Postgraduate Research - How to apply

Entry requirements for our research degrees

To gain admission to a research degree programme, you must comply with the following minimum entry requirements:

A master’s degree at postgraduate level of a University in the United Kingdom or equivalent*, or
A first or upper second class honours degree of a University in the United Kingdom or equivalent*, or
Other qualifications or experience that, in the opinion of the Research Degrees Committee and upon the recommendation of the Academic Partner Principal (or equivalent), affords sufficient evidence of their availability to benefit and study at the academic level required

*Some studentships may have particular requirements depending on funding arrangements, please always check the 'How to apply' section of a specific funded studentship.

International applicants

Students from outside of the UK can undertake research in Scotland as long as they meet their visa requirements. Find tailored information for international applicants on the following topics:

It's important to note that UK Visas and Immigration rules for the Student Route Visa require students to study in-person, not online.

English language proficiency

In addition, international applicants must be able to demonstrate a high level of competence in written and spoken English with an IELTs score of 6.5 overall and no less than 6.0 in any element.

Please see English language requirements for a full list of our accepted English language tests and scores.

Can I bring my partner and children?

Your partner and children (‘dependants’) may be able to apply to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK - please see our advice on visas and authorised travel to the UK for eligibility guidance.

Applying for a UHI-funded studentship

1. Identify potential supervisors for your research project by searching our Research Database – type keywords related to your subject of interest into the search bar

2. Make contact with a potential supervisor – they may indicate an interest in your research idea or proposal, but this does not guarantee entry to the programme

3. Finalise a research proposal to outline the research you would like to undertake, here's a guide to writing a good research proposal (Please note, this may be tested for plagiarism, collusion and other irregularities)

4. Supporting documentation – you will need to provide the following:

College and/or University transcripts and degree certificates
English language certificates (EU/International applicants only) see ‘Entry Requirements’

5. If the potential supervisor wishes to pursue your enquiry, you will be invited for interview – this may be offered remotely, for example by video conferencing, Skype or similar apps

7. Following successful interview, you should complete an application – this is a joint exercise between you and the main academic supervisor (Director of Studies) who has agreed to support your studies, for a copy of the current application form, please contact gradresearch@uhi.ac.uk

7. Your application will be submitted by the proposed Director of Studies to the University’s Graduate School, for consideration by the Research Degrees Committee

For further information on all aspects of applying to study for a postgraduate research degree, or if you would like to be put in touch with an academic within your area of study, please contact gradresearch@uhi.ac.uk

Applying for an externally funded studentship

For funded studentships, each opportunity describes the individual application process along with any specific entry requirements that may be different from the requirements for our other research degrees.

Please see studentships to view current opportunities and what's required to apply.

Applying for a self-funded research degree