Thank you for your interest in applying to the PhD programme at the Warwick Institute for Employment Research. We are delighted you are considering entering a postgraduate research degree with us.

IER has an extensive pre-application process for individuals interested in pursuing a PhD in Employment Research. This process is to ensure we appropriately match potential applicants with suitable supervisors and facilitate the process in an efficient and equitable manner. As indicated in the table below, it is only after an initial and internal review of pre-application materials that we invite candidates to submit their applications through the university admissions portal.

This page has all the necessary information for completing this pre-application process. However, if you have any questions, please direct them to the IER PhD Admissions Tutor Dr Emily Erickson at ierphd@warwick.ac.uk

IER’s Pre-Application Process

We have two admissions windows each year (see below for dates). All applicants should apply within these windows. Admission is for the following academic year with students starting in October, and this refers to both application windows. The admissions windows listed below are for the IER internal pre-application process. Please note, for many scholarship programmes (including CIS and ESCR DPT) students must apply during the first round.

Each pre-application is assessed for completeness (did you include a cover letter, research proposalLink opens in a new window, and CV?) and then undergoes an academic review to assess the quality of the research proposal and the proposal’s fit with potential supervisors within IER. If the proposal meets the expected standards and a suitable potential supervisor is identified, you will be invited to submit an application through the University admissions portal. After a review of the formal application, candidates will be invited for an interview. These will most likely take place online with the applicant, the potential supervisors, and IERs Director of Graduate Studies.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINES

Please note, we are no longer accepting applications for the 2024 term start. See the below for deadlines for applications to join the IER PhD programme for the October 2025 term.

Please note that in some instances you need to have applied and/or received an offer from the university before you can apply for a scholarships. It can take several weeks for your application to be processed as detailed in the university application guidance. The PhD in Employment Research is highly competitive and the IER only takes on a small number of PhD students each year.

What to include in your Pre-Application:

1. Cover letter (no more than 400 words) – the cover letter is designed to capture information about your potential fit and motivation to pursue a PhD at IER. Please include (a) your motivation to pursue a PhD and motivation to do that at IER, (b) identify which of IER’s research theme(s) you best fit within, and (c) identify one to two potential supervisors that you would want to work with. NOTE – you do not need to contact potential supervisors, we will do that on your behalf.
2. Research proposal (no more than 2,000 words)Link opens in a new window – The research proposal provides evidence of your ability to plan and organise a major research project that has potential to make an original contribution to knowledge. Please carefully review and follow the guidance on completing a research proposal for the IER PhD programme. This is available for download here.
3. CV or Resume – please include a CV or resume which includes your academic qualifications, relevant work experience, publications, etc.

These may be submitted as Word or PDF documents to: ierphd@warwick.ac.uk

---

IER PhD Application Process

1^st Review

IER Admissions team assesses pre-application materials

2^nd Review

IER Admissions team and potential supervisors review entire application

Final Review & Decision

Final review by IER and University

---

Important dates for applicants for the October 2025 academic year:

Admissions round 1:

• Deadline for Pre-application materials submitted to IER: 11 November 2024.
• Interviews to take place in January.
• Applicants to Chancellors International Scholarship (CIS), ESCR DPT and other scholarships with deadlines in January through April should apply in this round to ensure scholarship eligibility.

Admissions round 2:

• Deadline for Pre-application materials to be submitted to IER: 1 May 2025.
• Interviews to take place in late May and early June.