Applying for a PhD

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Before you start...

A PhD typically takes four years full-time and six years part-time to complete so making the decision to start demands careful consideration and planning

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Questions to ask

  • What area of research am I interested in?
  • Do I have the requisite qualifications?
  • How will my PhD be funded?
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  • Who will be my principal supervisor?
  • Are the facilities of a high standard in the proposed higher education institution?
  • Is there an excellent research culture in the higher education institution?

Securing your PhD position

There are two routes to securing a PhD position:

Route 1

Route 2

Reply to an advertised funded PhD post in journals and on websites such as:

Research potential supervisors who are experts in your chosen research area and contact them with an email that:

  • Describes your specific area of research interest
  • Highlights your motivation to work in this area
  • Demonstrates that you are familiar with the faculty member’s research
  • Makes evident your academic ability (minimum 2.1 in undergraduate degree, often a taught master's degree also needed)
  • Includes CV and academic transcripts

Tips

If possible, find out whether or not a potential supervisor is going to have enough time to supervise your studies. For example, a very senior faculty member with significant responsibilities may have competing demands on their time.

It's also a good idea to contact a current student or alumni of the potential supervisor to learn more about their supervisory style.

Submitting an application

Whether you go via route 1 or route 2, you will need to formally submit an application to the higher education institution.

Each institution will have its own application and admission process, but you will normally need to supply the following:

  • Research proposal  
  • Academic transcripts of undergraduate degree (and masters degree, if relevant) in English  
  • Academic references
  • English language proficiency certificate (if relevant)  
  • Portfolio for specific disciplines
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