Applying for a research degree

The information below is for PhD only. Please refer to the MRes page for more details on requirements for this course.

Please note: only complete applications with all the following documentation provided will be considered by the University.

To apply you will be required to complete the online application* and submit:

• A CV.
• A personal statement clearly detailing your experience and why you are suitable for postgraduate research study. Your personal statement should be no more than 1,000 words.
• A research proposal of c.2,000-4,000 words for PhD.^† and a proposal of 500 words for MRes.
• Two suitable references (normally at least one should be an academic reference).
• Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable). **
• Qualification transcripts / certificates (scanned copies can be submitted, but if your application is successful you will be required to present the originals at registration).
• Photograph ID page of your passport.
• A confirmation of funding letter, or guarantee form from your funder/employer (if your studies will be sponsored).
  

If you are applying for one of our funded studentships, please use the 'apply online for MPhil/PhD full-time/part-time' route. In your supporting statement, please indicate which studentship you are applying for.

Find information on fees and funding for doctoral students

* You will find the online application process for your award and mode of study in the 'Make an application' section above.

** If your first language is not English, you will have an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with minimum sub-scores of 6.0 in all component sections, or an overall TOEFL IBT score of 94-95, with a minimum score of 22 in each of the four component sections. If you have previously successfully studied for a first degree or master's degree that was taught and assessed in English you may be exempt from the above.

† The research proposal should be 2,000-4,000 words and include the following:

• Your project title and key research questions.
• An overview of the context into which your research will fit, including:
  • The aims and objectives of your proposed research,
  • An overview of current literature that supports your proposed project,
  • How it adds to, develops (or challenges) previous work by researchers in the field,
  • Why the research is important to the subject area, and
  • How you think the research will make an original contribution to knowledge.
  • An outline of how the research will be achieved within the normal duration of a PhD.
  • Consideration you have given to research methods, what research method(s) you propose to use, and your rationale for why these are appropriate to the project.
  • Any consideration or discussion you have had with any prospective supervisors at Solent for the project.
  • Consideration of the sources, resources and / or facilities required to successfully complete the research. If the project will require access to external organisations or specialist facilities, the proposal should include details of how you intend to secure access to these for the required duration.
  • An indicative bibliography demonstrating your critical grasp of current literature in the field and how you plan to contribute to it.

Applications may be submitted at any point during the year. There is one entry point annually, in October. To be considered for October, completed applications must be received by the last day in April of the same calendar year for MPhil/PhD. For the MRes, follow the link to the MRes page above.

Find the correct application form for your preferred mode of study in the section above.

Applicants for an MPhil/PhD should hold at least one of the following:

a) a first or upper second class honours degree from a UK University or a qualification which may be deemed equivalent by NARIC* and the admissions review panel;

or

b) a master's degree from a UK University or a non UK qualification which may be deemed equivalent as above;

or

c) other qualifications, publications and/or appropriate professional training and experience which may be considered equivalent by the admissions review panel to one of the above.

* National Academic Recognition Information Centre

Full-time doctoral students can undertake work compatible with their studies for up to 6 hours per week if they wish to apply for any hourly paid teaching roles advertised by the University.

The University does not guarantee teaching opportunities for full-time doctoral students will become available, but does encourage students to check the University’s vacancies page if they are interested in gaining teaching experience.

Training for doctoral students in teaching skills may be available on request.

Once a completed application is received it is forwarded to the department doctoral coordinator(s), who will review it with members of the Doctoral Review Panel from the relevant research area.

In order to invite an applicant to an interview panel, the doctoral coordinator will need to be satisfied that

• the applicant is suitably qualified and has appropriate financial support,
• the proposed research will yield a viable research project within the designated time limit for the programme of study,
• there is appropriate expertise, resources and capacity to support the applicant at Solent.

Applicants will receive an initial response from the University within 6-8 weeks from completion of the application.

Applicants who are invited to interview will normally receive notification of the outcome, and if successful a confirmation of offer letter from the Admissions office, no later than 12 weeks from completion of the application. Offer letters will include:

• an acceptance of offer form (offers which are not accepted within 6 weeks will be withdrawn).
• details of the University’s pre-enrolment processes and setting up your student IT account

All applicants who are successful at interview will also be contacted by the Graduate School team with further details of where and how to complete their registration, and when to attend a doctoral student induction session. The induction session is mandatory for all new students to attend.