Application Procedures

Entrance requirements for our PhD Programme include the equivalent to at least an upper second class degree from a British University or recognized Higher Education Institution.
Pre-1999 reform Italian-educated candidates should hold a top level "Laurea". Post-reform Italian-educated candidates should hold a top-level "Laurea di Secondo Livello", Laurea Specialistica or "Laurea Specialistica a Ciclo Unico o Magistrale".
Applications from other countries are encouraged, and applicants should hold the University degree that is required for PhD registration in the applicants' home countries. For examples, this would include:

  • Austria: Diplom
  • Belgium: Licentiaat/Licencié
  • Denmark: Cand. Scient.
  • Finland: Lisensiaatti or FK
  • France: DEA or course of study at a "grande école"
  • Germany: Diplom or Masters
  • Greece: Diploma
  • Israel: Masters
  • Netherlands: Doctoraal examen
  • Norway: Cand. med., Cand. scient., Siv. ing.
  • Portugal: Licenciatura
  • Spain: Licenciado or Ingeniero Superior
  • Sweden: Fil. Kand. or Högskoleexamen
  • Switzerland: Diplom

Selection procedure

We will acknowledge receipt of your completed application form (or Email enquiries) initially by Email, and formally in writing. Applications will be evaluated by the PhD Programme Faculty and short-listed candidates will be invited for interview at the CMNS. We can provide free accommodation in the CMNS Residences when necessary.

Following the interview, applicants will be informed of the decision as soon as possible, and no later than one month after the interview. The final starting date for the initial training period prior to the formal presentation of the PhD project will depend upon arrangements between the applicant and their CMNS Supervisor.

During the initial training period, the candidate and their CMNS Supervisor will prepare for the pre-application assessment of both PhD applicant and PhD project. Should the pre-application report be favourable, the application can then be completed and forwarded to the Open University for final assessment and approval, prior to acceptance.

Successful PhD candidates will also submit an annual report to the Open University for approval of the PhD student and project progress, as required by the Open University for continuation and annual re-admission to the PhD course.

Application

Applications can be initiated by direct postal, fax or Email contact with the PhD Programme Coordinator.

Initial, informal, enquiries are also encouraged, and can be made by Email directly either to the PhD Programme Coordinator or to the Head of the Laboratory of interest (see Research Groups for details).

Deadlines for Applications

Applications are not being accepted at this time.