1. Investigate research opportunities
We offer three types of postgraduate research programmes at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China.
PhD
EdD (Professional Doctorate in Education, Part-time)
MRes (Master of Research Programme)
Prior to applying, you should thoroughly research prospective programme and select one that best suits your research interests and career goal. For more information about the programmes, please refer to the department/school page.
2. Identify a supervisor
If you plan to study for a research degree (except EdD), e.g. MRes or PhD, you will have to make contact with a potential supervisor in a department/school before submitting an application.
Please consult the academic staff profiles listed on the relevant department or school's website and contact a potential supervisor whose research interest aligns with yours. You may also wish to provide the academic staff with a copy of your CV and indicate your intention to apply for a postgraduate research programme and your research topic. When one faculty member expresses a willingness to be your supervisor, you can fill in his/her name in your application form.
EdD applicants are not required to find a supervisor before submitting an application but can contact the Director of the Programme should you have any question(s) regarding the academic components of the course.
3. Check Key Dates and Deadlines
2025-26 Academic year (for self-funded applicants)
| Entries | Application Deadlines | Registration Dates |
|---|
| Sep 2025 (EdD) |
10 May 2025 |
13 Sep 2025 |
| Sep 2025 (MRes and PhD) |
10 June 2025 |
13 Sep 2025 |
| Jan 2026 (MRes and PhD) |
15 Oct 2025 |
19 Jan 2026 |
If you are applying for a PhD scholarship, please refer to each scholarship's deadline in the Funding Opportunities page.
We strongly advise that you submit your application along with all supporting documents at least a week before the application deadline. Don't wait until the day of the deadline! During our busiest application seasons, we may not be able to reply to your enquiries or help you to resolve any problems in time.
Please note that you can submit your application pending the final results of your current study. Conditional offers will be made, where appropriate, and applicants will normally have to provide final transcripts and degree certificates by 15 July 2025 for the autumn entry in 2025 or 15 December 2025 for the spring entry in 2026.