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You can apply to study a postgraduate research degree with Liverpool Hope now by completing our online application form.

Application Deadlines

PhD / MPhil

The University admits students to its MPhil and PhD programmes at two points during the year.

For an October start date, you must submit your full application before the 1st May in the same year (for example, 30th April 2024 for an October 2024 start).

For a February start date, you must submit your full application before 1st October in the preceding calendar year (for example, 30th September 2024 for a February 2025 start date).

Professional Doctorates (EdD, DSW, DHSC)

Applications are accepted between 1st December and 1st May each year. Interviews take place in June and the course begins in October.

Step 1

When you first enter the online application system, you will be asked to create an account. Once you have done this you will be automatically taken to the applicant pages and application form. The online account means that you can save your application as you go, and login as many times as you like.

Step 2

You will need to fill in a short Expression of Interest. This asks for a little more information about you and a 500 word summary of your proposed area of research. This is then sent to the relevant Head of Department/School. Please make the most of this opportunity to use the maximum word count; the more detail about your proposed research topic you provide the easier it will be for colleagues to make a decision whether or not to invite you to submit a full application. A short sentence is not acceptable and will not be considered.

Step 3

Your Expression of Interest will be considered and you will be informed of any decisions by email. If your expression of interest is supported by the relevant Head of Department/School, you will be invited to submit your full application.

Step 4

Fill in the full application sections of the online application form using the guidance within the form. You can re-enter and complete your application at times convenient to yourself. Please make sure that you complete your full application before the closing date for applications for your chosen entry date.

If you're applying for a PhD

A key element of your full application will be a detailed outline of your proposed research, or, if you are applying for either a professional doctorate or a funded doctoral scholarship (where the research topic is already defined), a personal statement in support of your application.

If applying to study for a research degree at the University you will need to submit a research proposal of approximately 3,000 words. Particular attention will be paid to clarity of expression and also the structure, coherence and flow of argument. You should always include a short bibliography with your research proposal that lists books and articles to which you have made reference in your proposal.

You will not be obliged to adhere to the specifics of your proposal if you are offered a place as a research degree candidate, but as the proposal is the foundation of your working relationship with your prospective supervisors it cannot be altered without discussion and consultation with them.

If you do not submit a research proposal we will be unable to consider your application.&

If you're applying for a Professional Doctorate

A key element of your full application will be a 500-word outline of your proposed research. A well as a topic you may wish to discuss your motivation for undertaking this research and a potential methodology. You should always include a short bibliography with your research proposal that lists books and articles to which you have made reference in your proposal. If you do not submit a research proposal we will be unable to consider your application.

Another key element is your Personal Statement. This should also be 500 words. This should give a sense of why you want to study the PRD at Liverpool Hope, the attributes you would bring to the course, and what you hope your research might ultimately achieve. It is a good idea to align this statement with the information on the relevant course page: Doctorate in Education (EdD), Social Work (DSW), or Health & Social Care (DHSC).

Step 5

Upload your supporting documents. Your application cannot be progressed until these are submitted. These include copies of your Degree certificate/s and Transcript/s, Curriculum Vitae, and References.

English Language qualifications and Passport details are also required for International applicants.

Step 6

Once you have submitted your application you can print a copy of your application for your own records. However you cannot re-enter and make any changes at this stage.

Step 7

Your application will be considered and you may be invited to attend an interview at Hope (or via Skype for students who live at a distance)

You can see the status of your application at any time by logging into the system.