Before you apply, it is really important to consider whether a research degree is the right option for you, or whether you’d prefer a more structured postgraduate taught programme. If you do want to undertake a research degree, you will work independently, investigating a particular research question. Whilst you will have guidance from a supervisory team, you need to be self-motivated and able to organise and plan your time in order to meet deadlines.
Research degrees do not have traditional exams; instead they are examined through the submission of a written thesis, or in the case of PhD by Extended Professional Practice via a practice-based piece of work (such as a performance) as well as a shorter thesis. You will also be required to defend your thesis at an oral examination – the viva voce.
There are two main routes into a PhD programme: self-funded or via a scholarship.
Self-funded route
If you are self-funding your studies, it means that you are not in receipt of a University scholarship, and are either paying the fees yourself, or you have secured funding for your degree yourself (either through a doctoral loan or sponsorship from an external organisation). You will be responsible for devising your own research project and writing your own research proposal, and for finding a suitable supervisor.
PhD scholarship route
Every year DMU offers a number of PhD scholarships. Funding covers tuition fees and a stipend to cover living expenses. In most cases, applying for a scholarship is a bit like applying for a job: opportunities are advertised and you need to make a case for why you are the best candidate for the position when you apply. In many cases, the research project you will undertake is already agreed and a supervisory team appointed, and these details will be included in the scholarships advert. Find out more about our current funded opportunities.
Funded
- Choose from our available programmes
- Check you meet the entry requirements
- You need to check you meet the minimum academic and English language entry requirements for the programme. Individual entry requirements are clearly listed on each programme's web page.
- Write your research proposal
- As part of your application, you will need to write a research proposal. This will mean we can properly assess whether our expertise, facilities and supervisory capacity can support your research needs. See further guidance on writing your own research proposal.
- Apply for any additional funding you may need.
- Apply for the programme
- New to studying at DMU? To apply for a research degree, you will need to apply via our .
- Student at DMU previously? If you have previously studied at DMU or are a current student please submit your application through using the "New Course Application" tile.
- At this stage you'll also need to submit your necessary documentation. Find out more about our necessary documentation.
Self-Funded
- Choose your research degree
- Full or part-time programmes are available. We offer 3 intakes per year: October, January and April.
- Please note, applications to our MA/MSc by Research is open to the faculties of Computing, Engineering and Media (CEM) & Health and Life Sciences (HLS) only.
- Check you meet the entry requirements
- You need to check you meet the minimum academic and English language entry requirements for the programme.
- Find a supervisor
- Applicants must contact a potential supervisor to discuss their research proposal, prior to applying. This will establish a mutual interest in research and will help your application to be aligned with like-minded academics. We have created a helpful tool for finding a suitable supervisor.
- Write your research proposal
- As part of your application, you will need to write a research proposal. This will mean we can properly assess whether our expertise, facilities and supervisory capacity can support your research needs. See further guidance on writing your own research proposal.
- Secure your funding
- Please ensure you have funding in place for your research degree before submitting your application, this could be in the form of self-funding, sponsorship or scholarship.
- Apply for the programme
- New to studying at DMU? To apply for a research degree, you will need to apply via our .
- Student at DMU previously? If you have previously studied at DMU or are a current student please submit your application through using the "New Course Application" tile.
- At this stage you'll also need to submit your necessary documentation. Find out more about our necessary documentation.
You can apply all year round for our research degrees. Please see below our current intake and deadline dates:
Intake: 1 April 2025 | Application deadline: 1 February 2025
Intake: 1 October 2025 | Application deadline: 1 August 2025
Additional information for international students
Applicants requiring a visa
To find out if you need a visa to study in the UK, please read the following visa advice and guidance. Please do not book any non-refundable travel until you have obtained a visa. Full-time overseas applicants must also make a pre-payment of 50% of the first year's programme fees in order to receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Applicants requiring an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
Students studying certain research programmes in the UK must gain ATAS clearance before applying for a visa to study the programme. ATAS clearance is a scheme operated by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to help stop the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. Applications for ATAS clearance usually take around 20 working days to be processed. This can be longer during busy periods and we encourage applications to be made as soon as an offer letter has been issued from DMU.
English language proof
Applicants who are required to evidence their English language will need to produce either:
- A IELTS (Academic) certificate at 6.5 or equivalent, with no component below 6.0 and shall have been taken not more than two years prior to entry, or;
- Copy of a Degree certificate from a majority English speaking country, dated within the last 5 years. (Further information on ), or;
- WAEC/WASSCE at grade C/6 or above, or;
- NECO grade C/6 or above.
Please note that we no longer accept TOEFL or TOEIC as proof of English language proficiency. We do provide an English examination for research degree applicants which can be used in place of an IELTS (Academic) certificate. More information about the 台湾裸聊直播 English language test can be obtained from the Doctoral College at: PGRadmissions@dmu.ac.uk
All applicants must have first met the academic entry requirements for a research degree at DMU before they can be booked onto the 台湾裸聊直播 English language test. Tests can only be booked via the Doctoral College at PGRadmissions@dmu.ac.uk
What happens next?
The Doctoral College will process your application which includes determining if a qualification check is required. We will then forward your application on to the relevant Faculty for consideration.
The Doctoral College is responsible for sending out all correspondence relating to formal offers and acceptance, as well as sending information on accommodation, visa requirements and other important issues.
If you are unconditionally accepted, an unconditional offer letter and information pack will be sent to you.
If you are conditionally accepted, a conditional offer letter and information pack will be sent to you outlining the conditions you must fulfil before your offer of a place is confirmed.
Once you have been unconditionally accepted, the Doctoral College will contact you to complete your registration and inform you of the upcoming Doctoral College induction event.
If your application is not accepted, you will receive a letter from the university informing you of the outcome.
Contact us
Please contact our dedicated Doctoral College Admissions team if you have any queries around how to apply for a Research Degree:
Email address: pgradmissions@dmu.ac.uk
Visit us in person: Room 0.02, Portland Building, Leicester, LE1 9BH