Admissions Guidance for academic staff

The Doctoral Academy is here to help staff admit new postgraduate researchers (PGRs) onto our MPhil and PhD programmes. We guide everyone through each step of the admissions process.

All applicants start by filling in the University’s online form and uploading relevant documents. These need to include references, proof of their qualifications, and a research proposal. If someone is applying for an advertised PhD project, they don’t need to write a proposal.

Once an application arrives, the Doctoral Academy checks it and sends it to the right School, usually to the PGR Admissions Tutor. If the School wishes to progress the application, you should invite them to an interview.

Interviews are carried out by a panel of at least two staff members. These can happen in person or online. The style of interview depends on whether the applicant is applying for a set project or suggesting their own research idea.

We want interviews to feel friendly and positive. They’re a chance for the panel and the applicant to get to know each other, ask questions, and see whether the programme and the University are the right match.

To help make admissions fair and welcoming for everyone, staff can use the Postgraduate Researcher Competency‑Based Admissions Framework. This flexible guide values different strengths and experiences and can be used at any stage of choosing who to admit.