Postgraduate Research FAQs
Submitting an Application
1. Where can I find the application form? Is there an application fee? Our
application form for postgraduate study is
available online. There is no application fee.
2. If I want to apply for a MPhil or PhD, do I need to provide a research
proposal along with my application form? We do need a proposal outlining your
interests and proposed methodology. See our helpful advice on how to develop a
proposal.
3. What are your English language requirements? If English is not your first
language, we ask you to provide evidence of your ability to understand and
express yourself for academic purposes. The English language requirement is
IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 for the writing component or equivalent. You may
also be able to demonstrate your language proficiency if you hold a good Masters
degree from an English university.
4. How do I know if you can provide supervision on my research topic? You
can see whether our academic staff have similar research interest to your own by
checking our research interests page.
5. When can I start my research studies? Our research students can start in
October, January or April of each year.
6. How long does it take for an application to be processed? We aim to
reach an initial decision within four to five weeks of receipt of your
application. It may depend on the time of year and on whether you have provided
good quality research proposal and the required documents.
Funding
7. Do you have any scholarships or bursaries which I can apply for? Various
competitive scholarships and bursaries can be applied for, including externally
funded scholarships such as the Modern Law Review, ORSAS and Arts and Humanities
Research Council scholarships. See our scholarships page and
scholarship finder to find out more about
the scholarships which might be available to you.
8. What are the fees for your PhD programmes? The University's fees web
page provides all the latest information on fees..
9. If I am offered a place and cannot take it up, can I defer my entry? If
your circumstances change and you cannot take up a place, we will agree to you
deferring your entry, providing that your potential supervisor is happy with
this arrangement. Entry can only be deferred by three terms.
The Learning Environment
10. Am I obliged to stay at Essex? Our students are expected to be present at
the University during their studies, although different arrangements may be
approved by our Graduate Director. PhD candidates may spend up to three terms
away from the University for field research.
11. Do I have to attend seminars? You are strongly encouraged to attend the
various workshops and seminars we provide. Research seminars occur weekly and we
believe presentations from staff and research students on their research
projects are part of a lively academic life.
12. Does the University provide research skills modules? We run at the
beginning of each academic year a Research Skills programmes to help research
students to improve their researching skills. To complement the research skills
you will receive at the School, the University also offer a comprehensive range
of development opportunities to support your research. More information is
available from the Learning and Teaching Unit.
13. Who can I contact for further questions? Requests for further information
concerning research studies in law should be addressed to
Maria Elena Heed the PG Research Student and Projects Coordinator.