PhD opportunities
Explore the different ways to apply for a PhD at NTU, including advertised projects, submitting your own research proposal, and studying at-distance. Find a PhD that works for you, and begin your research journey today.
Applying for a PhD
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. It usually takes three to four years to complete full-time, or up to eight years part-time. During your PhD, you will work on an original research topic under the guidance of our supervisors.
At NTU, we encourage and support a huge range of PhD opportunities. We invite you to apply for a project designed by our research staff, as well as submitting a proposal for your own novel research project.
Search our PhD projects
We provide funded, part-funded and self-funded PhD projects across a range of disciplines. Opportunities are available year-round. Search the PhD projects currently available, filtering by keyword, title or academic school.
Find a PhDPropose your own PhD project
Decided on your own research topic? You’ll need to identify a supervisor whose expertise aligns with your own before putting together a research proposal. Explore our research strengths and staff interests to see if we can support you.
Find a supervisor
At-distance PhDs
Our at-distance PhDs have been designed for candidates who require a more flexible mode to complete their doctoral research. They particularly suit professionals looking to undertake research alongside their job, individuals with research interests local to where they live, or candidates with caring or other personal responsibilities.
These part-time, structured programmes are delivered online over four to seven years. Every researcher must normally spend at least eight weeks at NTU in any one academic year, to establish personal relationships with supervisors and benefit from face-to-face participation in the academic community.
We can offer at-distance PhDs across the majority of disciplines with projects aligned to our research centres. Contact the relevant Director of Doctoral Studies to discuss at-distance opportunities in more detail.
PhD start dates
We have four PhD intakes per year in October, January, April and June. The application deadlines for these are:
| Start date | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| October | 1 July |
| January | 1 October |
| April | 5 January |
| June | 1 April |
How to write a research proposal
Whether you apply for a PhD project or submit your own research question, you will need to produce a research proposal and personal statement as part of your application. Read our advice on how to construct a successful proposal.
PhDs by Academic School
Find out more about studying for a PhD in our Academic Schools below.
Research degrees in Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences
Research degrees in Architecture, Design and the Built Environment
Research degrees in Art & Design
Research degrees in Arts and Humanities
Research degrees in Nottingham Business School
Research degrees in Education
Research degrees in Law
Research degrees in Science and Technology
Research degrees in Social Sciences
PhD studentships
Some of our PhD projects may have funding attached. We also run the NTU fully-funded PhD studentship scheme each year, covering the full PhD fee with a stipend for living expenses.
Applications usually open in October. Sign up for emails to be informed when the next competition goes live.
PhD fees and funding
How much does a PhD cost? What is a stipend? Can I get a loan? Find out about our PhD tuition fees and the different ways you can fund it.