Postgraduate research application guidance

Explore our advice and see what sort of things you need to consider – from finding a supervisor to drafting a research proposal – we've got tips and advice to help you begin your PhD journey.

For further information see our postgraduate application pages.

Register for postgraduate research updates

1. Explore our programmes

Find out more about our range of research areas to find your area of interest, and check you meet the entry requirements, including English language requirements.

2. Find a supervisor

Get in touch with potential supervisors before making an application and they'll be happy to help.

Research students

Explore research centres and groups

Find academic staff within research centres and groups. You can search by department or a-z.

female student typing on computer

Use our research paper repository

Use our research paper repository where you can search by keywords, author or research area.

Students talking

Contact academics on studentship adverts

If you are applying for a studentship opportunity then you will find academics listed on the advert.

3. Check funding options

Studentships

View a full list of current studentship opportunities that are refreshed year-round. Each advertised studentship provides details on how to apply as well as funding options.*

Other funding

View other current funding sources include the Doctoral College, academic faculties, industry and Research Council funding.

*When applying for a studentship, please state which funding opportunity you wish to be considered for. In some cases you may need to submit an additional form. If so, this will be stated in the studentship advertisement.

4. Apply online

Go to the relevant programme page and click on the “apply” button to start your application.

Note that you need to mention the studentship you want to apply for when you submit your application.

Teacher and student

Include any discussions with supervisors

In the ‘research interests’ section of the application form, include details of any discussions with supervisors, and a research proposal (if required).

Scanning document

Scan copies of relevant documents

Make sure you include scanned colour copies of any relevant documentation that you need to provide. The Admissions team require evidence and copies of official translated documents, where these have not been issued in English i.e transcripts and certificates.

Man working on his laptop in a library.

Provide two referees

You’ll need to provide contact details for two referees. The Admissions team will contact your referees directly as we do not accept references directly from applicants themselves. Please note your referee should not be your potential supervisor here at Surrey.

Research students

Research proposal guidance

Before applying for a PhD, please read our guidance on submitting a suitable research proposal.

5. Attend an interview and await a decision

You will be invited to an interview shortly after submitting your application.

You can track the progress of your application through our Surrey Self-Service website. The time it takes varies. Avoid unnecessary delays by making sure you complete the application in full and attach all documentation.

If you have any questions, contact Admissions or your prospective supervisor.

Female student working on her laptop

6. Accept your offer

Once your application has been processed you will be able to accept your offer via our self-service system.

Explore Surrey Self-Service

7. Complete your application

Pay your deposit and provide evidence of sponsorship

Apply for accommodation (if required)

Apply for ATAS (if required and following specific instructions that we will send you)

More information

Applying for a postgraduate course
Frequently asked applicant questions
Make an admissions enquiry
When I applied for the Doctoral College studentship, my potential supervisor helped me with all of the paperwork. We outlined what we wanted the project to look like together, which was really helpful. I think if I’d have done it by myself, I would have been so lost. Daisy Shearer, PhD student, Advanced Technology Institute, Department of Physics
Daisy Shearer
The intervention that we make in a PhD thesis provides a small but incredibly invaluable piece of new knowledge and information in our field. Dr Allan Kilner-Johnson, Associate Dean (Doctoral College) and Senior Lecturer in English Literature