Research Degrees - How to apply
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Listed below you will find the steps to follow when applying for a research degree (MPhil/PhD) in the School of Engineering and Materials Science, for more general information on postgraduate research degrees see the postgraduate study, research degrees web page.
1. Review entry requirements and funding
The entrance requirement for entry to a research degree is a good second class honours degree or a master's degree from an UK university, a recognised equivalent from an accredited overseas institution or an equivalent professional qualification. You should also take note of any English Language requirements if English is not your first language. The College’s standard requirement for English is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Further details can be found on the International students pages. At this stage you should also ensure that you have a realistic plan to secure sufficient funding to complete the research and writing up process within the normal time period, which is at least 36 months.
2. Make sure there is a research match
Before applying you need to ensure that the School has the expertise within the specific area to supervise your research. To do this you need to visit the School website and look under the research pages. You should look at what research groups there are and review individual staff research interests.
If you are able to identify a match with your own research interests, the next step is to complete the online application process (see point 3 below). If you cannot find the research area you are looking for, or have any queries about the application process, you can either contact the Research Administrator or the Admissions and Recruitment Office.
Before making a formal application you are welcome to email your CV to the Research Administrator
for consideration. In addition we would require a statement of your research interest, as well as an indication of how you would secure funding for your studies.
Contact Details:
|
QMUL Admissions and Recruitment Office |
Jonathon Hills |
3. Applying
Once you have identified a research area that matches your research interests, and hopefully also identified a research supervisor you should now complete the online application process.
Please navigate to the degree programme via the links below. You will see an 'Apply online' heading to the right of the programme description; this will take you to the online application form for your preferred programme.
Full guidance notes are provided during the online application process. If at any stage you require any advice or assistance, or encounter any difficulty in using the online application service, please contact The Admissions and Recruitment Office (details above)
You should read the full application guidelines notes, but generally each application should also include the following:
- Degree transcripts. Please provide a transcript of your degree(s). If you have not yet completed your degree please provide a transcript of your results achieved to date.
- If your degree was from a UK university-please upload a transcript of your marks for each year.
- If your degree was from an overseas institution, you should supply a transcript of your marks for each year of your studies and a copy of your degree certificate together with a certified translation if the document is not in English. Please note that original documentation will be required before you enrol. International applicants are also advised to include high school transcripts.
- Two references. Please provide two references from your previous academic institution (on headed paper and dated). If you have left university it is acceptable to provide one academic and one employer reference. You will be require to upload at least one reference before submitting your application so please make sure you have these before attempting to apply online.
- It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you obtain two references to support your application
- Your references should focus on your previous academic experience and suitability for your chosen area of study. References should clearly state your name and the academic department in which you wish to pursue your study.
- You are welcome to use our Reference Request Form (
Word Doc or 
PDF File) when obtaining references.
- Research Proposal. (See Section 4 below)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)/ Resume.
The above documents are mandatory but it is also advisable to send the following documents in support of your application:
- Statement of purpose Your statement of purpose should explain why you want to study your proposed course and how it will help your life and career. This should typically be one side of A4 paper.
- IELTS/TOEFL certificate (if applicable) If English is not your first language then you will require a valid English certificate, The College’s standard requirement for English is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Further details can be found on the International Students' pages.
Further information on how to apply is available at http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/howtoapply
4. Advice on writing your Research Proposal
All MPhil/PhD applicants must write an acceptable research proposal. This should answer three questions:
- What area of research are you interested in and why? You should be as specific as possible. Please indicate if you have already identified a research supervisor
- What is your experience in the relevant area?
- What are your career plans?
Your statement of research interest should be no more than 500 words long, or one side of A4 paper.
5. What happens next
All applications will get logged initially with the Admissions Office, so they should be your first point of contact. The Admissions and Recruitment Office will forward your application to the School. If the School is interested in taking your application further, they will contact you directly to arrange an interview with two members of academic staff (one of whom will be your possible supervisor). Interviews normally last 30 minutes and may take place in person by visiting Queen Mary, occasionally interviews are conducted via teleconference call at a mutually agreeable time. We aim to inform you of a decision on your application within six to eight weeks of receipt if you have provided all the required documentation. If you require a decision by a given deadline in order to apply for funding please make this very clear on your application.
PhD Research Studentships
School of Engineering and Materials Science Research Studentships