A brief history of the University
1881 – Nottingham’s first civic college
Nottingham’s first civic college was opened in the city centre in 1881, four years after the foundation stone was laid by former Prime Minister, W E Gladstone. An anonymous benefactor had offered £10,000 for a college on condition that a suitable building be erected by the Council and that the college should be provided with £4,000 a year.
1928 – The move to University Park
After the First World War, the college outgrew its original building. A generous gift by Sir Jesse Boot, of 35 acres of land at Highfields, presented the solution and in 1928 the College moved to what is now the main campus, University Park. Initially, it was accommodated in the elegant Trent Building and was officially opened by King George V in November of that year.
Even in its early days on this site, the College attracted high profile visiting lecturers including Professor Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi and H G Wells.
1948 – Becoming The University of Nottingham
In 1948, the college was awarded the Royal Charter and became The University of Nottingham, now able to award degrees in its own name. During this period the School of Agriculture was established when the Midland College of Agriculture at Sutton Bonington merged with the University.
Continued growth
The University of Nottingham continued to grow and still focuses on its development.
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The Medical School: In 1970 we established the UK’s first Medical School in the 20th century, and in 1995 the School of Nursing was formed following the merger of the Mid-Trent College of Nursing and Midwifery. In 2003 a new campus was opened in Derby City General Hospital
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Jubilee Campus: The £50 million Jubilee Campus development opened in 1999 and subsequently phase two opened in March 2009. The campus has won numerous awards due to its environmentally-friendly features
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Malaysia Campus: The University opened a campus in Malaysia in 2000. Subsequently a new purpose-built park campus was opened in September 2005 in Semenyih, Malaysia, close to Kuala Lumpur International Airport
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King’s Meadow Campus: In March 2005 The University opened the King’s Meadow Campus in the former Carlton Television Studios. The campus is home to many of The University’s administrative and support units, Manuscripts and Special Collections and two television studios
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China Campus: The University admitted its first students in the city of Ningbo, China in 2004, and the purpose-built campus was formally opened in February 2006, as part of a joint venture. The University then became the first foreign university to establish an independent campus in China.
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School of Veterinary Medicine and Science: The University of Nottingham officially opened the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science in April 2007 (having admitted its first students in September 2006). It was the first purpose-built new veterinary school to be opened in the UK in 50 years.
How to apply for research courses
Once you’ve found the right research opportunity, you’re ready to apply.
These steps will take you through the application process.
- If you are interested in a Taught Masters, please see our guidance here.
- If you are interested in one of our Pressional English courses, see our guidance here.
- If you are hoping to study with us for part of a degree awarded elsewhere, please contact us.
Before you apply
1. Investigate research opportunities
There are a number of ways to begin the process of applying for a research opportunity, depending on which path you decide to take.
2. Check academic requirements
Academic requirements vary by programme – check our programme pages for details. Evidence of relevant personal, professional and educational experience may be taken into consideration – contact the academic school directly for further information.
International and EU students can find guidance on alternative qualifications on our country-specific webpages.
English not your first language?
If English isn’t your first language, you will also need to meet the relevant English language requirements. IELTS requirements are detailed on our course pages, though we also accept a variety of alternative qualifications.
If you require additional support to develop your language skills, you may be able to attend a presessional course at the Centre for English Language Education.
3. Check key dates and deadlines
Most research programmes start early October. However, there are also start dates at the beginning of December, February, April and July. Check our programme pages or contact the academic school for details.
Specific opportunities, including studentships and doctoral training programmes, usually have their own deadlines, so make sure you check if there is a closing date for the project(s) you are applying for.
International students should apply as early as possible to ensure you have enough time to apply for your student visa and submit any documentation as advised by the admissions team.
Funding deadlines
An offer of study is required for many funding opportunities. You should check deadlines for applications carefully, as these are often early in the year.
Applying
4. Write a research proposal
Your application will usually include a 1,000 to 3,000-word research proposal. This will be judged on both content and format. However, this depends on the opportunity you are applying for – for example, if you are applying for a specific project such as a studentship, you may not need a proposal. Check the relevant course page for details.
For advice on how to write a research proposal, see our how to guide. You can also contact the relevant academic school directly as they may be able to provide extra information.
5. Submit your application
You can apply directly through our online system. You will receive an automatic confirmation once you submit your application and can track its progress.
Make sure that you upload scanned copies of your degree certificate and transcripts, as well as any other supporting documents, as we will not be able to assess your application without them. Please do not send us the original copies in the post.
Depending on the course you are applying for, you may also need to provide two references, including at least one who can comment on your academic ability. These must be dated within two years of the date of your application and, if not received directly from your referee, signed and on letter-headed paper.
Application fee
There is an application fee of £50 for Master of Research (MRes) courses beginning in August 2022 or later. For MRes courses starting before 1 August 2022 the application fee will be £40. There is no application fee for other research courses.
Your MRes application will not be assessed until the application fee has been paid.
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