How to Apply

Before applying, check our Contact Academic Schools page, which provides details of the appropriate School Research Administrator to contact for more information. You may be asked to complete the initial Enquiry Form (see below). If you have any questions relating to the research degree programme content, you will be offered the chance to discuss them with a member of the School research community. If you are unsure who to contact, please contact the Graduate School, tel: (0191) 227 4060, email: graduateschool@northumbria.ac.uk for advice.

Applicants are required to submit:
• An application form
• An initial 500-word summary giving details of your proposed topic
• Evidence of qualifications
Applicants should use the Research Application Form (although applicants to Newcastle Business School should complete the online application form at
www.newcastlebusinessschool.co.uk instead).

You may also want to check what research degree studentship vacancies are currently being offered by the University (for studentship vacancies use the Studentship Application Form available from the studentship pages).

Normally applicants are expected to have at least an upper second class honours degree (UK) or equivalent from an overseas university, or a Masters degree in a relevant discipline. Applicants who do not hold these qualifications must demonstrate equivalent intellectual competence possibly referenced by relevant experience to the satisfaction of the School Research Committee.

Where English is not the applicants’ first language, they must have a satisfactory level of English (minimum IELTS 6.5, but 7.0 required in some areas).

Applicants to Professional Doctorate programmes should note that in some cases, 150 credits of advanced standing may be awarded against their existing Masters qualification, where the applicant has appropriate experience of practice in line with the University Professional Doctorate Framework and/or evidence of appropriate continuous professional development.

The University's offer of a place to study for a research degree programme is made in writing to a standard format. In addition, Terms and Conditions for International postgraduate research degree (PGR) students apply. See below.

A limited number of scholarships, based upon academic merit, are available for some research degree programmes.

Further information for international applicants is available from the International pages.