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• PhD, PhD by Publications and Professional Doctorates are equivalent to Level 8 (the highest academic qualification Level), whilst MD, MPhil and MRes are equivalent to Level 7. What changes is their structures and delivery methods.
• A PhD is the highest level of academic qualification. A PhD usually lasts 3 years full-time. It involves carrying out deep research in your preferred subject area.
• A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree that's based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.
• An MD is designed for registered medical doctors who want to conduct research related to their clinical field. This is not a medical/medicine degree.
• A Professional Doctorate is a doctoral-level qualification (the same level as a PhD) but is designed for people who want to apply research directly to their professional practice.
• An MPhil is a research degree, but it is shorter and less intensive than a PhD.
• An MRes is a postgraduate-taught degree rather than a ‘research’ degree, focused primarily on research training. It is great preparation for a PhD, or for careers requiring strong research skills for example.

• Not sure? Sign up to our next webinar series or Postgraduate event to discuss your options with academics and potential supervisors!

• You can search for your subject area through our dedicated webpage.
• If you already know which area you would like to complete your research in, you can start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours right away, using our “Find a Supervisor” tool.
• Once you've found someone suitable, please contact them directly, using the email address in their profile and discuss your research idea in detail.

• Browse our list of already-approved PhD projects available across most of our subject areas. These are PhD projects where a supervisory team is already in place. If you find one that fits your interests, contact the relevant supervisor to discuss your interest. Once you're ready to apply, follow the 'Apply now' link at the end of the project page.
• Please note that some of the projects will have a deadline date that you need to apply by. 
• Some pre-approved projects would require you to submit a brief proposal outlining the main features of your proposed research design. If that is the case it’ll be clearly stated in the project page.
• If you're applying for a pre-approved research project, remember to add the project code to your application form. The project code can be found at the top of the project page.

• When you're ready to apply*, please click on the 'Apply now' link on the relevant research subject area page. You will need to create an account and then you can start your application. 
• The online application is free and you can complete one section at a time, submitting it when you are ready.
• You will need to include information about your qualifications, a research proposal, a full personal statement and details of two referees who can support your application. 
• You do not need to supply a research proposal if you are applying for a Professional Doctorate or some of the pre-approved projects that are advertised (check the project web pages for further details). 
• Please see our guidance of what to include in a research proposal. 
• If you're applying for a pre-approved research project, remember to add the project code to your application form. The project code can be found at the top of the project page.

If you are applying for an MRes, please see the individual MRes pages for advice on how to apply.

• If you wish to see if a Distance (online) Learning option is available, please discuss this directly with the potential supervisor. 
• Please note that distance learning is not available for the MRes programmes.

• Many research degrees offer part‑time routes, especially for students balancing work and study. 
• Availability may vary so please check with your supervisor and also the programme’s web page for the options available to you.

• Unfortunately, we cannot consider you for a PhD by Publication if you already hold a PhD. 
• The PhD by Publication route is for successful and well-published, peer-reviewed researchers who, for one reason or another, never quite go around to being awarded a PhD. It isn't suitable for researchers who wish to gain 'extra' PhDs in other research areas.

• As PhD by Publication projects are so individual and unique, we would recommend contacting a potential supervisor for a discussion about the suitability of your publications/number of publications required. 
• You can start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours, using our “Find a Supervisor” tool.
• Once you've found someone suitable, please contact them directly, using the email address in their profile and discuss your idea.

• You will need to include: 
  • Copies of your academic (and any relevant professional) qualification certificates
  • A current CV
  • A research proposal*
  • A full personal statement
  • Details of two referees who can support your application. 
• Please see our guidance of what to include.
• *You do not need to supply a research proposal if you are applying for a Professional Doctorate or some of the pre-approved projects that are advertised (check the individual project web pages for further details).

• When you apply for a research degree at the ����������, you may have to submit a research proposal that outlines, among many other things, the nature of your research and why it's important. To help make yours as compelling as possible, read our full research proposal pages for creating a clear, concise and engaging research proposal.

• We need two references to support your application and you can add the contact details at the point of application, or attach recent references as documents. Failure to identify referees, or supply references, will result in a delay in the processing of your application.
• We can consider 1 academic and professional, and at the Supervisor’s discretion, 2 professional references. 
• If you need further information, please contact the relevant Admissions team accordingly:
  • Home Admissions - admissions@port.ac.uk
  • EU & International Admissions - globaladmissions@port.ac.uk

• Our Admissions Teams will do an initial check of your application to make sure it’s complete, and ask for anything outstanding
• Your application is referred to our Admissions Tutor and/or Departmental Director for Postgraduate Research, who will facilitate finding sufficient supervision for your research project.
• You will likely be invited to an interview with a panel of our academic staff to discuss your research topic, who will inform the Admissions Teams regarding the outcome.
• You should receive an update via email regarding whether your application has been successful.
• If you are unsuccessful for a funded project, we may ask if you would like to continue as a self-funded student.

To explore funding opportunities – from government loans to alumni and staff discounts - browse our dedicated webpage.

• Yes. All research degree students work with a supervisory team that guides and supports the project throughout their studies. 
• Please note, this is dependent on supervisor availability for the research you wish to undertake, and whilst we endeavour to find an appropriate supervisor, on some occasions we may be unable to provide appropriate supervision for your proposed research project.
• Unfortunately, we cannot consider supervisors outside of the ����������’s academic staffing.