Information for Applicants

If you are thinking about applying for a PhD at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), follow the steps below to help guide you through the process.

Make sure LJMU can support your planned research.

2. Find a Supervisor (Optional)

A lead supervisor will play an important role in your research journey. They will guide your work and support you along the way. You do not need to have a supervisor before you apply, but it can be helpful to talk with academic staff about your research ideas. The staff pages are useful for identifying potential supervisors.

3. Check You Meet the Entry Requirements

Most PhD programmes require a Master’s degree. However, applicants can be considered with an undergraduate degree depending on experience.

4. Think About Costs and Funding

In addition to course fees, you may be charged additional fees depending on your research and the resources required. These are called bench fees. Some funded PhDs are available but many postgraduate researchers do have to fund their study.

Please note:

You should only make an application if you are confident that funding can be secured.

We recommend applying:

• UK applicants: about 8 weeks  before your course starts.
• International applicants:  about 4 months before, as the process takes longer.

1. Apply Online
   Applications are submitted via the Online Application Form
   
   

2. Prepare Your Documents

   Before you start your application, make sure you have these ready:

   • A research proposal
   • Proof of your qualifications (for example, degree certificates)
   • Two references (academic references are preferred)

   Having these documents ready will make your application quicker and easier. 

3. Choose how you want to study

You can choose one of the following study options:

• Full-time or part-time
• Distance learning (available for international applicants)

The University has three start dates each year:

• February
• June
• October

Making an Offer

• If your application is successful, you will receive an offer by email — from the Doctoral Academy if you are a home applicant, or from the International Team if you are an international applicant.

• Most offers are unconditional, but some may be conditional if you still need to complete a qualification. 

• All international offers are subject to the necessary checks and clearances

• If you choose to accept your offer, you must do so formally. Full instructions on how to accept will be included in your offer letter.

In addition to course fees, you may be charged additional fees depending on your research and the resources required. These are called bench fees. Some funded PhDs are available but many postgraduate researchers do have to fund their study.

Please note:

You should only make an application if you are confident that funding can be secured.

Guidance for PhD Student Transfer to LJMU

1. Introduction

This guidance outlines the procedures and guidelines for PhD students seeking to transfer to LJMU during the course of their doctoral studies. The guidance aims to ensure a smooth transition for PGRs while maintaining academic standards and integrity.  This guidance should be considered in line with the LJMU admissions policy.

2. Eligibility

2.1. Only PhD students enrolled on a recognised doctoral program are eligible to apply for a transfer.

2.2 Students usually transfer with their lead or primary supervisor when they move institutions.  Where this is not the case, students will be expected to secure a lead supervisor at LJMU before making the transfer application.

2.3. Students must have completed at least one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study at their current institution before applying for transfer.

2.4 Students must normally be registered at LJMU for a minimum of 50% of the registration period (not including the completion year) – 18 months for full time study and 3 years for part time study. 

2.5. Each case will be considered on its merits. Students must be in good academic standing, with no research or academic misconduct actions outstanding.

2.6 Students must have agreement from the institution where they are currently registered for the transfer of intellectual property rights.  

3. Application Process

3.1. Students wishing to transfer must submit a formal application to the Doctoral Academy using the university online application form. The application should include:

• A written request detailing reasons for the transfer.

• Progression and/or academic records from the current university.

• Two academic references. At least one must be from a faculty member at the current institution.

• A research proposal outlining the proposed project.

• Where applicable, a letter from the institution where they are currently registered confirming their agreement for the transfer of intellectual property rights.  

3.2. The Doctoral Academy and relevant admissions tutor will review the application and may require additional documentation and an interview as part of the application process.

4. Approval Process

4.1. Upon receipt of the transfer application, the faculty admissions tutor(s), will evaluate the academic credentials, research proposal, and suitability for the research program. The following factors will be taken into consideration when deciding whether to approve the application:

a) The suitability of prior qualifications and progress reports on the PhD at the institution the student is transferring from.

b) The appropriateness of the research topic.

c) Whether the university has suitable facilities and is able to appoint an appropriate supervisory team.

d) References from the other institution.

4.2. Progress towards the completion of the PhD degree at the institution that the student is transferring from will be assessed based on the requirements of LJMU as set out in the research degrees framework. 

4.2. If the transfer is approved, successful applicants will receive a formal offer letter which may be contingent upon meeting any specified conditions, such as providing proof of funding or obtaining necessary visas. The offer letter will confirm at what stage on the PhD the offer starts from and the fees to be paid to the university.

4.3. The offer must be formally accepted within the stipulated deadline to proceed with the transfer process.

The Postgraduate Research admissions team are based in the Doctoral Academy and can be contacted on pgradmissions@ljmu.ac.uk