ESRC PhD applications

A Cardiff University spokesperson said: “It is not a requirement to interview all applicants as part of the recruitment process.

“Applicants submit extensive written information including a proposal, cv, two references, certificates, covering letter/personal statement, and a nomination form including ‘fit’ with the research environment. The extent to which interviews are used beyond these written elements is up to the individual institution.

“Following industrial action, we took the decision not to interview candidates as we were not confident that it would be possible to interview all applicants. We did not want this to be a source of inequity amongst applicants.

“In doing so we followed the practice at a number of other DTPs such that the final selection across those nominated would rely solely on the extensive written elements of the application.  We have a fair, open and transparent recruitment process and we are confident in its robustness.”