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CHOOSE A SUBJECT

FIND YOUR PHD PROJECT

Find out about some of the PhD opportunities that are currently available at the University of Reading using our search tool.

How to apply

Before you can apply for PhD you need to identify your area of research, and you have the option to speak to the department or supervisor you wish to work with.

However, it is not essential that you contact a supervisor before applying because we will identify potential supervisors when we receive your application.

Please see the A-Z list of doctoral research areas. From here you can link to the respective department and find contact details.

Are you qualified:

To be accepted on our PhD programme, you will need an undergraduate degree of at least 2.1 level (or equivalent), or a Master’s degree, in a subject related to your proposed PhD research topic.

If you are from outside of the UK, you will also need to demonstrate you have a certain level of proficiency with written and spoken English.

For more information on entry requirements, visit the Graduate School website.

Select a topic:

There are different routes to selecting a PhD research topic: You see an advert for a PhD on a specific project and hosted by a particular department and apply – this application process is relatively straightforward, or, you wish to carry out a project in a particular research area. It is important the project you choose is suitable for study at PhD level and feasible with the resources and time-frame available to you. It should also address a perceived ‘gap’ in the literature and, most importantly, be of interest to you.

You must check that your potential project is appropriate for PhD study by speaking to someone who can advise you; either at your current institution or from the relevant Department at Reading.

Identify a dept/supervisor:

Once you have identified the right Department at Reading, you should contact the School or Department Director of Postgraduate Research Studies to express your interest. You could also get in touch with the potential supervisor if you have someone specific in mind, but this should be in addition to contacting the School/Department Director. It is not essential to communicate directly with a School or Department before submitting your application, but many candidates find it helpful to do this.

Write a research proposal:

Unless you have applied in response to a specific advertised project, you would normally be required to submit an outline research proposal with your application.

The content and structure of this will vary depending on your discipline area and the nature of the project you wish to pursue. Broadly speaking, however, the proposal should describe the main research question (or questions) you want to address and say why it is worth addressing. You should also outline your proposed research methodology, and an approximate time plan for how the work will be scheduled across the registration period. It is also important to say what the expected outcomes would be; how it will contribute to knowledge, advance theoretical understanding, or contribute to policy or practice.

More information on how to write a proposal can be found on the Graduate School website.

Arrange funding:

PhD fees vary according to whether you come from the UK, other EU country, or overseas, whether you want to study full- or part-time, and whether you will be based in Reading for the entire programme or will ‘work away’ for some of the time.

More information on fees anding can be found on the Graduate School website and on our Fees and Funding pages.

Make an application:

Although you will be working with a specific department or supervisor all PhD applications have to be made centrally. Please apply using the online application programme. This allows you to complete the necessary information and attach copies of relevant documents, including the details of two appropriate referees.

We will acknowledge your application and then pass it on to the appropriate School or Department.

Although most new students join the PhD programme in October, it is possible to start your studies at any point during the academic year.

See a step-by-step guide on how to apply

Our areas of supervision

Whatever your area, you can expect to receive first class supervision from leading international researchers and practitioners who have expertise and passion in your chosen field.

See our areas of supervision

Types of PhD Programme

PhD

By Thesis – our traditional PhD programme.
By Published Works – for candidates who have developed their knowledge and independent research skills to doctoral level and who have a body of publications produced during the course of their careers either within or outside academia.
Practice-based – relevant for some arts subjects where the independent, original PhD research is presented through both practice and a thesis.

PhD by Distance

Our PhD by Distance programme is designed to support students who need to study for most of their registration period at another (normally overseas) site. Find out more about PhD by Distance.

PhD Plus

Our PhD Plus programme is designed to meet the specific needs of overseas lecturers who want to study for a PhD whilst also learning about Higher Education in the UK and improving their teaching skills. Find out more about PhD Plus.

Professional doctorates

Undertake a programme of advanced study and research that combines professional and academic knowledge. Find out more about our professional doctorates.

phd Funding available across all subject areas

The University allocates over £8 million each year in postgraduate research studentships and bursaries. Around 150 entry awards are available to high quality doctoral candidates per year.

These opportunities are funded from a wide variety of sources including: University of Reading, UK Research Councils, industry and charities.

Fees

PhD fees vary according to whether you come from the UK, another EU country, or overseas; whether you want to study full or part time; and whether you will be based in Reading for the entire programme or will work away for some of the time.

Our tuition fees are fixed for three years (i.e. international applicants who start a full-time programme based in Reading during 2017/18 will pay the same annual rate for each of the three years of their programme).

For more information on tuition fees, visit the Graduate School website.

Funding

In addition to paying fees, you will also need funding to support yourself while you study. You may already have funding or sponsorship arranged, but if not we can provide some help.

The University offers a number of studentships and bursaries for Home, other EU, and international students.

Further information can be found on the Graduate School website.

There are also opportunities to earn additional money whilst studying for a PhD at Reading. Many of our research students earn income from contributing to undergraduate teaching or working on campus. For more information, visit the Job Shop.

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World-class research

The University of Reading is one of the top 20 universities in the UK for research intensity and 98% of the research conducted here is internationally recognised, according the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.

Through the Graduate School, we have a building in which PhD students can work, meet, organise events and receive advice and support, which is an incredible added value that many other universities do not have.

Adeyinka Adewale joint winner of PhD of the year 2015

A PhD student profile

Adeyinka Adewale, joint PhD Researcher of the Year 2015, explains his reasons for choosing Reading and offers advice to prospective PhD students.

Why did you select Reading?

Between 2003 and 2008, I worked closely with some Reading Alumni. In 2005, I penned these words in my diary “By 2015, I will become a PhD graduate from Reading”. 10 years on, this dream is about to come true. I also desired three things in the school of my dreams – student support, a beautiful environment and a high level of scholarship. Upon visiting the UoR website in 2009, I was thoroughly convinced Reading would deliver and it has indeed.

What do you enjoy about studying at Reading?

Reading has exposed me to brilliant academics and students from around the world. I have had the privilege of working with colleagues from over 40 different countries, an invaluable experience I strongly believe has positioned me for a bright future as a global player at any level. Reading has also provided me with grand opportunities to affect lives within and around the community through volunteering schemes and student societies. All these coupled with access to amazing world-class academic and recreational facilities have also brightened my experience. Thus it has been about great minds, opportunities, inspiration, exposure and global positioning.

Knowing what you do now, what advice would you give a new first year PhD student?

You have chosen a great institution committed to your future. Reading offers you the right blend and balance of academic and social support, so don’t hold back. You are ultimately in for a win-win situation. A well-equipped library and frequently organised Reading Researcher Development Programme training courses will ensure you acquire vital academic and life skills for your PhD journey. Socially, you have incredible support and opportunities to make new friends by attending frequently organised socials or joining student societies. You will never have to be lonely. Also, join the gym early, eat well and stay fit. All the best!

Read Adeyinka's story

Thriving community

Join a diverse community of more than 1,900 postgraduate researchers.

Our talented postgraduate researchers work across broad range of discipline areas and come from 100 different countries creating a vibrant research community.

Through the Graduate School you will access a range of facilities, funding opportunities, and social and networking events to complement activities taking place in your academic schools and departments.

Our supportive approach will provide you with a rich and stimulating research environment and our extended research family will enthuse and inspire you.

Outstanding support

In a global study which assesses the satisfaction of international students, 96% of postgraduate respondents indicated that they were satisfied with the University of Reading Graduate School (International Student Barometer, i-graduate 2015. 2015 is the latest year in which the University of Reading participated in the survey).

Excellent facilities

Over the past decade the University has invested over £400 million in a range of excellent facilities to support and enhance your academic and research experience, including our Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, Chemical Analysis Facility, Centre for Advanced Microscopy, and our Design Innovation Research Centre.

The University also hosts the Museum of English Rural Life and many specialist collections, including the world-renowned Beckett collection.

You will also benefit from a dedicated physical space for PhD researchers, a well-equipped library – containing over a million volumes and a wide range of electronic resources, and a number of 24-hour computer laboratories.

See our research facilities.

Professional and personal skills training

As a research student at Reading you will benefit from a wide range of both professional and personal skills training to help you with your PhD and to equip you later in life.

The Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP) offers over 90 courses, development workshops and activities designed to help you to gain the skills you'll need to carry out your research professionally and effectively, and to be successful in your on-going career.

The RRDP is flexible and can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Programmes include a high quality leadership programme delivered in collaboration with our triple-accredited Henley Business School, a bespoke teaching preparation and support programme, and the facility to study another language, via our Institution Wide Language Programme (IWLP).

For further information, please visit the Graduate School website.

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects U-Z

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P

Subjects Q-Z

FIND YOUR PHD PROJECT

How to apply

Our areas of supervision