How Do I Apply

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. These pages include full information on how to apply to the Creative Writing programme, with links to their specific application forms.

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.

You will need to complete and submit a formal application form (please download the form that can be found at the bottom of this page), curriculum vitaes are not accepted. In addition you will need to provide copies of your degree certificates, a sample of your work, such as an essay, part of a dissertation, or a paper (no more than 3,000 words) on your proposed topic. For creative projects some of the submitted work may be existing creative work. If English is not your first language, please include evidence of your linguistic ability. A mimimum score of 6.5 on an IELTS test (or equivalent) is a requirement. 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. International applicants can study full time face to face or on a low residency basis i.e. there is not currently a part time PhD route for non UK / EU applicants.

Registration Period

School/Subject Representatives

• Application form (.doc)
• Application form (.pdf)
• Research Degree Handbook: Please See Section 7 - Application for Admission as an Advanced Post-graduate Student (.doc)

Please return all application forms and accompanying application materials to

The Graduate School Administrator,
The Graduate School,
Bath Spa University,
Corsham Court,
Corsham,
Wiltshire, SN13 0BZ.

Tel: 01225 875806

Email: graduate-school@bathspa.ac.uk