PhD in English and American Studies

Application checklist, Make a note of the application deadline, if there is one. We generally advise you to apply as early as possible. If you are applying to a specific programme with attached funding, application deadlines are often at the beginning of December, or even earlier for the start of the programme the following September. If you are planning to apply for a scholarship or award that is not attached to a particular project, it is normally stipulated that you hold an offer of a place from the University before applying, so you are encouraged to apply early. , Choose and make contact with your potential supervisor., Make sure you have evidence of prior academic qualifications to hand – these will be certificates or transcripts to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements., Provide evidence of English language ability, if English is not your first language. Please note that some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of your programme., Obtain two references – download our referee report form (PDF document, 50KB), Prepare a research proposal/piece of academic writing, if required. This will be specified on the relevant academic School website., Make a copy of your passport, if you will need a visa to study in the UK., Prepare a personal statement/statement of purpose, if required. This will be specified on the relevant academic School website., Prepare your CV – this is required for certain funded or project-linked awards., , Please note that we do not teach evening classes or offer distance learning courses., , Interview requirements, The University requires an interview for all applicants to whom we consider making an offer., , Interviews will be conducted by two academics, usually the proposed main supervisor and the subject PGR Director (or an assigned representative)., , The interview can be either face-to-face or via Skype, conference call or email., , The interview serves several purposes, allowing us to:, , get a better picture of your ability to carry out the proposed doctoral project than the research proposal on its own;, tell you what the proposed supervisor(s) can bring to the project;, discuss with you directly any potential problems with the practical aspects of your studies and explore solutions together., Deferrals, Applicants may defer entry provided they have discussed it with their supervisor. Deferred applicants are subject to the fees of the year of entry onto the course.,