Information for Applicants

If you wish to apply for a PhD at Liverpool John Moores University, the first step is to check the programmes on offer and the entry requirements as outlined on the specific programme page. Once you have confirmed you meet the requirements, you should then consider how your postgraduate research is going to be funded. Studentships are available, often for specific projects, but these can be competitive and are advertised when available throughout the year. Alternatively, and if eligible, PhD loans are available from Student Finance England and Wales. You should only make an application if you are confident funding can be secured.

Before you apply, you may want to approach academic staff relevant to your proposed research area to discuss a potential PhD application and supervision. Staff profiles are available on the University website. A useful starting point may be to review the Research centres and Institutes at LJMU. This is not essential, and applications can be considered without a named supervisor.

Submitting the application

Applications should be made via the Online Application Form.

A research proposal, qualifications and two references should be attached to the application. References should normally be academic, but employment references can also be submitted if relevant to your research. Have these documents available to attach to your application at the point of submission.

Applications are available on a full and part time basis and there are three admissions points a year – February, June and October.

Application Review

Your PhD application and associated documents will be reviewed in the first instance by the Doctoral Academy. Any outstanding documents will be requested and when the application is complete, it will be referred to the Postgraduate Research admissions tutor in the relevant School. The tutor will then review the application and signpost it to relevant staff members who will be best suited to supervise your PhD.

If the application can be progressed at this stage, you will then be invited for an interview, either in person or online. If the application cannot be progressed, feedback will be provided.

On average, we recommend that a UK applicant applies about 8 weeks before the intake month and an international applicant applies about 4 months in advance. International applications take longer to process due to the administrative processes required.

Making an Offer

If an offer can be made, this will be sent via email from the Doctoral Academy (home applicants) or the international team (international applicants). Offers are normally unconditional but can be conditional if a qualification is pending. All international offers will be subject to the appropriate checks and clearances. If you wish to accept the offer made, a formal acceptance is required. Details of how this can be done will be detailed in your offer letter.

Further information

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

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.