Apply for a postgraduate research programme

Applying for a postgraduate research programme

International students
In addition to the entry requirements for your chosen programme, please check the entry requirements for your country, including the English language requirements.

Studentship candidates
Read the entry requirements for your chosen postgraduate research studentship carefully before starting your application.

Completing your application

• Your fully completed and signed application form.
• A research proposal (note that for some project-based studentship applications, the studentship reference may be submitted instead of this). 
• Copies of all of your qualifications to date (for example, your high school diploma, first degree certificate and full transcripts). 
• Your personal statement. This is a short essay or letter, written by you and explaining your reasons for applying to the University. Explain why you feel the University should offer you a place on the course, using previous study and work experience, as well as your personal interests, to support this. Make particular and detailed reference to the degree course you are applying for. 
• Your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé detailing relevant work experience, if you feel it will contribute to your application.
• The names of two referees – these must be academics who have worked with you. You will need to ask your referees to submit their references directly to the Doctoral College Admissions Team at research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk (only references from professional or academic email accounts can be accepted).

International students
In addition to the above, you will also need to upload:

• A copy of the information page of your current passport (tell us immediately if you get a new passport at any time before you come to the UK to study).
• A copy of any previous or current UK visa.
• A copy of any English language qualifications you have (for example, IELTS or PTE Academic).

Studentship candidates
You may need to meet additional entry requirements. Please read the information for your chosen postgraduate research studentship carefully to ensure you submit the correct supporting documents.

Application deadlines

• 1 October (15 September for programmes with mandatory taught modules)
• 1 January
• 1 April

International students
Application forms must be submitted 4.5 months before the proposed programme start date. 

Your offer letter

Next steps

International students
You will need your unconditional letter, and the CAS if you need to apply for a Student visa to study in the UK.

• Check if you need a Student visa
• Apply for a Student visa
  _{The University of Plymouth is a licensed Student visa Sponsor under the points-based system and holds Student visa Sponsor status. To comply with our duties as a sponsor, we are required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements. That means we will look at previous studies in the UK and other aspects outlined in UKBA guidance for sponsors.}