Check you are qualified:

To be accepted onto a PhD programme, you will need an undergraduate degree of at least upper second-class honours 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 may see an advert for a PhD on a specific project, hosted by a particular department, and choose to apply – a process which is relatively straightforward. Alternatively, you may 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 department/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 are normally 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, the proposal should describe the main research question(s) you want to address, and state why it is worth addressing. You should also outline your proposed research methodology, and an approximate timeline for how the work will be scheduled across the registration period. It is also important to state 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 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 and funding 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 submitted centrally. Please apply using the online application form. 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.

Fees

PhD fees vary according to whether you come from the UK 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 2020/21 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 UK 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 Campus Jobs website.

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 University of Reading 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!

Our talented postgraduate researchers work across a broad range of discipline areas.

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.

These include 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.

The RRDP is flexible and can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Programmes include a 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.

Every student has the option to study a language alongside their degree. You can choose from a wide range of languages, including Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, French, German, modern Greek, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and British Sign Language.

For more information, visit the Institution-Wide Language Programme (IWLP) website.