How to apply
Find out how to apply to one of our research degreesHome and EU postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system.
If you are an international student (non-EU), please complete the LSBU Online Application Form on the International How to apply page.
Before applying
We encourage you to contact the relevant PhD supervisor before making an application. This will help ensure that your application is written in a way that addresses what we are looking for. Each PhD advertisement will let you know the name and contact details of the corresponding supervisor.
General application enquiries can be put to our Course Enquiries team by phoning 0800 923 88 88, or submit your enquiry
.
Entry requirements
Applicants for a Research Degree programme at LSBU are usually expected to have a good honours degree (2:2 and above) and a relevant postgraduate qualification, preferably a merit at Master's level. This is general qualification requirement, but applicants should refer directly to the School requirements that they are applying to. Qualification thresholds will vary across disciplines. Please also supply two academic references as part of your application. You will also be required to show proof of all of your qualifications. If English is not your first language you will be required to prove your competency in English, showing an IELTS score of at least 7.0 at postgraduate level. You will be invited to an interview with your potential supervisor, in person or by telephone, prior to an offer being made.
Considering your application
Your application will be circulated to a number of potential supervisors who will look at your academic qualifications, experience and the research proposal to decide whether your research interest is something that could be supervised at LSBU.
There will also be an interview either by telephone or at the University. If you are successful you will be offered a place on a course and informed of the next enrolment date. The whole process normally takes between six to eight weeks, from receipt of your application to a decision being made about your application at the School.
Enrolment
Once your application for admission has been approved, you will receive an email regarding enrolment. This starts the formalities of you enrolling as a research student with us. At enrolment you'll be asked to provide identification, original qualifications and pay the appropriate fees or provide proof of sponsorship.
Once you are fully enrolled you will be issued with a student identity card giving you access to University buildings, including our Learning Resource Centre and Library. You are required to inform the Research Degrees Office, your School and the Library if your personal details change, including your address and telephone number.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme
If you are a non-EU/EEA national, you may need to apply to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for clearance from the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) see UKVI page for more details.
This is a requirement for enrolment at the University or for obtaining a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) if you need to make a Tier 4 General visa application. Please note, an ATAS certificate is not needed for you to submit an application for a course at LSBU and to receive an offer.
You can find more information about whether you will require this via the FCO website and in our MyLSBU guide to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme.
The process for obtaining an ATAS certificate can take some time so it is important that you check whether you need one as early as possible so that you can make your application for the certificate to obtain it in good time. Failure to produce a valid ATAS certificate could result in delays to receiving your CAS or we may be unable to enrol you at the University.