PhD Application Process
By choosing the University of Suffolk, postgraduate students can have the opportunity to benefit from working with academic specialist supervisors in their respective fields who have an outstanding track record of leading national and international research. Post-graduate researchers acquire in-depth knowledge, expertise and experience in a particular subject through original investigation. As a research student at the University of Suffolk, we will help you develop the advanced analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills you will need for your study and future career.
At Suffolk, we accept postgraduate research students on a rolling basis. Successful applicants for postgraduate research degrees will begin their programme of study at the beginning of the next suitable month (excluding August and December). We have detailed below each step of the application process for potential research students. You can also find for detailed information in our Research Proposal and Guidance section.
Our research degrees are awarded by the University of Essex.
Applicants for postgraduate research degrees are expected to hold a Bachelors (Honours) degree, graded at 1 or 2:1, awarded by an institution or body with degree awarding powers in the UK or equivalent from a recognised overseas institution.
As an important first step, please complete our initial PhD enquiry form, so we can let you know whether we can potentially support your PhD, and provide you with advice and guidance on completing a formal application and writing a research proposal.
You must submit an initial enquiry before making a formal application, so we can provide you with guidance and support, thereby increasing your chances of a successful application.
Once we receive your initial enquiry form, and if we have the capacity to support your PhD, a potential supervisor with expertise in your discipline will be assigned to support you in completing your formal application and research proposal.
As part of your full application, you will need to provide the following supporting documents:
- Copies of certificate(s) and transcript(s) for any degrees or awards that have been completed
- Your CV
- Scan of your passport photo page
- Your IELTS (International English Language Testing System) (or equivalent) certificate (if your first language is not English)
- Contact details for two referees, at least one of whom must be academic.
To study for a postgraduate research degree you will need to have a good command of English. If English is not your first language we require evidence of your ability unless you can demonstrate that your previous education and qualifications have been in the English Language medium. The English language requirement for study at postgraduate research level is a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component.
All applicants will be interviewed before there can be an offer of a place as a research student at University of Suffolk. Interviews will normally be held online. Applicants will be contacted prior to the interview to arrange suitable dates and times. The interview will provide you with an opportunity to meet your potential supervisory team discuss your research proposal further, assess your ability and potential to succeed and assess whether there are sufficient resources and facilities available to support the project appropriately. The interview will last for approximately an hour.
Students are interviewed by a panel consisting of at least two appropriately trained and research active academic staff who are members of the anticipated supervisory team, and a representative from Suffolk Doctoral College. Interviews are usually conducted online (normally via Microsoft Teams).
Following a successful interview and confirmation that any outstanding requirements of admission have been met, the University of Suffolk will send you a formal offer of a place (for international students, subject to a successful student visa application). On acceptance of this offer, the University will send full details of enrolment and induction to you.