PhD Handbook

PhD Admission in UK: Know How to Apply for PhD in UK from India

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Kashyap Matani
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A PhD or doctorate degree is one of the highest academic achievements for a student. UK has been considered to be one of the most preferred destinations to pursue higher education. Housing some of the top-ranked universities, the opportunities for doctorate programs are quite a lot in UK. Studying PhD in UK from the well-recognized universities will enable students to discover new career options in the future. 

A PhD graduate in UK gets an annual salary of around 18000 – 36000 GBP per year based on their job profile and education qualification. Apart from that, UK offers a wide range of scholarship options for students who are pursuing a PhD. This article highlights the PhD requirements in UK for international students. 

Table of Contents

How can I Apply for PhD in UK for International Students?

Before getting into the requirements for PhD admission in UK, it is important for students to know what this degree offers. PhD or Doctorate degree in UK has the highest academic standards. This course is a 3–4-year full-time and 6-year part-time option for students who want to pursue their higher education. Here are some other details about the PhD course in UK. 

Course

PhD

Study Duration

3-4 years full time, 6-year part-time

Total PhD universities

164

PhD Admission Intake

Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer

Popular PhD Courses

  • Computer Science 
  • Medical Science 
  • Engineering
  • Law
  • Sociology
  • Bio-engineering
  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Communications 
  • Life Science
  • Mathematics
  • Material Science

Average Tuition Fees (Annual)

15000 – 35000 GBP

Top PhD Universities

Job Opportunities after PhD

  • Principal Scientist
  • Data Scientist
  • Senior Software Engineer
  • Research Scientist
  • Postdoctoral Associate

Average PhD Salary

36000 GBP/ year

Popular PhD Funding Opportunities

  • Government Scholarships
  • Individual Research Fund Scholarships
  • Graduate Fellowships

Suggested: What is the UK Admission Process?

PhD Application Process UK 

In the UK, there isn’t any central system where students can search and apply for the PhDs available. The PhD application process UK has to be determined by the students. Students can apply for 2 different types of integrated PhDs in UK:

  1. Funded PhD programs (already funded and finalised research position in the project)
  2. Yet-be-funded PhDs (still to choose a supervisor, funding, and university)

Students need to understand that the application process in UK universities can vary from one university to another. After fulfilling all the eligibility criteria, submitting the application, and clearing the interview, students can get admission to their PhD courses. 

Suggested: List of UK Universities With Most Indian Students, Rankings, Fees & More

How to Apply for a PhD in UK from India? 

For students that want to apply for PhD in UK, there are some important steps they need to take. The following steps are mentioned below for an application to PhD programs in UK. 

  1. Gather information about the different universities and institutions in UK that offer PhD programs and check the eligibility requirements. 
  2. Apply for a PhD research project or a PhD program related to your field of interest. 
  3. Connect with a suitable research group or supervisor for your research project. 
  4. Submit all the important documents such as academic transcripts, English Language test scores, letters of recommendation, etc. before the application deadlines are over. 
  5. Showcase the details related to the research project such as a personal statement or research proposal. 
  6. Submit your application after paying the application fees. 
  7. Attend a video interview scheduled by the university with the directors. 
  8. Once you clear the interview, you can start your research project after paying the fees. 

Suggested: A Complete Guide to PhD in UK for International Students

PhD Requirements in UK for International Students

Students who are seeking admission to the top universities in UK for PhD need to know the PhD requirements. Students have to meet the eligibility criteria for universities and colleges in UK which will guarantee a successful admission. Some other requirements are mentioned below. 

  • Masters Degree
  • GPA scores
  • English Language Test Scores
  • Entrance Test Scores
  • Additional Requirements

So, these are the UK PhD requirements that international students need to acknowledge before applying for any universities in UK. 

1. Master’s Degree 

One of the main criteria that students have to fulfil for admission to UK universities in their PhD programs is a Master’s degree. International students have to submit their Master’s degree transcripts in any area of study. Most universities in UK has a minimum score requirement of 70%. 

2. GPA Scores 

The GPA scores are one of the most important UK PhD requirements that students have to fulfil. All academic institutions in UK ask the GPA scores to be above 3.5. 

3. English Language Test Scores 

International Students applying for PhD programs in UK will have to submit their English language proficiency test scores to be eligible for the courses. These test scores help to provide the proficiency of the students in the English language. Students have to submit their IELTS (minimum 7.0 – 8.0) and TOEFL (90 - 120) scores along with their application. 

4. Entrance Test Scores

Students seeking admission into PhD programs in UK will have to submit other entrance test scores such as GMAT and GRE. The minimum GRE scores required in different universities is between 300-330. The requirements for GMAT scores are 550 or above.

Suggested: Best Ways to Fund Studies in UK for International Students

Documents Required to Apply for PhD in UK 

Students have to submit the following documents to apply for PhD in UK: 

  1. EducationalTranscripts
  2. English Language Test Scores 
  3. Entrance Exam Scores
  4. Statement of Purpose
  5. Updated Resume
  6. Research Statement
  7. Written Sample
  8. Letters of Recommendation
  9. Financial proofs (bank statements)

Suggested: Find Most Paid Jobs In UK in 2022

PhD in UK is a prestigious program for students that enables them to explore different areas in the future. Also, pursuing a PhD from a recognized university in UK will matter a lot in the professional arena. If you want to know how to get admission in PhD in UK, get in touch with our Yocket Professionals today and clear all your queries easily. 

Frequently Asked Questions about How To Apply for PhD in UK

Is pursuing a PhD from UK worth it? 

Are there free PhD programs in UK?

How can I apply for PhD in UK?

Can I work in UK while pursuing PhD?

What career roles can one opt for after PhD in UK? 

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