2nd class honours degree of an institution of higher education or a comparable qualification granted by a professional or other body will be registered for the degree of MPhil with transfer to PhD; applicants may be permitted to register directly for the degree of PhD providing they hold a Master's degree from a higher education institution and that degree is in a discipline which is appropriate to the proposed research and included training in research and the execution of a research project; where 1st language is not English an IELTS score of at least 6.5, or equivalent evidence deemed acceptable by the admitting authorities are required; if applicants hold qualifications other than those outlined the application will be considered on its merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed; if applicants wish to be considered under this regulation they must include in the application the names of 2 suitable persons whom the university's Board of Studies for Research Degrees may consult concerning their fitness to carry out a programme of research.