Skip to main content
What types of page to search?

Popular pages: Undergraduate Postgraduate PhD Accommodation Research International students

Alternatively use our A-Z index.

How to apply for a PhD programme

Now that you've chosen a PhD programme, it's time to submit your application. Follow the below instructions to get started.

Studentships

The University of Liverpool offers various PhD studentships, which may be funded, self-funded or competition funded. To apply:

  1. Find a studentship/project that matches your research interests
  2. Check the studentship advert for any specific application requirements and follow them where applicable
  3. Finally, register and apply online. (See full application requirements below).

Research degrees

Research degrees (MPhil/PhD/MD) are usually self-funded or externally funded. To apply:

  1. Find a research opportunity which matches your research interests
  2. Identify potential supervisors for your research project. You can do this by contacting the relevant institute or school’s Postgraduate Research Support Team and by viewing the staff and research pages of their area of the University website
  3. Whilst it's not obligatory, we encourage you to indicate your preferred supervisor(s) in your application. It's also a good idea to contact potential supervisors before making an application. They may indicate an interest in your research proposal, but this does not guarantee entry to the programme
  4. Put together a research proposal to outline the research you would like to undertake. You will need this for your application and may also need it for funding applications
  5. Finally, register and apply online. (See full application requirements below).

Application requirements

For both studentships and research degrees, you'll need the following when completing your online application:

To complete the online application, you'll need:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts
  • Degree certificates
  • English language certificates (International applicants only)
  • A personal statement
  • Two signed references on letterheaded paper (these should be academic references if you have been in full-time education in the last three years)
  • A research proposal (may be tested for plagiarism, collusion and other irregularities).

Applications are assessed primarily on the basis of prior and predicted academic achievement, so you should complete the application form without any omissions.  If you wish to apply for a degree under a collaborative agreement with another institution, you must state this in your application.

References can be either uploaded directly to the application form by the applicant or emailed to the Department Admissions team (details below).

If you're considering applying for a University of Liverpool PhD based at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), China, you should contact their Graduate School Office.

Useful contacts

For any admissions related queries please contact the relevant School/Institute Admissions Team:

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For more detailed enquiries regarding opportunities within Humanities and Social Sciences, please contact the one of the School teams below.

Faculty of Science and Engineering