Prospective students

Plant Sciences PhD student using a microscope in the lab

Getting started 

Full information about courses, eligibility, widening participation and funding can be found on the University's postgraduate study page.

Entry requirements

The minimum qualification for our research courses is a UK high II.i Honours degree. You must have completed or be released from any current training or education course before the start of your course with us. If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country. International students should also check whether they meet language requirements. You should be aware that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry; it is only one of the factors taken into account when academic selectors make their decision. 

Which qualification do you want to apply for?

The following links will take you to information on course structure, deadlines and how to apply, including mandatory elements of an application such as a Research Proposal. Each course description also includes the 'Apply now' button that gets you in the University’s Applicant Portal. Follow our 'How to apply' link for guidance on selecting a project and supervisor for the MPhil by thesis and PhD in Plant Sciences.

You can apply for up to three MPhil in Biological Sciences by advanced study with one application fee.

For the courses above, applicants first apply to the University. Applicants that are successful are given an offer. They can then either enter the University Funding Competition (see Funding) or demonstrate that they have sufficient funds or already hold an external scholarship to cover their studies. There are also a number of prizes and awards that individual applicants may be nominated for.

The Department may also offer funded PhD studies through inter-departmental schemes that have their own application processes.

These include:

Applicants must apply directly to the advertised projects listed in the portals associated with these schemes. 

Please note that application and funding deadlines may vary with the programme you apply to. The deadline for applications for a University-funded Scholarship is 8 December 2026, with the exception of the US Gates Scholarship (TBC October 2026). The application deadline for candidates not seeking a Scholarship is 13 May 2027.