Research Applicants

If you wish to apply for a research degree, such as an MPhil, PhD or DProf programme, you should:

  • check the research interests detailed on the relevant academic department website to see if we can offer expert supervision in your chosen area of specialisation.  Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the relevant academic department to discuss their proposed project prior to making their application.  Academic departments may also be able to advise on the potential availability of relevant studentships.
  • prepare a research proposal (1000 - 1500 words) to outline the research project that you would like to undertake.  Your research proposal should be uploaded at the point of applciaiton, unless you are applying for a pre-advertised project.  In this case you will need to provide details of the pre-advertised project and where it was advertised (relevant weblink). 
  • submit a full programme application via Aberystwyth's online Postgraduate Admissions Application Portal.  To do this, locate the relevant course page within the university's central Course Directory (https://courses.aber.ac.uk/) and select "Apply Now". Your application should include all supporting documentation, your research proposal, and an indication of how you intend to fund your research degree.
  • Applicants for research courses will need to provide two academic references as part of the admissions process.  Details of your referees can be entered on your application and our Postgraduate Admissions Application Portal will automatically contact them to request a reference on your behalf.  Alternatively, references that you have in-hand can be uploaded to your applciaiton before submission.  If you are not in a position to provide references at the point of application then doing so will be a condition of any offer for study that the university may make to you.