How to apply

Before you apply

Check that you meet (or expect to meet) the entrance requirements

For a PhD, you usually need one or both of the following:

• A first-class ( or upper-second class honours degree at undergraduate level.
• A master’s degree in a relevant subject.

International qualifications need to be an equivalent standard.

Contact your department for specific entrance requirements.

Write your research proposal

Your research proposal should follow this standard format:

• Project title
• Abstract
• Research context
• Specific research question(s)
• Research methods
• Approximate research costs and planned funding source
• Bibliography

Your research proposal should be around 2500-3000 words.

Identify and contact prospective supervisor(s)

Profiles for all our research staff, including their research interests and contact details, are available online. Make a shortlist of potential supervisors who share your research interests.

Contact potential supervisors directly by email to introduce yourself, ask questions and start to build a relationship. Make sure you keep your emails clear and concise, with an outline of your proposed research topic and how it aligns with their expertise.

Please be patient. Many of our staff are very busy and often operate outside the UK with limited internet access. Don’t contact more than one person at once, as this may cause confusion.

If you are unable to get in touch with a potential LSTM supervisor, contact the postgraduate research admin team.

Gather your supporting documents

As part of your application, you will need:

• Copies of your highest-level academic certificates and transcripts. If your certificates are translated into English, we also need copies of the originals.
• Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resumé.
• Your PhD research proposal.
• Two recent academic or professional references.
• A picture or scan of your passport photo page.
• Evidence of English language ability (if applicable).

Applying

Apply for all our courses online through MyLSTM.

Register for a MyLSTM account

Complete the online form to register for a MyLSTM account. Your email address will be your username.

You can use MyLSTM to:

• Apply for courses.
• Upload supporting documentation.
• Save your application as you go.
• Submit your application.
• Track the status of your application.
• Accept an offer to study.
• Update your details.

Submit your application

When you have completed the application form and uploaded your supporting documents, submit your application online through MyLSTM.

If you are having trouble using MyLSTM, email us.

What happens next?

Once we have received and checked your application and supporting documentation, your application will be sent to your proposed supervisor.

Your proposed supervisor will contact you by email to arrange an interview. The interview will be conducted remotely by your proposed supervisor and another independent panel member.

The Director of Postgraduate Research will review your application and supporting documentation. They will make the final decision.

If your application is successful, you will receive one of the following:

• A conditional offer (requiring certain conditions to be met).
• A confirmation of place (nothing further is required).

We aim to make a decision on all complete applications within 12 weeks. If you have any questions in the meantime, contact the postgraduate research admin team.