Selection Process

1. Application Stage

All applications are submitted via the online application portal and screened by the E5 admissions team to check eligibility criteria and completeness.

2. Supervisor Selection

Supervisors review all applications and select up to 2 candidates  from their pool of applicants (both Home and International). The Widening Participation panel may propose that a supervisor can put forward a 3^rd candidate for consideration where relevant.

3. Shortlisting Panels

After the supervisors have nominated their preferred candidates, the shortlisting panels review and score all the nominated applications against the following criteria: academic ability, scientific skills, wider skills activities, scientific statement and references. The Widening Participation panel has overview of this process and can make additional recommendations.

4. Interviews

The top 60-70 applicants are then invited for an interview which focuses on past research, future research and a wider discussion of science, its purpose and how best to do it. The interview is scored completely separately from the written application. Any first supervisor can only have a maximum of two candidates interviewed.

5. Studentships Offers

The top applicants are offered a place based on their combined score (written application and interview) and some other considerations (Widening Participation, gender balance). Any first supervisor can only have one student appointed.

Indicative Recruitment timeline