Application and Admission

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION AS AN MPhil/PhD STUDENT

Where there are a number of academic staff and doctoral researchers working together around common themes the University has approved Research Centres and Research Groups,.  The University particularly welcomes PhD enquiries from potential applicants whose research may complement that of the Centres and Groups. If you are considering applying to Bath Spa University to undertake either an MPhil or a PhD it is suggested that, in the first instance, you contact the appropriate School/Subject Representative (See Below) before making a formal application.

For potential creative writing students please use this link: Creative Writing Information.

Please note that there are four enrolment dates in any one year; 1st January, 1st April, 1st July and 1st October.  It is recommended that application forms be submitted at least 6-8 weeks before your intended enrolment date.

Please note that electronic application forms will not be accepted as an original "hard" copy with signature and date is required.

Please note that due to the numbers of applications being received only a minority of proposals are judged sufficiently strong to proceed to interview.  A comparative judgement is made in which a number of factors are taken into account, including our estimate of the quality of the proposal and writing sample, and the ability of the School to provide a suitable supervisory team.  Please note that it is University policy not to enter into subsequent debate about a decision once it has been made.

Application for Admission as an MPhil/PhD student

If you are considering applying to Bath Spa University to undertake either an MPhil or a PhD it is suggested that, in the first instance, you contact the appropriate School/Subject Representative (See Below) before making a formal application.

Please note that there are four enrolment dates in any one year; 1st January, 1st April, 1st July and 1st October.  It is recommended that application forms be submitted at least 6-8 weeks before your intended enrolment date.

Please note that electronic application forms will not be accepted as an original "hard" copy with signature and date is required.

Please note that due to the numbers of applications being received only a minority of proposals are judged sufficiently strong to proceed to interview.  A comparative judgement is made in which a number of factors are taken into account, including our estimate of the quality of the proposal and writing sample, and the ability of the School to provide a suitable supervisory team.  Please note that it is University policy not to enter into subsequent debate about a decision once it has been made.

Entry Requirements

Applicants would normally as a minimum hold a first or upper second class honours degree from a UK HEI, or its equivalent.  Applicants who do not have a relevant Master's degree should note that they will normally be required to undertake formal research training as part of their studies.

Students register as an Advanced Postgraduate in the first instance.  Application for formal registration with BSU for either the degree of PhD or MPhil takes place within six months, subject to a detailed and satisfactory proposal.

International students who do not have English as their first language may have to undertake an IELTS or TOEFL language test.  The minimum accepted standard would be 6.5 on the IELTS scale.  A higher standard for admission may be required in some fields.

Fees and funding information can be found here, which includes information about funding opportunities.

 Registration Period

School/Subject Representatives

Useful Documents

• Application form (.doc)
• Application form (.pdf)
• Extract from Research Degree Handbook: Section 7 - Application for Admission as an Advanced Post-graduate Student (.doc)
• Full Research Degree Handbook (.pdf)
• Research Degree Handbook (.doc)
• Guidance for Interviewees (.pdf)
• Outline of Processes (.pdf)
• Data Protection for Research (.doc)
• Research and Ethics at Bath Spa University (.doc)
• Research Principles at Bath Spa University (.doc)
• Guidance Notes for Interviewees (.doc)
• Quality Enhancement Policy (.doc)