How to apply for postgraduate research

Applications for all research studentships should be made using the online application form on the University of East Anglia’s website.

Applicant-led, self and externally funded postgraduate research degree candidates, and visiting postgraduate students should use the same application form. Applications by email will not be considered.

Applicants should fulfil the entry requirements for postgraduate research degree registration at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and should have, or expect to obtain, a good Undergraduate Honours Degree (minimum of Upper Second Class or equivalent).

Before you apply

Ahead of submitting your application, you should prepare;

  1. Official Transcripts (in English) of your Higher Education qualifications
  2. Evidence of your English Proficiency (if English is not your first language) – Details of Minimum English Language Requirements for candidates can be found at: How to Apply>Entry Requirements
  3. Two references – We require two references and you will need to request these. At least one of these must be an academic reference. References will not be considered from supervisors of the project you are applying for
  4. Personal statement – Your personal statement must be no more than 500 words and should outline how your experience relates to undertaking research study with us
  5. Curriculum Vitae – Your CV should detail professional qualifications, publications and research interests when applying for a research degree (PhD, MPhil and MSc by Research)
  6. Research proposal/statement – follow instructions below for your type of application;
  • Advertised research project – Instead of submitting a Research Proposal, upload a Research Statement including why you are applying for the project, an outline of your relevant current knowledge and skills indicating how these will help you complete the research and your training needs. Please note that all Research Proposals/Statements must have been produced by you
  • Rotation PhD – You are not required to develop a research proposal, but should provide a research statement. This should describe your reasons for pursuing postgraduate research and for choosing the multi-disciplinary Rotation PhD programme, together with how this fits with your long-term career objectives. You should include three research areas of the participating institutes that you could potentially choose for your three mini-projects in the first rotation year and why they interest you
  • Applicant-led – If you are applying for a research degree that would be self or externally funded, or you are seeking TSL funding, you should include your research proposal of no more than 900 words, giving the name(s) of the relevant TSL Group Leader(s) who could supervise your research project
  • Visiting students – If you are registered for a degree at another university and wish to undertake some of your studies at The Sainsbury Laboratory as a visiting student, provide a summary of what research you will be doing with us. Applying through UEA to be a visiting student at The Sainsbury Laboratory provides full access to the University’s facilities and support, plus assistance with some types of visa

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