At Nottingham Trent University, we're creating future innovators and impact for education, industry the professions and society. We offer opportunities for PhD and Professional Doctorates, and a researcher support programme that prioritises your professional development.

Come and be a part of our world-leading research.

Research degrees at NTU | Nottingham Trent University

Why choose NTU?

Here at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), we're directly impacting people's lives through our ground-breaking research. The innovative solutions we've provided to global challenges ranging from meningitis to climate change have had an enduring influence on culture and society – both in the UK and across the globe. Turn your passion into achievement, and build the experience and expertise that will get you noticed by employers.

Entry requirements

Applicants for PhD should normally hold a first or upper second class honours degree of a UK university or an equivalent qualification, or a lower second class honours degree with a master’s degree at Merit level of a UK university or an equivalent qualification.

Applicants for Professional Doctorates will be well-qualified in their chosen field and will normally have already gained a related master’s degree or equivalent qualification, together with sufficient professional experience in the relevant field. Typically, an applicant will have a minimum of 5-7 years’ relevant professional experience.

Applicants for part-time study within Business should consult the University Doctoral School about whether a traditional PhD or the DBA is most appropriate.

Applicants for part-time Professional Doctorate study in education, social practice or legal practice should also contact the Doctoral School or the relevant course leader for advice about whether a part-time PhD or a Professional Doctorate is more appropriate.

Further information about entry criteria for doctoral study at Nottingham Trent University can be found in the Quality Handbook Section 11- Research Degrees using the following link to our website:  quality-handbook-section-11-research-degrees.pdf (ntu.ac.uk) 

English Language Requirements for all research degree programmes

You will need an overall IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 with minimum sub-scores of 6.0 in all component sections (writing, reading, listening and speaking).

Further information about our English Language Requirements can be found using the following link to our website: English language requirements | Nottingham Trent University 

Research degree start dates

Our PhD research degrees start on four fixed dates through the year. To be considered for admission to PhD research degree course at Nottingham Trent University to start on one of these dates you must apply by the relevant application deadline shown in the table below: