How to apply for a postgraduate research degree
We’re here to make your application journey as smooth as possible. We’ve created a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process. Take a few moments to read through the steps before you get started and see how we can support you.
Step 1 – Check that you are eligible
You will normally require a Master’s degree with a classification of merit or distinction, or an honours degree (2:1 or above), or equivalent, may be considered. For specific entry requirements, view the details below.
Specific entry requirements
Click to find out more detailed information on specific entry requirements, including the qualifications and experience you may need to be eligible.
International students
If you are an international student, please visit our international webpages for information on specific entry criteria including English Language requirements.
Explore our research subjects
Our research subjects reflect the breadth of expertise available on our research degrees, enabling you to pursue impactful and forward-looking research projects.
Step 2 - Choose an existing research topic or create your own
There are two different approaches to applying for a research degree, depending on the topic of interest. Below explains the options available to you.
Create your own research project
You can submit your own research proposal if there's an area you would like to research and there is not a pre-existing topic available (pre-existing topics are available in most courses covering Applied Science, Computing and Engineering). If you are still interested in creating your own research topic, we recommend that you explore the Huddersfield Research Portal to find and identify:
- an area/research topic that interests you
- the supervisors available to work with you. They must be experts in the topic you are interested in to ensure that your research is accurate and adding to current knowledge. Please note: you do not need to contact a supervisor ahead of submitting your research proposal.
Once you've identified a potential idea, you’ll need to submit a research proposal on the topic you would like to study for your application. As part of your application, you must also submit a copy of your CV and a personal statement.
If you are ready to begin your application, please use our application portal.
Choose an existing research topic
Where we have pre-existing topics available (Applied Science, Computing and Engineering disciplines), we would encourage you to apply directly for these. In some cases, scholarships are only available if you have applied for a pre-existing topic, subject to eligibility. Please note: as part of your application, you must also submit a copy of your CV and a personal statement.
To search for available topics and apply now, please use the table below.
Topics |
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More details Supervisors: |
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Step 3 - Funding your research
For a full breakdown of postgraduate research fees, visit our Fees and Finance page. You can also find further information on whether you may be eligible for a Master’s or Doctoral loan, other financial support, or one of our research scholarships or studentships.
Step 4 - Submitting your application
To make an application using your own research proposal, complete the online research degree application form. If you are applying for a PhD, please select ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ on the application form.
For most subjects, you’ll need to include a research proposal in PDF format of approximately 1000-2000 words. We have put together some research proposal guidelines to make sure you cover all the information needed in your application. Talking to your potential supervisor will ensure you’re providing the right information.
As well as submitting a CV and personal statement, 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.
If you are having problems with submitting your application, please contact the Graduate School on gs.pgradmissions.hud.ac.uk who will be happy to help you.
| PGR start date | Application dates for international and home students with a scholarship | Application dates for home students without a scholarship |
|
September 2026 |
12 June 2026 |
3 July 2026 |
| October 2026 | 12 June 2026 | 3 July 2026 |
| January 2027 | 16 October 2026 | 13 November 2026 |
| April 2027 | 22 January 2027 | 19 February 2027 |
All research degree applications are assessed based upon:
- whether you match the entry requirements
- the quality of your proposal (where applicable)
- your relevant experience
- how closely your research proposal aligns with Huddersfield's key research areas
- performance at interview
- any reference(s).
Places will also be based upon; the funding available, and 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.
We’ll send you an acknowledgement via email so that you know we’ve received your application. You may be asked for additional documents to complete the process, for example:
- evidence of your academic qualifications
- evidence of English Language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English
- a copy of your passport or equivalent identification as part of our eligibility to study check.
You should send us this additional documentation as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your application.
We’ll then allow for careful consideration of your application and confirm the outcome via email.
If your application is accepted you will receive a conditional or unconditional offer by email. You need to review your offer letter and return a signed decision slip to us as soon as possible to secure your place.
Your offer letter is a binding contract between you and the University and will outline all the relevant details for your study including the start date, expected end date and what fees you will need to pay.
International students
If you are an international student applying for a research degree, we recommend that you make sure to:
- read more about our international specific entry requirements
- find out more on if you'll need a visa by reading through our visa requirements pages.
Please note: the University also has formal entry requirements for applicants whose first language of instruction is not English. These are normally specific English Language qualifications, which we recognise as meeting our entry criteria. Requirements may vary between programmes and subjects, so you are advised to check these carefully when going through the specific course information.
Find further information
Admissions policies and data protection
The documents listed provide an overview of our admissions and data protection policies for postgraduate research applicants.
Fees and funding options
Find information about tuition fees, depending on the likes of your chosen course and year of entry. You can also find guidance on funding support and research scholarships/studentships.
Our research
Explore our university research as well as our institutes and centres, advancing research, innovation and collaboration across all of our academic departments and globally.
Graduate School
When you join us a postgraduate researcher, you'll become part of the Graduate School, which aims to bring together staff and services to help you reach your research potential.