We accept applications throughout the year. Please apply as soon as you have identified a suitable research proposal. PhD studentships begin in September/ October. You should begin applying as soon as possible. 

In the UK most PhD programmes last for three years. Students are expected to submit a thesis within 12 months of the end of the programme (and preferably within the three year period).

Yes, many students choose to study part-time, particularly when they are self-funded. It is likely that the majority of funded PhD positions will require full-time commitment. Most international students are required to study full-time on their Tier 4 visa.

UK/EU fees: £4,327 per year, International fees: £16,300 per year Please visit the Postgraduate tuition fees page for more information.

Yes, there is funding available from the University and from some external sources. Visit the Postgraduate Funding page for more information. You can find a list of funded PhDs advertised in our PhD opportunities finder. 

Yes, it is possible to fund your PhD, whether you are applying for grants to create your own package of funding, are using personal funds or a combination of both. Having your own funding is no guarantee of a PhD place. You will still need to fulfil entry requirements and to find a supervisor willing to supervise you.

Yes, you are encouraged to contact the PhD supervisors in the School. Members of staff would normally discuss your proposal and provide generic and informal guidance at this stage.

Yes, please state clearly the names of any members of staff that you have discussed your proposal with. If you have not discussed your proposal with any staff members, please identify on your proposal at least one staff member that is expert in your proposed area of study and maybe an appropriate supervisor.

Not necessarily. Our entrance requirements can vary but are often a good first degree for PhD entry and relevant professional experience for studying for a professional doctorate. A good first degree is an honours degree with a minimum 2:1 classification. Please check PhD entry requirements per programme. 

This will be issued when you have provided the required documents and paid the relevant deposits. CAS details will not be issued earlier than six months before the start of your degree programme. More information on student visas and immigration.

We normally ask for an overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 7 with no individual sub-score below 6.5. Queen's University will accept the IELTS Academic (both SELT and non-SELT), and TOEFL internet-based tests for direct admission to  postgraduate degree programmes, if taken within the past two years. Other tests which may be accepted by the University for direct admission to degree programmes are listed here.

The Admissions and Access service in the university will check your application is complete and we have all the documents we need, such as degree certificates and transcripts. Once we have verified your certificates, we will send the application to the relevant university school for staff to consider the academic merit of your proposed research topic. To make sure your application is dealt with as quickly as possible, please include all required documents. Please be aware, it can take a number of months for the school to consider your application. Thank you for your patience during this time.