Academic Potential

• Applicants are normally expected to have achieved a first class Honours Degree (or equivalent) or 2:1 in a relevant discipline.
• The applicant must provide sufficient evidence, in the view of the assessors, to suggest that they have the academic ability and commitment to pursue the chosen programme to a successful conclusion within the required time limits. In particular the applicant needs to demonstrate the ability to reason, show original creative thought and hypothesis generation.
  

Communication and Analysis

• Use of English. If the degree course has not been taught in English then an English Language qualification is required. See individual course requirements for the minimum IELTS score required.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Candidates will be asked to supply a copy of their dissertation or project work.
• Evidence of the ability to undertake with determination a research project to completion.
• Evidence of the ability to critically observe and record accurately outcomes of research.
  

Experience

• The applicant will be expected to demonstrate academic interest and/or experience in the area in which they wish to study.
  

Advice to Students

Applicants are encouraged to approach specific supervisors and explain why they want to come and work in this particular field of study rather than anyone else's. It would be expected that graduate applicants would be familiar with recent published work of their proposed supervisor.
Applicants who cannot bring their own funding are encouraged to investigate avenues of funding such as The Wellcome Trust, The European Commission, The British Council and The Rhodes Scholarship Trust. Overseas Research Scholarships (ORS) are also available, however these awards are strictly limited

Well qualified candidates may not be offered a place because:

• Secure funding is not available (places offered ona conditional basis will not be confirmed without a financial guarantee).
• There are constraints on the availability of research facilities (especially laboratory and library spaces) and on supervision.
• There are limitations on the numbers of students which can be admitted onto research programmes.