etc files).
• Please note: When applicable, we will share the application details you submit to Queen Mary with the AIM programme industry/academic partners (when the proposed or selected project you have applied for involves an external partner) since it will be necessary for admission selection and the performance of any contract between you and Queen Mary/AIM CDT. Please refer to the privacy notice for applicants and our Data Protection Policy  for further information.
• If you are an overseas student there is helpful advice on our International pages and on the UK Council for International Student Affairs website.
• The standard requirement for English at the School of EECS is IELTS 6.5 overall or an equivalent certificate. More details about language requirements for postgraduate research students in the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science can be found in the international students section.
• If you have a serious problem with the online application form please email [email protected] . For informal enquiries related to the AIM Programme and application process please email any questions to [email protected]
• We strongly encourage you to list in your application more than one PhD topic, preferably 3 topics (this information should be stated in the research proposal document).
• In the online application form, under section “Other Information”: for question “How do you intend to finance your studies at Queen Mary University of London?” please use the “I am a QMUL PG Research Studentship applicant” response.
• The AIM PhD Programme is a four year full-time programme and you must be able to commit full-time to the programme. In exceptional circumstances the programme allows for part-time study at 50% minimum; if you wish to be considered for part-time study, please include your justification for part-time study in a cover letter submitted with your application.
• FindaPhD – Writing a Good PhD Research Proposal: https://www.findaphd.com/advice/finding/writing-phd-research-proposal.aspx
• QMUL DCE CDT website – it has presentation slides and video recordings of some workshops run by the CDT with guidelines on writing your research proposal: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/dce/applications/
• IGGI CDT website – on recommendations for writing a research proposal .

Recruitment for our online courses is closed. Explore all QMUL postgraduate courses .

Tel: +44(0)20 3835 4250 WhatsApp: +44 (0)7883 302152

Applications for online study are closed

Application forms.

You can apply for your chosen course via your assigned course adviser or using the links below.

Please visit our application guidance page for more information before starting your application. 

Application form links

These links will take you through to the Queen Mary application portal. To get started, click the link below for your chosen course. Then click on 'Register' under 'New Applicant'. This will allow you to make a new account and then fill out your details. 

International Relations

PGCert: Apply for May 2024

PGDip: Apply for May 2024

MA: Apply for May 2024

International Dispute Resolution

PGCert:  Apply for May 2024

PGDip:  Apply for May 2024

LLM:  Apply for May 2024

International Public Policy

MSc:  Apply for May 2024

Global Public Health

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us to discuss the application process further.

Need more information?

Learn more about our programmes.

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• School of Geography
• Postgraduate
• PhD applicants

How to apply

All applicants to one of our postgraduate funding programmes should follow the simple steps below. For all application deadlines please see  here.

1. Identify a supervisor

Before making a formal application to the PhD programmes you should discuss your ideas with a potential supervisor within the School. However, please note that we can only provide supervision on subject areas in which we have specific expertise. Therefore, you should carefully consider whether your project fits with the research interests of the School. For further information can be found Putting together your research proposal.

2. Developing the research proposal

Your research proposal (c.1500-2000 words) is an important element of the School’s decision-making process. You should work closely with your potential supervisor to develop this. Further guidance is available Putting together your research proposal.

3. Gather supporting documents

Before applying online, ensure you have collated all the documents required for your application. List of required documents are:

• A completed online application form
• Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree transcripts
• Proof of English language (if applicable). Please see here for further information.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research Proposal
• A one-side A4 statement of purpose
• Two references.

4. Making an online application

All applications are submitted online to the Admissions and Recruitment Office at QMUL in the first instance. Applicants to the LAHP , LISS DTP or the London NERC DTP must also complete a separate application. Please note the application deadlines may be different to the QMUL deadline.

What happens next

If you have applied for the QMUL Principal’s studentship, the School will review your application and successful candidates will be nominated to Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences by the end of February 2023.

If you have applied for LAP or LISS DTP Open Studentships, applications will be considered directly at the DTP and you will be informed in due course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who should i first make contact with at the school.

If you have any academic queries not answered here, please contact our Director of Graduate Studies, Professor Kathryn Yusoff  (Director of Graduate Studies – Human Geography), or Dr Stuart Grieve  ( Director of Graduate Studies – Physical Geography and Environmental Science). If you have any queries about the applications process not addressed here, please contact our Postgraduate Studies Manager ( [email protected] ).

I don't have a first degree in Geography. Can I still apply?

Though many people joining our PhD program have a first degree/masters in Geography/Environmental Science, we welcome applications from those with backgrounds in cognate disciplines.

I don't have a 1st Class Degree or the international equivalent. Is it worth my while applying?

The School is committed to appointing only the very best candidates to our PhD programme. Ideally, you should have a 1st Class degree and/or a Masters at Merit of above. If you have an Upper Second Class degree, you should be able to demonstrate a record of work at 1st Class level. Though a Masters degree is not a requirement, Funding (Research Council and College Studentships) is awarded on a competitive basis, and most applicants will have a Masters degree at Merit or Distinction (with many also holding a 1st Class degree). All our applicants are judged on the same criteria:  record of academic achievement; quality of research proposal; and fit with the School’s research interests.

Will I be able to get funding for my PhD?

There are several ways of getting funding for a PhD. If you are a home/EU student, you may be eligible to apply for funding from one of the British Research Councils (NERC, ESRC, AHRC). Research council studentships pay full home fees and a maintenance award for 3 years. Each year the School also bid with College for a number of College PhD Studentships. If successful in this bid, these Studentships are made available to applicant’s to the School’s PhD programme. College Studentships also pay home fees and a maintenance award for 3 years. Your potential supervisor, or the Director of Graduate Studies, will be able to tell you which of these different awards you are eligible for. Current opportunities for funding, and details of how to apply for the different awards, are listed on our Funding page.

When does your PhD programme start?

Our PhD programme starts in September. It is not possible to start at any other point.  Term dates are here : please note that induction to the Department takes place during registration week.

Is it possible to study part-time?

Our PhD programme is offered on a full and part-time basis. Full time students study for three years, part-time students for six years. Overseas students should note that it is extremely rare for the British government to award a student visa for part-time study, unless you are already working in Britain with a work permit.

What is a Research Proposal?

The Research Proposal is a 1500-2000 word document in which you set out the ideas for your PhD, and should be attached to your application form. The quality of your Research Proposal is one of the main criteria the School (and funding bodies) use to assess your application.  Guidance on how to write a Research Proposal are set out on our Putting Together a Research Proposal page.

Do I have to send two academic references?

We would prefer to see two academic references. If it is several years since you graduated from your last degree we will understand if this will not be possible, and will accept one academic and one non-academic reference.

What if I have questions not answered in the FAQs?

If you have any academic queries not answered here, please contact our Directors of Graduate Studies,  Professor Kathryn Yusoff  (Director Graduate Studies - Human Geography) or Dr Stuart Grieve  ( D irector Graduate Studies  -   Physical Geography and Environmental Science). If you have any queries about the applications process not addressed here, please contact our Postgraduate Studies Manager ( [email protected] ).

Visiting and associate students application procedure

We welcome expressions of interest from PhD students at other institutions who wish to spend a period of study at Queen Mary. Visiting PhD students are welcome to join our research activities, including School Research Seminars, Research Frameworks and Physical Geography Group Meetings.

We invite potential applicants to make contact with a member of staff who could act as mentor during their stay in the School of Geography. Staff research interests can be found here 

Once mentoring arrangements have been put in place, students should formally submit an application to QMUL Admissions using the online application form . Acceptance of this will recognise the visitor as a student at QMUL and will provide Library, building and network access. The School of Geography will offer shared desk space in a dedicated computer room.

Global main menu

• School of English and Drama
• Postgraduate
• PhD Programme

Applying for a PhD

We welcome applications from those wishing to join the Drama department’s vibrant intellectual community.

Find a supervisor

To help us advise you as effectively as possible, we encourage prospective applicants to make their initial enquiry by completing SED PhD Enquiry Form 2019 Drama [DOC 37KB] and emailing it to the Director of Graduate Studies for Drama,  Professor Nicholas Ridout . He will advise you on your project and answer any queries you might have about pursuing doctoral research in Drama at Queen Mary. 

Prospective applicants who have already developed full research proposals presented in accordance with our guidelines and who have consulted our staff pages to identify potential supervisors are also encouraged to contact Professor Nicholas Ridout with their proposals for advice in advance of making a formal application. Details about the information to include with your application can be found below.

Entry Requirements

Your previous academic qualifications and other relevant experience will be taken into account when your application is assessed. While each application is assessed on its merits, applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree (a solid 2.1 or above) and a master’s degree (usually with an average of 65 or above, preferably with elements of distinction) in fields related to your proposed area of PhD research. 

We understand that you may not have completed your master’s degree at the time of application, in which case we will consider results available at that point. Applicants without master’s-level qualifications (completed or in progress) are not normally considered for admission to the PhD programme. In certain cases this requirement may be waived in accordance with College regulations, but only under exceptional circumstances.

Making an Application

To make an application you must complete Queen Mary's central  postgraduate application form .

You will need to include:

• Degree certificates
• Transcripts
• Two references (see below)
• IELTS scores (if applicable)
• Statement of Purpose (see below).
• Research Proposal (see below)

All complete applications received by the advertised deadline will be considered for all funding opportunities for which they are eligible (visit our funding page for further details).

Writing Your Research Proposal

How long should my proposal be?

2000 words (maximum, excluding timescale and bibliography)

What should the proposal include?

The proposal should include any information that an academic reader with no prior knowledge of the project would need in order to assess its potential to make an original contribution to performance research.

The proposal should include the following subheadings, and may include a consideration of the questions and notes given under each:

• Project description What is the topic you propose to investigate? What are your case studies? What is your argument? If you are undertaking archival research, which archives are relevant to your project?
• Research questions What are the key research questions your inquiry aims to address? 3-5 questions are typical. You may include sub-questions if you find this useful.
• Research context Name key critics and bodies of scholarship that are relevant to your project and position your own inquiry in relation to them. How does your project engage existing bodies of work? This should include scholarship in theatre and performance studies, as well as scholarship from other disciplines as appropriate. How does your project seek to make an original and significant contribution to knowledge? How does your project seek to do something different to the existing critical literature?
• Methodology
• How do you intend to address your research questions (e.g. ethnography, materialist approaches, practice-based research)? What is your rationale for using these methodologies? Are there additional research methods you seek to employ, such as interviewing, archival research, the collection of empirical data, etc?
• Scope What is the repertoire of core material – artistic, critical, historical, or otherwise – which you intend to examine in the thesis? Specify the historical, geographical and other scopes as relevant to your project. What is the rationale for your selection and exclusion of case studies and/or contexts? Is your selection representative, diverse, and inclusive in terms of gender, sexuality, race and nationality?
• Timescale (not included in the word count) How will you plan the project such that it is completed within 3 years of full-time study or 5 years of part-time study? (College maximums are 4 years of full-time study and 7 years of part-time study). Note: a full-time studentship covers a three-year period.
• Bibliography (not included in the word count) Identify texts, performances, resources, archives etc. that are central to your investigation, including any scholars and texts referenced in the proposal.

Will you look at a draft proposal?

Yes, but it is important that the proposal be the result of your own independent work: the ability to conceive a thesis project and articulate the proposal clearly is a central part of the PhD application process. You are welcome to send a single, complete draft of your proposal for our review (ideally well in advance of submitting the final application).

Can I meet with a prospective supervisor or the Director of Graduate Studies?

Yes. It is typically more useful to meet with a member of staff after you have submitted a completed Enquiry Form, including a detailed precis of your proposed topic and information about your qualifications. We may ask you to submit the form before we invite you to meet with us to discuss your research.

Can I apply to do a PhD part-time?

What is the required word count of a PhD thesis?

A written doctoral thesis is a minimum of 80,000 words and a maximum of 100,000 words.

Do you support practice-based research proposals?

Yes. Students may carry out practice-based research to generate material for one or more case studies in the course of writing a PhD thesis. Practice may include but is not limited to performance, applied theatre and facilitation, curating, and other approaches.

Students who submit a combination of a written thesis and practice do so on the understanding that the material is submitted concurrently and examined as an integrated whole. Practice must be submitted using a form of retainable documentation.

Should I discuss my approach to practice-based research in my proposal?

Yes. The role and nature of practice in research depends on each individual project and its critical aims. If you intend to pursue your project through methodologies that include practice, please ensure that the research imperatives driving this practice are clearly accounted for in your proposal. Why is practice a relevant and necessary methodology? Being an artist or being experienced in the use of a relevant practice is typically not sufficient as a rationale for its selection.

Reflection on one’s own practice usually achieves greater critical efficacy when it accounts for a broader repertoire of related practice as well. If you intend to include your own performance work among your case studies, how would you situate it in the context of other bodies of performance work? Identify any material requirements your practice would involve (e.g. space, technical equipment, access to particular people or organisations).

Can I undertake a PhD by practice that doesn’t include a written submission?

What is the word count for a practice-based PhD?

Students may submit documentation of practice alongside the written thesis and request a reduction in the overall word count. There is no fixed ration of written content and practical outcomes. The balance between the written and practical components of the submission is determined by the needs of the project in negotiation with the primary supervisor/s.

I’m an artist. Can I write a PhD thesis about my work?

For a number of our PhD students, their past and ongoing bodies of performance practice may productively inform their thesis research. In most cases, though, this practice is neither the main case study within the thesis nor the sole mode through which research is conducted and findings articulated. 

Statement of Purpose

Your Statement of Purpose (one side, A4 - 500 words max) should include your name and proposed thesis title and address the following areas:

• Preparation: your previous academic or other experience relevant to the proposed research
• Place: why you wish to undertake this research at Queen Mary (consider how your project fits with the Department and prospective supervisor's/supervisors' research interests)
• Training: your previous research or professional training and what further research training you think you will need to complete a PhD
• Ethics: ethical issues you will need to consider in undertaking this research (e.g. interviewing, audience research). All research involving human subjects will need approval from Queen Mary’s Research Ethics Committee (successful applicants will be required to seek approval once they begin their PhD programme.

When selecting referees for your application, please choose those who can testify to your preparedness to undertake PhD research. In most cases this means academic staff with whom you have studied previously. Where relevant, referees from outside the university may be appropriate, but they should still be able to speak effectively to your potential to undertake research at a doctoral level.

School of Engineering and Materials Science

Research degrees - how to apply.

Thank you for your interest in continuing your studies with the School of Engineering and Materials Science.

If you would like a copy of the Queen Mary Postgraduate Prospectus sent to you, please complete the prospectus order form .

Listed below you will find the steps to follow when applying for a PhD research degree in the School of Engineering and Materials Science, for more general information on postgraduate research degrees see the postgraduate study, research degrees web page.

1. Review entry requirements and funding

The entrance requirement for entry to a research degree is a good second class honours degree or a master's degree from an UK university, a recognised equivalent from an accredited overseas institution or an equivalent professional qualification. You should also take note of any English Language requirements if English is not your first language.  The College’s standard requirement for English is IELTS 6.5. Further details can be found on the International students pages .

At this stage it is important that you have a realistic plan to secure sufficient funding.  On your application, please be sure to include details of how you intend to secure sufficient funding to complete the research programme and writing up process within the normal time period, which is at least 36 months.

Details of the studentships that are currently being advertised in the School are available at http://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/research/studentships/

2. Make sure there is a research match

Before applying you need to ensure that the School has the expertise within the specific area to supervise your research. To do this you need to visit the School website and look under the research pages . You should look at what research groups there are and review individual staff research interests.

If you are able to identify a match with your own research interests, the next step is to complete the online application process (see point 3 below). 

3. Applying

Once you have identified a research area that matches your research interests, and hopefully also identified a research supervisor you should now complete the online application process.

Please navigate to the degree programme via the links below. You will see an 'Apply online' heading to the right of the programme description ; this will take you to the online application form for your preferred programme.

• Apply online for Research degrees in Engineering
• Apply online for Research degrees in Materials

Full guidance notes are provided during the online application process. If at any stage you require any advice or assistance, or encounter any difficulty in using the online application service, please contact The Admissions and Recruitment Office (details above)

You should read the full application guidelines notes, but generally each application should also include the following:

Degree transcripts. Please provide a transcript of your degree(s). If you have not yet completed your degree please provide a transcript of your results achieved to date.

• If your degree was from a UK university-please upload a transcript of your marks for each year.
• If your degree was from an overseas institution, you should supply a transcript of your marks for each year of your studies and a copy of your degree certificate together with a certified translation if the document is not in English. Please note that original documentation will be required before you enrol. International applicants are also advised to include high school transcripts.

Two references. Please provide the contact details of two referees. At least one reference must be from an academic referee who is in a position to comment on the standard of your academic work and suitability for postgraduate level study. Where appropriate, a second referee can provide comment on your professional experience.

Your referees can either submit a paper copy and post it to us, or complete it electronically and send it via email. Download our reference request form here: 

If your referee emails your reference to us we can only accept it if it is sent from a university or company email address. References from a personal email address such as ‘Yahoo’ or ‘Hotmail’ are not acceptable. Paper reference forms should be endorsed by an appropriate institution/company official stamp or on official institution/company letterhead. Alternatively if your referee has agreed to provide an open reference letter you can scan this and upload it, in the upload document section of the online form.

Research Proposal . 

All PhD applicants must write an acceptable research proposal.   This should answer three questions:

• What area of research are you interested in and why?  You should be as specific as possible.  Please indicate if you have already identified a research supervisor
• What is your experience in the relevant area?
• What are your career plans?

Your statement of research interest should be no more than 500 words long, or one side of A4 paper.

Further Information:  http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/applyresearchdegrees/researchproposal/

Curriculum Vitae (CV)/ Resume.

The above documents are mandatory but it is also advisable to send the following documents in support of your application:

• Statement of purpose Your statement of purpose should explain why you want to study your proposed course and how it will help your life and career. This should typically be one side of A4 paper.
• IELTS certificate If English is not your first language then you will require a valid English certificate, The College’s standard requirement for English is IELTS 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each individual test section (R,L,W,S). Further details can be found on the International Students' pages .

Further information on how to apply is available at  http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/applyresearchdegrees/

4. What happens next

All applications will get logged initially with the Admissions Office , so they should be your first point of contact. The Admissions and Recruitment Office will forward your application to the School. If the School is interested in taking your application further, they will contact you directly to arrange an interview with two members of academic staff (one of whom will be your possible supervisor). Interviews normally last 30 minutes and may take place in person by visiting Queen Mary, occasionally interviews are conducted via teleconference call at a mutually agreeable time. We aim to inform you of a decision on your application within six to eight weeks of receipt if you have provided all the required documentation. If you require a decision by a given deadline in order to apply for funding please make this very clear on your application.

5. Contact Details:

6. phd research studentships.

Details of the studentships that are currently being advertised in the School are available at  School of Engineering and Materials Science Research Studentships

ALERT: Our application system is currently experiencing intermittent issues, as you view open roles please utilize our “Save Job” feature on the job description so you can come back and apply to your favorites once the issue is resolved. We are working on this as quickly as possible and thank you for your patience, we look forward to your future application to Intel. 

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