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- Want to study on a self-funded basis?
- Or have a private sponsor?
If you plan to self-fund your studies or have a sponsor who will fund your research study, you can apply at any time. However, please be aware that most new postgraduate researchers begin in September each year. To join the annual September cohort, applicants should submit their application with all the required supplemental items no later than:
- 1 June – for overseas applicants who require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for their research studies. (This applies to certain overseas applicants who want to study or conduct research in specific sensitive technology-related fields in the UK.)
- 1 July – for international applicants who do not need an ATAS certificate and for international applicants who do not need a student visa but do need an ATAS certificate. (If you’re not sure if you need an ATAS certificate, please contact the Doctoral College or submit your application by 1 June.)
- 1 August – for “home” and distance learner applicants.
There is a smaller intake in January. Applicants should allow for similar lead times when making their application to be able to join us then.
We'll consider self-funded and sponsor-funded applications to begin at other times in the year on a case-by-case basis.
Please refer to the information on the application process for guidance.
Step 1:
Consider how you will fund your studies and pay your tuition fees. (Costs for PhDs, MRes etc. are the 'postgraduate research' rate in the tables.) Depending on the subject area, some projects will require you to pay an additional fee for a project (a bench fee).
You will be asked how you will pay fees for your research studies in the application process. Do you hold a offer from a funder or have you identified specific funders you will approach? Or do you have savings in place?
Consider too how you will support yourself while studying and how you can pay for living costs .
If you need a visa, please be aware that the UKVI sets restrictions on the number of hours that you can work.
The University's Tuition Fees Payment Policy sets out how students can pay your fees and forms part of the contract between students and the University.
Step 2:
Take a look at our research areas and identify if we have appropriate supervision in your chosen field of interest.
When you have identified a research area, click on its 'View Opportunity' button. You should approach either the named 'contact supervisor' or other supervisors detailed on the opportunity's web page to discuss your research proposal.
Supervisors will be able to advise whether the project is viable and whether supervisory expertise and resources exist within the University to support you. They can advise whether any additional project costs (or bench fees) will be required for your project.
Step 3:
Develop your research proposal. This will be requested as part of your application and is required for all self-funded projects.
At the top of your research proposal please include a note of the name of the academic member of staff at Ulster you contacted to discuss your project proposal.
Step 4:
Submit your application and supporting items. Click the green 'Apply Online' button in the web page for the research area opportunity. This will generate a reference number and a green 'Start Application' button to click on to begin your application. Quote the reference number in your application. This will ensure your application ties to the correct research area and that the correct academic team are invited to consider your application.
Please Note
If you submit a self funded application without discussing your project with an academic member of staff, your application may be withdrawn.
