How to apply for a postgraduate research degree

Step 1 - Check

Check you meet our entry requirements. The general entry requirements for all our research degrees are a first or upper second-class honours degree (unless otherwise stated), some courses may also require a Master’s from a UK University, or a qualification of an equivalent standard in a discipline appropriate to that of the proposed programme to be followed.

If you are an international student please visit our international web pages for information on entry and visa requirements.

Ensure you check the research degree deadline dates, which are:

Step 2 - Choose your research area

You need to identify the research degree you would like to apply for. There are different ways to find the right research topic for you:

1. Design your own research project – explore the Huddersfield Research Portal to find the area you’re interested in. Once you've found or designed a potential project, you may need to submit a research proposal on a topic you would like to study.
2. Explore our expertise across a range of disciplines and specialities. Find the right research area for you by using our course search tool. 
3. Browse our listed funded opportunities.

If you have an idea for your own research project, we suggest you familiarise yourself with related literature, so you are ready to discuss your ideas with potential supervisors. 

In addition, you can explore our Research Centres, Institutes and Network pages to understand our research portfolio, partnerships, and impact.

If you’re still not sure, why not also come along to one of our Postgraduate Open Days to chat to staff and current students?

Step 3 - Funding

For a full list of postgraduate research fees please visit our Fees and Finance webpage.

You may be eligible for a Master’s loan, Doctoral loan or other financial support.

We also have a number of research scholarships and studentships available for research degree candidates, including:

• Vice-Chancellors Scholarship Scheme
• Research Scholarships
• International Scholarships
• PhD studentships
• EPSRC funded studentships.

If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, please submit an expression of interest form instead of an application. 

Please note, if you are applying for a PhD please select ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ on the application form.

For most subjects, you will likely need to include a research proposal of approximately 1000-2000 words. If a research proposal is required for the degree you are applying for please read through our research proposal guidelines to make sure you cover all the information needed. This is where talking to your potential supervisor will come in handy, to ensure you’re providing the right information.

Please note that if your course requires a research proposal and you don’t include it in your application, we might not be able to consider your application.

Applications are assessed based upon:

• Whether you match the entry requirements,
• The quality of your proposal (where applicable),
• Relevant experience,
• How closely your research proposal aligns with Huddersfield's key research areas,
• Performance at interview,
• Reference(s).

Places will also be based upon:

• The funding available,
• The availability of supervisors with relevant experience and knowledge of your research area.

If you are currently completing a PhD at another institute, you may be allowed to transfer to us and complete your research at the University of Huddersfield. You can find out more information on this on our recognition of prior learning webpage.