Application FAQs

All students undertaking a PhD or MD(Res) require two supervisors. You only need to identify one at online application stage.  

Advanced Standing refers to taking into account previous periods of study before a student's registration for a research degree at Imperial College, and allowing this work to contribute towards their PhD at Imperial College. This is typically a period of doctoral level study at another institution. It can also refer to prior experiential learning undertaken by a Research Assistant or Clinical Research Fellow (at Imperial College or Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust), though such cases are unusual and require a clear reason why the student was not previously registered for a PhD.  

Advanced Standing applicants should follow the standard application and interview procedure and a supporting case should be submitted outlining the reasons for the period of registration exemption sought due to research engagement. It should provide details of work, activities, progress and assessments already undertaken whilst engaged with research and must be supported by documentary evidence and a supporting statement from the supervisor.

The case will then be considered by the Department’s Higher Degrees Research Committee, Director of Postgraduate Studies (Research) and the Graduate School. If the application to register with Advanced Standing is approved, registration must be for at least 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time), and would typically be for longer periods than this. Approval may be conditional on the successful completion of Research Plan, ESA and LSR milestones after registration.

Backdating enrolment is not permitted. 

For all postgraduate enquiries, please contact the Research Degrees Administrator - researchdegreeenquiries@imperial.ac.uk  

If you are unable to upload supporting documents to the online application system, please forward them to the Research Degrees Administrator - researchdegreeenquiries@imperial.ac.uk