Postgraduate researchHow to submit a research proposal

Are you enthusiastic about a specific subject? Interested in conducting research on a particular topic in that field? If yes, a postgraduate research opportunity might be perfect for you!

You can apply at any time – all you have to do is pick your course and submit your application. Below, we'll guide you through how to do this.

Is a research degree right for me?

The first thing to decide is whether a research degree is right for you. Key questions to ask include:

  • why are you doing it? Is it to pursue a career in academia or enhance your employability?
  • can you afford the time? A PhD can be four to seven years, depending on whether you do it full or part-time
  • how will you fund it? There are lots of different ways to secure funding for your research

Before you apply

Before submitting a formal application, it's recommended you find and contact a relevant supervisor for your research.

  • step 1: view our research subjects and identify the area in which you want to study
  • step 2: once you've found the subject you're interested in, review the supervisors list on that page and each academic's profile
  • step 3: contact the relevant supervisor to discuss your intended research topic. Email addresses are available on the supervisor's staff profile page
  • step 4: the supervisor will advise on the suitability of the subject matter and recommend whether to submit a formal application

Submit your application

Once you've carried out the steps above you're ready to submit your application. To do this, please follow the instructions on the 'Apply' tab within each of the research subjects pages.

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