How do I apply?
Applications for the MA in Historical Research
Applications are accepted throughout the year but must have been received and processed by 31 August.
All students whose first language is not English must be able to provide recent evidence (gained in the last 2 years) that their written and spoken English language is adequate for postgraduate study.
For full details of the School's language and entry requirements or to download an application form for the MA, please visit: http://www.sas.ac.uk/apply.html
Applications for Research Degrees
We welcome an informal approach in the first instance. Having received an information pack from the Institute, applicants should approach the prospective supervisor or Elaine Walters (elaine.walters@sas.ac.uk), the Secretary of the Higher Research Degrees Committee (HRDC) (who will advise on a suitable prospective supervisor), submitting a covering letter with the following:
- a Curriculum Vitae including the information needed for the application form;
- the names and addresses (including fax and email numbers) of two academic referees (other than the prospective supervisor) able to comment on your ability and potential as a research student in your chosen field of study;
- a statement on your proposed research topic (this will be a first draft of the statement to appear on the application form).
We expect applicants to discuss their research proposal with the prospective supervisor, who will offer advice on the topic and on completing the application form.
If you cannot easily visit the Institute, this discussion can take place via telephone, email or letter. After this stage the applicant will normally be interviewed by the prospective supervisor and at least one other member of the Institute's HRDC. The formal application, with supporting documentation (including references and a statement from the prospective supervisor), will be submitted to the Secretary of the Institute's HRDC, who will forward a copy of the materials to the Registrar of the School of Advanced Study. In assessing the application the HRDC will satisfy itself that:
- the candidate's qualifications are acceptable;
- the research proposal meets the required academic and practical criteria (see below);
- the research proposal has been adequately discussed by the candidate with the prospective supervisor and has the supervisor's support;
- training and other academic support needs have been assessed and can be met;
- the proposed starting date and other relevant dates will allow the student to take part in training and other relevant activities of the Institute and the School (the preferred starting dates are October and January. Only in exceptional circumstances should the starting date be any other time.)
The research proposal to be considered by the HRDC should:
- define the research question or problem to be addressed;
- indicate the main objectives of the research;
- specify why the question or problem is important, what other research has been done in the area (supported by a short bibliography of no more than one side of A4), and how the research will contribute to understanding in the area;
- indicate the methods and sources to be used;
- not exceed 1000 words, plus the bibliography.
We recognise that many features of the research proposal may be modified during the first year of research.
Research students are admitted to study for the MPhil in the first instance. Their suitability for transfer to the PhD is formally assessed towards the end of the first year (full-time students).
The Institute's Higher and Research Degrees Committee (HRDC) normally meets four time a year (late October, January, March and June). Completed applications and research proposals should arrive at the Institute at least ten days before the meeting at which they are to be considered. The Institute's decision on an application will be communicated to the candidate and to the School's Registrar shortly after the meeting at which the application was considered. Thereafter the School registry will send out offer letters.
All research students are subject to the regulations contained in the Quality Assurance Framework section 11. https://intranet.sas.ac.uk/qaf.html
The School of Advanced Study offers bursaries for Master's degree study and for research degree study (MPhil/PhD). For details, visit http://www.sas.ac.uk/funding.html.
Visiting students
The Institute will accept application from students who wish to visit the Institute for periods of 1 term or more. Such students are usually registered at other Institutions and wish to locate themselves temporarily at the Institute to access its resources. These visits can either be supervised or not. If supervision is required a charge of £650 is made per term. Potential visiting students should address their initial enquiries to Elaine Walters, Institute Administrator and attach a copy of their cv. Completed application forms will require a reference from their current supervisor.
