How to apply

The PhD application process

The application deadline is the 5th March 2012 and is for the intake in October 2012.

Qualifications

To apply for our PhD programme you must hold a first degree with top grades (a first or a very good 2:1 or equivalent) in a subject related to your proposed research topic.

The following qualifications are highly desirable, and would enhance your likelihood of being accepted:

A masters degree from a leading university with a top grade (a minimum of a merit or distinction or equivalent)

A top GMAT score (700 or more)

Our students have a variety of academic backgrounds ranging from Accounting, Actuarial Science and Economics to Engineering, Finance, Management and Mathematics. We are looking for mature, highly-motivated individuals with excellent analytical, problem solving and verbal skills.

Research proposal

Please provide details of your intended research proposal in support of your application. This is an important part of your application in which you outline up to two research directions you would like to pursue in your PhD.

Before preparing your proposal you should familiarize yourself with the research interests of Cass academics (link to Cass Experts) to make sure that your research is aligned with their expertise.

The research proposal should include an abstract, the research objectives, the proposed research methodology, a summary review of the relevant literature and current understanding or knowledge and an indication of how the proposed research will contribute to the discipline. You should also provide an outline work plan for the period of research including consideration of approval of any research ethics implications. You are also asked to comment on why you wish to pursue this research and what you feel you will bring to it. The research proposal should be a maximum of three sides of A4.

In addition, if you wish to be considered for a University studentship, you should provide a non-technical summary of your proposed research. This summary should be no more than 400 words.

Academic references

You will need to provide names and e-mails of two referees who know your work well and can comment on your aptitude for critical thinking and original research within a well-defined framework. We will contact the referees once you have submitted you application.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you will be required to submit an official TOEFL (minimum mark of 250) or IELTS (minimum mark of 7.0 on all 4 areas) transcript as part of your application. In addition, we will monitor your English language skills throughout the admissions process.

Transcripts

At the initial stage of your application we will accept electronic copies of your official transcripts. If your application is successful we will require you to send us the original hard copies before a final offer of place is made.

Attachments

We accept attachments in doc, docx, pdf and jpeg formats only. Please make sure all attachments are less than 1MB in size (the smaller the better) and filenames are no longer than 32 characters containing only English letters and/or numbers, otherwise, depending on your internet connection speed, you might not be able to complete your application and will need to re-apply.

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