Procedure for the recruitment and selection of Post-Graduate Research Students (MPhil, PhD & Professional Doctorates)
There is no single pathway for a research student’s journey. The research idea may originate from the candidate or within the university. A research student may be self-funded or receive funding from another source, either from the University or a third party such as a Research Council, commercial partner or other funding body. It is important that the recruitment process is open and fair.
Application
Potential applicants will apply through the university's online application form once they have spoken to a prospective Supervisor or Programme Leader. Faculties have staff identified to review and circulate these applications through the Electronic Application System accessed via the Staff Portal.
Click here for detailed information on how to apply.
Recruitment and Selection
Please familiarise yourself with the following codes of practice. These documents set out the standards and regulations that the university adheres to ensure a fair recruitment process for all students, and what supervisors should endeavour to provide to research students:
- Academic Regulations for Postgraduate Research Awards
- Research Student's and Supervisor's Handbook
- Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) guidelines
All PGR applicants who meet the entry criteria to be considered for a Post-Graduate Research (PGR) programme need to attend an interview. A minimum of two trained members of staff should be on the panel, with one of these having knowledge of the research area. The panel varies for Vice Chancellor Scholarships so please refer to the VCO Scholarship Terms and Conditions.
In addition to this, each Faculty may have their own process which states that certain staff members must attend e.g. Programme Leader, First Supervisor. Each member of the panel will need to have attended the PGR Recruitment and Selection training run by RETI and the shortlisting and interview assessment forms need to be completed and sent to the Admissions Office. The Faculty will need to arrange the interview and contact the applicant(s).
Please refer to the resources below for the full process.
Admission
Once a decision (reject, invite for interview or accept) has been made, the decision is placed on the online application form via the Electronic Application System. The application form also must be referred to the Research Office via the Electronic Application System. The shortlisting and interview paperwork, along with the contract proforma, must be submitted the Admissions Office.
The Admissions Office will then run the admissions checks (entry criteria, fee assessment, and the initial immigration assessment). Once these checks are complete, an they will issue an offer letter via email to the applicant.