Postgraduate Research Application Process at Kings College London

Introduction

If you’re aiming to apply for a postgraduate research (MPhil or PhD) degree at King’s College London (KCL), it’s important to understand the full application process — from choosing your project to receiving your offer. This guide walks you through each step clearly and simply so you can apply confidently.

1. Choosing your course and/or project

The first part of your journey is to decide which research route you’ll follow and how you’ll frame your project. At KCL there are three main routes of entry for research degrees:

In sciences and health sciences: many projects are already devised by supervisors and funded; you apply to one of those.
In arts, humanities, social sciences and global institutes: you may need to devise your own research project, working with a potential supervisor.
If you are unsure who your supervisor might be, you should check the KCL research portal or the staff pages of the relevant department to find someone whose interests align with yours.

Tip: Before you apply, identify at least one potential supervisor whose research you admire, and consider reaching out to them with a brief idea of your project and why you think they should supervise you.

2. Review entry requirements

Before proceeding to application, you must check whether you meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen research degree, including general entry requirements and any specific requirements for your subject.

You should review:

Prior academic qualifications (Bachelor’s, Master’s) and whether you meet the minimum grade thresholds.
English language proficiency if English is not your first language.
Any subject‑specific prerequisites or research experience.
For part‑time or distance research options (if applicable) the specific attendance and supervision arrangements.

3. Check tuition fees, living costs and funding

Research degrees involve tuition fees and living costs — particularly important in London. At KCL you should:

Check tuition fees for your status (home/international) and the research degree you intend to apply for.
Consider living costs, as London is more expensive than many regions.
Look into available funding: scholarships, studentships, internal and external sources. Some research placements require you to secure funding before your application is considered.

4. Submit your application using King’s Apply

KCL uses an online application system called King’s Apply for research degree applications. Here’s how to prepare and submit:

Register or log in to King’s Apply. If you have applied to KCL before, you may already have an account.
Complete the application form and upload required documents, including:
A personal statement outlining your research interests and motivation.
A research proposal (if required) and/or project approval form (in some departments).
Transcripts of your previous qualifications (with English translations if not in English).
Academic references (usually one, sometimes two).
English language test certificate (if applicable).
Ensure your application is complete at submission to avoid delays. KCL aims to make decisions in around 6‑8 weeks, though this depends on the programme.

5. After you’ve applied – tracking and decision

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll want to know what happens next and how to follow the status.

Using King’s Apply, you can track your application status, upload further supporting documents and receive messages from the admissions team.
Some research programmes may require interviews or further assessment (especially for funded studentships).
When a decision is made, you will receive notification, and you can then view your offer (conditional or unconditional) through King’s Apply.
If you receive a conditional offer, you must meet the conditions (for example final transcripts, English test results, funding confirmed).
If you are an international applicant, you will also need to start visa/CAS procedures once your offer is accepted.

6. Accepting the offer & preparing for arrival

Once you have your offer, the next steps include:

Accepting the offer on King’s Apply before the deadline stated in your offer letter.
Paying any deposit required (if applicable).
Ensuring you have accepted your supervisor, discussed your research project, and clarified start dates and supervision arrangements.
If you are an international student: once you have an unconditional offer you can request your CAS number for visa application (if one is required).
Preparing for enrolment: arranging accommodation, travel, budget, reading up on your subject, contacting your supervisor.

Summary

Applying for a postgraduate research degree at KCL involves clear, sequential steps: choosing your course/project, checking requirements and funding, submitting a strong application via King’s Apply, tracking your application, and finally accepting your offer and preparing for enrolment. Starting early, meeting deadlines, and ensuring your documents and research proposal are well prepared will increase your chances of success.

References