edinburgh university phd application deadline

School of Engineering

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SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Study for a PhD

A PhD degree from Edinburgh is your chance to connect with internationally renowned researchers and innovators, with a unique opportunity to experience one of Europe's leading universities in one of the world's most iconic cities.

We carry out world class research and provide high quality training in research for both students and postdoctoral researchers.

Our world-leading research is conducted through our seven Research Institutes . These span across and connect between our core disciplines of Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Electronics & Electrical Engineering.

You will carry out independent research resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area, guided by your supervisor. You will submit a thesis and defend it in an assessed oral exam.

Alongside this research, all our researchers follow a comprehensive training programme that is an integral part of our research degrees. You will gain skills that will equip you for a wide range of future careers beyond your specialist research project. These will serve you for the rest of life, making you a more confident and knowledgeable person, and equipping you in both technical and soft skills. You can find additional information on our training and support here: https://edin.ac/3f7KyhE . This includes a link to the current handbook for postgraduate research students in the School of Engineering.

The School of Engineering has an active research community. PhD students present at research seminars in their research institutes, and attend talks by visiting speakers. Our Engineering Graduate Society organises networking, training, and social events across the School.

We have a very wide range of high-quality engineering facilities, including specialised test laboratories, fabrication workshops, and computing resources. Information on these facilities can be found on our research web pages .

Our graduates are amongst the most highly sought-after candidates for academic, commercial or consulting positions, entering careers around the world. The majority of our research graduates enter the engineering profession in a wide range of fields, including automotive, bioengineering, communications, medical imaging, engineering consultancy, fire safety, renewable energy, chemical processing, oil and gas, fast moving consumable goods, high-technology and the semiconductor industry.  Other graduates from our programmes continue to further research including postdoctoral fellowships, lecturing roles and research contracts in universities and research institutes.

Funding Required

• Tuition fees : All students pay tuition fees. Further information on the fee rates for Home, EU, and International students can be found here: Full time fees and Part time fees
• Research costs:  "Additional programme costs" are in addition to the tuition fees, and include the costs of carrying out research project, such as the costs of laboratory and experimental work, software licenses, or travel costs. The costs of research depend upon the nature of the research project.   Further information .
• Living Expenses / Stipend:  The University gives information on living costs in Edinburgh, which will be a substantial commitment: Latest estimates of living expenses .

Scholarships Available

The School of Engineering offers several scholarships for excellent students. The deadlines for scholarships applications are early in each year. Please view our scholarship options .

Academic Grades

You will need a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in your first degree, which must be in a relevant subject.

A good MSc result, relevant work experience, or some other exceptional achievement will be considered for applicants who do not meet this requirement.

English language requirements

Information on our English language requirements can be found on the Engineering PhD degree finder page , with additional information for International applicants given on this web page .  Please note that our English language requirement cannot be waived.

Before applying for a PhD, you should look at our research pages  to help identify the field of research that you would be interested in studying.

Our list of Current PhD Opportunites gives several possible research projects, but it is not exhaustive, and you should contact a member of our academic staff to see whether they would be able to supervise your research.

Before you Apply

Before applying for a PhD in Engineering you should:

• Identify a possible academic supervisor working in the area that you would like to carry out research. You can find information on our academic staff on our research web pages , or view our list of PhD Opportunities .
• Check that you meet the entry requirements and that you have degree certificates and transcripts for your application.
• Established how you will fund your PhD: Funding and Scholarships

To apply for a PhD you will need the following documents:

• Degree certificates, transcripts, and evidence of meeting our English language requirements (as appropriate).
• Two references on official letterheads, with signatures.
• A  Research Proposal , which should be in your words even if your are applying an advertised project. This helps evaluate your writing skills and research ideas. It can help with both assessing your suitability for a research degree and whether we can offer supervision. It should be no more than 2 A4 pages.

​Potential students in all of our engineering disciplines and all of our research institutes should apply for our  PhD in Engineering  programme.  Apply here using the University's online application system .

Additional information for PhD applicants (and for our EngD, MPhil, MScR or visiting student programmes) can be found in these two documents:

• Additional information for postgraduate research students
• Postgraduate Research Student Handbook (School of Engineering)

Part-time Study

A small number of our students study part-time. This must, however, be discussed with your potential supervisor, as whether this is possible will depend upon the nature of the research project. As a part-time student you would be required to spend 50% of your time on your PhD and you are expected to be in the University 50% of your time. It is consequently not possible to pursue a part-time PhD in addition to full-time employment.

Distance Learning

Our PhD students usually study here in the University of Edinburgh, where they benefit from the research community, expert networks, training and activities that are an integral part of a PhD. It is occasionally appropriate to study remotely, for example, to make use of research facilities that are uniquely available at a different location. Distance learning requires careful planning and the arrangements need to be agreed in advance, to ensure adequate supervision, training, and opportunities to engage with our research community. Please discuss a possible distance learning proposal with an academic supervisor before applying.

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Applications and Entry Requirements

Prior to making a formal application, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact, and gain the support of a prospective supervisor whose research is aligned with the applicant's own interests.

Such prospective supervisors are likely to be able to provide up-to-date information on the availability of funding/scholarships to support your postgraduate degree.

• You can find our list of current studentships and details of bursary and scholarships available in our Studentships section
• After contacting a potential supervisor you can apply on the University of Edinburgh website

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a good honours degree (1 st class or upper 2 nd class) or its equivalent if outside the UK, in Chemistry or a closely related discipline.

Our International Applicants pages have details of which qualifications are acceptable for international students.

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of good written and spoken English skills. Accepted qualifications are available at the International Applicants language requirements page .

Graduate Degrees

Students may undertake full-time supervised research leading to the following degrees:

• Doctor of Philosophy ( Ph.D. )
• Master of Science by Research ( MSc by Research )

It is also possible to register for research degrees as an external student on a part time basis. This arrangement allows the student to carry out some of their research work in their employer's laboratories.

Please do not hesitate to contact us using the information to the right if you have any questions, or would like more information.

You can also contact us using the details below if you prefer:

The Secretary of the Graduate School University of Edinburgh Joseph Black Building David Brewster Road Edinburgh EH9 3FJ

This article was published on 2023-10-13

How to apply

• How to apply for a PhD
• How to apply for the LLM by Research

Edinburgh Law School welcomes outstanding applications from individuals wishing to join the PhD programme. You may apply to commence the PhD programme in September or January.

The PhD programme is available to study full time over three years or part time over six years. For further information please contact the PhD office at [email protected]

Before applying you should ensure that you meet our entry requirements and have all the relevant documentation ready to submit in support of your application. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.

The minimum admission requirement for the PhD programme is a UK 2:1 honours degree in law, arts or social sciences, and a UK Masters degree with at least 60% in the taught section and 65% or more in the dissertation, or their international equivalents.

Entry to this programmes is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements for consideration does not guarantee an offer of study.

If you have a non-UK degree, please check whether your degree qualification is equivalent to the minimum standard before applying.

Check your degree

The majority of our applicants have studied law, but we are a comprehensive Law School covering a range of approaches to legal topics including social science, historical and philosophical enquiry; applications from non-law students with relevant studies and experience will be considered and if you require further guidance please contact us.

[email protected]

Postgraduate study in the field of law requires a thorough, complex and demanding knowledge of English, so we ask that the communication skills of all students are at the same minimum standard.

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic and IELTS Academic Online : total 7.0 (at least 7.0 in the writing component and 6.5 in each other module)
• TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 25 in writing and 23 in each other module)
• CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 185 in writing and 176 in each other module)
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components
• PTE Academic: 70 overall with at least 70 in the writing component and 62 in each other component
• Oxford ELLT (Global and Digital): 9 overall with at least 9 in the writing component and 8 in each other component

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, that was taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The UK Government's website provides a list of majority English speaking countries.

View the UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or equivalent, that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries.

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about the University's English language requirements

Your application may not be successful if you do not currently satisfy any of these requirements; alternatively, you may be offered a place conditional on your reaching the satisfactory standard by the time you start the degree.

English language support

The University runs a series of programmes for English Language Education, including a pre-sessional English Language Programme intended to strengthen your English Language skills before you start your programme of study.

Find out more about English language support offered by the University

• The deadline for applying to commence a PhD in September 2024 is 31 May 2024 (4pm UK time).
• The deadline for applying to commence a PhD in January 2025 is 29 September 2024 (4pm UK time).

Our applications are dealt with in a two-step process. Once all your documents are correctly submitted we aim to make a decision within 6 - 8 weeks.

Once you have submitted your application with all your supporting documentation, your application will be reviewed by an academic within the field in which you wish to study. Your written application will be evaluated against our rigorous admissions standards, and with a view to matching you to a suitable supervisor.

If we feel that your application is strong and if there is supervisory capacity in the field to which you have applied, your potential supervisor may arrange to discuss your application and your research proposal with you further by Skype. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about studying for a PhD at Edinburgh Law School.

It is usually only after this stage that you will be made an offer.

All applicants should supply the following supporting documentation:

• Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes (please upload the full transcript showing results from all years of study). If you are currently studying and awaiting a result, please ensure that your current interim transcript is included.
• Degree certificates (for all awards to date) showing award of undergraduate degree at a level equivalent to 2:1 or higher
• Degree certificate and transcript from your postgraduate study
• Two academic references which need to be signed, dated (within the last two years) and on institutional letter headed paper. We cannot accept references from personal email addresses.
• An English language proficiency test (if required - see below)
• A research proposal – this should be no more than 2,000 (see below for further guidance)

Please note that applications (with all relevant undergraduate and postgraduate documentation uploaded) must be received by the deadline in order to be considered for entry.   If you have not completed your postgraduate degree, you should provide interim transcripts at this stage.

Your research proposal should include:

Working title What title, or title and subtitle, succinctly encapsulates your whole research topic?

Research questions What are the key questions that you will ask that will enable your writing (or practice and writing) to be appropriately reflexive and interrogative?

Critical Framework and Theoretical Model What is the context of your research proposal? What are your key concepts? How will you theorise, and position yourself in relation to, your primary sources? What secondary literature are you already aware of? Provide references to books, articles, websites, etc. 

Methodology How do you intend to go about your research? Is your research predominantly doctrinal, theoretical, empirical? Do you need to engage initially in some form of field research, such as observing and interviewing practitioners or conducting practical experiments? What, if any, critical and expositional methods do you then intend to employ for the development, documentation and production of your written work and in the exploration of your research questions?

Research training Above and beyond training that we will provide in generic research methods, do you need specialised training in practical and/or theoretical skills in order to carry out your research? For instance, do you need training in methods of qualitative analysis, or in the use of digital technologies? Also, will you need to travel to receive this training? For instance, will you need to intermittently attend workshops elsewhere?

Resources and implications Do you need access to specialist literature? Do you need to engage in archival research or field work, and if so where, for how long and at what cost? If you cannot study without a scholarship or bursary, what sources of funding have you identified where you might be successful?

Bibliography What, in alphabetical order, are the full bibliographical details of any references you have made above? 

We have a downloadable model form which you will find helpful.

• Download the PhD proposal form

If your supporting information is not in English, you need to provide a certified translated version of all documentation.

We aim to have a response for you within eight weeks of complete submission of evidence.

We expect our doctoral candidates to be living in Edinburgh during their studies, in order to fully participate in our dynamic training programme and to reap as much benefit as you can from our thriving research culture. 

The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.

University of Edinburgh admissions terms and conditions

Please contact us if you have any questions about applying to study a PhD at Edinburgh Law School.

We recommend that you apply as early as possible. This is particularly important for students holding conditional offers (for example, you may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test) and for overseas students who may need time to satisfy necessary visa requirements (for further, country-specific information, please consult the website of the University's Edinburgh Global) and/or to apply for University accommodation.

The LLM by Research is available to study full time over one year or part time over two years. For further information please contact the PhD office at [email protected]

The minimum basic admission requirement for the LLM by research degrees is UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, in law or a social sciences subject.

Entry to this programme is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements for consideration does not guarantee an offer of study.

Click here to check your degree You may not always need a prior qualification in law to apply for this programme.

• The application deadline for September 2024 is 31 May 2024 (4pm UK time).
• The application deadline for January 2025 is 29 September 2024 (4pm UK time).

We aim to review applications and make selection decisions throughout the cycle and we monitor application numbers carefully to ensure we are able to accommodate all those who receive offers. It may therefore be necessary to close a programme earlier than the published deadline and if this is the case we will place a four-week warning notice on the relevant programme page.

Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.

Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following with your application:

• You must submit a reference with your application.
• A research proposal Find out how to write a good research proposal
• Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes (please upload the full transcript showing results from all years of study)
• Degree certificates showing award of degree
• An English language proficiency test (if required).
• Download the LLM by Research proposal form

We expect our LLM by Research candidates to be living in Edinburgh during their studies, in order to fully participate in our dynamic training programme and to reap as much benefit as you can from our thriving research culture. 

Once your completed application form has been received, together with supporting statements from your academic referees and other relevant documentation (including where relevant proof of proficiency in English), the School is committed to processing and considering your application speedily and efficiently.

You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:

• You may be offered a place unconditionally
• You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfill certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
• Your application may be unsuccessful.

Candidates who do not fulfill the conditions specified, including our language requirements, cannot be admitted.

Please contact us if you have any questions about applying to study an LLM by Research at Edinburgh Law School.

Key information

Apply to the Programme

The following guidelines apply to prospective students interested in a PhD in Finance at the Business School. All applications are completed online.

This programme is currently undergoing the final approval process. We anticipate applications will open in late 2023.

When applying, please keep in mind you have the option (if agreed with your supervisor) to move to a PhD in Accounting or Management at the end of your first year, if applicable.

Your application checklist

Before applying for a programme, please consider whether you meet the minimum academic requirements.

Review staff profiles to ensure supervision for your own research can be secured and state your chosen subject group.

Your research proposal is an essential part of your application that will be used to assess your suitability for the PhD programme.

Applications are only accepted via our online application portal. Before your application can be completed, you will need to supply required documents.

Important points to remember

• When completing your online application, you can save your progress and continue at a later date
• For your application to be processed, you must provide all required documents during submission
• You will receive a Universal Username (UUN) at the end of the application process, which should be used in all correspondence with us
• In your application, we firmly advise you to propose a supervisor (or up to three) as part of your application. This will increase your chances of an offer. Please also state the academic subject group you wish to work in.
• In the Proposed Supervisor section of the online application, you must name your potential supervisor(s) in order of preference
• If you require a visa, we recommend you submit your online application at least four months prior to the programme start date
• If you wish to be considered for any of our scholarships please complete your application first, then apply to the scholarship opportunity before it closes

Applications for 2022 entry are now closed.

Ready to apply?

Apply now (full-time)

Apply now (part-time)

To answer all your post-application questions, please see our frequently asked questions .

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PhD in Theoretical Physics

We are very lucky to have a diverse and enthusiastic population of postgraduate students working with us at the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics. They work on a very rich spectrum of projects in different areas of Physics. So there is a lot of interdisciplinary conversation going on across shared seminar series, projects in co-supervision between the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Mathematics. Anna Lisa Varri, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow in Mathematical Astrophysics and Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics Outreach Coordinator

PhD Programmes

We run PhD programmes in a variety of subjects. A PhD in Theoretical Physics may be taken in:

Astrophysics and Cosmology

Condensed Matter and Complex Systems

Theoretical Particle Physics

Visit our Postgraduate Research page to find out more about PhD projects, funding opportunities, student profiles and how to apply . Interested candidates are welcome to contact the Deputy Academic Administrator (Graduate School) Liz Paterson .

You may also apply for a PhD in Mathematical Physics (which requires a separate application through School of Mathematics ).

We aim to foster a lively and interactive environment for our PhD students. We have biweekly Colloquia with international speakers, many workshops throughout the year lead by specialists from around the world, and we host the annual Higgs School for PhD students, a week-long series of blackboard lectures on modern topics in theoretical physics. Anton Ilderton, Reader in Theoretical Physics and Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics PhD Coordinator

Higgs Prize PhD Studentship

The deadline for applications, for a PhD start in 2024, has now passed. Our next recruitment round will begin in Winter 2024 for a September 2025 start. Currently available are up to three Higgs Prize PhD Studentships (deadline 19th January 2024). The Prize will cover fees and a four-year stipend, matching the level of the UK Research Council Maintenance Allowance rates (approx. £18,622 based on 2022/23), as well as research funds of £1.5k per annum to cover books, computing and conference costs. Applications are open to all students with no conditions on nationality. Furthermore, we value diversity, and we would like to strongly encourage applications from female and underrepresented candidates. Before applying , interested candidates should contact a supervisor from the Higgs Centre to support their application. Please write explicitly in your application that you wish to be considered for the Higgs Prize Scholarship. There is no need to write a detailed research proposal, just a brief description of the general topic agreed upon with the supervisor. The selection panel will take into account supporting statements from the prospective supervisor.

Higgs Centre Studentships to promote under-represented groups in theoretical physics

Please consult the Higgs Centre recruitment page for fellowship announcements.

Higgs Centre PhD Coordinator

Deputy Academic Administrator (Graduate School)

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Postgraduate opportunities

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• Particle Physics Experiment

PhD in Experimental Particle Physics

Our next round of PhD recruitment will be for the 2024-25 academic year , with an application deadline in  January 2024 . There are often scholarship opportunities with earlier deadlines, so we encourage potential applicants to get in touch with us sooner rather than later ( silvia.gambetta [at] ed.ac.uk ) in case these may be relevant. Information on the application process can be found here .

We offer fully-funded STFC PhD studentships (since 2021 onwards, for both UK and international students), and can support Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship  (for any nationality). We are also part of the ScotDIST  CDT in Data Intensive Science. Applicants will automatically be considered to be supported by these internal funding options. We also encourage candidates apply for external scholarships where available. Examples are the Bell-Burnell  scholarship and the  Schlumberger `Faculty for the Future' fellowship , but there are many others with varying eligibility criteria.

We welcome applications from excellent candidates who already hold a scholarship (or have their own funds), or wish to apply for a PhD place in conjunction with a scholarship application. Most projects include the opportunity for a fully-funded long-term attachment to CERN for 12-18 months.  For more information ppe-phd [at] ph.ed.ac.uk (email us) .

MSc in Particle and Nuclear Physics

From September 2018 we offer an MSc degree in Particle and Nuclear Physics . This  MSc is aimed to develop research and problem solving skills, with graduates gaining the skills needed to apply advanced data analysis techniques to the large data sets being collected by running and planned experiments. Learn more  here or contact the program directors  victoria.martin [at] ed.ac.uk (Victoria Martin)  or  mneedham [at] staffmail.ed.ac.uk (Matthew Needham) .  We offer scholarships towards fees for 2022/23 entry on this program see  here

Useful links

Information about current Particle Physics Experiment PhD projects  and MSc opportunities can be found in our Postgraduate Research Study section:

• Current Particle Physics Experiment PhD project opportunities
• Information on the Particle and Nuclear Physics MSc 
• Postgraduate research study in the School of Physics & Astronomy

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• Why study at Edinburgh?
• How to apply for a PhD

What funding is available for your PhD study?

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School of Mathematics

• Studying Here
• Postgraduate Research Studies

Funding Opportunities

The School of Mathematics offers several fully funded PhD studentships each year. Students receiving School funding are awarded a stipend equivalent to UKRI stipend rates for a period of 4 years plus fees.  Applications must be received by Monday 22 January 2024 in order to be considered for School and ESPSRC funding opportunities. Late applications may also be considered if there are still places.  There is no need to submit a separate application for these. 

Martingale Foundation Scholarships

We are delighted to announce that we are one of the Martingale Foundation's newest university partners. The Martingale Foundation helps provide access to postgraduate mathematics study for UK students facing financial barriers by offering fully-funded MSc and PhD programmes. 

Applications are made via the  Martingale Foundation website  and the application deadline is Wednesday 25 October 2023.

These awards are available to all applicants and provide full support (fees and stipend). The stipend is set by UKRI on an annual basis (stipend payment levels for 2023-24 are £18,622).  Applications must be received by Monday 22 January 2024 in order to be considered for School and ESPSRC funding opportunities. Late applications may also be considered if there are still places.  There is no need to submit a separate application for these. 

Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships 

In 2024-25, the School will offer a fully funded Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship. This scholarship provides tuition fees and a stipend for 4 years. The award is open to UK and overseas applicants applying to start their first year of study in 2024-25.

Applicants must be of outstanding academic merit and research potential. Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a UK first class or 2.1 honours degree at undergraduate level or the international equivalent. 

Successful applicants will undertake a package of training and development which will help you to develop the necessary skills required to meet your career choices and offer you a breath of development opportunities in areas suuch as teaching, public engagement, entrepreneurship, data science and research. 

The application deadline for this opportunity is the end of Monday 19 February 2024.

The EDCS application must be made via the Scholarships portal on MyEd. Once you have made an application for the programme of study, you will receive an email with MyEd login details.

In order to gain access to the scholarship application system, applicants must have applied for admission to the University of Edinburgh.  Please note that, following the submission of an application for admission, it can take up to 10 working days for all system checks to be completed and for access to be granted.

The online scholarship application form is located in EUCLID and can be accessed via MyEd our web based information portal at  https://www.myed.ed.ac.uk

When logging in to MyEd, you will need your University User Name and password.  If you require assistance, please go to  http://www.ed.ac.uk/student-systems/support-guidance

If you are considering applying for this scholarship, we would strongly suggest that you submit your EUCLID admission application for the programme of study at least 10 working days before the application deadline to ensure you have enough time to apply for the scholarship via the Scholarship application portal.

China Scholarship Council/University of Edinburgh Scholarships

There will be one scholarship available for PhD study to candidates who are citizens and permanent residents of the People's Republic of China at the time of applying for entry for the academic year 2024-25. Candidates should not be working outside China at the time of application and successful candidates must agree to return to China upon completion of their degree. Candidates studying outside China are eligible to apply but not those who have already commenced a PhD programme prior to the 2024-25 academic year. 

The application deadline for this opportunity will be announced shortly.  

To be considered for this scholarship applicants should complete the below China Scholarship Council/University of Edinburgh Scholarship application form with should be submitted to [email protected]  by the deadline .  

There will be an internal selection process and successful candidates will be notified via email.  Candidates nominated by the University to be considered for a scholarship should satisfy the selection criteria set out by CSC by completing the CSC Application form and CSC Employer Reference form which can be found on their website . You must ensure you select the correct scholarship scheme -  Institutional & Personal Channel , as there are several schemes. Please note that applicants for this scholarship must be able to prove that they meet the University's English language requirements at the time of application. 

The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit and candidates must have obtained, or be predicted to obtain, the equivalent of a first-class honours degree from a Chinese University. 

Other Studentships

• https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/postgraduate

Schools & departments

Once you have located a PhD project or programme that you find interesting, follow the application instructions carefully.

Application Process

There are different application procedures associated with PhD projects/programmes advertised on EdNeuro.PhD:

External URL:  If the 'Apply Now' button on the project/programme you are interested in directs you to an external URL, please follow those application instructions carefully and double-check the deadlines and the process for supplying references.

Individual PhD Projects:  For individual PhD projects (with a named supervisor), you should apply using the application form on this web page. You may apply for up to 3 individual projects but please use a seperate application form for each project - this will allow you to tailor your application to the specific project to which you are applying.  Once you have fully completed the application form please email it to [email protected] with the project codes for which you are applying in the email subject line. Your application will then be directed to the PhD administators handling the project to which you have applied.

Please contact your referees and arrange for them to send your references directly to the 'EdNeuro.PhD' email address with your full name and the project code(s) in the subject line.  Referees only need to send one reference to cover all projects to which you have applied. You should not submit any other documentation at this stage. Please pay careful attention to the deadline for the receipt of applications and make sure your references have been submitted by your referees by the deadline indicated.

Wellcome Trust 4-year PhD Programme in Translational Neuroscience:  Applications are now invited for September 2022 entry - deadline 30 November 2021. More information about the PhD programme can be found here , and information about their application process can be found here .  If you have an enquiry about the programme please email  [email protected]

SIDB PhD Programme : The Simons Initative for the Developing Brain is now recuitng for September 2023 entry. The projects on offer are listed on their programme page and our EdNeuro.PhD platform. Please apply using the EdNeuro.PhD Application Form  and email it to  [email protected] . Please clearly indicate in the subject heading the project code to which you are applying.

Application Form

• Download EdNeuro.PhD Application Form  (please use a separate form for each project to which you are applying)

You are responsible for arranging for references to be submitted in support of your application. These should be provided directly by the referees identified on your application. Your referees should provide their reference on official letterhead paper, and email it to [email protected]  for individual projects, or the dedicated programme email address for the Translational Neuroscience PhD programme ( [email protected] ). Referees only need to send one reference to cover all projects to which you have applied. Please inform your referees that it is very important that your  name and the relevant project/programme code(s)  appear in the subject line of the email in order to ensure your references are matched properly with your application. Please ensure that all references are received by 5pm on the deadline date.

Should I contact the PhD supervisor in advance?

If you are applying for a 'competition-funded' PhD project you are encouraged to contact the primary supervisor before applying in order to discuss informally the projects prior to submission of an application. If you are applying for the Wellcome Trust 4 year PhD programme in Translational Neuroscience you should  not  contact prospective supervisors since, if accepted on the programme, you will develop your PhD project during year one.

Each project will have a deadline clearly indicated just above the 'Apply Here' button. Please pay attention to the deadline date and ensure that your application is submitted in time. Applications submitted via either the  [email protected] , or  [email protected]  email addresses should arrive by 5pm on the deadline date. Projects which direct you to an external web page for the application process will have their own deadline requirements; you should double check-the deadline and ensure you understand how to apply and by what time on the deadline date.

Language requirements for foreign students

Overseas students whose first language is not English are required by the University to demonstrate adequate proficiency in English before they are allowed to matriculate and register as a postgraduate student. The normal way to demonstrate this proficiency is by achieving the required score in either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Centre accepts some alternative English qualifications, such as a degree from a UK university.

• Full details on language requirements

School of Social and Political Science

Edinburgh doctoral college scholarship - school of social and political science.

The scholarship application system for academic year 2024/25 closed at 23:59 (GMT) on Thursday, 1st February 2024. Late applications cannot be accepted.

As a guide to competition levels, in the 2023/24 cycle 130 applicants applied for 1 scholarship. The number of available awards may change each year. For 2024/25 we are offering 1 Edinburgh Doctoral College-SPS Scholarship.

Ensure you visit the Important Information and Recommendations section before you apply. We consider this section to be essential reading.

The Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship - SPS is available to a student intending to begin PhD study in any research area within the School of Social and Political Science in the next academic year.

This award is open to student from all nationalities.

Please note this scholarship is only for PhD study, not for MSc by Research.

When making decisions, the Selection Committee will consider the applicant's:

• academic achievements
• research proposal
• research potential
• any publications made
• any relevant non-academic experience
• degree of support provided by references

Financial status and nationality are not taken into account.

Please ensure you read the self-assessment section to ensure you meet all the criteria as the application process is very competitive.

This scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees (UK, EU or Overseas level)
• The stipend will be set to the UKRI level for 2024/25. The UKRI level for 2023/24 is currently £18,622 for full-time students, or the pro rata equivalent for part-time students.

Awards are made for one year in the first instance and are renewable for up to a further two and a half years (pro-rata for part-time students), subject to satisfactory academic progress. 

PhD students in the School of Social and Political Science can apply to the  PGR Research Support Fund  for help with fieldwork and other research-related costs throughout their period of study providing they meet the fund's criteria. Edinburgh Doctoral College scholars may apply for this fund.

As an awardee, you will undertake a package of training and development which will help develop the necessary skills required to meet your career choices. Your supervisor will discuss your training and development needs with you following your award.

Training will also offer you a breadth of development opportunities in areas such as teaching, public engagement, entrepreneurship, data science, and research.

Applicants must submit two separate applications by this deadline (further information about both is given below):

• Application for admission to a PhD degree in the School of Social and Political Science (must be submitted at least 5 working days before the scholarship deadline )
• Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship - School of Social and Political Science application

Updated or additional documents or information for your PhD programme application cannot be accepted after you have received an offer for the programme. Before then, any updated or additional documents must be uploaded directly to your PhD application via your MyEd account.

Updated or additional documents or information for your scholarship application cannot be accepted after you have submitted your scholarship application.

Late applications cannot be accepted.

Please note: you will only be able to apply for a scholarship after you have submitted an application to study .

The application to study must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the scholarship application deadline. This allows your University Username (UUN eg s1234567) to be activated in time for you to submit your scholarship application before its deadline.

You must submit a complete application for admission to a PhD research degree by the awards deadline.

The application to study is made via the University's on-line applications system EUCLID - you are encouraged to make this application at least five working days prior to making your scholarship..

For further information on PhD study please see our PhD programmes webpage.

For further information on the application process, please see our how to apply page.

You must submit a full application by the scholarship deadline, including:

• final or interim official undergraduate and postgraduate transcripts (note - PhD Social Anthropology applications require undergraduate only)
• name of proposed supervisor

References and research proposal for the PhD application to study are also used for the scholarship application.

Once you have submitted your application for study you can then submit your funding application(s). You must submit a separate application for each individual funding scheme you are applying to. Ensure you visit the Important Information and Recommendations section before you apply.

You do not need to wait to receive an offer to study before applying for the 'Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship - SPS' - but you must submit a complete application to study by the deadline or your scholarship application will not be considered.

Application to the 'Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship - SPS' is via the University's online scholarships application form located within the EUCLID applicant hub.

After submitting your application for your programme of study, you will receive a University Username (UUN) and access to MyEd where you can reach the scholarship application system.

Please note that applications for the 'Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship - SPS' are extremely competitive, and every year demand far outstrips supply.

Supporting documents

References and research proposal for the application to study are also used for the scholarship application and will be automatically pulled through to the scholarship system. We recommend you follow the guidance on writing research proposals.

Personal statement

The scholarship application system will ask you to provide a personal statement (up to 500 words/3500 characters including spaces).

In your scholarship application, please tailor your personal statement to this scholarship. This should include:

• why you think you are particularly suited to this scholarship
• your intended area of career development
• your aims for contributing to the School in this area

Additionally, we are interested in you as a whole person, not just academically. Please tell us about your preparedness to undertake and complete a PhD and to flourish as a result of PhD funding, and how you will contribute to a positive and diverse PhD community within the School. This could include diversity of identity, experience, or viewpoint. You may also wish to include any experience of overcoming adversity.

Conditional offers

Note that applicants in receipt of conditional offers (including conditional on English language) are still eligible to apply for the 'Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship - SPS'. Should they receive an award, but not meet the conditions of their offer, they would not be able to take up the award.

Help and support

Information on the Student Systems website may help you with guidance on the scholarship application system.

Applying for a postgraduate scholarship

Technical support and guidance

You can also view our applying for scholarships frequently asked questions: 

Frequently asked questions - applying for scholarships in the MyEd portal

This form is also used for several other awards, including:

• School of Social and Political Science PhD Scholarship
• 'CAHSS Research Award - SPS'
• Alice Brown PhD Scholarship
• Macqueen Scholarship
• Chrystal Macmillan PhD Scholarship

Important - please ensure you check each scholarship deadline as they may differ.

You must enter a separate funding application for each award you wish to be considered for.

Postgraduate Advisors and supporting Subject Area academics assess scholarship applications for their Subject Areas.

Scholarship applicants are then ranked and the top candidates are put forward to the next stage. Applicants not progressing to Stage Two will be notified by the end of April.

A   panel of assessors, comprising of the Director and Deputy Director of Postgraduate Research Programmes and at least one other senior School academic, assess all ranked scholarship applicants and rank them individually.

The ranks are then collated and agreement on interview selection is made. Candidates who are selected for interview will be contacted with an invitation to attend either in-person or remotely. Awards, reserves, and unsuccessful applicants are then decided upon with notifications to follow. Awardees are given 7 calendar days to respond to the scholarship offer. If no response is received by the given date, the offer will be rescinded and awarded to the next reserve candidate.

Assessors will use the  SGSSS Marking Framework  for their ranking process in both stages.

The School selection panel will meet in the Spring, and results will be communicated to candidates by email shortly thereafter. 

Note that we also hold a reserve list; in the event that a successful candidate later declines their award, for example because they obtain different funding. In this case, the award will be offered to the top candidate on the reserve list. 

We aim to have contacted all 'Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship - SPS' candidates to let them know the outcome of their application by the end of May.

Due to the volume of applications we receive and the lengthy assessment and ranking process, we are unable to answer individual responses until then.

• Schools & departments

Your application

Applying to study at Edinburgh.

Before you apply

Entry requirements, how to apply, after you apply, personal statement, degree certificates and academic transcripts, certified translations, research proposals, deferring your offer, submitting a complete and accurate application.