Portsmouth Business School

How to apply for a PhD or MPhil

1. You complete a research proposal

The first step is to write a proposal identifying the research problem to be studied. The proposal should identify the problem to be solved, provide a short review of the relevant academic literature and outline the proposed research methodology. Normally this will consist of 2,000 to 4,000 words.

If you have an initial enquiry about studying for a PhD with us, please complete the online form: Research Degree Enquiries

The preparation of a proposal of this nature is important as not only does it help you to clarify your ideas, but it will help us to determine the viability of your desired area of research and our ability to supervise your work.

Once you have completed this proposal you should send it to us with an application form and relevant supporting documents.

You can apply by email to bus-pgrad@port.ac.uk or by post to: Postgraduate Centre, Richmond Building, Portland Street, Portsmouth. PO1 3DE.

2. We decide whether we can accept your proposal and are able to provide supervision

Upon receipt of your proposal, the Admissions Office and the respective departmental contact point will liaise to determine whether, in principle, the intended research is viable and there is sufficient in-house expertise to provide a suitable level of supervision in your particular area. This process will normally take up to four weeks. If your proposal is accepted, we will invite you for an interview.

If your proposal is unsuccessful we will write to inform you of the reasons. Many proposals fail to proceed because there is insufficient academic material underpinning the proposal. A PhD is an academic qualification, therefore it is imperative that proposals are rooted within the appropriate literature. Rejection does not preclude you from submitting an alternative research proposal, although you should take into account the reasons why you were unsuccessful when submitting any subsequent proposal.

3. The Interview and admittance to the University as a postgraduate research student

In most cases interviews are 'face-to-face' (although we may interview overseas candidates by telephone) which will give you a chance to discuss your proposal with your supervisor in a little more depth, meet other research students already studying at Portsmouth, clarify any specific research training or equipment you may need and resolve any remaining queries you have about the nature of postgraduate study.

Providing the interview is satisfactory and the necessary references have been received, your proposed research programme is submitted to the Research Degrees Committee of the University. Upon receipt, Academic Registry will write to you to offer you a place on the research degree programme within the Business School.

If you are an EU or an international student, further details about studying in the UK and at Portsmouth can be found at our International Office.