Entry Requirements For This Course
Here is the information we need in order to consider your application:
1. Your academic record
You need to show good results from your first degree and Master’s - usually, that means at least a high 2:1/high merit in UK terms.
At least one of your previous degrees should be in an area relevant to your proposed research.
We do need transcripts (details of your marks) in addition to degree certificates.
In general we do not admit, directly to the PhD, students whose only Master’s degree is an MBA; if that is your situation we recommend that you do an MRes first - our MRes Management is one to consider.
2. At least two letters of reference. These should be from people who can speak to your academic/research abilities. We need to have these letters before we offer a place on the PhD programme - we simply cannot evaluate the quality of your application without them. You provide the names and contact details of the referees on your application form; Birkbeck will contact the referees you have named, asking them for letters of reference. Be aware, though, that many referees won’t get around to this unless you remind them: check to see whether the letters have been uploaded, and be prepared to chase your referees to make sure they send the letters.
3. A research proposal. You need to tell us what you want to do your research on, in about 1500 words. Details of what we need in the proposal are here.
4. A supervisor. Is there a member of our staff who has provisionally agreed to be your supervisor? Aside from being one of our conditions for admitting you, finding a suitable supervisor should be the most important consideration for you, in deciding where you want to do a PhD. It is in the mutual interest of you and your supervisor for both your research question and the research methods you use to fit well with the supervisor’s own work. Take a look at our list of supervisors under the Find a Supervisor tab; follow the links for those whose interests are close to yours, to find further details about their work and contact information. Send them an email, with a clear subject line, and attach your proposal.
If you submit an online application without first finding a supervisor who is willing to supervise you, we may be able to find you a supervisor, but this is unlikely. Most students who are accepted onto the MPhil/PhD programme have made contact with their supervisors directly; most who apply without first getting the support of a potential supervisor are rejected.
