How to apply

The online application is the quickest and easiest way to apply for postgraduate study. If you don’t have regular internet access and would prefer to apply using a paper application form, please contact Admissions to request one. If you have questions about our programmes, or need advice before you apply, please contact us.

Please note that although we accept applications for postgraduate programmes at any time, if you wish to apply for funding (AHRC or University and Faculty Scholarships) you must apply for a place and submit your funding application before the funding deadlines. Although this deadline will also apply to your initial application for a place at the University of Sheffield it is highly recommended that you apply at least two weeks in advance, as this will give you time to rectify your application should any problems arise. The closer to the deadline you will apply the less likely you will able to amend your application, should this deemed to be necessary. When applying for the position (rather than funding) please note that our department also requires a research proposal of max 1,000 words. If you want you can also include a personal statement which, once again, should not exceed 1,000 words.

The sort of information you need to include in your research proposal includes the following: What subject are you interested in? Which body of data do you intend to work on, and how accessible is it? Will you need to undertake fieldwork to retrieve data, and, if so, where? What previous experience do you have of your proposed area of research? You will need this information for any funding applications you make; it also helps us to find the best co-supervisor to support your research. You might be a little daunted at the prospect of working this through, but experience tells us that you are much more likely to succeed if you begin your research with clear answers to these kinds of questions. We are happy to help you formulate your research proposal, but a clear outline from you will help us do so. If you would like additional help before submitting your research application form please contact the Graduate Research Programmes (Admissions) Tutor (Umberto Albarella u.albarella@sheffield.ac.uk).

If you wish to undertake a programme of research (MPhil or PhD) in our department you should also contact in advance the member of staff you would like to work with. Ideally your research proposal should be a collaborative effort with your potential supervisor(s) [max two], whose name(s) you should also indicate in your application form.