PhD Training FAQs
The Application Process
Is there an application fee to apply for these programmes?
No, the University is introducing an application fee for taught courses only.
Should I submit a separate application for each programme I wish to be considered for?
Only submit one application form if applying just for programmes in the School of Biology. Separate applications should be made for courses in other Schools. When applying for more than one programme of study please mark any preference clearly on the application.
How do I list multiple programmes on the application form?
For courses in School of Biology only please list programmes in order of preference under 'personal statement' section on form.
Can I hold offers for more than one programme?
How rigid are the entry requirements? Will you accept a student with a 2.2 for an MPhil/PhD?
As a general rule the answer is no unless candidate has taken/or is taking a masters programme. However, mature students, who are self-funding, and have several years relevant experience may be considered. Students with a 2.2 are eligible for one of our MRes programmes. It maybe possible, on merit, to transfer from MRes directly into the 2nd year of a PhD programme.
I have an offer of a place for 2012 can I defer entry to 2013?
In most cases this can be arranged however there are some exceptions, eg supervisor retiring or their lab is already full. Please make requests to biology-pg@nottingham.ac.uk
Can I undertake a research degree by distance learning?
This is not usually possible for the laboratory-based type projects we offer. However, it is possible for students working in a suitable academic environment to do some of the research away from Nottingham.
How many times can I defer the date of my admission?
A student is allowed to defer admission, if there are no funding/scholarship implications for the School, for a maximum of 1 year; after this period candidates must re-apply.
Can I apply for a place more than one year in advance?
As courses and academic staff are continually changing it is not possible to consider applications more than 1 year in advance.
Can I change course/supervisor once I have enrolled?
No, only in very exceptional circumstances are students allowed to change their programme of study once registered.
If I accept an offer am I legally bound to come/enrol?
Can you inform me what fee is payable?
Fee information is listed on our web page. Candidate fee status (home/international) will be assessed when the application and supporting papers arrive. There are different fees for the different programmes and the fee level is decided, depending on laboratory costs, by the potential supervisor when accepting a student.
Is there a closing date for applications?
No we process research applications all year. However, there is competition for places on some programmes so please do not delay applying but offers of places are not made more than 11 months prior to start date.
What do I put under research proposal/personal statement on the form?
Please indicate clearly the area of research you are interested in undertaking. If you have a preference of supervisor also please list in 'research proposal' section of form.
When will I hear the outcome of my application?
We process applications as fast as we can after all the documents (confidential references and international student transcripts) are received. The time it takes to generate offers is depended on how long it takes for references/supporting documents to arrive and completeness of application.
Can I have an offer letter in order apply for a scholarship and apply on-line for admission when I know I have an award?
No offers can be made until a full application as been assessed.
Can you advise me if I am likely to be accepted before I complete the application process?
Unfortunately it is not possible to assess applicants for admission until the application form and supporting papers arrive.
Can I have a paper copy of your prospectus?
A full prospectus or a departmental leaflet can be posted but these do not contain as much information as given on the web pages. Please send any request to biology-pg@nottingham.ac.uk
My referees are abroad/I am working in field/abroad so I cannot send referees reports can I be accepted?
It may be possible, at discretion of proposed supervisor, to arrange conditional acceptance until references arrive. However, unconditional acceptance is required before enrolment, and in some instances for visa applications.
Can I come and meet potential supervisors and look round?
The University has Open days and candidates who are invited for interview are given an opportunity to see the School. Once you have identified which member of staff you wish to study with a one-to-one arrangement to visit can be made.
Why I have not yet received an unconditional offer although I have sent all my papers?
There may be several reasons for this:
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Firstly, check that you have met the admission conditions set out on the conditional offer.
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Secondly, the Registry has not received all the documents they require from you. Check you have sent original/certified copies of degree transcripts/certificates and English Language certificates. It may be that one of your referees has not yet provided the required confidential references; Whilst Registry will accept photocopies and scanned documents for conditional offers the unconditional offers will not be issued until you have sent original or certified documents.
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Thirdly, check that the correspondence address details given on your original application form is still correct as all offers will automatically go to the given address.
The Registry is extremely busy during the summer and there is sometimes a delay in sending out offers.
Funding, Fees and Accomodation
Is accommodation guaranteed and what will it cost?
Who funds MPhil/PhD programmes?
I am a UK student and thinking of applying for a PhD; do UK studentships cover fees and how much can I expect to get to live on?
Fees are paid and students currently receive a stipend of £13,590 per year.
Where can I find information about international student Scholarships?
How many UK studentships has the School available and in what areas?
The School offers around 10 fully-funded scholarships per year. The research projects available are constantly changing; all funded places are advertised on FindaPhD.com.
I am an international student, can I apply for scholarships after I have enrolled?
International students, should secure funding in advance, as they are only eligible to apply for University-funded scholarships before they enrol.
I am an international student can I work whilst studying?
It is important to remember that your primary purpose in attending university is to successfully complete your chosen course and you should not undertake work that will jeopardise this. The Immigration Authorities will not allow you to rely upon expected income from part-time work when assessing if you can afford to live and study in the UK. If you are thinking of working part-time during your studies, this may be possible. International students who are given a restriction on working when they enter the United Kingdom are able to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week. However, many students find the demands of a full-time course do not allow time for part-time employment.
Course Programme
What is the New Route PhD programme (sometimes called Integrated PhD) programme?
How many hours of generic training will I receive?
Generic training is arranged in conjunction with the principal supervisor and varies according to the demands of the research project, the programme the student is registered for and the background of the student. However, it is compulsory for all PhD students to undertake 24 credits (1 credit = half day of formal training) in a 3 year programme.
Will I be able to undertake any taught modules as part of a PhD?
It is usual for only students undertaking the four-year New Route PhD to take, and be assessed in, taught modules. However, supervisors may recommend that students sit-in on taught module lectures.
Where will my study be based, University Park or the Medical School?
Are hours of study flexible?
Hours are flexible but supervisors expect students to be in the laboratory during normal working hours and be available to attend training, meetings and seminars.
How many hours of study will be required?
International students that require to list the hours of study on visa applications should list a minimum of 38 hours for full-time study.
Registration
I have not met the English language requirement will you still accept me?
Yes, we can make offers conditional on attaining the required level of English but unconditional offers are issued only when evidence that entry requirements have been met is received.
Can you please enrol me on a pre-sessional English Course?
Students must apply direct to our Centre for English Language Education. Details of courses, application procedure and costs can be found at http://www.cele.nottingham.ac.uk/
I am an international student who was taught in English; am I still required to send a TOEFL or IELTS certificate?
As a general rule all students whose first language is not English, must provide evidence of attainment in English Language. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For advice e-mail biology-pg@nottingham.ac.uk
English Language Requirements
Why does my offer letter indicate that I will be registered for an MPhil in the first instance when I have applied directly for a PhD?
It is School policy to register students for MPhil in first instance with automatic transfer to PhD at the end of first year if progress is satisfactory.
Does registration for MPhil in first instance mean that I will be awarded an MPhil at the end of my first year?
No work can be assessed only once so students must either submit for an MPhil after 2 years full-time study or a PhD after 3 years full-time study.
University regulations state that students can submit for a MPhil after one year of full-time study so why am I told I must register for two years?
Only in very exceptional circumstances do students have sufficient data to submit for MPhil after one year.