As part of the online application we require a research proposal. We are not looking for a fully worked out 3-year research programme, but we need a summary of the topic that you propose to address that includes key previous research in the area, a statement of your broad aims and specific questions, and some information on the methods that you propose to use to tackle the questions. Research proposals are typically 2-3 pages in length and should be uploaded as word documents in the 'research proposal' section of the online application. We expect applicants to formulate this proposal in consultation with the staff member who will potentially supervise the work. For this reason, it is important that you contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research plans before submitting a formal application , Once your application has been received, we will interview you to determine your suitability for a postgraduate research degree. For overseas applicants this will typically be done over the phone or via Skype. To demonstrate their competence in English, international applicants are normally required to obtain an overall score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.5 in all four areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking) in an IELTS test or equivalent.