Application Process

Applying for a postgraduate research degree takes longer than taught programmes.  This is because each application is judged not just on merit, but also on the suitability of the research area and the availability of suitable supervisory staff.  We insist that all enrolled students have two research active supervisors with expertise in the student’s area of study.  To achieve this high standard of supervision applications must be carefully considered by at least two members of academic staff who will commit to supervising this student should they join the School.  The quality of the research supervision we provide is crucial to our success and therefore we sometimes have to turn away well qualified students if we are not able to support their area of study.  Since this process can be time consuming, we have outlined below the process so you can understand the steps along the way, and when you might hear from us.

  1. Before you apply you must prepare a research proposal, identifying your proposed area of research and outlining your proposed methodologies.
  2. When your application is received, it will first be checked to ensure it is complete (all forms and supporting documents included).  We strongly suggest you do not submit until your application is complete, as checking these will delay your application.
  3. If you meet the standard admission requirements, your application will be forwarded to the Postgraduate Research Admissions Officer.
  4. The Postgraduate Research Admissions Officer will look at you research proposal and determine whether your research area is appropriate for the School.  At this stage your proposal may be sent to another department within the University or rejected if the subject area is not appropriate for study here.
  5. If your proposed research fits within our research profile, your application will be passed to potential supervisors to review.  If you have named a member of your staff on your application form this person will usually be one of your reviewers. Supervisors will review applications on the basis of the strength of the research proposal and their interest in supervising the proposed subject.
  6. Following review by potential supervisors you may be given feedback on your proposal, and this may include the opportunity to revise it and resubmit.
  7. Applicants will usually be interviewed either in Bristol or over the telephone (International and European applicants only).
  8. If your proposal is accepted we will write to you offering you a place and naming your supervisors. We may also place conditions on this offer (eg, confirmation of funding, or on English Language exams).
  9. Any offers have to be approved by the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee, and only after this has taken place will you receive a formal offer from the Faculty.