1. Identify a research topic and potential academic staff to supervise your project

Before beginning your search for a potential supervisor, you should read more about the research expertise in the School of Life Sciences. 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 areas and identify potential supervisors in the area(s) that are of interest to you. The academic staff in the School welcome enquiries from potential research students, so you are advised to contact them directly. Send your research proposal or explain that you would like to discuss possible research projects with them and detail how you plan to fund your studies.

• We recommend that research proposals should be developed in consultation with a potential supervisor.

• Guidance on how to write a research proposal.

3. Have you, or do you expect to satisfy the academic entry requirements?

• Admission for a PhD requires candidates to normally have obtained at least an upper second class UK honours degree, or an equivalent qualification in a scientific or another appropriate discipline.
• Admission for an MSc by research requires candidates to normally have obtained at least a lower second class UK honours degree, or equivalent qualification.

If you hold an international qualification, please consult the International Office web pages: Overseas Qualifications: UK equivalency.

4. Fulfil the English language requirements for your chosen programme

The University requires evidence that your English Language capability is of a level that will enable you to succeed on your chosen course of postgraduate study. We therefore have English Language entry requirements based on the following minimum standards.

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 (with no component score below 6.0). Acceptable English Language Tests

English Language courses

Candidates who have undertaken two or more academic years of study in higher education on courses taught and assessed in English, within 2 years of the course start date, may be considered for exemption from these requirements at the discretion of the University.

5. Have you identified and contacted two individuals capable and willing to provide an academic reference for you?

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. When you submit your application an email will automatically be sent to your referees requesting a reference for you.

6. Have you considered funding, and in particular, investigated potential options for scholarships and bursaries?

Scholarships

7. Complete an application form

Please complete the online application form.

Applying online is the quickest and most efficient method for applying for admission to postgraduate courses. If you require a printed copy of the postgraduate application form please email: pgprospectus@warwick.ac.uk.

You will receive updates on the progress of your application by email from the Postgraduate Admissions Team. If you apply online, you may track the status of your application online.

• Further details on the application process
• Advice on applying for a PhD
• After you've applied