2.1 An applicant for registration for the degree of MPhil or MPhil with the possibility of transfer to PhD shall normally hold a first or upper second-class honours degree of a Higher Education Institution in the UK or a qualification which is regarded by the Research Degree Committee as equivalent to such an honours degree. In some disciplines it may be a requirement that in addition to the honours degree, an applicant should also hold a relevant Masters qualification.
2.2 An applicant holding qualifications other than those in paragraph 2.1 shall be considered on the applicant’s merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed. In considering an applicant in this category, the Research Degree Committee shall look for evidence of the candidate’s ability and background knowledge in relation to the proposed research.
Professional experience, publications, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment shall be taken into consideration. Where appropriate prior experience or certificated learning will be credited according to the requirements of the specific programmes.
An applicant may be required to pass an externally assessed qualifying examination at final year honours degree level before registration is approved. An applicant wishing to be considered under this regulation shall include in the application for registration the names of two suitable persons whom the Faculty shall consult concerning the candidate’s academic attainment and fitness for research.
2.3 In exceptional circumstances direct registration for the degree of PhD may be permitted to an applicant who holds a Master’s degree awarded by a UK Higher Education Institution or an overseas Master’s degree of equivalent standard, provided that the Master’s degree is recent and is in a closely related discipline which is appropriate to the proposed research and that the Master’s degree included training in research and the execution of a research project.
The Research Degree Committee may also register a candidate for PhD direct who, although lacking a Master’s degree, has a good honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline and has had appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment.
2.4 Applicants whose main language is not English must meet the University’s English language requirements and where applicable the Faculty or Department’s requirements. Evidence must be provided in the form of either English language qualifications or other material that has been assessed by the Postgraduate Research Tutor as evidence of the student's English Language ability and confirm that it is equivalent to CEFR Level B2 or higher in each of the four components of language learning. International Tier 4 students must also meet the UKVI rules regarding English language competency.
2.5 Before being accepted, self-funded students should provide evidence that they are able to adequately fund the whole of their research degree programme. Candidates applying from a number of countries may now be required to pay a deposit at the offer stage in order to be granted a visa for entry.
2.6 Where appropriate International candidates should provide supporting documents confirming their nationality and visa requirements.
2.7 All candidates applying for a place on the programme must submit their application via the University’s Online application system.