Applying for a postgraduate research degree
How to apply
The quickest and easiest way to apply is online by visiting the web pages for your chosen MPhil/PhD in the University's Postgraduate Study website. Find the research degree you want to apply for and then click the 'Apply online' button from the relevant programme page.
You can use this online system to upload all your supporting documents. Remember we need to receive these before we can make a decision. Full details on how to apply can be found on the University Postgraduate Research web pages.
English language requirements – research programmes
The entry requirements tab on each degree programme page lists English language requirements for our programmes if you have completed an IELTS (Academic), TOEFL IBT, Pearson Test of English or Cambridge English test. We also accept a number of other tests. See our English language requirements page on the Postgraduate Research site.
If you do not reach the required English standard, postgraduate research at Exeter could still be a possibility if you successfully complete a pre-sessional course at INTO University of Exeter Centre.
Closing dates for applications
Although there is no formal closing date for most of our programmes, we encourage you to apply as early as possible. The following is provided as a guide only and applications will be considered after the dates shown.
| Your circumstances | Best time to apply |
|---|---|
| Students applying for funding | You need to apply for your MPhil/PhD as early as possible to secure an offer of a place in time for your application for funding. The deadlines for applications for our ESRC and College studentships are normally in February/March. Other funding bodies may have different deadlines, so it is important you check with your prospective funding body. |
| International students | International students who are not seeking funding are advised to apply by May to give sufficient time to arrange visas and accommodation. Visit the accommodation web pages on the University's Postgraduate Research website for details of the accommodation booking deadline. |
| UK/EU students | UK/EU students who are not applying for funding are advised to apply by the end of June to give sufficient time to arrange accommodation. |
Start dates
Students are normally expected to begin their studies at the start of the academic year in October. This allows you to take part in the formal induction programme which we offer at the start of the year and to benefit from the widest range of training opportunities.
It may be possible for you to start your studies in January or April with the agreement of your prospective supervisor and the Director of the Graduate School. Please contact us at the Graduate Research School for more information.
Applying for the DEdPsych Professional Training in Educational Psychology
Eligible students (resident in England or Wales and intending to practice as an Educational Psychologist in England or Wales for at least two years following successful completion of the course) are recommended to apply through the Children's Workforce Development Council, which offers a small number of FUNDED places each year. Please note that competition is fierce! This normally provides fees plus a training bursary for Year 1. In Years 2 and 3 students apply for paid training posts. We usually also have a very limited number of non funded places available, for students who are able to pay their own fees or who may be funded by an outside sponsor, such as an overseas government.
To apply for a FUNDED place - students apply through the CWDC, NOT to the University of Exeter.
Application forms are available on the CWDC website in November.
If you wish to apply for a SELF FUNDED place - eg you are an International student - please contact the Graduate School of Education: edu-researchadmissions@exeter.ac.uk phone 01392 724490.