Postgraduate Research UK Update as of August 2024

Our unique Pulse trackers and Share of Search data provide insights on thousands of prospective international students interested in UK PhD opportunities. As of August 2024, we’re seeing that:

• International Share of Search from non-EU audiences has fallen further, with European countries benefitting. Interest from the EU continues to be stronger than it was last year.
  
  
• All audiences are increasingly considering UK entry points in 2025 and beyond. Almost half of UK Continuers are now targeting Autumn 2025.
  
  
• The largest growth in discipline interest again comes from Computer Science and July saw its largest growth of the year so far. 4 of the top 5 fastest growing specialisms are Computer Science subject areas.
  
  
• Our Spotlight this month explores how international students expect to fund their UK PhD. As with PGT, University scholarships are the most likely option. Charitable grants are more likely to be prioritised at doctoral level. We recently investigated how students expect to fund a Masters on the site.