How to apply for your research degree

Before beginning your application, you must have a clear idea of the research you wish to dedicate 3-4 years. Take time to research a potential supervisor, you should also read more about the research expertise in the School of Engineering. This will give you an overview of the areas in which it is possible for you to undertake a PhD or MSc by Research. When you feel confident that you can contribute to the research carried out within the School, you can then begin your search for a supervisor.

Browse the research topicsLink opens in a new window by research area or try the ResearchLink opens in a new window webpages and identify potential supervisors in the area(s) that are of interest to you. Academic staff in the School of Engineering welcome enquiries from potential PhD candidates, so you are advised to contact them directly. Send your research proposal or explain that you would like to discuss research projects with them and detail how you plan to fund your studies.

An important part of your PhD application is the research proposal so we want to know what your research interests are so that we may direct your application to potential supervisors. The proposal does not need to be long, but the quality should be high and no more than 2-3 pages should be sufficient.

Ideally, your proposal should address the points below; however, as long as we have a clear idea of your research interests, we can consider your application.

Do...

• Ensure that your research interests match those in the School of Engineering.
• Research the availableLink opens in a new window within the School of Engineering
• Research the active areas of research Link opens in a new windowwithin the School of Engineering
• Include the name of the academic supervisor that matches your research interests, we will send your application directly to that person.
• Outline the main objectives of your research, providing details of two or three key aspects.
• State your target audience for this project.
• Explain what the main outcomes of the project are that you would want to see.
• Outline what methods/approaches you intend to use to achieve the aims of your project.
• Indicate your suggested data collection procedures, including sources and any possible difficulties.
• Explain any analytical techniques you intend to use for your research.
• Do use this cover page [ResearchProposal.docx]

Avoid...

• Broad research areas which would be unmanageable as a PhD topic or that have no relevance to the University of Warwick research areas.
• Vague descriptions of your research interests.

• Qualifications: Applicants should normally possess at least an upper second-class honours standard or the equivalent and/or a Master's degree at Merit level or its equivalent.

• Two academic references: References are essential in helping us to decide whether to make you an offer of a place or not. You'll need to think carefully about who is best placed to act in this capacity for you. You should nominate referees who can provide an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for your chosen programme of study. If you have studied a postgraduate degree in the past two years, we will require at least one reference from someone who taught you at postgraduate level from your last place of study.

• Research Proposal.

International students

English Language information:

We will require evidence that your English Language capability is of a level that will enable you to succeed in your chosen course of postgraduate study. The School of Engineering requires test results at 'Band A'.

Q. Do I need an ATAS?

The requirement for an ATAS certificate applies to all students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.

If your application for admission is approved, the admissions team will provide you with an email giving a brief description of the research that you will carry out. You simply need to copy the statement from Postgraduate Admissions into the ATAS application form exactly as it appears in your email. If you have not received the appropriate documentation for your ATAS application, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions teamLink opens in a new window.

For further advice regarding visa requirements, please visit our Student Immigration website.

Whilst there are no application deadlines for our research degrees, please be aware that processing times can vary. If your application is successful, the offer for admission will confirm to you the date by which you need to clear any conditions stated. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible.

Research degree applications are open for entry:

Application form 'Course search':

Department: School of Engineering

Academic Year: 2025/26

• 06 October 2025 - open
• 12 January 2026 - open
• 01 April 2026 - open

Type of Course: Postgraduate Research

Applicants requiring a visa to study

Some applicants may need to obtain a student visa to study in the UK. For these applicants, the application deadline is 2nd August for research courses that start in September and October (unless otherwise stated). For courses starting at other times of the year, we would recommend that you submit your application a minimum of 3 months prior to your intended start date. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

For further advice regarding visa requirements please visit our Student Immigration website.

There are a number of funding routes available to postgraduate students including postgraduate loans, University scholarships, fee awards, and department bursaries and scholarships. Each scholarship will have a process that you must follow, please carefully read each advert carefully for guidance.

Note: Should your application for admission be accepted, you should be aware that notification of acceptance for your research degree does not constitute an offer of financial support. Scholarship processing is almost entirely a separate process.