Overview

• Key application dates
• How to apply
• After you apply

Key application dates

This course has two selection rounds each year. All applications must be submitted and completed by either 18 April or 18 September in a given year.

We recommend you submit your application at least four weeks before the closing dates, just in case any additional documentation is required.

Applicants with confirmed external funding (such as a scholarship from another body) may be considered outside the standard rounds – see the Fees & scholarships tab for details.

Upcoming intakes and key dates

Important notes on applications

• If you submit an application outside the published deadlines, we may hold it for the next selection round.
• The University assesses applications only after receiving all required documents and referee reports.

Scholarship application deadlines

You'll automatically be considered for most graduate research scholarships when you apply for your course. No separate application is needed. Some scholarships have additional eligibility criteria, separate application methods or earlier internal deadlines. Explore additional available scholarships and check the relevant application timelines.

How to apply

Step 1 – Review entry requirements and eligibility

• Review the Entry requirements tab for the academic qualifications, English language requirements and selection criteria for this course.

Step 2 – Find a prospective supervisor

Before applying, you must have written support from an academic supervisor.

To find a supervisor and a research project, you can:

• Find a research supervisor on Find an Expert – filter to researchers available for supervision.
• Explore research project opportunities on Find an Expert, and submit an expression of interest where one is available.
• Search for your research topics of interest to find and contact prospective supervisors directly.

You can also explore research areas and themes through the faculty’s research centres, academic groups and hubs.

When contacting a supervisor, include the following documents:

• Copies of all higher education transcripts, including a grading scale
• A current CV or resume outlining relevant experience
• A summary of your intended research area or a research proposal.

Step 3 – Gather your supporting documentation

As part of your application, you’ll be required to submit:

• Transcripts: Scanned colour copies of all your higher education transcripts, completion statements, and grading schemes.
• CV or resume: Detail your education, work experience and any prior research output.
• English language evidence: Exemptions may apply. Check the English language requirements page to confirm whether you need a test, then see the Entry requirements tab for accepted tests and scores for this course.
• Referees and referee reports: Contact details for academic or employer referees who can speak to your recent study or work. Notify your referees that they may be contacted by the University before you submit.
• Research proposal: You will need to supply a 4000–5000 word research proposal. See detailed guidance below.
• Evidence of supervisor endorsement: An email or letter of confirmation from your intended supervisor. See Step 2 above.

You will also be required to attend an interview with your potential supervisors as a condition of being accepted. We'll provide you with the necessary details as needed.

Preparing your research proposal:

For this course, you must prepare a research proposal of 4000–5000 words. As a general framework, your proposal should succinctly address the following points under separate headings:

• Research topic: Outline the proposed topic if your study and explain why it is important.
• Aims and focus: State the specific aims of your study and outline some of your potential research questions.
• Key concepts and theories: Briefly discuss the key academic concepts and theories informing your study.
• Approach and methodology: Provide a brief overview of the methodology you intend to use in your study and say why.
• Rationale: Provide a case for why the Faculty of Education is the right research environment for your project. In doing so, you should take into account the faculty’s specific research strengths. Also provide a case for why your prospective principal supervisor is a good fit for your project. In doing so, you should be specific about your prospective supervisor’s expertise and what it can bring to your project. We strongly recommend engaging with some of your prospective supervisor’s publications before writing this section.
• Bibliography: Provide a list of relevant references.
• Resource needs (if applicable): If planning to conduct resource-intensive activities such as international fieldwork, briefly outline the expected costs and how you aim to cover these.

Step 4 – Submit your application

• Submit your application online using the course code DR-PHILEDU.
• For detailed instructions, see the Applications submission guide.
• The University assesses complete applications received by the deadline for that selection round. This includes meeting the English language requirements by the deadline.

After you apply

• For details on what happens after you apply – including confirmation, assessment, outcomes, and accepting an offer – see the Offers and Enrolments page.
• Once you’ve accepted your offer, explore the Getting started guides on the Graduate Research Hub for your next steps – or browse them now to see what’s ahead.

Overview

• Key application dates
• How to apply
• After you apply

Key application dates

This course has two selection rounds each year. All applications must be submitted and completed by either 18 April or 18 September in a given year.

We recommend you submit your application at least four weeks before the closing dates, just in case any additional documentation is required.

Applicants with confirmed external funding (such as a scholarship from another body) may be considered outside the standard rounds – see the Fees & scholarships tab for details.

Upcoming intakes and key dates

Important notes on applications

• If you submit an application outside the published deadlines, we may hold it for the next selection round.
• The University assesses applications only after receiving all required documents and referee reports.

Scholarship application deadlines

You'll automatically be considered for most graduate research scholarships when you apply for your course. No separate application is needed. Some scholarships have additional eligibility criteria, separate application methods or earlier internal deadlines. Explore additional available scholarships and check the relevant application timelines.

How to apply

Step 1 – Review entry requirements and eligibility

• Review the Entry requirementstab for the academic qualifications, English language requirements and selection criteria for this course.

Step 2 – Find a prospective supervisor

Before applying, you must have written support from an academic supervisor.

To find a supervisor and a research project, you can:

• Find a research supervisoron Find an Expert – filter to researchers available for supervision.
• Explore research project opportunities on Find an Expert, and submit an expression of interest where one is available.
• Search for your research topics of interest to find and contact prospective supervisors directly.

You can also explore research areas and themes through the faculty’s research centres, academic groups and hubs.

When contacting a supervisor, include the following documents:

• Copies of all higher education transcripts, including a grading scale
• A current CV or resume outlining relevant experience
• A summary of your intended research area or a research proposal.

Step 3 – Gather your supporting documentation

As part of your application, you’ll be required to submit:

• Transcripts: Scanned colour copies of all your higher education transcripts, completion statements, and grading schemes.
• CV or resume: Detail your education, work experience and any prior research output.
• English language evidence: Exemptions may apply. Check the English language requirements page to confirm whether you need a test, then see the Entry requirements tab for accepted tests and scores for this course.
• Referees and referee reports: Contact details for academic or employer referees who can speak to your recent study or work. Notify your referees that they may be contacted by the University before you submit.
• Research proposal: You will need to supply a 4000–5000 word research proposal. See detailed guidance below.
• Evidence of supervisor endorsement: An email or letter of confirmation from your intended supervisor. See Step 2 above.

You will also be required to attend an interview with your potential supervisors as a condition of being accepted. We'll provide you with the necessary details as needed.

Preparing your research proposal:

For this course, you must prepare a research proposal of 4000–5000 words. As a general framework, your proposal should succinctly address the following points under separate headings:

• Research topic: Outline the proposed topic if your study and explain why it is important.
• Aims and focus: State the specific aims of your study and outline some of your potential research questions.
• Key concepts and theories: Briefly discuss the key academic concepts and theories informing your study.
• Approach and methodology: Provide a brief overview of the methodology you intend to use in your study and say why.
• Rationale: Provide a case for why the Faculty of Education is the right research environment for your project. In doing so, you should take into account the faculty’s specific research strengths. Also provide a case for why your prospective principal supervisor is a good fit for your project. In doing so, you should be specific about your prospective supervisor’s expertise and what it can bring to your project. We strongly recommend engaging with some of your prospective supervisor’s publications before writing this section.
• Bibliography: Provide a list of relevant references.
• Resource needs (if applicable): If planning to conduct resource-intensive activities such as international fieldwork, briefly outline the expected costs and how you aim to cover these.

Step 4 – Submit your application

• Submit your application online using the course code DR-PHILEDU.
• For detailed instructions, see the Applications submission guide.
• The University assesses complete applications received by the deadline for that selection round. This includes meeting the English language requirements by the deadline.

After you apply

• For details on what happens after you apply – including confirmation, assessment, outcomes, and accepting an offer – see the Offers and Enrolments page.
• Once you’ve accepted your offer, explore the Getting started guides on the Graduate Research Hub for your next steps – or browse them now to see what’s ahead.