How to apply for a PhD
At NTU we offer opportunities for self-funded, part-funded and fully-funded PhDs, as well as Professional Doctorates. How you apply differs slightly depending on the type of Research Degree you are applying for.
Preparing a PhD application
You can either apply for one of our PhD projects or submit your own proposal.
Our advertised projects will list the supervisors and how the PhD will be funded. If you are proposing your own project, you will need to find a supervisor and secure your own funding.
On the PhD application form there is a section for your research proposal. When applying for an advertised project, the title has already been developed. The research proposal section of your application should therefore focus on your understanding of the project’s significance and impact, along with the approach you would take.
In all cases, we recommend you discuss your research ideas with a potential supervisor before submitting your PhD application.
Preparing a Professional Doctorate application
If you are applying for a Professional Doctorate you don't need to find a supervisor, but you will need to produce a research proposal. Read your course page carefully as this details advice on what to include. You will need to outline how your research topic will be applied to your professional practice. If you are thinking about studying part-time, contact the Doctoral School and course leader for advice on whether a part-time PhD or Professional Doctorate would be best for you.
Can you do a PhD without a masters degree?
Applicants for PhD should normally hold a first or upper second-class honours degree of a UK university or an equivalent qualification, or a lower second-class honours degree with a master’s degree at Merit level from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.
An applicant not meeting the certificated requirement may be considered on merit using evidence of ability and background knowledge in relation to the proposed programme of research. Professional experience, publications, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment are taken into consideration.
When to apply
Our PhDs have four intakes per year and Professional Doctorates have two. Here's the application deadlines for the available start dates:
PhDs
| Start date | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | 1 October 2024 |
| April 2025 | 5 January 2025 |
| June 2025 | 1 April 2025 |
| October 2025 | 1 July 2025 |
Nottingham Business School: October is the only intake for PhD projects in NBS.
DPsych Professional Doctorate
| Start date | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| October 2025 | 24 June 2025 |
Other Professional Doctorates
| Start date | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | 1 November 2024 |
| April 2025 | 1 March 2025 |
Step-by-step application process
The steps below outline the application process for our standard Doctoral applications. When you're ready, click the button at the bottom of the page to be taken through to our application system.
Please note: If you are applying for an NTU fully-funded PhD studentship, you will need to follow the specific studentship application details.
If you have any questions, contact the Doctoral School.
Ensure you meet the following criteria before applying:
- PhD: you should normally hold a first or upper second class honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification. We also accept a lower second class honours degree with a Masters degree at Merit level from a UK university or an equivalent qualification.
- Professional Doctorates: you will be well-qualified in your chosen field and will normally have a related Masters degree or equivalent qualification, together with sufficient professional experience in the relevant field.
- English language requirements: if English isn't your first language, you will need an overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 with minimum sub-scores of 6.0 in all component sections (writing, reading, listening and speaking). Find out more about the English language requirements for undertaking research at NTU.
Full details on criteria for doctoral study at NTU can be found in the Quality Handbook Section 11 - Research Degrees.
After confirming your eligibility, click "Start Your Application" to be taken to our application system (link). You will need to create an NTU Doctoral Admissions account to begin your application, or if you have already created an account, you can sign in here. You can save your progress at any time and return later to complete the application.
Helpful Tips:
- If you're new to the system, click "Register for an NTU Doctoral Admissions Account" to set up your account.
- Save your progress frequently to avoid data loss.
Provide comprehensive details about your academic and professional background. The form will request the following:
- Qualifications: Upload evidence of your academic degrees. If your degree is pending, include the most recent provisional transcript or similar documentation.
- Professional Experience: Share records of relevant work, publications, or accomplishments.
- English Language Proficiency: Submit IELTS or equivalent test results if applicable.
- Supervisor: Fill in your proposed supervisor, academic school or research centre alignment, if you know this.
- Research proposal: Complete your research proposal where required (maximum 1,500 words or 500 words for Science and Technology). Read our guide on writing research proposals for your own or advertised projects.
- Competency-based questions: Answer the competency-based questions in relation to your proposed research or the research project you are applying for.
You’ll need contact details for two referees who are not your proposed supervisors. References can be submitted after your application has been submitted but must arrive promptly.
Along with your application, you can submit supporting documents as appropriate. This might include:
- Appendices and References
- Certificates and Transcripts: Provide degree certificates and academic transcripts. If not in English, include certified translations.
- Pending Qualifications: If your degree is incomplete, upload provisional evidence such as an up-to-date transcript.
- Proof of English Proficiency: Ensure that test results (e.g., IELTS) are valid and meet NTU’s requirements.
- Professional Achievements: Attach any certifications, reports, or publications relevant to your field.
Before submission, double-check all sections for accuracy and completeness:
- Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Complete the Equal Opportunities section, which is confidential and doesn’t impact the assessment process.
- Sign the application form. If edits are made post-signature, you’ll need to re-sign before submission.
- Once submitted an application can be no longer edited.
Once submitted, your application is ready for review. Good luck!
NTU Doctoral applications
Apply for a PhD project (excluding NTU fully-funded studentships), self-funded PhD proposal or a Professional Doctorate. Open to UK and International candidates throughout the year.
Recruitment Process
Applicant Assessment
NTU evaluates applicants holistically through a competency framework. This framework, inspired by the Equity in Doctoral Education through Partnership and Innovation (EDEPI) programme and it aims to ensure fairness by focusing on essential competencies rather than solely academic metrics.
Key Features of the Competency Framework:
- Core Competencies: Skills every doctoral candidate needs to succeed.
- Project-Specific Competencies: Field-specific skills required for success in a chosen research area.
This approach seeks to value diverse educational and professional backgrounds, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive assessment of all applicants.
Information for research applicants
PhD opportunities
Discover our PhD opportunities that drive innovation and delivers real-world impact. Browse our PhD projects, or submit your own proposal.
Professional Doctorates
Make an impact with world-leading and award-winning research at Nottingham Trent University.
How to write a research proposal
Your research proposal is the most important part of your doctoral application. Get our advice on how to write yours.
Find a PhD supervisor
Your supervisor will be a subject expert and able to provide support throughout your PhD. Look through our staff directory and find your new mentor.