Support for your research application
Struggling to settle on a research topic, find the right supervisor, or write a proposal that holds up? Accian pairs you with consultants who take you from a rough interest to a submitted application.
- Confidential, and used only to prepare for your consultation
- A response within 48–72 hours
- A clear quote before anything is agreed
The Pathway
Four phases, one route
Join at whichever phase you need. Most people start at the first and stay to the last.
Phase 01
Topic identification
We start from what genuinely interests you and narrow it to a question that is specific, original and answerable — one a supervisor will want to take on.
Phase 02
Supervisor matching
We identify academics whose current work sits alongside your direction, and tell you what each of them is likely to be looking for.
Phase 03
Proposal development
Aims, research questions, methodology, contribution and timeline — drafted with you until the argument holds together on the page.
Phase 04
Application guidance
Institution requirements, deadlines, supporting documents, and what to expect if you are invited to interview.
Getting Started
From your background to a consultation
There is no form to download and nothing to email. Everything happens in your browser, and your documents travel with your answers.
Complete the form online
About fifteen minutes, with seven steps covering your background, interests and documents, followed by review. Move back and forward freely — nothing you have typed is lost, and you see everything again on a review screen before you submit.
Attach your documents
Your CV, plus any transcripts, certificates, draft proposal or English test result you already have. PDF, DOC or DOCX, up to 8.0 MB each.
We read it and reply
Your submission reaches our consultants directly, and you get a reference number straight away. We come back within 48–72 hours with a tailored proposal and quote.
Our Support
What we help with
Choose the support relevant to your research. You can tell us which areas you need in the pre-consultation form.
Identifying a research topic
You know the field but not the question. We narrow it to something viable and fundable.
Refining an existing research idea
You have an idea already. We sharpen it into a research question that can be defended.
Supervisor matching
We find the academics whose work your project actually belongs next to.
Proposal development
End-to-end drafting, from aims and methodology through to your timeline.
Application guidance
Support through each institution's submission requirements and deadlines.
Interview preparation
The questions panels ask, and how to answer them about your own work.
Before You Begin
What to have to hand
Only your CV is required. Everything else helps us prepare, but nothing is held up waiting for it — send what you have. PDF, DOC or DOCX, up to 8.0 MB each.
- Required
CV or academic résumé
Your academic and professional history. The one document we cannot begin without.
- Optional
Degree transcripts
Module-level results, where you have them. Useful when a grade needs context.
- Optional
Degree certificates
Award certificates for degrees you have already completed.
- Optional
Draft proposal or concept note
Anything you have drafted already, however rough.
- Optional
Personal statement
A statement written for another application is fine.
- Optional
English language test result
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or equivalent — with the date sat.
FAQs
Questions,
answered
If something here is not covered, ask us before you fill anything in.
Ask us directlyWho is this service for?
Anyone applying to a UK MRes, MSc by Research, MPhil or PhD programme who needs expert help shaping their research focus, finding the right supervisor, and writing a proposal that stands up to scrutiny.
Do I need a research idea already?
Not at all. Many of the people we work with arrive with nothing more than a general interest area. Identifying and defining a strong research direction is part of the service, not a prerequisite for it.
Do I have to answer every question on the form?
No. Only your name, email address, CV and the declaration are required. Everything else is optional — a blank tells us something too, and we would rather you left a question than guessed at it.
How much does it cost?
Fees are tailored to the level of support you need. You will receive a clear quote once we have read your pre-consultation form — no hidden charges, and no obligation to go ahead.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the scope of support, but most clients have a complete proposal ready within two to four weeks of engaging with us.
What if I have to stop partway through the form?
You can move between sections as much as you like without losing anything. Your answers stay in your own browser until you press submit, though, so if you close the tab before then you will need to start again — it is worth setting aside an uninterrupted run at it.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. Your form and documents go straight to our consultants over an encrypted connection and are used solely to prepare for your consultation. Nothing you send is published on this site or shared outside the team.
Next step
Tell us where you are
in the process
The pre-consultation form is how we get to know your background and ambitions before we speak. Complete it at your own pace, and we will come back to you within 48–72 hours.
Start your pre-consultationYou will need your CV to hand.