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.
Find a PhD
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 supervisorAt-distance PhDs
Our at-distance PhDs have been designed for candidates who require a more flexible mode to complete their doctoral research.
They strongly 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.
The 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.
Get in touch to learn more
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. Typically it takes four years to complete a PhD full-time or up to eight years part-time, including your "write up" period. 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.
Explore our research
Make sure your PhD proposal reflects
our research strengths.
PhDs by Academic School
Find out more about studying for a PhD in our Academic Schools.
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 Education
Research Degrees in Law
PhD - Research degrees at Nottingham Business School
Research degrees in Science and Technology
Research degrees in Social Sciences
PhDs fees and funding
Find out how much a PhD costs, what and how to apply for stipend, information about loans, and the various ways you can fund your studies.