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School of Engineering

Stage 1: Prepare your application for a postgraduate research course

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Stage 1

Prepare your application

The following information details how to apply for most of our research courses.

Identify your research area of interest

Before beginning your search for a potential supervisor, you should 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 windowLink opens in a new window webpages and identify potential supervisors in the area(s) that are of interest to you. The academic staff in the School of Engineering welcomes 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.

Draft your research proposal (and name your supervisor)

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 get a clear idea of your research interests then we can consider your application.

Take our advice and visit our short guide to writing a research proposal. www.warwick.ac.uk/pgrengineering/proposalLink opens in a new window

Check the entry requirements

Admission for MPhil, PhD or MSc by Research:
Documents required are:
  • 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.

Q. How do I know if my qualification grade is equivalent?

A. Overseas Qualifications: UK Equivalent ScoresLink opens in a new window Stated equivalents are neither absolute nor complete. Satisfying the grade requirement of your course is only one aspect of the application and does not guarantee admission.

  • 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

We welcome applications from candidates offering many different international qualifications. You can see how your current degree score or GPA equates to the British system on the International Office equivalent scores table.

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'. See full details of the English language requirements for all courses and departmentsLink opens in a new window.

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. You need an ATAS certificate if you are an international student applying to study at postgraduate level in the UK. The CAH3 code is CAH10-01-01 engineering (non-specific).

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

Check the application deadlines

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:

  • 01 April 2024

Application form 'Course search':

Department: School of Engineering

Academic Year: 2023/24

Type of Course: Postgraduate Research

Applications for the academic year 2024/25 are due to open in October.

  • 30 September 2024
  • 06 January 2025
  • 01 April 2025

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 2 August 2023 for research courses that start in September and October 2023 (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.

Explore your funding options

There are a number of funding routes available to postgraduate students including postgraduate loans (Home and EU only), 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.

Ready to start your application?

Find out more about Stage 2: Submit your applicationLink opens in a new window using our applicant portal.

Application form 'Course search':

Department: School of Engineering

Academic Year: 2023/24

Type of Course: Postgraduate Research