The Annual PhD Studentships Competition is now closed for applications for September 2025 entry. It will launch again in December 2025 for September 2026 entry.
Applications for PhDs that can be self-funded or supported by sponsors are welcome at any time.
A number of funded opportunities are also advertised throughout the year. Use the PhD Finder to view all our current opportunities and filter by subject.
View Funded PhDs on PhD Finder
View guidance and step-by-step video instructions on making an online application.
Applicants must provide evidence of their English language proficiency.
Timetable
The timetable for the Annual PhD Studentships competition for September 2025 entry is as follows:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Competition opens | 2 December 2024 |
| Closing dates for online applications | 4pm (GMT) on Mon 3 February 2025 for applications to:
4pm (GMT) on Mon 24 February 2025 for applications to:
|
| Interviews by Faculties | March/April 2025 |
| Outcome notifications sent to applicants | By 14 April 2025 for projects closing on 3 February 2025 and by 5 May 2025 for projects closing on 24 February 2025 (provisional dates) |
| Scholarships commence | 15 September 2025 |
Supplemental Items
Please note that all requested supplemental items (e.g. degree certificates, research proposal, CV, examples of academic writing etc.) MUST be submitted alongside the application by the closing date.
Failure to supply the required supplemental items by the closing date will mean that your application will not be deemed to have been submitted on time.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain by September 2025, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study. We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.
In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.
Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing researchers, are NOT eligible for a scholarship.
All applicants should also hold a relevant English language qualification.
All applications for scholarships will be considered on a competitive basis and with regard to the applicant’s qualifications, skills, experience and interests.
Further information
Applicants can refer to our guidance for help on making an application.
Applicants may discuss their application with the supervisors noted within the project description prior to submission.
Competition for funded entry is very high. It is important that all parts of the application process are completed in accordance with the instructions.
Applicants should note that disclosure of disability or personal circumstances should be made as part of the application process or as soon as possible thereafter in order to facilitate any necessary adjustments or accommodation.
Please contact researchstudent@ulster.ac.uk if you have any queries.