How to apply for a research degree

You can explain your proposed areas of research in a statement of generally 1000 words. Please note that Law requires 3000 word research statement. This is an important part of your application and you can contact your proposed supervisor for feedback to help you finalise your statement. We recommend that you include the following:

1. Research title: The title of the proposal should reflect the key research question(s). 
2. Research question: Your proposed research should attempt to answer a research question. This question is what the aim and objectives of your work will address. 
3. Brief Literature Review: A written summary of the relevant literature used to develop your research topic and research question(s). Check the latest publications from your potential supervisor. Use the literature review to demonstrate that you have a fair sense of current trends in the research area. This section should also highlight the problem or uncertainty that the proposed research seeks to address.
4. Advancing knowledge: Explain how your project may address current knowledge gaps and further advance understanding in your chosen field.
5. Research location: Where you will conduct your research from
6. Data: Primary and secondary, sources, sample size, target populations and their locations
7. Methods and analysis: Explain which methods you will use to collect your data. Describe how you plan to analyse the data to answer your research questions.  Try to give as many details as you can about the overall plan
8. Reasons why: A summary of the factors which prompted you to conduct research in your chosen topic. What will you personally gain from doing a research project?
9. Reference List: A list of the literature you have used is your research statement

Your outline will not bind you to a specific research topic or project.  If you are accepted to study on a PhD/MPhil programme with us, you may refine the scope of your project, hone your research question(s), your hypotheses and the research methods with the help of your designated supervisory team.  It may also be the case that your research questions and/or focus will change as your studies progress.

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How to write a research statement when applying for a PhD?

The online application link is available on each programme page. Find a full list of PhD programmes on our courses page. While completing the online application please make sure you have the following information to hand:

• Personal details
• Academic qualifications (level, subject, where studied, results, year taken)
• Work experience details (name of organisations, start and end dates)

When you access the online application, you will be given the opportunity to submit electronically the documents required as part of your application, shown in the table below. These supporting documents can alternatively be posted to the Admissions Office (clearly referencing your application reference number, which will be emailed to you when you save or complete the online application).