How to apply for your Postgraduate Research programme

Our 'Apply' online application form is easy to complete.

Applications for most of our postgraduate research programmes can be made online through our 'Learner Gateway' Application Portal.  Please note that our Swansea University fully funded scholarship courses have a different application process:

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/

Please contact the Admissions Office by email if you have any problems using the 'Learner Gateway' Application Portal.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.  Please click the following link to complete your EDI Monitoring Form:

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form) 

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

Self-funding/externally funded postgraduate research application process:

• Please use our Directory of Expertise below to search for academics working in your field. Search by generic keywords or subject areas - browse academic profiles to find the likeliest member of staff to be interested in your idea and then contact them directly to discuss potential supervision/interest in research topic.

• Choose the course you want to apply for - search our postgraduate research A-Z
• Check the entry requirements for the course on the course page or in the prospectus.
• Apply online
• Submit your application along with all supporting documentation - see our 'document checklist' below. Your application may be delayed if you fail to provide all the required documents.
• Once you've submitted your application, you'll receive an email which contains your student number. This must be kept in a safe place and used in all future correspondence with us.
• Your application will be considered by the relevant selection team. If we need any further information you'll be contacted.
• We try to make a decision on your application as quickly as possible. In most cases this will be within 15 working days.
• You will receive an email when a decision has been made on your application.

Swansea university fully funded postgraduate research application process

Please visit our Swansea University research scholarship web page.  Each individual scholarship advertisement outlines specific details as to how to apply. Before applying for a scholarship, you will need to consider the following:

• Fee Eligibility – some scholarships are open to all applicants, however, some scholarships, due to funder restrictions are only open to applicants who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate, as defined by UKCISA If you apply for a non-fee eligible scholarship, your application will not be considered.
• Academic entry requirements – due to high competition, your application is unlikely to be successful if you do not meet the advertised required degree grades.
• Applying for multiple awards – you can apply for more than one scholarship, but you will be required to submit an application for each award you apply for.
• English Language – you can apply prior to holding the pre-requisite English Language requirements but if you are made an offer, it will be conditional upon you meeting the English requirement for the course.

Application deadlines:

Please see our application deadlines page and individual scholarship advertisements for details.

We encourage and welcome students from all backgrounds:

Apply online

Document checklist:

Your application may be delayed if you fail to provide the following documents (where appropriate):

• Copy of email, from Swansea academic member of staff, outlining, in principle (subject to your application being successful) that they are interested in supervising your proposed research topic
• Research Proposal/Synopsis as agreed with the Swansea academic member of staff, outlining your proposed area of research
• clear copies of qualifications you’ve gained, e.g. Master degree certificate and transcripts (showing the subjects taken and your grades). If you’re still studying, provide a transcript of your results so far
• if your qualifications are in a language other than English, please provide official translations, in addition to the copies of the documents in your original language
• if English is not your first language, please provide a Swansea University recognised English language test certificate (if appropriate), for example IELTS
• Two, open references/letters of support. Please note that applications without two reference letters attached are placed on hold, awaiting receipt of the missing letter(s).  
• a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate/available) 
• CV
• Personal Statement, outlining why you wish to study for the course at Swansea University. Please note that your personal statement must refer to ‘Swansea University’.

How do I find out more information about the course?

Detailed information can be found on our A-Z course pages.

What is the difference between a taught and a research degree?

A taught postgraduate degree is a structured degree of study consisting of a number of modules in specialist subjects which can prepare you for a particular professional career.

• Taught programmes are designed to develop knowledge in specialised subjects previously studied more generally.
• A few Master's programmes act as "conversion courses", allowing you to change your area of specialisation from that undertaken at undergraduate level.
• Undertaking a taught course will often involve attending lectures and seminars or possibly working in the lab if undertaking a science-based course.
• Assessment is usually exam-based and through written assignments at the end of each module. To gain a Master's degree, you are often expected to complete a dissertation.
• Taught degrees typically last 1 year full-time, or 2/3 years if studying part-time.

A research degree provides you with the opportunity to research a specific area or topic in depth.

• Research degrees are more focused on independent study.
• Some research degrees do involve a taught element, particularly Master's by Research (including EngD) degrees.
• You will be provided with guidance and support by your supervisor and the facilities to conduct your research. The research should result in a unique piece of work involving new knowledge in your chosen subject area.
• Assessment is based upon your final thesis and an oral examination (viva-voce).

Research degrees vary in duration. MRes and Master's by Research degrees are typically pursued over 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. PhDs last at least 3 years full-time, or 6 years part-time.

Is there an application deadline?

October Enrolment

UK Applicants - 15th August

EU/International Applicants - 15th July

January Enrolment

UK Applicants - 15th November

EU/International Applicants - 15th October

April Enrolment

UK Applicants - 15th February

EU/International Applicants - 15th January

July Enrolment

UK Applicants - 15th May

EU/International Applicants - 15th April 

FAQs

Where can I find information on entry requirements?

You can find entry requirements for all postgraduate programmes on the individual course pages - find your course on the A-Z list of Postgraduate Research Programmes. EU and international candidates should view our Country Specific Postgraduate Entry Requirements for all International Applicants. If you can't find the information, or you are unclear what the entry requirements are, you can contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office by email: postgraduate.admissions@swansea.ac.uk  

Can I just print my last degree module results from my University's online results system?

No. We do not accept this as proof of your results. We need an official transcript from your University, which you should be able to get from your University’s Academic Office/Registry. If it is your final transcript, it needs to state your final overall result.

My degree results are in a language that is not English. Is this OK?

We will need an official translation of your documents into English if they are not printed in English in the first place. We will not be able to process your application until we have received a copy of your official documents and their official translation. The original translation will be required when you apply for your Student Route Visa.

How do I send you the two compulsory reference letters?

Please attach two "open" letters of support to your online application.

Are there any fully funded scholarships available?

Please visit our research scholarships page, each individual scholarship advert outlines specific details as to how to apply. Before applying for a scholarship please consider the following –

Q. Do you meet the fee eligibility to be considered for the scholarship? Many of our scholarships are open to all applicants, however, some scholarships, due to funder restrictions are only open to applicants who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate, as defined by UKCISA regulations. Please note you will not be considered for a non-fee eligible application.

Q. Do you meet the minimum academic entry requirements for the scholarship? Due to strong competition, you are unlikely to be successful unless you meet the advertised degree grades.

Q. Can I apply for more than one PGR scholarship? Yes, please note however that new, individual applications are required, per scholarship.

Q. Is it OK to apply for a scholarship without holding the advertised pre-requisite English Language entry requirement? Yes, you can be considered for a scholarship without holding the pre-requisite English Language entry requirement. If your scholarship application is successful, you will be made a conditional offer on the basis that you meet the required English Language score prior to course enrolment.