Please see the course listings on our online prospectus for up-to-date entry requirements. You usually need either

• an honours degree or equivalent professional qualification or
• the equivalent to an HND and substantial experience in a relevant field

A doctorate typically requires a masters degree in a relevant subject.

There may be other requirements for courses in certain professional areas, such as relevant work experience or access to a professional environment.

If you do not meet our formal entry requirements, but still feel you can demonstrate the ability to complete the course successfully, please contact us for an informal chat and we will consider your suitability. Use the contact details listed within the online entry for the course you are interested in.

To apply for a postgraduate course, simply download and complete the application form. Include as much supporting documentation as possible. Then return it to directadmissions@shu.ac.uk

If we offer you a place you may need to submit evidence of academic qualifications and/or work experience. We will send you pre-arrival information with your offer.

If you meet the conditions you will be made an unconditional offer. To accept an unconditional offer, sign and return your offer acceptance form.

Deadline

Check when your course starts as some have September intakes and some begin in January. There are no fixed application deadlines, but our courses are popular and may become full, so it's in your interests to apply as early as possible.

To find out your start date, search for your course on the online prospectus or call us on 0114 225 5555.

The entry requirements depend on the type of research degree you're applying for. You can contact us on 0114 225 5555 if you have any queries.

• PhD/MPhil subject to confirmation
  The normal minimum entry requirement is a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) or a relevant masters degree.
• PhD direct
  The normal entry requirement is an MPhil or a taught masters degree, which included training in research and execution of a research project.

We also consider applicants with the relevant academic study and work experience or training in research methods. We give special consideration to applicants with relevant research experience that may compensate for a lack of formal qualifications.

Once you've decided on the area you're interested in, it helps to talk to a member of our research staff. We recommend that you have a clear, detailed research proposal ready beforehand. Contact us on 0114 225 5555 and ask to speak to a member of research staff in the relevant subject area.

You must present your formal research proposal to our research degree sub-committee within three months of enrolling. Application forms are available here.

Deadline

There is no formal deadline for applying for research degrees and we consider applications all year round.