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Apply using the Applicant Portal
The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.
An application is only complete when:
- you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
- you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
- your referees have provided their references.
If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.
A selection of BAS projects or research areas are typically advertised each autumn on the . Each project or research area will have a named supervisor and deadline for application clearly indicated. In most cases, applicants will be required to be eligible for and will only be admitted to start in the following Michaelmas term. Interviews will be held prior to an offer of admission.
If your topic does not fall within current BAS research interests you may wish to explore opportunities for PhD study in another, related, department before making an application to the University.
Selection Process
Applicants for projects or research areas offered by the NERC CREATES DLA are considered together, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï approximately six-to-seven weeks after the closing date.
Any other applications are considered as they are received (rolling admissions). Applicants should expect to hear whether they have been successful within twelve weeks following the submission of their completed application and required supporting documents.
Further information on How To Apply
Things You'll Need
In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.
- Two academic references
- Transcript
- CV/resume
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - you can check using our tool - Statement of Interest (2500 characters) (mandatory)
- Multiple Proposed Supervisors (200 characters) (mandatory)
Names of the project supervisors. This will help when processing your application. - Project Title (250 characters) (mandatory)
The project reference code where one is given. This will help when processing your application. - Research Summary (2500 characters) (mandatory)
This will usually be the brief summary description in the advertised project. - Research Experience (2500 characters) (optional)
Gates °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï Scholarships
If you wish to be considered for a Gates °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:
See for more information.
How to Find a Supervisor
PhD projects or research areas available at BAS are usually advertised each autumn on the . You should identify the supervisor of the project or research area in which you are interested and contact them to discuss your eligibility and suitability.
The purpose of this initial contact is to discuss the advertised project or research area, enquire about supervisor capacity and willingness to supervise, and determine if there is a good fit between your interests and theirs. When contacting a supervisor, it is recommended that you consider their research profile when writing to them. You should also include your CV so they can assess your academic background and research experience.
You will be asked to give the supervisor name in your application. Capacity to supervise projects not supported by a NERC or UKRI funded partnership is very limited.
Please note general and unfocused applications with no suitable or prospective supervisor are likely to be seriously disadvantaged or rejected. Please check that the supervisor you want to work with is still current in the Department and taking students.
Please note: part-time study may not always be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before making an application for this mode of study.
