Apply

Learn more about how to apply for the Innovation and Public Policy PhD with the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP).

How to 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 IIPP's work, and the second part comprises the formal UCL application.

Step one

The first step in applying to the Innovation and Public Policy PhD is to complete the expression of interest form. This form asks you to provide your CV as well as a template for you to enter information about your proposed research.

The PhD committee reviews these expressions of interest approximately monthly and is particularly interested in the quality of the proposed project, the fit within IIPP’s work, and the availability of the appropriate supervisors. You will then be informed as to whether or not the committee believes that we would be able to support your PhD work.

In the case of a positive assessment, you will likely be asked to have an interview with members of faculty or to further develop your proposal. It is also likely that your propisal will go through multiple rounds of revision before you as a candidate are invited to progress. However, in some cases, you may be encouraged to submit a formal application right away.

Step two

In the second step, you will be asked to make a formal application via the UCL graduate prospectus.

Please note: You may wish to skip straight to step two, however in this case you may miss out on the opportunity for feedback from the IIPP faculty on your research proposal.

Visit the UCL graduate prospectus

Following your application

After you have submitted your formal application to the Innovation and Public Policy PhD via the UCL graduate prospectus, the university will conduct a number of checks to ensure you are eligible to study at UCL.

Once your application has been processed by the admissions office, it is returned to the PhD Committee. In some cases, you may be invited to interview (particularly if you had not previously been invited). Your interview may take place in person, or by phone, by video or by email, and aims to explore further your ideas, skills, experience and commitment to doctoral research.

Subsequently, the PhD Committee will make a 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 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.