How to apply

• The options are typically "STFC studentship", "EPSRC studentship", "Chancellor's Scholarship", "Warwick China Scholarship Council", "Self", "Family", "XXXX Government scholarship", and others.
• Please do not select “N/A” as this may delay your application.
• If you already have an externally funded scholarship, or intend to apply to one, then select as appropriate or enter the details.
• For a funded project, this will be typically an “EPSRC studentship” or “STFC studentship” (the EPSRC and STFC are UK Government science research funding bodies). As long as you indicate the project title(s) in your application then we can match it with the funding associated with that project.
• Please put PhysicsAdmissionsPG@warwick.ac.uk as the contact email address.
• If in doubt, please contact us at PhysicsAdmissionsPG@warwick.ac.uk.

• No, a research proposal is not necessary.
• Instead of uploading a research proposal, please put the name of the advertised project(s) that interest you from the project page. Also put the supervisor(s) associated with the project.
• You can also use this space to explain your choice of project selection, or you can include this information in your personal statement.
• The university application portal asks for a proposal as some departments have different processes. For Physics, we advertise our research projects on our project page. We do not expect applicants to design their own proposal.

Yes, we will look at all documents in your submission.

We will ask for two references in the online application

• You will enter the contact details on your online application. They will then be automatically contacted once you submit it. Please make sure their email address is correct!
• You should contact your referees in advance to make sure they are aware of this and support your application.
• You will need to make sure your nominated referees submit their reference letters on time.
• They will receive a secure link to the submission system into which they can upload their letter.

No, however the reference letter is a valuable source of information for potential supervisors, so your application may be at a disadvantage.

Make sure to give your referee plenty of advanced warning of the application deadline, and don't be afraid to give them reminders.

The referee will only get invited to submit their reference letter from our system when you have submitted your application. Let them know when you do so they can look out for the email.

• Typically your reference letters should come from academics rather than employers, however you should ask whoever is best able to speak to your potential as a PhD student.
• These would be people like your undergraduate tutor and your research project supervisor.
• The reference letter from your undergraduate/Masters research project supervisor is particularly important for your application. It can be one of the most significant sources of information for a potential PhD supervisor in evaluating your suitability for a PhD.
• If you have been in employment since your prior degree then a reference letter from your current employer or line manager can be valuable, particularly if they are able to comment on your capabilities and skills as a potential researcher. However, if you ask an employer it would be best to ensure they tailor the letter in a way that informs us about your suitability for a PhD.

• There is a dedicated page covering English language entry requirements and accepted language tests.
• Please contact PhysicsAdmissionsPG@warwick.ac.uk if you have any questions not answered on this page.

Yes, but you will need to satisfy the language requirements before you can start in the event you are accepted.

Potential supervisors will likely ask you about this in your interview, if you are invited to interview. They will want to see a realistic chance that you will be able to attain the minimum requirements.

During the course of an interview, supervisors will be able to make their own assessment as to whether your English competency is likely to be sufficient. Communication is important in a PhD, and will be part of their evaluation of you as a candidate.

The university has a central advice page here.

The email offering you a position on the course is separate to the email confirming funding. So don’t be alarmed if the offer email talks about fees; these will be paid for by the funding if your project has funding. Keep an eye out for the second email confirming funding. If in doubt, please contact your project supervisor or contact PhysicsAdmissionsPG@warwick.ac.uk

• A conditional offer will only be turned into an unconditional offer once all conditions have been met. This means that all supporting documents must have been received and verified by university admissions.
• The conditions that you need to fulfil should be explained in your conditional offer email. If you have questions about these then please contact us at PhysicsAdmissionsPG@warwick.ac.uk