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Entry requirements for postgraduate research degrees

The entrance requirements for our research schemes are that you must normally possess an upper second class honours degree or equivalent.

We also encourage applicants with professional qualifications or substantial professional experience to apply.

In addition, we normally require PhD applicants to hold a Master's level qualification. This may also apply to Integrated PhD applicants depending on individual circumstances.

Language requirements

Successful completion of a postgraduate degree demands facility in English. It is a requirement that essays and dissertations be well-written. Prospective and intending students whose first language is not English will need to ensure that their linguistic proficiency is adequate. They may need to undertake some language training in the University or elsewhere.

The School has a minimum requirement.

TOEFL score on the paper-based test: at least, 600 with 4.0 on the Test of Written English (TWE).
TOEFL score on the internet-based test: at least 100 with, at least, 22 in listening, 24 in reading, 24 in speaking and 25 in writing
A minimum IELTS (academic) score of 6.5, with at least 6.5 in listening and reading and at least 6.0 in writing and speaking.

The School keeps its requirements under review and may request a higher level of proficiency. The University's Language Centre offers courses in English and can provide more details on your English requirements.

We will also accept the following.

English Cambridge Proficiency Certificate: Grade C or above
Advanced Certificate of English: Grade C or above
IGCSE: Grade C or above
All India ‘Standard 12’: minimum of 70 per cent

We also accept other alternative qualifications to IELTS and TOEFL tests.

It is not sufficient for you to submit a letter from your university that states that you can use the English language to a good standard. This is not relevant evidence. You must submit one of the documents above or be intending to take one of the tests noted above.

Language requirements for graduates of Commonwealth and former Commonwealth countries

All applicants must prove their level of language proficiency. If you have taken an O Level, GCSE, A Level or Cambridge Certificate in Proficiency in English Language, you should include a copy of the result certificate with your application.

Documentation not originally written in English

You must provide an official translation in English of all your documentation. You may not undertake the translation yourself. You should ensure that a copy of the document in the original language is submitted at the same time as the translated copy.

References

As described in the section How to Apply.

Research proposal