Apply for a research degree

All potential doctoral students must first complete an online application form, which will include details of their research proposal or a personal statement.

PhD and ‘MPhil to PhD’ pathways

These programmes have two intakes each year in October and February. We are now accepting applications for February 2027, with a 30 November 2026 deadline to apply.

You will need to upload a 3,000-4,000 word research proposal along with your application. Please see our  (PDF).

Professional Doctorates

These programmes have one intake each year, in October, with a deadline of 30 August 2026 to apply.

PhDs by Published Works

A PhD by published works is a research degree awarded to individuals who have already produced a significant body of published work that meets the standards of a traditional PhD. It allows researchers with extensive publication records to gain formal recognition for their research contributions without undertaking a standard, multi-year doctoral programme.

We are now accepting applications for February 2027, with a 30 November 2026 deadline to apply.

Apply for a research degree at St Mary's

To apply for a research degree at St Mary’s, first read , then complete the , specifying the degree type and your chosen study area.

International students

St Mary’s  has a vibrant community of international students.

Students may choose to reside overseas whilst undertaking a PhD with the majority of supervisory meetings taking place via Skype. All students are expected to undertake a prescribed number of visits to the UK every year for supervisions and to participate in training and seminars.

We currently have a successful Centre for the Social Scientific Study of the Bible with a cohort of research students supervised in the US by a US-based St Mary’s academic.

Areas of research supervision

St Mary’s carefully matches student research interests to the academic knowledge and skills of its research supervisors.

All students are supervised by a minimum of two members of staff each bringing discrete expertise to the research project.

Tuition fees

Fees vary depending on mode of study, area of study and student status, (whether you are full-time or part-time, which subject you are studying and whether you are a UK, EU or International student).

For more information about Postgraduate fees please refer to the .

PhD opportunities

We are not currently offering any studentships or funded doctoral programmes. UK-based students may be able to apply for a  to help with course fees and living costs.

Get in touch

You should expect to receive a response from Admissions within 10 working days. For general enquiries please .