Application & Selection

If English is not your first language, please note that you must be able to demonstrate a proficiency in English which is equivalent to a 7.0 score in an IELTS test, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each individual component. (We will request this from successful candidates after interview.)

We offer a fully funded studentship to nine Home UK students and one International student per year.

If you are uncertain as to whether you are a home or international student, please see the definitions below.

‘Home’ students are:

• UK Nationals (meeting residency requirements),
• Individuals with settled status,
• Individuals who have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• Individuals who have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

All successful candidates (Home or International) will receive full home tuition fee and stipend support.

Application deadlines

Applications are considered in several separate groupings. You can apply to any deadline given below, but you should try to apply to the earliest deadline available as the positions can become filled early. You will usually receive a decision in about 4-6 weeks after the deadline to which you have applied.

Application deadlines are in November and January with interviews a few weeks after (please check for exact dates below).  Please note that if you apply after the deadline, you will grouped into the following round of interviews.

Interviews for international candidates will only be considered for the January deadline (please check for exact dates below).

We strongly recommend that you aim to submit your application form and all your supporting documents at least two weeks before your chosen deadline. Don’t wait until the day of the deadline! We may not always be able to answer your questions or help you to resolve any problems in time, particularly around our busiest application deadlines.

Application deadlines for home candidates

22nd November 2024, 12.00 midday UK time. (December interviews)

31st January 2025, 12.00 midday UK time. (February interviews)

Application deadline for international candidates:

31st January 2025, 12.00 midday UK time. (February interviews)

While applying

You must complete the application form using our online portal

To complete and submit a PhD application, you will require the following information:

• Your contact details
• The contact details of two academic referees (please click here for suggestions on how to choose an appropriate referee)
• Education and relevant employment experience
• Degree transcripts and degree certificate (if applicable)
• Research experience
• Answers to questions on project areas and motivation to apply for the PhD position

You are not required to submit a Research Proposal.

Applicants must apply to a specific project area. Please ensure that you include details of the area(s) that you are applying for on the application Form.

You can apply for a maximum of 2 project areas.

After you apply

Application updates

Applicants who have been selected for interview will be notified directly by email. Interviews will take place in December for the first batch of applications. All further applications will be on hold during this time and will not be progressed further during this period.

Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide unsuccessful applicants with feedback. Decisions for unsuccessful applicants will be communicated via email once the recruitment process is complete, no later than the end of January.

Interview requirements

During the interview, candidates will be expected to present on one of the below ideas and presentations should relate to the scientific area they have applied to:

• a paper of their choice
• an original idea of a research problem they would like to pursue
• their own research

This would be followed by subsequent related questions and technical interview round. The interview will also include questions around motivation, research ethics, past research experience and interest in interdisciplinary projects.