Apply

Our application process takes place in two parts: the first part is informal and focused on providing you with feedback on your research proposal and how it fits within the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose’s (IIPP) work, and the second part involves the formal UCL application.

Step one: Identify a Supervisor 

The first step is to find a primary supervisor at IIPP who aligns with your research interests. Carefully review the list of available supervisors to identify a potential match: 

• Mariana Mazzucato 
• Rainer Kattel 
• Kate Roll 
• Josh Ryan-Collins 
• Cecilia Rikap 
• Carolina Alves 

If your supervisor choice is Professor Mariana Mazzucato:

• Fill out the expression of interest form, which includes: 
  • Submitting your CV 
  • Providing details about your proposed research 

For all other Potential Supervisors:

• Contact them informally to discuss your topic and gauge their interest. 
  • Positive feedback indicates a potential fit. 
  • You may be invited to an interview, which could take place: 
    • In person 
    • By phone 
    • By video 
    • By email 

Step two: Formal Application 

Once you have received informal supervisor acceptance for taking a PhD at IIPP, proceed with the formal application via the UCL graduate prospectus. This step involves: 

• Visiting the UCL graduate prospectus website. 
• Completing the online application form. 
• Submitting all required documents, including your CV and research proposal. 

This ensures that your application will be officially recognised and can be reviewed by the IIPP PhD Admissions Committee. Please note: The IIPP PhD Admissions Committee will reject any application that does not have the informal acceptance of a supervisor. 

Visit the UCL graduate prospectus

Following your application

After you have submitted your formal application for the Innovation and Public Policy PhD or Economic Policy and Political Economy PhD through the UCL graduate prospectus, the university will undertake several checks to verify your eligibility for study at UCL. 

Once your application has been processed by the admissions office, it is returned to the IIPP PhD Committee. Please note: The IIPP PhD Admissions Committee will reject any application that does not have the informal acceptance of a supervisor. 

Subsequently, the PhD Committee will make a final decision on your application. The Committee aims to deliver the decision on your application within six working weeks of receiving a complete application and references, however, this may take longer. 

Ultimately, the IIPP Graduate Admissions Office will contact you with an official, binding offer. Upon acceptance, the IIPP will be in touch to inform you of important details about starting your studies, including start dates and supervision. 

Contact

For information about studying at IIPP, please contact our Teaching and Learning Administration team at IIPP: 
Email: iipp.studentenquiries@ucl.ac.uk