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Find the latest PhD scholarships available at universities across the UK and globally. We regularly advertise new fully-funded PhD studentships and PhD scholarships in STEM, the humanities, business and management studies and the social sciences plus many more.

Find your ideal funded PhD opportunity in Engineering and Technology, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Languages and Literature or Biological sciences here. Updated regularly with new PhD opportunities across all disciplines.

525 PhDs Found

Agriculture, Food & Veterinary 12

Agriculture 7

Food Science 5

Veterinary Science 0

Architecture, Building & Planning 14

Architecture & Building 14

Urban & Rural Planning 3

Biological Sciences 77

Biochemistry 24

Microbiology 17

Molecular Biology & Biophysics 24

Other Biological Sciences 37

Business & Management Studies 8

Accountancy & Finance 5

Business Studies 5

Hospitality & Leisure 2

Human Resources Management 3

Management 3

Marketing 2

Other Business & Management Studies 2

Real Estate Management 2

Computer Sciences 180

Artificial Intelligence 100

Computer Science 151

Cyber Security 16

Information Systems 56

Software Engineering 53

Creative Arts & Design 8

Other Creative Arts 5

Performing Arts 2

Economics 7

Education Studies (inc. TEFL) 2

Education Studies 0

Research Methods 0

Teacher Training 0

TEFL/TESOL 1

Engineering & Technology 335

Aerospace Engineering 57

Biotechnology 24

Chemical Engineering 66

Civil Engineering 58

Electrical & Electronic Engineering 154

Maritime Technology 23

Mechanical Engineering 113

Metallurgy & Minerals Technology 19

Other Engineering 161

Production Engineering & Manufacturing 48

Health & Medical 70

Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology 20

Medical Technology 21

Medicine & Dentistry 47

Nutrition 10

Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmacy 14

Historical & Philosophical Studies 7

Archaeology 1

History of Art 1

Philosophy 1

Theology & Religious Studies 1

Information Management & Librarianship 6

Curatorial Studies 1

Information Science 5

Librarianship 0

Other Information Management & Librarianship 0

Languages, Literature & Culture 7

Cultural Studies 3

Languages 1

Linguistics 2

Literature 4

Mathematics & Statistics 64

Mathematics 59

Statistics 17

Media & Communications 4

Communication Studies 2

Journalism 1

Media Studies 3

Publishing 0

Physical & Environmental Sciences 280

Chemistry 80

Environmental Sciences 42

Geography 7

Materials Science 129

Ocean Sciences 7

Other Physical Sciences 107

Physics & Astronomy 188

Politics & Government 3

Psychology 23

Social Sciences & Social Care 20

Anthropology 5

Human & Social Geography 4

Other Social Sciences 5

Social Policy 7

Social Work 3

Sociology 16

Sport & Leisure 11

Sports & Leisure Management 0

Sports Coaching 2

Sports Science 11

Administrative 0

Estates & Facilities Management 0

Finance & Procurement 0

Fundraising, Alumni, Bids & Grants 0

Health, Wellbeing & Care 0

Hospitality, Retail, Conferences & Events 0

Human Resources 0

International Activities 0

IT Services 0

Laboratory, Clinical & Technician 0

Legal, Compliance & Policy 0

Library Services, Data & Information Management 0

PR, Marketing, Sales & Communication 0

Project Management & Consulting 0

Senior Management 0

Sports & Leisure 0

Student Services 0

Sustainability 0

Web Design & Development 0

Integrated Masters / Doctorate 0

International Doctorate 0

Professional Doctorate 10

EU Students 277

International Students 245

Self-funded Students 5

UK Students 505

Singapore 1

County Kildare 1

Metropolitan City of Naples 1

Netherlands 2

South Holland 1

Trøndelag 0

Trondheim 1

Switzerland 1

Canton of Bern 1

Bern-Mittelland District 1

United Kingdom 510

England 458

Berkshire 2

Brighton and Hove 2

Bristol City 6

Buckinghamshire 1

Cambridgeshire 4

Cambridge 4

Central Bedfordshire 10

Cranfield 10

County Durham 6

Greater London 25

Greater Manchester 45

Manchester 43

Lancashire 4

Lancaster 4

Leicestershire 24

Loughborough 24

Loughborough University 1

Merseyside 2

Liverpool 2

Milton Keynes 1

Northamptonshire 1

Northampton 1

Oxfordshire 2

Portsmouth 1

South Yorkshire 5

Sheffield 5

Southampton 175

southampton University 14

Southend-on-Sea 1

Guildford 7

Tyne and Wear 13

Newcastle upon Tyne 13

West Midlands 54

Birmingham 31

Coventry 22

Wolverhampton 1

West Yorkshire 9

Northern Ireland 1

Scotland 30

Edinburgh 24

Glasgow City 5

Australia 1

New South Wales 1

On Site 520

Up to £9,999 3

£10,000 - £14,999 0

£15,000 - £19,999 125

£20,000 - £24,999 32

£25,000 - £29,999 2

£30,000 - £39,999 2

£40,000 - £49,999 1

£50,000 - £59,999 0

£60,000 - £69,999 0

£70,000 - £79,999 0

£80,000 - £89.999 0

£90,000 - £99,999 0

Over £100,000 0

Full Time 523

Part Time 13

Permanent 4

Fixed-Term/Contract 521

Commercial Organisations 0

European Universities and Colleges 11

North American Universities and Colleges 0

Other Public Sector 2

Public Sector - Education 0

Research and Other Institutes 1

UK and Irish HE Institutions 509

UK FE Colleges 0

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Welcome to jobs.ac.uk’s PhD Studentship section. Here you can find the latest PhD scholarships available at universities across the UK and globally. We regularly advertise new fully-funded PhD studentships and PhD scholarships in STEM, the humanities, business and management studies and the social sciences plus many more. Find your ideal funded PhD opportunity in Engineering and Technology, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Languages and Literature or Biological sciences here. Updated regularly with new PhD opportunities across all disciplines.

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Wondering if a PhD is right for you? What is it like to take on a PhD? What can you do with a PhD once you’ve finished? We have lots of advice on all these topics in our career advice section.

What Can You Do With a PhD?:

Are you thinking about a PhD as the next stage in your educational and professional development? It’s an exciting road to travel with many potential benefits and opportunities. But you have to earn it first so considering what’s involved is important.

What is it really like to do a PhD?

Watch our vlog series, where real PhD students from all walks of life and various levels of study recorded themselves to showcase what undertaking a PhD is actually like.

PhD Funding – A Checklist of Possible Sources

Funding bodies support PhD students in different ways. Some pay course fees only, some include a stipend (maintenance costs) or travel expenses, and others offer a one-off award to ease the financial burden of academic study.

Make sure you never miss out on the perfect PhD opportunity by signing up to our jobs by email service , and for more helpful articles head to our career advice site .

Targeted PhDs

PhD Studentships x2 – University of Nottingham, School of Medicine.

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  • Postgraduate doctoral
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Looking for funding?

Use our scholarships search tool to look for available scholarships. Also explore our latest funded PhD vacancies .

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the most common type of doctoral degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. 

It normally takes between three and four years of full-time work to complete. It is also possible to undertake a PhD part time, over five to six years.

The main activity of a PhD is to carry out an original research project under the direction of one or more supervisors, to be written up as a thesis.

Different routes to achieving a PhD

There are a number of ways to achieving a PhD at Imperial:

  • by undertaking a course of study based on your own research proposal
  • by joining a research project that comes with funding attached (known as a studentship)
  • by combining it with Master's study in an integrated route that typically lasts four years

Pursuing your own research idea

To search for PhD opportunities based on your own research proposal you first need to identify a research group within Imperial whose area of expertise best matches your idea.

Use the links below to search the different PhD opportunities within our academic departments, centres and institutes. This includes information about current studentships and often guidance on finding a supervisor.

Our interdisciplinary approach means our expertise often spans departmental boundaries – and so do our courses – so you may find opportunities in an unexpected area of the university.

Faculty of Engineering

  • Aeronautics
  • Bioengineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • School of Design Engineering
  • Earth Science and Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Medicine

  • Department of Brain Sciences
  • Department of Immunology and Inflammation
  • Department of Infectious Disease
  • Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction
  • Department of Surgery and Cancer
  • National Heart and Lung Institute
  • School of Public Health

Faculty of Natural Sciences

  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Centre for Environmental Policy

Imperial College Business School

  • Doctoral programme

Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication

  • PhD in Arabic, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish Studies
  • PhD in science communication studies

Global Challenge institutes

We have six Global Challenge institutes, which were created to address some of society's biggest challenges.

If you have an idea for a PhD that falls within the remit of one of our Global Challenge institutes please contact them directly to discuss before making a formal application.

  • Data Science Institute
  • Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment
  • Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering
  • Institute for Security Science and Technology
  • Institute of Global Health Innovation

Energy Futures Lab  does not offer PhD programmes, but does deliver the  MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures .

Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies | Imperial College London-Technical University of Munich

We have recently formed  a strategic partnership in education, research and innovation  with the Technical University of Munich, one of Germany’s most international and entrepreneurial universities, producing highly ranked research, like Imperial, in science, engineering and medicine.

As part of the partnership, Imperial and TUM have launched a 'Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies' with the aim of co-developing cross-disciplinary clusters of PhD students who will have access to world-leading academic supervisors and state-of-the art facilities at both institutions.

The first round of the programme will focus on the theme of 'Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare and Robotics'.

Find out more about the Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies and apply

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PhD studentships

If you're looking to get PhD funding for a specific research project or field of study, Doctoral studentships can provide you with either a partially or fully-funded PhD

Who awards PhD studentships?

PhD studentships are most commonly awarded by the UK's seven Research Councils in the form of Research Council grants , with research funding overseen by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) .

Individual UK universities also offer scholarships and bursaries to PhD students, while many professional bodies fund Doctoral research in collaboration with these academic institutions.

For instance, research awards are offered by the following engineering organisations:

  • Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) - QUEST scholarships
  • Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
  • The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
  • Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng)

Additionally, CASE studentships (formerly known as Cooperative Awards in Science and Engineering) can be part-funded by any non-academic body in partnership with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) . These four-year PhDs require the student to work at the organisation for at least three months.

You can also apply for funded PhD opportunities through many charities, foundations and trusts, including:

  • Action Medical Research
  • Alzheimer's Society
  • British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG)
  • British Heart Foundation (BHF)
  • Cancer Research UK
  • Diabetes UK
  • Rosetrees Trust - PhD Plus
  • The Leverhulme Trust
  • Wellcome Trust

Before you start applying for a funded PhD, it's always a good idea to discuss this with a prospective supervisor first, as they're often able to provide tips on maximising the likelihood of receiving financial support.

How much can I receive?

Many PhD studentships, including those offered by universities, professional bodies, or charities, foundations and trusts, provide three years' funding paid at a similar rate to the Research Council grant:

  • Fees-only studentship - These cover a student's tuition fees, plus any associated project and training costs (a minimum of £4,786 per year in 2024/25).
  • Full studentship - These add a non-repayable, tax-free maintenance grant known as a 'stipend'. In 2024/25, this is worth a minimum of £19,237 and it can be used towards living costs - see UKRI - Find studentships and Doctoral training .

For example, at The University of Manchester, the School of Social Sciences PhD studentship includes tuition fees for three-and-a-half years and a maintenance grant of £18,622 (2023/24 rate) per year for living expenses, plus associated research costs - such as fieldwork and attending conferences - from the Research Training Support Grant.

However, you should be aware that some PhD studentship recipients are required to teach undergraduates. While this provides an excellent opportunity to gain vital employability skills, it can also be hugely time-consuming. You must be satisfied that tutoring won't negatively affect the quality of your research before accepting your place.

Is my programme eligible for a PhD studentship?

PhD studentships can start at any time of the year, but most begin in September, October or January.

Certain types of PhD, for example professional Doctorates, may not be eligible for a PhD studentship. The same applies to part-time or distance learning options.

Am I eligible?

PhD studentships typically demand that applicants have a Bachelors degree at 2:1 or above, plus a relevant Masters degree or professional experience at that level of study.

Those who already possess a PhD are often ineligible, while some PhD studentships are limited to students fitting certain criteria - for example, those from a disadvantaged background, from a certain country or of a certain ethnicity.

If you're a European Union (EU) national, you'll need to have settled or pre-settled status under the government's EU Settlement Scheme to be eligible for student finance in this country - and this includes PhD studentships.

How do I apply for a PhD studentship?

The application process can be lengthy, and competition is fierce.

Some PhD students will be automatically considered for financial support once they've been accepted by an institution, but many are required to make separate PhD funding applications. These are usually made directly to the university - even for those studentships from Research Councils, professional bodies, or charities, foundations and trusts.

You'll typically be asked for your PhD application form, a research proposal , a cover letter and your references. After the institution has reviewed your application, you may be invited to interview.

Throughout this process, the university will scrutinise what you'll bring to the institution. Applicants at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), for example, are judged on:

  • the quality of their research project and how it connects with research currently being undertaken at the institution
  • how appropriate the supervisory team is
  • their calibre, academic qualifications and academic/research experience
  • whether the research can contribute towards the Research Excellence Framework (REF), meaning that interdisciplinary research will be preferred.

How do I increase my chances of getting a PhD studentship?

You can improve your chances of success by:

  • asking a friend or family member to proofread your application
  • carefully choosing your referees, ensuring that they'll speak positively of you
  • discussing your draft application with a relevant academic
  • explaining how your work will be unique and innovative
  • following the funding body's guidance regarding word counts and formatting.

What other PhD funding is available?

If you're unsuccessful with your PhD studentship application, you could consider:

  • crowdfunding
  • employer sponsorship
  • PhD loans .

Find out more

  • Explore 5 routes to getting a Doctorate .
  • Read about 5 challenges faced by PhD students .
  • Consider what to do next after completing a PhD .

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University of Brighton

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  • Postgraduate research degrees
  • Funding and studentships
  • Funded PhD programmes 2024 UK

Funded PhD research programmes 2025 UK

The University of Brighton regularly invites applicants for fully-funded PhD studentships across all its disciplines. 

These allow motivated, high-calibre applicants for research degrees to join our thriving academic community and contribute to our rich and innovative research environment. 

Our processes also often allow us to support promising candidates for applications to external funders and we regularly welcome self-funded applicants to programmes across all disciplines.

We will be advertising University of Brighton studentships later in the year. Meanwhile, please visit our PhD funding advice page  for current offers or see below for further general advice about applying for a funded PhD in the UK. 

Visit our PhD disciplinary programme lists

What UK PhD studentships are available ?

Depending on the discipline area, applicants for postgraduate research study may be:

  • applying to work on specific, defined research projects
  • applying to work with an academic department or individual with specific interests
  • or applying with a self-identified research topic proposal.

When available, studentships are open to home and international students and will be given to candidates who best fulfil the promise outlined by these academic departments.

Students may like to review the funding opportunities listed at the foot of the page or visit our  PhD funding advice page  . 

Please enable targeting cookies in order to view this video content on our website, or you can watch the video on YouTube .

Can you be a researcher? Professor Bhavik Patel reassures applicants of all backgrounds that they can study for a PhD and aim for a research career. 

How do I apply for a PhD studentship?

The application for financing schemes will usually involve:  

  • submitting a full application through the university's PhD application portal, our University of Brighton portal is accessible from the  PhD funded projects webpages . You will upload your research proposal as part of this process.
  • The submission must include two letters of reference, academic qualifications, a proposed project approach, a personal statement and your CV (resumé).
  • Shortlisted applicants are likely to be invited for interview.

What does PhD funding include?

The funding for the PhD usually covers the full fee and a stipend at the UKRI rate plus an allowance of £1,500 per year for researcher training for three years (or part-time equivalent). 

Successful candidates benefit from expert supervisory teams, a programme of postgraduate researcher development workshops and membership of specialist, interdisciplinary research centres and groups. There will be introductions to a network of relevant researchers, careers advice and opportunities for interaction within and beyond the university. Through this, our PhD students have the best start possible towards ambitious careers that make use of their research degrees.

The University of Brighton fosters research careers and will provide doctoral training, attentive and expert supervision and access to world-class laboratories and equipment. 

We are renowned as a leading applied university, with pioneer academics in disciplines from sport science to design history and applied science research that translates efficiently to the global challenge of worldwide health and wellbeing. Our strategy of 'practical wisdom' leads to real-world partnerships and beneficiaries across all disciplines while the development of community-university partnership practices have placed us among the best universities for many aspects of co-produced research and innovation.

We pride ourselves on the ways we work in partnership with those outside higher education, across the European Union and internationally. Through our research collaborations we work with a wide range of universities, both internationally and with universities in the UK. We are also founding members of two UKRI Doctoral Training Partnerships which, this year, are dealt with outside our University of Brighton studentship offer. We learn constantly from our involvement in these, and our rich resources are offered across all doctoral research programmes.

Recently the University of Brighton celebrated its performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) and the Knowledge and Exchange Framework (KEF2023). Over 87 per cent of our submitted impact case studies in REF2021 were rated as having 'outstanding' or 'very considerable' impact beyond academia. We are dedicated to developing this quality work with new students. Read more about the review of our research and knowledge exchange performance in REF2021 . Also, read more about our KEF2023 results, which placed Brighton in the top tier for economic and social benefits .

How will you build a relationship with your supervisor? Professor Annebella Pollen and Dr Tom Ainsworth are among those offering advice. This film was made by the University of Brighton for UKRI and also features academics from other institutions.

How do I increase my chances of getting a PhD studentship?

You must be able to show your suitability for a UK research degree if you wish to apply for fully-funded studentships.

This includes evidence either of a relevant and successful academic background or equivalent relevant professional/expert background in the applied subject area. Applicants from overseas will also have to fulfil any English language and visa requirements.

This will be true for studentships in the UK across most of the UK universities. It is usual for applicants either to have completed (or be about to complete) a masters degree, have an exceptional undergraduate record and references, or demonstrate the equivalent scholarly potential.  

Supervisory staff and research students at the University of Brighton consider how important diverse thinking and inclusive practice are to their doctoral studies.

Can I get PhD funding at the University of Brighton?

We have a long-standing annual programme of funded PhD opportunities across all our disciplines, including several rooted in research council (UKRI) partnerships .

The initiatives allow postgraduate study for UK-based students as well as study in the UK for international students (depending on the PhD programme). 

We are also keen to encourage students who might be able to self-fund their doctoral studies. Studying part-time, for example, is likely to prove more affordable and more easily balanced with professional life than you'd imagine. 

We are dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive atmosphere and structure for your studies. Show us your own qualities and your suitability for programmes as they become available and we will look forward to receiving your application. 

Insitutions and funding bodies for PhD study

On the Funding pages of our website we post advice as to the regular and specific funding opportunities available through the University of Brighton, its partners and networks. 

These include  Doctoral Training Partnership  and University of Brighton PhD studentship calls,  individual studentship projects , University of Brighton  international research scholarships  and our  alumni scholarships  for current and past students. 

We also include below some of the major funding options for international students wanting to do a PhD with us, each of which may support all or part of your studies.

Worldwide international funding schemes for PhD research

The british council.

The British Council offers a search engine for UK courses, institutions (including the University of Brighton) and scholarships.

Find out more about scholarships and funding through The British Council.

The Gen Foundation

The Gen Foundation considers applicants living in all countries. It is a charitable trust which principally provides grants to students/researchers in natural sciences, in particular food sciences/technology.

Find out more about grants to students and researchers from The Gen Foundation .

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Our multifaceted development approach aims to help communities and individuals become self-reliant.

Find out more about research funding through the Aga Khan development network .

The Open Society Foundations

The Open Society Foundations are active in more than 120 countries around the world, using grant-giving, research, advocacy, impact investment, and strategic litigation to support the growth of inclusive and vibrant democracies. The four main themes of the Open Society Foundations are climate justice, equity, expression, and justice and they will award grants and fellowships throughout the year to organisations and individuals who share those values. The Open Society Foundations look for grantees who have a vision and whose efforts will lead to lasting social change.

Find out more about postgraduate funding through The Open Society Foundations .

International Education and Financial Aid

The International Education and Financial Aid (IEFA) provides students from all over the world comprehensive information on financial aid for studying abroad. Using the IEFA website, you can easily search the IEFA database for scholarships, grants, loan programs, and other options available to help finance your international education.

Find out more about international PhD research funding through the IEFA .

The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds 

The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) awards PhD fellowships of two to three-and-a-half years to outstanding junior scientists worldwide who wish to pursue an ambitious PhD project in basic biomedical research in an internationally leading laboratory.

Find out more about the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds fellowships .

Resource sites for international PhD research funding

Internationalstudent.com.

InternationalStudent.com is a leading online resource for international students around the world providing advice pages for studying in the USA, UK and Australia for international students, plus a dedicated study abroad center for US students who want to travel abroad.

Find out more about international study through InternationalStudent.com .

ScholarshipTab

ScholarshipTab is an online portal that connects international students to available scholarship opportunities round the world.

Find out more about the Scholarship Tab resource .

International Education and Financial Aid (IEFA)

The IEFA provides students from all over the world comprehensive information on financial aid for studying abroad. Search the IEFA database for scholarships, grants, loan programs, and other options available to help finance your international education.

Find out more from the International Education and Financial Aid website .

The European Funding Guide 

Scholarships and grants for students from the European Union

Find out more through the European Funding Guide  

The Americas: Postgraduate doctorate funding from institutions and bodies to study in the UK

  • Marshall Scholarship:  Provides for United States students to study abroad.
  • Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship provides for United States students to study abroad.
  • American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
  • Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Program
  • Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund
  • Canada's Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
  • The Bolsas Lideres Estudar Program provides for Brazilian students studying in the UK .

Asia: Postgraduate doctorate funding from Asian institutions and bodies to study in the UK

The Charles Wallace Bangladesh Trust

The Charles Wallace Burma Trust

China and Hong Kong

Great Britain – China Educational Trust is a charity that promotes mutual understanding between the UK and China and aims to build long-term connections between the two countries. It delivers awards contributing towards university tuition fees and living expenses for Chinese nationality students studying for a PhD in any subject at a UK university.

Great Britain China Centre Chinese Student Awards  offers scholarships of up to £3,000 for citizens of China and Hong Kong studying for a PhD in any subject at a UK university

The Hong Kong People Association (HKPA)  aims to provide financial aids for further university education to students from Hong Kong who are not able to afford international tuition fees. 

The Charles Wallace India Trust  offers PhD funding for study in the arts, heritage conservation or the humanities.

The Inlaks India Foundation

The JN Tata Endowment award funds 90 to 100 scholars across disciplines ranging from the sciences to management, law and commerce and the fine arts.

The KC Mahindra Education Trust

The Persia Educational Foundation Abdolreza Ansari Scholarship   is designed to support the education of students of Iranian descent enrolled in a Master or Doctorate programme in human rights or public service in the UK.

Momeni Iranian Financial Assistance Scholarships  offer partial funding scholarships for international students of Iranian descent towards a PhD in any subject.

The Kenneth Lindsay Scholarship Trust

The Anglo-Jewish Association (AJA)  provides funding for Jewish students to study a Masters or PhD in the UK.

The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Advanced Studies  funds students of macroeconomics with a view to them working at the International Monetary Fund.

The Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan . The HEC offers government scholarships for Pakistani students to study abroad in various countries, including the UK.

Saudi Arabia

The Cultural Bureau of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia (SACB)  offers scope for full tuition fees and supporting fees for PhD level study.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research

The Thai Office of Educational Affairs 

Europe: Postgraduate doctorate funding from European institutions and bodies to study in the UK

The European Funding Guide  - Scholarships and grants in the EU.

France -  Entente Cordiale scholarships for postgraduate studies  provide funding to help students enrolling for a Masters or a PhD qualification in the UK or in France.

Italy -  Il Circolo Italian Cultural Association is a UK-registered charity based in London with the mission to support deserving students with awards and scholarships.

Norway - Lanekassen  - The Norwegian student loans and grants awarding body supports Norwegian students studying overseas.

Scandinavia - Fundraising.how  - article database offering funding advice for Scandinavian students.

Sweden - CSN -  loans and grants for Swedish students studying overseas.

Australia: funding for PhD study in the UK

The Australia Day Foundation  offers grants to young Australians for fees and course materials.

Africa: funding for PhD study in the UK

Sudan -  The Gordon Memorial College Trust Fund (GMCTF)

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  • Postgraduate
  • PhD and Professional Doctorates

PhD opportunities

Fully funded phd studentships.

Our mission is to create lasting, meaningful change throughout the world, and with our funded PhD studentships, your research can be a key part of us achieving that goal.

What is a studentship?

A studentship is like a scholarship but for a research degree at the university, helping to fund your research project. Finance shouldn’t be a barrier to delivering world-leading research, that's why we run an annual fully funded PhD studentship competition, to recruit talented researchers from across the world.

Doctoral research that encourages change and produces real-world impacts is more important than ever. A doctoral degree is more than just a thesis: it is an opportunity to realise your potential as a researcher, to develop your passion and knowledge in a community that values progress. Get support for your research with a NTU Studentship.

Applications for our 2024 studentships have now closed. The scheme usually opens in October. Sign up for emails to be notified of the next release and to keep up to date with research funding.

Discover our PhD opportunities that drive innovation and delivers real-world impact. Browse our PhD projects, or submit your own proposal.

Professional Doctorates

Make an impact with world-leading and award-winning research at Nottingham Trent University.

PhD fees and funding

Find out more about the fees and funding options available for research study at Nottingham Trent University.

How to apply for a PhD

Everything you need to know about applying to study at the NTU Doctoral School.

Re:shaping re:search - why join NTU?

With world-class facilities, dedicated doctoral support, and a growing portfolio of interdisciplinary and collaborative research programmes — all delivered alongside our worldwide family of academic and industry partners — NTU is the place to truly re:alise your potential.

We offer a unique Doctoral Education, Training and Development programme to support the growth of all our doctoral candidates, in everything from academic writing and academic software to healthy research practices. We support our candidates throughout their doctoral journey, enabling them to reach their potential as experts in their field.

As a two-time recipient of the Queens Anniversary Prize — the most prestigious national award for research outputs — 86% of our work has been judged as ‘world-leading’or ‘internationally excellent.’* We want to continue building this reputation for research excellence by taking a themed approach to addressing the world’s most pressing problems — the key questions that span business, the arts, science, sustainability, healthcare, politics, and the environment. We’re calling this new approach Re:search Re:imagined

* Latest data, Research Excellence Framework 2021

A diverse community

"I chose to pursue a PhD because I've always been intellectually curious". Hear about Richards's doctoral experience.

We’re committed to removing barriers to doctoral education — an ambition reflected in the award of joint funding to improve access and participation for black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in PGR study. Our Doctoral School is a diverse and highly inclusive community; it enables its members to become confident, skilled researchers, regardless of their backgrounds.

Join us to help fulfil our boldest ambitions — to value ideas, create opportunities, embrace sustainability, empower people, enrich society, and connect on a global scale. We believe in applied, meaningful research that delivers better answers. Be part of a community that champions your voice and experience.

By breaking down the financial barriers to PhD study, our fully funded studentships ensure you’ll have the freedom and confidence to deliver the kind of research that truly matters.

Re:searchers Re:vealed

Here at NTU, our researchers come from a variety of backgrounds, and they all have a powerful story to tell. In this series, we share their stories.

King's College London

Doctoral opportunities & funding.

King's is a world-renowned research-intensive university with over three thousand postgraduate research (PGR) students across its nine faculties.

Ranked 7th in the UK for its research and named 35th in the world top research institutions (Times Higher Education World Rankings 2023), King's College London offers PGR students a unique chance to work with top class researchers in a city that offers unrivalled opportunities for collaboration.

  • Discover why we are ranked as a world-leading research university
  • Funding opportunities for doctoral students

Cohort-based funded doctoral training

As well as world-leading research and supervision, King's Centre for Doctoral Studies provides university-wide support, advice, and training for PGR students, ensuring our doctoral students are equipped to excel as research leaders in the academy, in industry, and beyond.

To find more information about PhD opportunities at King's, browse this page's links to search our research areas, find a potential supervisor, browse our range of MPhil/PhD courses, and explore your funding options.

Equipping research students to excel

Funding, Scholarships & Other Doctoral Opportunities

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Home students

More information about Home students

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Home/EU Funding

Funding opportunities for prospective PGR students with Home or EEA status

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International PhD Scholarships

Funding opportunities for international postgraduate researchers at King's

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More information about Cohort-based funded doctoral training

The University of Manchester

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

Attend an open day

Discover more about this subject area

PhD Education / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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  • Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
  • Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

  • For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
PhD Y Y N N

Programme overview

  • 2nd in the UK for Education (Complete University Guide 2024).  
  • The University of Manchester was ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Education research (overall GPA, REF2021).
  • Learn with research-active experts in the field of education and work with highly diverse cohorts of students and staff.
  • Contribute to improvements in the overall wellbeing of students, their families and communities throughout the world through research.

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The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and programmes. On this day, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see Open days.

We will be conducting our PGR virtual open week in October 2024. Find out about future events and postgraduate research sessions by signing up for our email alerts.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
  • PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Your fees will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation (excluding graduation robe hire).

Payment of tuition fees will also entitle you to membership of The University of Manchester library, the Students' Union and the Athletic Union.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Environment, Education and Development studentships is 19 January 2024.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

  • ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
  • School of Environment, Education and Development Postgraduate Research Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
  • China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
  • Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
  • President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
  • Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
  • Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
  • School of Environment, Education and Development Enhancing Racial Equality (SERE) Studentship - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
  • Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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We offer a wide range of postgraduate research opportunities which are listed as soon as they become available. If you can't find what you are looking for please contact us . 

We welcome enquiries from students who already have their own funding, or are applying for funding in one of our research areas .  

Our Research, School and Graduate School pages contain a wealth of information for prospective postgraduate students and research activity at UEA. You can also search our Course Finder pages for taught postgraduate courses, including Master's by Research courses.

We welcome applications throughout the year - find out more about how to apply .

Latest PhD Opportunities and Studentships

Search all current PhD Opportunities

How to apply

Fees and funding, campus life, living in norwich and beyond, partnerships in doctoral training.

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  • Find Your Perfect PhD
  • Finding a PhD

Find Your PhD, Fast Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest. Search Now

  • When looking for PhD research projects, a great place to start is with our comprehensive and up-to-date database .
  • Speak with lecturers within your area of interest about potential PhD opportunities they may have.
  • Attend Postgraduate Events . Whilst there, speak to current PhD students and career advisors to get an awareness of what PhD projects are on offer.
  • Visit the postgraduate section of university websites and the PhD Research Council section of the GOV.UK website

Finding A PhD

Searching for PhD research projects can sometimes feel like daunting process. Often, it’s difficult to know where to find a PhD position or where to even start.

To make this searching process as easy as possible for you, we’ve curated a collection of the best places to search for PhD projects. By using our recommended collection, you should hopefully gain a greater insight into where your interests lie and which programme is best suited for you.

Our Comprehensive and Up-To-Date Directory

We can’t create a list of great resources and not include ourselves! At DiscoverPhDs, our primary aim is to connect great students to great PhD projects. To enable this, we provide a comprehensive database of PhD projects offered from universities all across the UK.

We regularly add to our database to ensure you’re getting the latest opportunities and the most relevant information and programme details. On top of this, we’ve created our database to be as easy to use as possible; all our PhD listings provide a direct ‘apply’ link or contact email address of the lead supervisor. This enables you to:

  • Request further information about any aspect of the position,
  • Enquire about the specific applications process,
  • Connect directly with the supervisor

Universities Websites

Search on the website of the universities you are interested in as some many only be listing PhD research projects internally or may link you to other opportunities such as Professional Doctorate Programmes. As examples, have a look at the research pages of The University of Cambridge , Cardiff University , University of Leicester , Sheffield University and The University of Glasgow .

Your Current Supervisor

If you’re currently undertaking a research project or dissertation as part of your undergraduate or master’s degree, it would be a good idea to speak to your current supervisor. Not only would you have already built a good rapport with them, but having worked with you they will have a good idea on what PhD positions would utilise your strengths or best interest you. In fact, a noticeable percentage of past and current PhD students came into their PhD programme because of being recommended by their undergraduate supervisor. Your supervisor will be well-connected – make sure you take advantage of these opportunities.

Tip: Don’t just limit your discussion to your own personal supervisor. All supervisors are within their field of work because they have a natural passion for research and teaching. As such, most supervisors will be more than happy to help any student who wishes to follow in their footsteps and make their own impact.

Postgraduate Events

Nearly all universities hold regular Postgraduate Fairs and Open Days. As part of these events, current postgraduate students may be on hand to share their experiences of their projects and university. This is a fantastic opportunity to not only find out what PhDs the university is offering but to find out more about their facilities, research labs and library collection, etc. Given that you will be heavily relying on these resources during your PhD, it’s important that you know what’s provided by each university. Hearing student stories about what PhD life is really like, what to expect from supervisors and some of the challenges that current students have encountered can be really useful in your decision making process.

Besides the above, career advisers may also be available at these events. Speaking to them will help you understand what you can do with a PhD, whether a PhD is right for you, what degree class you’re expected to hold and how best to prepare for research projects. Seeing as they would have helped many PhD candidates through the decision-making process before, they will provide you with some invaluable insight that you would otherwise be oblivious to.

To help bring all Postgraduate Fairs and Open Days offered across all universities together, we’ve created a helpful Postgraduate Events page which we highly recommend you check out.

Research Councils

Research councils are nationally funded agencies which offer sponsored PhD research projects (also known as a PhD studentship). Different research councils cover different areas of research, these include:

  • The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC),
  • The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council ( BBSRC ),
  • Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC),
  • The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council ( EPSRC ),
  • Natural Environment Research Council ( NERC ).

The GOV.UK website has a full list of nationally-funded research councils available online. You can find further details on these councils on the GOV.UK website.

Although our database includes PhD programmes offered by these research councils, it would be a good idea to regularly browse the website of the ones you are particularly interested in case they list some internal only. These councils play an important role in supporting and encouraging doctoral researchers and they regularly hold calls for applications for PhD funding. If you or your potential supervisor have a PhD project proposal defined but need funding, then applying to these calls may become a key first milestone in your postgraduate research journey.

For example, the EPSRC offers a Doctoral Training Partnership programme in which a research student is given funding to pursue postgraduate study with a research question that aligns with the Councils core engineering and physical sciences themes. These awards often have eligibility criteria linked to them, impacting which postgraduate research students can apply; an international student, for example, may not be able to apply to a certain UK based scholarship scheme but there are several other options that can still help you fund your doctoral research; this may involve taking out a postgraduate loan (or more specifically a postgraduate doctoral loan).

To make this searching process as easy as possible for you, we’ve curated a collection of the best places to search for a PhD. By using our recommended collection, you should hopefully gain a greater insight into where your interests lie and which programme is best suited for you.

Further Resources

As you continue your search of PhD research projects, be sure to check our our PhD advice articles, including how to prepare for your PhD application, and interviews with current and past doctoral students. Many of the people we’ve interviewed have completed degrees within a STEM discipline; they offer a wide range of advice on their individual approaches to applied research and independent study, as well as sharing some the impact their work has had. Many have continued the research of their projects within academia after finishing, whilst some have developed successful careers in industry and business sectors.

It’s worth noting that when you apply to undertake doctoral study, you may first be registered as an MPhil researcher, depending on the specific doctoral programme you apply for, officially become a full PhD student after passing an upgrade viva. At the upgrade stage, some students do decide to graduate with an MPhil research degree rather than pursuing further PhD study however this is less common.

We hope the above list will help you find the perfect PhD position and earn your doctoral degree.

If you have any recommendations besides these resources, please let us know at [email protected] so we can look to add it.

If you’re ready to start your search for your PhD, start now with our  PhD database .

Browse PhDs Now

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Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

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University of Aberdeen

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Available PhD Opportunities

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The University of Aberdeen offers a variety of pre-defined PhD research projects. These come in a number of forms such as pieces of research that a research group/School/Centre or Institute wishes to explore and have received funding or made funding available to support researchers (e.g. UKRI, Charity, Industry partner).

A funder may have provided funding for the project, although not all defined PhD projects have funding associated with them.

Study Postgraduate

Applying for a phd.

The application process for a research degree differs from that for undergraduate and taught postgraduate study. Please explore the six key stages that you should follow through the interactive prezi below. This content is also available in PDF format.

You can make an application for a research degree at any point during the year, although you should be aware that most scholarships and funding opportunities have very strict deadlines. Before you submit the online application form, you can ensure you've completed all the required steps by going through the checklist .

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Apply for a funded PhD position

We offer a range of PhDs funded by different sources, such as research councils, industries or charities. As a PhD student, you will become a valued member of a research group. Here you will work with internationally respected academics, post-doctoral research associates and technicians. Find out more about our research groups below.

How to Apply

To apply for a funded PhD please read the advertised project information carefully as requirements will vary between funders. The project information will include details of funding eligibility, application deadline dates and links to application forms. Only applicants who have a relevant background and meet the funding criteria can be considered.

Current PhD Opportunities

Current phd opportunities list accordion.

Fully-funded EPSRC PhD studentship available in Lancaster Data Science & AI Institute: Novel geospatial methods for combining data at multiple spatial and temporal scales in the context of historical disease mapping

Home status students only

With the advent of advanced technology, a vast amount of data has become available, making the integration of information across spatial and temporal scales increasingly crucial for understanding complex systems and making informed decisions. For instance, in environmental sciences, researchers often seek to understand the impact of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity. To achieve this, data must be integrated from various spatial scales, ranging from local habitats to regional landscapes, and temporal scales, spanning decades or even centuries. Similarly, in epidemiology, the spread of infectious diseases is influenced by factors operating at different spatial and temporal scales. For example, the transmission of vector-borne diseases like malaria or dengue fever depends not only on local environmental conditions but also on global climate patterns and human mobility.

However, existing geospatial methods often fail to effectively account for the misalignment in time and/or space of data from multiple sources, with an increasing need of novel methods that are tailored to the characteristics and complexities of the data being integrated.

This research project aims to develop a novel geospatial modelling framework to address these challenges and improve the integration of data across different spatial and temporal scales in the context of historical disease mapping. This framework will then be applied to mapping, analysing, and interpreting sixteenth-century primary sources on diseases and epidemics, utilizing datasets and methods from the ESRC project Digging into Early Colonial Mexico. Epidemics, like the recent COVID-19, have had profound and enduring consequences throughout history. The application area of this project will be in the context of the introduction of diseases, like smallpox, during the Conquest of America that led to catastrophic declines in populations, with mortality rates reaching 97% in some regions. Traditional research methods struggle with the sheer volume, incompleteness, and uncertainty of historical data. In this project we will leverage advancements in machine learning, corpus linguistics, and geographic information sciences presents opportunities to explore vast historical collections and better address data variability and uncertainty. Specifically, the student will:

  • Develop geospatial methods to extract and analyse and geographic information from ambiguous and uncertain descriptions of health and disease within textual records.
  • Develop and apply spatio-methods capable that enable the identification of clusters of disease using uncertain data from historical records.

The successful applicant will be supervised by an interdisciplinary team consisting of experts from history, linguistics, statistics and geography.

Prospective candidates should have a first or upper second-class honours degree, or a combination of qualifications or experience equivalent to that level in a relevant subject.

For informal enquiries about the project please contact Duncan Whyatt ( [email protected] ), Patricia Murrieta-Flores ( [email protected] ) or Emanuele Giorgi ( [email protected] ).

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter demonstrating your motivation for the post to [email protected] . The closing date for applications is 15 th July 2024 and we anticipate a start date of October 2024 for the successful candidate.

Current PhD Opportunities - Envision Doctoral Training Partnership accordion

There are no funded projects for the Envision Doctoral Training Partnership at this time.

How the application process works

  • Select the project you wish to apply for. You can make informal enquiries to the project supervisors if you wish. Please ensure that you check the application deadline dates and eligibility criteria.
  • Complete your application by following the links to the application form. At this stage, you are able to apply for more than one advertised project if you wish.
  • After the closing date, the Department will consider all applications. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Interviews can be arranged by Skype or telephone. The timescale for this will vary but is in the region of 4 weeks.
  • If you are successful at interview for the studentship, you will be invited to formally apply via the admissions portal online. This ensures that you receive a formal offer of admission. Please submit one application only, and state the studentship that you have applied for in the source of funding section.
  • Once a formal offer has been made, you will need to check the conditions in your offer letter and supply any outstanding documents by the required deadlines. If your offer is unconditional then this will not apply to you.

Research Groups

Atmosphere, climate & pollution.

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Critical Geographies

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Earth Science

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Ecology & Conservation

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Environmental & Biogeochemistry

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Geospatial Data Science

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Plant & Crop Science

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Political Ecology

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Soil, Plant & Land Systems

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Water Science

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Laboratories

You will find yourself taking advantage of several laboratory facilities at Lancaster Environment Centre. There are our £4.4 million Teaching Labs, for example, as well as specialist facilities for Environmental Chemistry, Noble Gas, and Plant and Soil Ecology.

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Research Facilities

There are no fewer than 15 purpose-built glasshouse modules, 16 controlled environment plant growth rooms, 4 solar domes based at the Hazelrigg Weather Station and a suite of ultraviolet radiation research facilities that can truly claim to be world-class.

phd opportunity in uk

Field Sites

You could find yourself working at a range of catchment science sites across England and Wales, including the local River Eden Valley, or they can travel much further afield to the tropical forests of the Amazon and Borneo.

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Cutting-Edge Technologies

You can be trained to use a range of equipment, such as our Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer Facility, X-ray CT Scanner, Magnetometer or the LI-COR Portable Photosynthesis System, which has the capacity to measure plant gas exchange with exceptional speed and precision.

phd opportunity in uk

Rich Data Resources

Dedicated support staff with expertise in GIS, statistics, modelling, information technology and programming are available to provide specialist training in all aspects of data acquisition, processing and analysis.

phd opportunity in uk

Other methods of applying for a PhD

Studying for a research degree is a highly rewarding and challenging process. You'll work to become a leading expert in your topic area with regular contact and close individual supervision with your supervisor.

phd opportunity in uk

Develop your own self-funded PhD proposal

If you have your own research idea, we can help you to develop it. To begin this process you will need to find a PhD Supervisor from one of our research groups, whose research interests align with your own.

phd opportunity in uk

Doctoral Training Centres

You can also apply for a PhD from one of the Doctoral Training Centres and Partnerships that work with the Graduate School for the Environment. Details of each of the Training Centres are provided here.

phd opportunity in uk

PhD Student Stories

Our PhD students are engaged in cutting-edge research, in locations across the globe. Take inspiration from some of our current PhD students.

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‘PhD from A to Z’: What can I do to maximise my PhD journey? | Academia et al: S03E02

10 July 2024

How do you make the leap into doctoral study to make the most of life as a PhD researcher? This episode's guest Dr Jenny Chanfreau recommends treating your PhD like a full-time job - we explore how.

Jenny Chanfreau in front of a yellow triangle. Title says ‘PhD from A to Z’: What can I do to maximise my PhD journey?.

Academia et al. : S03E02

Dr Jenny Chanfreau , Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Sussex

Drawing from her experience of embarking on a PhD after working at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), the UK's largest independent social research institute, Dr Chanfreau offers valuable insights.

Join hosts Alina and Keri as they and Jenny compare their journeys into PhD life, think about how to make the most of their new academic communities, and air some thoughts about the unique 'twilight' status of PhD researchers within universities - more professional than students but not quite fully-fledged staff - while discussing what universities can do to recognise and protect the contributions PhD researchers make to their department's operation.

And as you approach the end of your PhD, the big question arises: now what? The episode explores the challenges of job applications, potential visa stress for international scholars, and the skills needed to stay in academia. It also covers the importance of showcasing your research, exploring post-doctoral opportunities, and dealing with feedback or rejection - it can be emotional! The discussion includes how to process feedback constructively and the surprising usefulness of memes in navigating this journey.

Jenny's tip of the day

Work out your strengths from your professional past, and identify your own development needs.

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You can also listen to the podcast on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify Podcasts
  • Amazon Podcasts

You can also read the podcast  episode transcript .

Links mentioned in this episode

  • Femquant: Feminist approaches to quantitative social science
  • Academia et al. podcast series
  • Early Career Network
  • IOE Podcasts

Related News

Related events, related case studies, related research projects, press and media enquiries.

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  • Applying for a PhD in the UK

Written by Mark Bennett

Planning on applying for a PhD in the UK? This guide covers what’s required to get onto a UK PhD programme and how to submit your application.

PhD Study in the UK - Key Details
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UK universities

There are over 150 universities in the UK. The vast majority are public universities , meaning that they receive funding (including budgets for PhD studentships) from the UK Government. All British universities are free to pursue their own research objectives, but the amount of funding each institution receives is partly based on regular assessments of its performance as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) .

A small number of private universities also operate in the UK. They tend to specialise in specific subjects, such as Business or Law.

UK countries

The four parts of the UK each have slightly different higher education systems:

  • England is home to the majority of the UK's universities, including the two oldest ( Oxford and Cambridge )
  • Scotland is home to 15 of the UK's universities, including four 'ancient universities' ( St Andrews , Glasgow , Aberdeen and Edinburgh ) dating from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries
  • Wales has eight universities, all of which are public institutions, dating from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries
  • Northern Ireland has two universities, each of which operates multiple campuses

The governments of each part of the UK have powers to decide on higher education policy, including fees and funding. But, in practice, PhD research works pretty similarly across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The country that's best for you will depend on the research opportunities available at specific universities.

UK university groups

Some UK universities are organised – officially or unofficially – into different groups. Here are some of the more common ones you may come across, together with what they mean:

  • The Russell Group is an association of 24 universities across the UK. The group is self-selecting (it decides on its own members) and positions itself as representing the country's leading research universities. In practice this is broadly accurate as the Russell Group includes some of the best ranked British universities and – perhaps more importantly – awards the majority of UK PhDs.
  • The ancient universities are a group of seven institutions that date from the sixteenth century or earlier, including Oxford , Cambridge , St Andrews , Glasgow , Aberdeen and Edinburgh as well as Trinity College Dublin (in Ireland ). 'Membership' of this group isn't based on anything other than chronology (unsurprisingly, new universities can't join) and the ancient universities don't collaborate as such, though some are members of the Russell Group. Of more importance is the fact that some ancient universities award their doctorates as a DPhil rather than a PhD. The degree and its recognition are fundamentally the same.
  • The red brick universities are another informal grouping based on history rather than collective organisation. They include nine civic universities founded during the nineteenth-century industrial revolution with the aim of providing education and training for their cities. In contrast to the medieval buildings of the ancient universities, their campuses were built largely from red brick – hence the name.
  • The term 'post-92' is sometimes used to describe universities that were originally polytechnics (higher education institutions focussing on teaching and training rather than research) before being granted full university status in 1992. Many of these 'ex-poly' universities actually have long and proud histories and are now some of the UK's most innovative research centres.

There are a few other formal and informal groups, including 'plate glass' universities (founded in the 1960s – the UK has a thing for associating universities with building materials) as well as membership organisations for newer universities such as MillionPlus and GuildHE.

You don't generally need to worry about which group your prospective university is or isn't part of. It's true that some groupings confer a degree of prestige, but universities are invited into the Russell Group because of their research performance and reputation, not the other way around. There are also many excellent universities which haven't chosen to join particular associations.

Accreditation and research quality

The UK takes quality assurance for universities very seriously, with several levels of official recognition and accreditation.

The right to use a university title is protected by law in the UK and can be granted by royal charter, Act of Parliament or similarly official means.

The right to award degrees is also protected. A university must either be a 'recognised body', in which case it can award its own degrees. Or it must be a 'listed body' in which case a recognised body must award degrees on its behalf (listed bodies are often newer universities or specialist colleges with qualifications accredited by more established neighbouring universities).

You can use the UK Government website to quickly check if a university is officially recognised .

UK universities' research quality is separately monitored through an exercise known as the Research Excellence Framework (REF) . This examines the research a university is producing as well as its impact on society in general. The environment and support provided for PhD students is also considered as part of this process. The most recent REF results were published in 2021.

UK university cities

There are excellent universities located across the UK, from London and the South of England to the Scottish Highlands and Islands . With that said, here are a few of the UK's most popular student cities:

  • Study in London
  • Study in Edinburgh
  • Study in Manchester
  • Study in Cardiff
  • Study in Birmingham
  • Study in Sheffield

How to apply for a PhD in the UK

You should apply directly to a university for a place on a UK PhD project or programme. There are two ways to do this:

  • Some PhD projects are advertised by universities with set aims and objectives. These are most common in STEM subjects and often have funding attached. You can browse UK PhD adverts here on FindAPhD.
  • Other PhD projects are designed by students who put forward a research proposal for the work they would like to do. These are more common in Arts, Humanities and some Social Science subjects. You can browse UK PhD programmes to apply within here on FindAPhD.

It's often a good idea to contact a prospective PhD supervisor before applying, but this isn't usually a necessary step. Universities will usually pair students with the most appropriate supervisor for their project.

We’ve written dedicated guides to applying for a PhD in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences , as well as STEM subjects.

Admissions requirements

You will normally need the following to be accepted for a PhD in the UK:

  • A suitable undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK 2.1 or higher). A Masters may also be required in some subject areas.
  • Evidence of language proficiency (if English is not your first language).
  • Evidence that you possess the necessary materials to gain a UK student visa (for international students).
  • Other application materials including a research proposal , personal statement or references .

Actual requirements vary between projects and programmes.

Not all UK PhD applications require a formal interview , but this is more common for funded positions or programmes with limited space.

Interviews can often be conducted online. You may be asked to answer some questions about your application and / or give a short presentation on your intended research.

Inidan qualifications in the UK

In July 2022, the UK and Indian governments signed a memoradum agreeing to automatically recognise undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in each other's countries. This means that if you studied your Bachelors or Masters in India and are now applying for a UK PhD, your qualifications will recognised as equivalent to British ones.

It also means that it will be easier for you to seek work in India with a PhD from a UK university!

Find a PhD in the UK

Why not get started browsing some UK PhDs ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to studying a PhD abroad .

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IMAGES

  1. PhD Studentship at Newcastle University in the UK

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  2. Fully funded PhD Studentship at University of Nottingham in UK, 2020

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  3. Study PhD in UK: Complete Guide for International Students

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  5. School of Psychology Fully-Funded PhD Opportunity at Queen's University

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  6. A Guide to PhD in UK universities

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VIDEO

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