Apply for a PhD studentship
Follow our guide to complete your application for a fully-funded PhD studentship ahead of the deadline for 2025 entry.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the official online application form linked to each individual studentship project. Once you have read all of the information below, you can return to the PhD project page and click the "Apply now" button to begin your application. Submissions via email or CVs are not accepted.
The online form will prompt you to provide:
- Personal details
- Academic qualifications
- Responses to standard competency questions
- Contact information for two referees
An offline copy of the application form is available for download to help you prepare. However, only the online submission will be considered.
The NTU Doctoral School uses your application to assess both your eligibility for PhD admission and your participation in the 2025 NTU Strategic Research Theme Studentship Competition.
Key dates
- 14 February 2025: Final submission deadline. Only completed applications submitted by this date will be reviewed.
- February–May 2025: Applications are assessed by subject panels, and shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews.
- Week Commencing 16 May 2025: Successful applicants are notified of their awards.
General Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to be considered for a 2025 Strategic Research Theme Studentship, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be available to begin study from 1 October 2025.
- You must not be a current doctoral level candidate at Nottingham Trent University or already hold a PhD or other doctoral degree.
- You can only submit one application relating to one project from the list of available 2025 Strategic Research Theme Studentships. If you submit more than one application none of your applications will be considered.
- You must submit a full and complete application (including having submitted all required supporting documents) by 14 February 2025. Any incomplete applications, or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Step-by-step application process
The steps below outline how to submit your application. When you are ready, click the "Apply now" button on your chosen project to be taken to the application system.
Ensure you meet the following criteria before applying:
- Academic Qualifications: A first or upper second-class honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification. Candidates with a lower second-class degree may apply if they hold a Master’s degree at Merit level or higher.
- English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency, typically with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each component). Additional details can be found here.
- Further guidance on entry requirements is available in NTU’s Quality Handbook Section 11 - Research Degrees.
After confirming your eligibility, click the "Apply now" on your chosen PhD project page . This will take you through to the application system. 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:
- Access the application system by clicking the "Apply now" button on your chosen PhD project page
- 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.
- Competency-based questions: Answer the competency-based questions in relation to the project you are applying to.
- English Language Proficiency: Submit IELTS or equivalent test results if applicable.
You can submit a word document not exceeding 1,500 words outlining your understanding of the research project you are applying for. This provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the field and current academic work on the topic and outline the methodology you would choose. This must not be above 1,500 words.
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.
Referees will be contact automatically and references must be submitted by no later than 3 April 2025.
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. (LINK)
- 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!
Find your studentship project
The available PhD studentship projects are listed on our strategic theme pages. Select your project and click the "Apply now" button to submit your application.
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Understanding the 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.