If you wish to apply for a PhD, you should initially approach a potential supervisor in the Department in which you wish to study.
If your area of research is agreed in principle, you will be asked to make an application online
For a PhD (programme of study by research) you will need to identify a suitable supervisor and liaise with them over a project before making an application. To identify a supervisor in your preferred area of study, use either the A-Z course index in the Postgraduate Prospectus or the list of departments. Please refer to departmental websites for guidance on who to contact regarding PhD study, as some departments have a central liaison point.
Funded PhD studentships are available within the Faculties of Life Sciences and Medicine (advertised on the webpages of the Graduate School).
You can apply online and you can find further details and the link to our application system via our Postgraduate Prospectus.
For those interested in studying at the Business School, we would encourage you to access the online application system via the Business School website where you can find further information about their programmes of study
Hi Rans,
If you are planning to apply for 2013/14 entry then I am afraid that there are no scholarships left open, as they have all been awarded.
If you are planning to apply for 2014/15 entry then you should visit http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/studentfinance/prospectivepgstudents/scholarships in roughly October or November to see what is available, as each award will have a different eligibility criteria. You should also check http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/international/prospective/newscholarships as they may also have some scholarships available.
Best wishes,
Rebecca
Hi madam/Sir ,
I am pursuing Master of Engineering(Computer Networking) from the India and want to apply for PhD in Imperial College London in next year .So just give me information about “what is the criteria to get scholarship for PhD” please help me about it.Awaiting for your reply.
Thanking you.
regards,
Rans.
Hi Pu,
If you have queries on the application form you should first refer to the Application Guidance Notes at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/admissions/howtoapplypg. We cannot offer guidance on writing the research proposal but you may wish to discuss it with your prospective Department. If you have any further queries please contact the relevant Admissions Team. You can find their contact details at: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/abouttheregistry/contacts#admissions.
Best wishes,
Rebecca
Dear Sir./Madam,
I am a postgraduate from China. I am confused when filling in the application form. could you give me a hand?
In the first page, what’s the meaning of the items of programmes?
As for the research proposal, which parts are necessary for it? Can you give me a model for it?
Thank you very much!
Hi Michele,
We would still require you to take an English language test to meet our requirements. You can find further information at: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/admissions/pgenglish.
With regards to the personal statement, you should check whether your Department require this in addition to the research proposal.
Best wishes,
Rebecca
Dear Sirs,
I am a second-year Msc. student in the Netherlands planning to apply for a Ph.d program in October 2013. I have a couple of questions.
The first one is about the evidence of English ability:
Since all the courses in my master program are given in English, does it fulfill the requirements for the admission ?
Moreover, I was wondering if, with ‘personal statement’ you mean the ‘research proposal for the Ph.d thesis (that I’ve already discussed with my potential supervisor).
Thank you for your help.
Regards,
Michele
Hi Nikoletta,
Applications for the PhD in Earth Science and Engineering are open now.
Best wishes,
Rebecca
Hello sir/madame,
I would like to know when can I apply for the PhD programme in Department of Earth Science and Engineering.
Thank you for your help!
Thank you very much, dear Rebecca. Sorry, I made a mistake saying that I would graduate with my master degree in June 2013. Actually I will graduate in June 2014. Sorry for the typo in my last question. Now I am clear about the procedure of how to apply for PhD before I finish my masters. Thank you so much for being attentive to me.
Cheers,
Ash
Hi Ash,
Just to clarify, did you mean that you would graduate in June 2014 as per your previous comment? If you are due to graduate this year you could apply for entry this October. Please also note that research applicants do not have to start on a set date, if agreed with your potential supervisor.
As part of the application process you will be able to upload any supporting documents that you have, for example a transcript, but if you do not have anything at that stage you can just note it on the application form. If the Department decided to make you an offer then it would be conditional on providing original documents, and meeting set conditions.
Best wishes,
Rebecca
Thank you so much, Rebecca. Should I submit any confirmation letter confirming that I will graduate in June, 2013 as I will not have my master degree as my supporting material for my PhD application for entry in Octomber, 2014? Looking forward to hearing your suggestion on that. Thank you very much!
Warm regards,
Ash
Hi Ash,
You can submit an application before you finish your Masters degree, although you would not be able to start any studies until it is complete.
You must apply within the application cycle that you wish to commence your studies. Applications for entry in October 2014 will open from the middle of November 2013, and you will be able to submit the application online.
Best wishes,
Rebecca
Dear programme manager,
I would love to ask a question if you don’t mind, Sir/Madam. I will graduate with a master degree in June, 2014. May I apply for a PhD programme in my final year of masters at the end of 2013(before I finish my masters)? Thank you very much for your kind help!
Hi Stars Zhang,
In order to apply for a PhD, you should initially approach a potential supervisor within the Department of Aeronautics. Once your area of research is agreed to in principle, you will be asked to make a formal application using the online application system – http://apply.embark.com/grad/imperial/grad/
Part of the application will requireyou to submit a research proposal.
Best wishes
Hi
I am an international student from china.
I want to apply for the PhD programme in the department of aeronautics. I wonder that whether a research proposal is needed for me to apply to be a PhD student in that department? I did’t find revelent information in the department’s website.
Thank you
Regards
Hi Zhou Chao,
All courses of study in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering can be found in the Postgraduate Priospectus – http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/pgprospectus/whatcanyoustudy
There are no courses available that are not listed in the prospectus. If you wish to discuss Research options and entry requirements for PhD programmes, bearing in mind you do not possess a Master’s degree, you should speak to the Department directly – http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/electricalengineering
Best wishes
I want to apply for research programs in Optical and Semiconductor Devices, department of Electrical Engineering Department. I am a international student in China. I will be graduated with 4 years Bachelor degree this year. It seems difficult to apply for PhD without have a Master’s degree. But I cannot find any research Master programs in department’s website. It only offers three taught master programs which I am not interested. Do you offer some Mres or Mphil in department of Electrical Engineering Department. Thank you very much.
Hi Chao Wang,
As stated in the information on this page, youshould firstly find a potential supervisor within the Department in which you wish to study. Only once your area of research is agreed to in principle by the potential supervisor should you then make a formal application.
Best wishes
This is Chao Wang, who come from China Mainland. I want to apply PHD in the department of computing. However, I confused about the steps of application.That is to say, should I apply first or writing a research proposal first ? If writing proposal first, should I discuss with my potential supervisor?
Hi Abhinav,
Please see the guidance on the Department of Computing website – http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/computing/phd/apply
As you have already been in contact with the supervisor, it would indeed be advisable to ask them to look over the proposal before you submit your application form.
Best wishes
Hello,
I am interested in doing a PhD at the Department of Computing. One of the faculty has encouraged me to apply as my research interests and skill sets are confluent with his interests/requirements. He has asked me to make a formal application.
Now, as part of my PhD application, I need to submit a formal Research Statement. Is it advisable that I ask my prospective adviser to help me with the same so that I can submit a research statement which is agreeable to both ?
Thanks
Hi Sujinna,
If you wish to obtain a PhD, you should choose the ‘Cell and Molecular Biology – Research’ option.
Best wishes
Hello, I want to apply for Ph.D. degree in the Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Science. I am already contact to the professor.
Well, I am confusing that if I would like to apply for Ph.D. degree which programe title should I select between ” Cell and Molecular Biology MPhil ” or ” Cell and Molecular Biology (Research) ” ?
Sincerelys,
Sujinna
Hi Nemat,
Thank you for your question. Please contact the Natural Sciences Admissions team on ns.admissions@imperial.ac.uk remembering to quote your CID number.
Best wishes
I am an international student. I have completed my MSc in Math and Finance at Imperial in 2011. I have already a meeting with the professor of Math Department and he agreed to supervise me. Will I be interviewed as a part of admission process or our meeting is already considered as an interview?
Best regards,
Nemat.
Hi Zuliana,
You should contact the Medicine Admissions team – medicine.pg.admissions@imperial.ac.uk who will be able to provide you with an update on the progress of your application.
If you know your CID number, please state it in the correspondence.
Best wishes
Hello,
I applied for PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Medicine in early November 2011 and until now, I still haven’t receive any feedback. It says that the application would take 6 to 8 weeks to process. It’s not a normal case, right? To who should I ask about this?
Hi Suganthy
It is extremely unlikely that you would be accepted onto a PhD programme without having first obtained a Master’s level degree.
You should contact the Department of Materials directly to discuss your options further.
Best wishes
I want to apply for the PhD in Materials Engineering Department. I Have 4 years Bachelor degree with 3.1 GPA.
Also i’m a international student. And i have 1 year working experience as Assistant Lecturer. Can i do the PhD without Master degree? Please i want help from you.
Thank you.
Hi Harry,
It can take between 6 and 8 weeks for an online application to be processed and a decision made. This can vary depending on the time of year and the volume of aplications that the particular Department is dealing with at that time.
Your potential supervisor is correct in saying that only when the proposal has been finalised can you submit a formal application online.
Best wishes
Hello, James. I started the dialogue with my potential supervisor in late November but now she still asked me to revise the proposal. She said only when the proposal has been finalized and I am interviewed can I submit a formal online application. I am a little impatient now. How long will the online application be processed? How long will I have to wait? Thank you so much.
Hi Deni,
On your application form, you should enter the date that you intent to take the Toefl iBT test again. However, you should also upload a copy of your current scores into the application form.
Best wishes
Hello.
I want to apply for a PhD in the department of Earth Science and Engineering. I already have my TOEFL iBt scores but my speaking score is 22. I will take the test again in order to fulfill the English language requirement but I do not know whether to give my last scores in the applying form or better specify the date in which I will take the TOEFL again.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Ricardo,
You will be able to send your Portuguese certificate when you initially apply. However, if you are made an offer of admission, you will be required to provide a translation of your certificate and along with the original degree certificate.
You do not need to submit a valid English language qualification at the application stage, however you will be required to do so if an offer of admission is made to you.
Best wishes
Hi!
I have just completed my Masters in Biotechnology in Portugal and I want to apply for a departmental PhD at Imperial College in the Earth Science and Engineering department. I already have the Master degree certificate but it’s written in Portuguese. Do I have to give an official translation. Can I apply in first place (deadline end of this month) and give the other documentation after (the english certificate, also)?
Thank you
Hi Gamy,
There is no specific deadline for PhD applications. In order to apply for a PhD, you should firstly approach a Supervisor in the Department in which you wish to study. Once your area of study has been agreed to in principle, you will be asked to make a formal application online.
Information on funding for Postgraduates can be found at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/studentfinancialsupport
Best wishes
I have completed master’s in Pharmacology from India. Interested in pursuing Ph.D in molecular pharmacology with funding. Can i apply and what could be the deadline.
Hi Hardy,
|So long as your MA was obtained from a university in one of the Enligh speaking countries specified on the website, then you will meet the English Language requirements as it is indeed a Master’s Degree.
Best wishes
Thanks, James. I have read that page before. It is stated that people who have completed one-year MSc(or equivalent) course in English-speaking countries do not need to provide IELTS. How about MA? Is it equivalent to MSc? Both of them are master degrees.
Hi Hardy,
Please refer to the English Language Requirements for Postgraduate applicants which can be found at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/admissions/pgenglish and in particular the section referring to Masters’ Degrees.
Best wishes
Hello.
I want to apply for PhD in Imperial College. I obtained BA and BEng degrees in China. But I have studied in UK for one year and my MA degree is awarded here. Can IELTS be exempted? Many thanks
Hi Andre,
Please email your questions to the Natural Sciences Admissions team – ns.admissions@imperial.ac.uk who will be able to advise you accordingly.
Best wishes
Hello,
I got accepted for a Scholarship from Imperial College for my PhD in Chemistry. The next step for me is to apply at Imperial College by the 23th of December. Because I am German diploma student I don’t have an official transcript yet but my grades fulfill the requirements. Can I apply for the PhD and hand in my transcript after I finished my study (end of January)? Thank you for your help.
Hi Stephen
It is possible to study a part-time PhD within the Faculty of Engineering. The qualification awarded upon successful completion of research will be the same as a full-time PhD and there will be no distinction between full-time or part-time in the final degree awarded.
Best wishes
I am an EU student and would like to do a part-time PHD in engineering. I was wondering if there is any difference between full-time and part-time degree granted on successful completion of research work in terms of acceptance by industries. Is there any notion of full or part time or even duration of work in the final degree awarded?
Thanks,
Hi Mohammadreza,
You can email your statement of purpose to the Engineering Admissions team – engineering.admissions@imperial.ac.uk
Please remember to state your CID so that the admissions team can add the document to your application.
Best wishes
Hello
I have applied for a PhD in Petroleum Engineering and I have received and my CID. I would like to send my SOP (Statement of Purpose), now how can I add to my Application documents?
Hi Nick,
The best thing to do would be to contact the Engineerign Admissions team – engineering.admissions@imperial.ac.uk remembering to provide your CID number. They will be able to update you on your application status.
Best wishes
Hello,
I have applied for a PhD in CS Computing and got no response yet, 3 months after my submission. Is this normal? Thank you. Nick
Hi Dimos,
There are no set deadlines for PhD applications, apart from for studentships advertised on Departmental websites.
As stated above, you should firstly identify the Department in which you wish to study, and then navigate to that Department’s website and locate a potential supervisor.
Regards
Hello.Im Dimos from Greece.The next september i will graduate with a Master Degree in Rural and Surveying engineering form the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.I would like to apply for a funded PhD programe at the Imperial College.Iwould like to know the deadlines and the prospective supervisor i must contact in order to apply,
Thank you,
Regards
Hi Mai,
There are no set deadlines for PhD applications unless you are applying for a funded studentship as advertised on the Imperial website.
In order to apply for a PhD, you will need to contact a prospective supervisor in the Faculty of Medicine. You can find contact details on our website. http://www1.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/contacts/
hi
im Mai from UAE graduated from LONDON SCHOOL OF PHARMACY with an Mpharm degree and i would like to apply for PhD programme in a project that is relevant to pharmacy practice (Medication quality and safety). so, i wanted to know the contacted person to sent my project proposal to them. also if you could tell me when is the deadline to apply for PhD proggrame.
Hi Abbas,
The normal length of a PhD programme to last for 4 years.
It is unusual for a PhD student to work at the same time as studying for a PhD. It is possible to study for a part-time PhD, however this is not allowed if the student is an overseas student. Overseas students must be full time students in order to obtain the necessary visa.
Best wishes
Registry
Usually how much time will take a person to complete his PHD degree?
Can we apply for a phd program and work at the same time?
Regards
Zannatul,
It usually takes between 6 – 8 weeks for a decision to be made. If you have further questions, please contact the Natural Sciences admissions team – ns.admissions@imperial.ac.uk
I have already applied online for my PhD admission on 4th of November,2010. When will i get the decision regarding my admission by the registry. I dont have any outstanding documents.Please let me know.
I will be graduating with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering in April 2011. I wish to study for my Master’s & PhD at Imperial.
Does Imperial College have a probationary PhD program (like that in Cambridge) ? wherein a person holding a Bachelor’s degree is offered admission to a PhD but has to do 1-2 years of Master’s & is then assessed for continuing to the PhD or not. If not satisfactory, he is asked to discontinue with only a Master’s degree.
Please give me the appropriate link for such a program (if any) at Imperial.
Ismail,
Please direct your enquiry to the Medicine Postgraduate Admissions team – medicine.pg.admissions@imperial.ac.uk who will be able to advise you further.
Part-time PhD (Clinical)
I gradated from Queen Mary and Westfield College with a MEng (masters) degree in Medical Engineering. I have been practicing Gastrointestinal Physiology for 3 years and would like take my career to a doctorate level one day.
I was wondering who I could contact regarding information about studying for a clinically based PhD (part time). The things I would like to know are: the admission process, layout of costs, attendance to college per year etc. for a clinically based programme.
I am currently employed at St Mark’s Hospital and my line manager is a consultant surgeon and honorary lecturer at ic.
Thank you
Regards,
Hi Ivan,
It is extremely unlikely that you would be accepted to study for a PhD without having first obtained a Master’s degree.
Best wishes
Registry.
I want to apply for Ph.D., In the Chemical Engineering Department, I’m international student.
Is it necessary to hold a Master Degree or would it be enough with holding a Bachelor degree?