In the first instance you should prepare a research proposal giving details of your proposed thesis which should indicate that you are familiar with the subject and that the study has direction. From this information the Director of Postgraduate Research will identify appropriate supervisors from among its staff. It is common at this stage to be offered feedback from your potential supervisors about the suitability of the draft proposal and where it could benefit from further work.

The required contents of the research proposal (2000 words maximum):

• An outline stating the precise subject area of the proposed research and the key issues and questions that arise from this
• A rationale for pursuing this research
• An articulation of the methodologies to be employed in undertaking the research (please include reference both to the theoretical and disciplinary frameworks that you plan to draw upon and the precise research methods)
• A statement of how the proposed research would relate to earlier work in the area
• A statement regarding how this research would contribute to existing knowledge
• A short bibliography

When you prepare your research proposal, you should also complete the enclosed application form required by the University. On that form you should give the names and addresses of two academic referees, whom we can contact to ask for their opinion of your capacity to complete the proposed research. At least one of your referees should be familiar with your work for previous degrees. You should ask for permission to give their details, but the Department will contact them direct for a confidential reference. In addition to the research proposal, you should also attach to the application form a detailed Curriculum Vitae listing all your academic and professional qualifications/experience and copies of mark transcripts/certificates of awards.

Before proceeding with your application, it may be desirable to conduct informal discussions with the Director of Postgraduate Research, Dr Sherril Dodds. Information regarding applications should first be sent to Alan Smith, Graduate Studies Administrator.

On receipt of the application and proposal, we normally request that you participate in a formal interview by telephone or in person. If your project is approved and supervisors are available, the Department will recommend to the University that your application be accepted.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate an ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. The University will require some evidence of an applicant's proficiency in the English language, where the applicant's mother tongue is not English. Applicants may be required to take an approved proficiency test examination and/or to attend a course of English Language study before admission.

Further information can be found on the Research pages.

All queries should be addressed in the first instance to:

Alan Smith
Graduate Studies Administrator
Nodus Arts
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH

Tel: +44 (0) 1483 686222