Applying

Photograph of a student writing an application

Once you have located a PhD project or programme that you find interesting, follow the application instructions carefully.

Application Process

There are different application procedures associated with PhD projects/programmes advertised on EdNeuro.PhD:

External URL: If the 'Apply Now' button on the project/programme you are interested in directs you to an external URL, please follow those application instructions carefully and double-check the deadlines and the process for supplying references.

Individual PhD Projects: For individual PhD projects (with a named supervisor), you should apply using the application form on this web page. You may apply for up to 3 individual projects but please use a seperate application form for each project - this will allow you to tailor your application to the specific project to which you are applying.  Once you have fully completed the application form please email it to EdNeuro.PhD@ed.ac.uk with the project codes for which you are applying in the email subject line. Your application will then be directed to the PhD administators handling the project to which you have applied.

Please contact your referees and arrange for them to send your references directly to the 'EdNeuro.PhD' email address with your full name and the project code(s) in the subject line.  Referees only need to send one reference to cover all projects to which you have applied. You should not submit any other documentation at this stage. Please pay careful attention to the deadline for the receipt of applications and make sure your references have been submitted by your referees by the deadline indicated.

Wellcome Trust 4-year PhD Programme in Translational Neuroscience: Applications are now invited for September 2022 entry - deadline 30 November 2021. More information about the PhD programme can be found here, and information about their application process can be found here.  If you have an enquiry about the programme please email  WT4yrPhD-TN@ed.ac.uk

SIDB PhD Programme: The Simons Initative for the Developing Brain is now recuitng for September 2023 entry. The projects on offer are listed on their programme page and our EdNeuro.PhD platform. Please apply using the EdNeuro.PhD Application Form and email it to EdNeuro.PhD@ed.ac.uk. Please clearly indicate in the subject heading the project code to which you are applying.

Application Form

References

You are responsible for arranging for references to be submitted in support of your application. These should be provided directly by the referees identified on your application. Your referees should provide their reference on official letterhead paper, and email it to EdNeuro.PhD@ed.ac.uk for individual projects, or the dedicated programme email address for the Translational Neuroscience PhD programme (WT4yrPhD-TN@ed.ac.uk). Referees only need to send one reference to cover all projects to which you have applied. Please inform your referees that it is very important that your name and the relevant project/programme code(s) appear in the subject line of the email in order to ensure your references are matched properly with your application. Please ensure that all references are received by 5pm on the deadline date.

Should I contact the PhD supervisor in advance?

If you are applying for a 'competition-funded' PhD project you are encouraged to contact the primary supervisor before applying in order to discuss informally the projects prior to submission of an application.
If you are applying for the Wellcome Trust 4 year PhD programme in Translational Neuroscience you should not contact prospective supervisors since, if accepted on the programme, you will develop your PhD project during year one.

Deadlines

Each project will have a deadline clearly indicated just above the 'Apply Here' button. Please pay attention to the deadline date and ensure that your application is submitted in time. Applications submitted via either the EdNeuro.PhD@ed.ac.uk, or WT4yrPhD-TN@ed.ac.uk email addresses should arrive by 5pm on the deadline date.
Projects which direct you to an external web page for the application process will have their own deadline requirements; you should double check-the deadline and ensure you understand how to apply and by what time on the deadline date.

Language requirements for foreign students

Overseas students whose first language is not English are required by the University to demonstrate adequate proficiency in English before they are allowed to matriculate and register as a postgraduate student.
The normal way to demonstrate this proficiency is by achieving the required score in either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Centre accepts some alternative English qualifications, such as a degree from a UK university.