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    How to Apply for a Research Degree

    Whether you’re applying for a MPhil or PhD research degree, find out about the key stages of the application process.

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How to Apply for a Research Degree

Follow our step by step guide below

Whether you'd like to join us to through an MPhil or PhD research degree the process is simple and outlined in the step by step guide below. In both cases we welcome project proposals that indicate a clear and strong alignment with one or more of our Research & Innovation programmes, be it in response to a specific doctoral project brief or as an original idea of your own.​

To give you the best chance in your application, whether MPhil or PhD, we've split the process into the following three key stages, with a full breakdown of details in the subsections below.

01. Pre-application preparation

Read through this guidance, prepare your idea and ensure programme alignment:​

a. Check entry requirements​
b. Chose application route​
c. Confirm strategic alignment​

​

02. Expression of Interest submission

Tell us about your idea:

d. Download, complete & submit your Expression of Interest form​
e. Meet assigned Director of Studies​
f. Start thinking about funding

03. Formal application submission

Use the feedback given post your Expression of Interest submission to strengthen your formal application:​

g. Prepare, complete and submit your formal application, in line with guidance below

  • a. Check Entry Requirements
  • b. Select route to application
  • c. Confirm strategic alignment
  • d. Submit an expression of interest
  • e. Speak to your potential Director of Studies
  • f. Search for funding
  • g. Submit formal application
  • Questions?

    a. Check entry requirements

    • i. Key dates
    • ii. Qualifications
    • iii. English language requirements
    i. Key dates

    Key dates for September 2021 entry

    Expression of Interest deadlineApplication deadlineInterview period
    4 January 202129 January 2021Week commencing 15 March 2021
    ii. Qualifications

    The normal minimum entry requirement for a place on the Research Degree at Falmouth University is an upper second class honours (2:1) degree of a British university or recognised institution of higher education, or an equivalent qualification from an institution outside of the UK.

    However, a Master's degree in an appropriate subject is considered to be a particularly valuable preparation for the academic and intellectual demands of an MPhil or PhD. In some instances, applicants without the minimum academic requirement as outlined above may be considered for a place on the Research Degree if they can demonstrate appropriate alternative qualifications, relevant professional experience, or previous research. 

    iii. English language requirements

    If English is not your first language, you will normally need to demonstrate that you are suitably proficient in English before we can enrol you on the Research Degree. You can do this by providing evidence of one of the following:

    • A recent Falmouth-approved English Language Test (ELT) score which meets the University's requirements for the Research Degree: either an IELTS minimum overall test result score of 7.0 with a 7.0 in writing and with no other component score lower than 6.0, or an equivalent test score.
    • Recent completion of an MA level course of study (Distinction only) in a majority English-speaking country. 

    By 'recent' we mean that your English Language Test score or MA level qualification needs to have been awarded no more than two years prior to the date that you would first enrol in the Research Degree at Falmouth. We cannot normally accept evidence that is older than this.  

    You may submit an application for a place on the Research Degree before you have obtained your IELTS or equivalent test score, or before you have received your MA certificate, but if you are offered a place then you would need to provide evidence of having satisfied this condition before we can enrol you.

    Each applicant is assessed on an individual basis and if you are offered a place on the Research Degree, then depending on your level of English language proficiency as demonstrated through your application form and interview, we will inform you whether we would require a new IELTS result before you can begin your PhD studies.

    Please be aware that we can no longer accept TOEFL test results for this purpose.

    b. Select route to application

    There are two routes for MPhil or PhD application. ​
    ​
    Applicants can either apply by:​
    a. Submitting a project idea of their own; or​
    b. Responding directly to a Falmouth Doctoral Project brief.
    ​
    Whilst we've created our Doctoral Project briefs to emphasise our priority areas of research interest, reflecting our Research & Innovation programmes, themes and strategic aims, we welcome and encourage the submission of any original research project ideas that align with our programme objectives.​
    ​
    Check out our doctoral project briefs to find a project that you'd be passionate to explore, our browse through our Research & Innovation programmes to identify which best aligns with your original idea, in preparation for the submission of your Expression of Interest form.​

    Explore our Doctoral Project briefs

    View our Research & Innovation programmes

    c. Confirm strategic alignment

    Successful project proposals must emphasise clear and explicit alignment with one or more of our Research & Innovation programmes. Explore our ten Research & Innovation programmes to identify the programme which most strongly aligns with your proposal idea, then familiarise yourself with the programme's purpose and objectives so that you can demonstrate a clear alignment within your expression of interest and formal application.​

    ​About our Research & Innovation programmes​​

    Research & Innovation at Falmouth is guided by three overarching strategic themes which are then reflected, explored and focused by ten transdisciplinary programmes. All of our projects, including postgraduate research theses, must align with one or more of our strategic programmes so that, together, we may build knowledge, add value and drive impact through open innovation and real world solutions, in line with our strategic aims. More information about our overarching strategy can be found in our 2030 Strategy.

    Explore our Research & Innovation programmes

    Page
    Page

    Creative Industries Futures

    Lead: Dr Laura Hodsdon

    Our projects explore dynamic and innovative routes to social, cultural and economic impact through the future creative industries.

    Page
    Page

    Dark Economies

    Lead: Dr Ruth Heholt

    This programme explores the story-worlds we create to express our fears and anxieties through representations and fictions about death,...

    Page
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    Design for Health and Wellbeing

    Lead: Anna Mankee-Williams

    The Design for Health and Wellbeing programme is seeking to stimulate research and innovation that can contribute to addressing the global...

    Page
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    Digital Creativity

    Lead: Professor Tanya Krzywinska

    We explore innovative applications of game and interface design innovations within sectors spanning health and heritage.

    Page
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    Digital Entrepreneurship and Financial Innovation

    Lead: Adrian Bossey

    Working with a wide range of industry and business partners, our projects explore the role of creativity in driving both entrepreneurship...

    Page
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    Inequality & Storytelling

    Lead: Professor Chris Morris

    Our researchers and practitioners assault bias, discrimination, indifference, injustice and marginalisation through the power of...

    Page
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    Environmental Futures

    Lead: Dr Huw Lewis-Jones

    Research in this programme has produced exciting applications in areas such as agri-tech, aquaculture, tourism and mental health, suited to...

    Page
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    Metamakers

    Lead: Professor Tanya Krzywinska

    The Metamakers Institute undertakes computational creativity research with the aim of stimulating economic development by making software a...

    Page
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    Multigenerational Living & Learning

    Lead: Professor Paul Springer

    This programme investigates multigenerational living and care models, technologies for adult social care and resultant learning...

    Page
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    Pedagogy Futures

    Lead: Dr Neil Fox

    This programme addresses themes from staff wellbeing and industry engagement to the future of teaching and learning in higher education.

    d. Submit an Expression of Interest

    Please note that we advise you submit your Expressions of Interest at least 5 weeks before the Formal Application deadline, for the year you'd like to attend, so that we may provide you with a response and feedback in time for your Formal Application to be submitted, where applicable.​

    ​What's an Expression of Interest​?​

    Falmouth's expression of interest is a pre-application process where candidates who are interested in pursuing a research degree with us can introduce their ideas, and receive preliminary feedback, on a research proposal. ​
    ​
    Download the form from the link below and send your completed expression of interest form to research@falmouth.ac.uk

    Expression of Interest for a Research Degree (51.75 KB)

    Whilst the expression of interest process isn't compulsory, and candidates can choose to submit a formal application without completing an expression of interest first, we strongly recommend prospective applicants take advantage of the opportunity to submit their proposal for preliminary review so that they may have the opportunity to strengthen their proposal, where relevant, ahead of the formal application.​

    Post Submission Review​

    Once received, the completed expression of interest form is reviewed by the Research Degrees Committee, where it is assessed for appropriate alignment to the research themes and programmes, potential supervision availability, potential resource needs, and funding requirements. The outcome of the expression of interest is then communicated to the candidate following the meeting. If it is a positive outcome, then the committee will also nominate an appropriate academic member of staff as a point of contact to provide feedback on the proposal. ​

    Submission Deadline​​

    An expression of interest can be submitted at any point during the academic year, however, where candidates are hoping to start their studies in the September of the year they are submitting an expression of interest, we advise submitting no later than February of that same year. Expressions of interest submitted any later than February cannot be guaranteed to receive feedback ahead of that year's formal application deadline.​

    e. Speak to your potential Director of Studies

    Following a successful expression of interest, an appropriate academic member of staff, who could be a potential Director of Studies (DoS), will be assigned to you as a point of contact. You'll then have the opportunity to arrange a telephone call, Skype, or face-to-face meeting to discuss your proposal. To be fair, in response to demand, this point of contact will be able to offer you one meeting at this stage.​

    f. Search for funding

     

    Fund your research degree

    We offer a range of options to help you fund your PhD or MPhil, including Falmouth Doctoral Studentships, discounted fees for Falmouth University alumni and an international and EU fee reduction scheme. Visit our Fund your research degree page to find information about different funding option.

    Studentships​​

    Studentships are available to both UK and International students. ​
    ​
    Applicants wishing to be considered for a Falmouth Doctoral Studentship may apply by submitting a project idea of their own or by responding to one of our Falmouth Doctoral Project briefs but should be advised that strong alignment with one or more of our research and innovation programmes is essential.​
    ​
    Whether responding to a project brief or submitting an idea of their own, applicants can compete for one of up to four fully-funded Falmouth Doctoral Studentships. Applicants should be aware that the doctoral briefs provided indicate our priority areas.​
    ​
    Studentships will be awarded on the basis of overall quality, as well as strategic alignment to our research themes / programmes.​

    ​Doctoral Loans​​

    Applicants may also be eligible for a Doctoral Loan, details of which can be found on our Doctoral Loans information page.

    g. Submit formal application

    Please read the Research degree proposal and application guidance notes carefully when completing your application form, and compiling your research proposal. These notes will guide you through the online application form, and describe the required proposal structure.

    Research Degree proposal and application guidance notes 2021-22 (279.73 KB)

    Applications for September 2021 entry are now closed. Expressions of Interest are welcomed at any time.

    Full details and key dates for September 2022 applications will be available soon. If you have any questions regarding the next available intake, or would like to join our Research degree opportunities mailing list please contact research@falmouth.ac.uk

    Questions?

    Contact us

    If you have any questions then please get in touch with the Research Team:

    research@falmouth.ac.uk
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