PhD – Falmouth University

The normal minimum entry requirement for a place on the Research Degree at Falmouth University is an upper second class honours (2:1) degree of a British university or recognised institution of higher education, or an equivalent qualification from an institution outside of the UK.

However, a master’s degree in an appropriate subject is considered to be a particularly valuable preparation for the academic and intellectual demands of an MPhil or PhD. In some instances, applicants without the minimum academic requirement as outlined above may be considered for a place on the Research Degree if they can demonstrate appropriate alternative qualifications, relevant professional experience, or previous research. 

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will normally need to demonstrate that you are suitably proficient in English before we can enrol you on the Research Degree. You can do this by providing evidence of one of the following:

• A recent Falmouth-approved English Language Test (ELT) score which meets the University’s requirements for the Research Degree: either an IELTS minimum overall test result score of 7.0 with a 7.0 in writing and with no other component score lower than 6.0, or an equivalent test score.
• Recent completion of an MA level course of study (Distinction only) in a majority English-speaking country. 

By ‘recent’ we mean that your English Language Test score or MA level qualification needs to have been awarded no more than two years prior to the date that you would first enrol in the Research Degree at Falmouth. We cannot normally accept evidence that is older than this.  

You may submit an application for a place on the Research Degree before you have obtained your IELTS or equivalent test score, or before you have received your MA certificate, but if you are offered a place then you would need to provide evidence of having satisfied this condition before we can enrol you.

Each applicant is assessed on an individual basis and if you are offered a place on the Research Degree, then depending on your level of English language proficiency as demonstrated through your application form and interview, we will inform you whether we would require a new IELTS result before you can begin your PhD studies.

Please be aware that we can no longer accept TOEFL test results for this purpose.

Requirements for distance learning overseas online applicants

In addition to meeting the standard academic and language eligibility requirements, applicants to the distance learning overseas online mode need to demonstrate that they:

• Can successfully conduct their research with the resources available to them at their distance learning place of study
• Have access to appropriate IT facilities, so that they can engage in supervision and training from their distance learning place of study
• Have the necessary time, commitment and appropriate attitude toward distance learning online study

Students on this mode do not hold a Student Visa so cannot enter the UK for the purpose of study or access Falmouth University’s physical resources or buildings. Distance learning students have access to online resources available to all PGR students.