Postgraduate Research UK Update as of November 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 November 2024, we’re seeing that:

• UK Share of Search from non-EU audiences sees a sharp rise; the fall that started in April appears to have recovered completely (potentially following the UK election result and positive signals thereafter). Interest from the EU also continues to be stronger than last year.
  
  
• All audiences are now predominantly focused on Spring 2025 and Autumn 2025. Internationals prefer more immediate entry points, while UK Continuers are more likely to consider Autumn and Returners interests are evenly split.
  
  
• The Engineering discipline area continues to see the largest growth and for the second month running the 5 fastest growing specialisms are all technology based.
  
  
• Our Spotlight this month reveals the positive impact of global policy changes (including the US election) on international interest in the UK.