How to apply for research degrees

Research Degrees

Queen Margaret University awards two higher degrees by research, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil).

You may apply for either part-time or full-time study. Normally you will be based at Queen Margaret University. In certain circumstances applications may be considered for non-resident status. Such applications will only be considered where appropriate support can be provided locally and on the understanding that the student will visit Edinburgh at least once per year to meet with their supervisory team.

Please consider how you will fund your tuition and living expenses before applying. QMU does not provide any financial support to research students other than through the bursary scheme below.

To apply you must provide the following documents:

• a completed application form
• a research proposal
• a copy of certificates for your highest level academic qualifications (normally Masters / undergraduate degree)

We will also need two academic references. If it is convenient for you to send these along with your application please do so. Otherwise, give us the names and contact emails of the referees and we will contact them.

Email your completed application form to researchdegrees@qmu.ac.uk

Research Proposal

All applicants must provide a proposal. This allows us to check how well you understand the research process and to make sure the topic is in an area we can supervise.

The research topic must be within the expertise of our staff. The topic must have academic merit and it must be capable of generating new knowledge. Research which is linked to the applicant's creative work may be considered.

It is essential that you check whether QMU has any expertise in your chosen field. See Research Opportunities for further information on the areas we cover.

The proposal should be around 1000 words long. The proposal should:

• summarise what the research is about and say why it is important, making reference to current literature
• identify provisional research questions
• suggest how the questions can be investigated

The proposal must be written in your own words. Do NOT copy text from published books and articles. This is considered plagiarism and will lead to automatic rejection of your application.

Bursaries and SORSAS

Bursary funding is only available for PhD study based at Queen Margaret University in topics which have been specified by each School. Your research proposal must relate to one of the topics on our website (see List of Bursaries). Please quote the appropriate reference number.

The closing date for applications is 27 April 2011. No late applications may be accepted. The next set of bursaries will be advertised in Feburary 2012.

Unfortunately the SORSAS funding which had presiously been open to international research students is no longer available.

For further information please contact the Quality Enhancement Unit, by phone on 0044 (0)131 474 0000 (when the automated system answers, say "Quality"), or email Research Degrees Office.