Academic entry requirements
We fund students undertaking Masters+PhD programmes (1+3 funding) and stand-alone PhD programmes (+3 funding).
1+3 funding
Applicants must have or expect to gain:
- a good honours degree at first or upper second-class level, from a UK academic higher education institution, or a combination of qualifications and/or experience that is equivalent to a relevant UK degree.
Applicants are also required to submit a research proposal of 750 words.
+3 PhD funding
Applicants must have:
- a good honours degree at first or upper second-class level, from a UK academic higher education institution, or a combination of qualifications and/or experience that is equivalent to a relevant UK degree.
And have or expect to gain:
- a level of research training that would allow them to proceed directly to PhD. This is usually through the attainment of a previous masters qualification in the social sciences with a Merit grade.
Applicants are also required to submit a research proposal of 1500 words.
English language entry requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must have successfully completed a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in the last two years. Applicants who have obtained or are studying for a UK degree may apply without a SELT.
However, the university may request a SELT is taken as part of any award made.
English language IELTS requirements are minimum of 7.0 overall (7.0 for writing , and none below 6.0).
If you have an English language qualification other than IELTS, please contact us to see if you are eligible to apply for a studentship. The UK Home Office will not accept TOEFL tests as proof of meeting the English language requirements.
Residential eligibility
For entry in the 2021-22 Academic Year, the restrictions on eligibility for non-UK applicants have been relaxed. We can now accept applications from Home and non-UK resident students. There will be a recruitment cap of 30% on non-UK resident studentships awarded across the consortium. The management of this cap will be through the selection process. Successful candidates will receive a full stipend and fees at the UKRI rate.
Further information on residential eligibility is here.