phd studentships in the uk

Studentships and doctoral training

Get a studentship to fund your doctorate.

UKRI studentships offer funding for doctoral research. They also offer you access to training, networking and development opportunities to help you build a research and innovation career.

Our expectations for research organisations, supervisors and students are set out in the statement of expectations for doctoral training .

You could get:

• a minimum stipend of £19,237 per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular instalments
• support for your tuition fees (minimum £4,786 per year)

The stipend is usually non-taxable and does not need to be paid back. Some research organisations may offer more if you study in London, or they or one of their collaborators might decide to top up the payment. This will be outlined in the studentship advert from the research organisation.

We normally pay the support for tuition fees directly to your research organisation.

The levels given here are for the academic year 2024 to 2025. UKRI’s approach to doctoral stipend and fee levels will be reviewed through the  new deal for postgraduate research .

Additional support for your doctoral studies

As a UKRI-funded doctoral student, you may be able to access additional funding to cover the cost of other related training and development opportunities.

This could include:

• conference attendance
• language training
• overseas research visits
• internships or placements with a non-academic partner

The availability of support will depend on the research organisation and the training grants they have on offer. You should contact the research organisation you are interested in applying to, to find out what you could get.

Extra support if you have a disability

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.

You should speak to your research organisation’s disability advisor to assess your needs. They can help put the right support in place, including a DSA application if necessary. You cannot claim DSA directly from UKRI.

DSA helps to cover the cost of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result of a disability, mental health problem or specific learning difficulty.

The allowance covers:

• non-medical personal assistance
• specialist equipment
• extra travel costs
• general expenses

Find out more about DSA in our framework .

If you are a research organisation you can download claim forms and guidance for DSA .

Who can apply

Any prospective doctoral student wishing to study at a UK research organisation, including prospective international students, can apply for a UKRI studentship.

All UKRI-funded doctoral students will be eligible for the full award, both the stipend to support living costs, and home-level fees at the UK research organisation rate.

How to find opportunities

Many UK research organisations offer some form of studentship funding from UKRI. These opportunities will depend on the subject you want to study and will normally be advertised by the research organisations.

Research organisations may have additional opportunities that do not involve UKRI. UKRI supports around 20% of all UK-based postgraduate researchers. You should speak to the research organisation you are interested in to find out what studentships are available.

You could also consider using a specialist website like   FindaPhD  to look for opportunities.

When to apply

Research organisations set their own deadlines for applications.

Many open for applications early in the academic year and close in January or February. This is not a hard and fast rule. It is important that you check the deadlines for the research organisation where you want to study.

How to apply

You cannot apply to UKRI for a studentship. You must contact the research organisation you are interested in studying with and use their application process.

For doctoral students who are already studying with a studentship, there are opportunities to get additional funding to support placements that are separate from your doctorate.  Find training and development opportunities .

Last updated: 14 February 2024

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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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• 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.

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?

When funding schemes are open, the application will usually involve:  

• submitting a full application through the university's PhD application portal; you will upload your research proposal as part of this process.
• The submission will typically require two references, academic qualifications, a proposed project approach and a personal statement.
• Shortlisted applicants are likely to be invited for interview.

Please note, funding schemes are only open at specific times of year. Applications for funding outside of these timeframes will not be considered. See our  PhD funding opportunities page  for details of any current funding calls.

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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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.

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LSE PhD Studentships

It was a huge honour to receive funding from such a prestigious institution

For 2024 entry, LSE will be offering studentships to new PhD students, in 2023 this was 88, in the form of LSE PhD Studentships, LSE DTP  ESRC Studentships  and London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP)  Studentships.

The awards are open to high calibre students of all nationalities studying across all research areas at the School.

Eligibility

LSE PhD Studentships are tenable for four years and cover full fees and an annual stipend, which for 2024 entry is £21,237. They are available for UK and international students undertaking research in any LSE discipline, with annual renewal subject to satisfactory academic performance.

These awards will be made solely on the basis of outstanding academic merit and research potential. This relates both to your past academic record and to an assessment of your likely aptitude to complete a PhD in your chosen topic in the time allocated.

How to apply

Academic departments nominate students for consideration by a School panel for all PhD funding opportunities they may be eligible for. There is no separate application for any of these studentships.

To be considered for this funding, you must submit your complete application for admission to LSE by a specific date. This date differs by academic department. Refer to the individual programme page for the relevant deadline information.  Find your graduate programme .

• deadline for the research programme in the Law School for 2024 entry: 1 December 2023
• deadline for the research programme in the Department of Economics for 2024 entry (including PhD Studentships and ESRC funding: 14 December 2023
• funding deadline for first round of PhD Studentships and for ESRC funding for 2024 entry: 15 January 2024
• London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP) PhD Scholarships  deadline: 26 January 2024, 17:00 GMT
• funding deadline for second round of PhD Studentships deadline for 2024 entry (some departments only): 25 April 2024

Find out about ESRC Studentships .

More information on how to apply for a place on a PhD programme .

Student stories

"I received an LSE PhD Studentship, which covers both my tuition and living expenses. It was a huge honour to receive funding from such a prestigious institution and without this support it would have been impossible for me to pursue my PhD."

Katherine Furman East London, South Africa MPhil/PhD Philosophy LSE PhD Studentship

ESRC Studentships Scholarships for PhD study and master's linked to a PhD

How to apply The application process, UCAS and when to apply

Undergraduate fees and funding Details on available scholarships, bursaries, loans and tuition fees

Graduate fees and funding Details on available scholarships, bursaries, loans and tuition fees

Contact us Get in touch with the Financial Support Office

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PhD Studentships

Coventry University are currently offering a number of funded PhD opportunities for prospective candidates, beginning in 2024.

All of our PhD studentships have been put together by leading researchers across the institution, covering a breadth of disciplines and research areas.

With just under 600 academics working in our challenge-led, interdisciplinary Research Centres, each excelling in its own specialist areas, our ambition is focused on delivering 'excellence with impact'. This means our research goes beyond just enhancing academic knowledge and effects real change in the wider world.

From autonomous vehicles and digital culture to sustainability and data sciences, Coventry University has a wide range of PhD opportunities that will stimulate and inspire.

Browse current opportunities

Trailblazers

These fully-funded PhD projects have been devised and developed by leading early-career researchers at Coventry University. The scheme provides PhD candidates with an innovative and dynamic intellectual space in which to undertake transformative research.

Cotutelle PhD Programmes

The Cotutelle PhD programme enables postgraduate research candidates to benefit from enrolment, supervisory support and awards from Coventry University and one of our international partner institutions.

Midlands4Cities

Coventry University is proud to be one of eight universities in the Midlands4Cities (M4C) Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded Doctoral Training Partnership.

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is a leading research organisation in Singapore that works to nurture and develop talent for the research community in Singapore and beyond.

All PhD studentships

View all current funded and self-funded PhD opportunities across our interdisciplinary research centres.

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Our locations

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PhD Education / Overview

Year of entry: 2025

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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 20 January 2025.

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 2025 entry: 30 June 2025

Programme options

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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To find out what studying on a postgraduate research programme at Manchester is like, visit our Open days and study fairs page and explore our  virtual open week  or future on-campus and international events.

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.

Fees for entry in 2025 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2024 were 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 20 January 2025.

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.

You will need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor for a number of our scholarships. Therefore, we highly recommend you discuss these funding opportunities with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and ensure you meet nomination deadlines.

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.

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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 .

• PhD Studentships
• Funding a PhD
• Studentships are scholarships awarded to PhD students, with funding provided by either a Research Council , university , private body or research charity .
• Most studentships are linked to a specific research project or a field of study .
• Can either be partially funded (covering fees only) or fully funded (covering fees and providing an allowance for living costs – the stipend).
• Universities commonly require candidates to have a 2:1 or 1st class honours degree; a relevant Masters degree may be useful for a successful applicant but not essential.
• Most studentships don’t allow other sources of funding e.g. bursaries or PhD loans.

What Are PhD Studentships?

A studentship is a non-repayable scholarship available to PhD students to support their doctoral studies. At a minimum, all studentships will cover a student’s tuition fee, however they may also cover the student’s living expenses (referred to as a stipend or maintenance grant) depending on the specific type of studentship awarded.

Who Are They Awarded By?

The most common source of PhD funding is through a Research Council, in which a studentship is awarded in the form of a Research Council Grant . In the UK, there are seven Research Councils as listed below:

• Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• Medical Research Council (MRC)
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
• Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

Collectively, these councils form part of a government body known as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) which provide funding to PhD students to advance research. UKRI aims to provide the best environment for research and innovation to thrive by working in collaboration with universities, research organisations, companies, charities and governments.

The second most common source of studentships is directly from universities in the form of scholarships and bursaries . Although not always the case, studentships provided by universities are often linked to a specific project title or field of study and may also be linked at least in part to Research Council funding. This means that you must undertake a PhD project in a specific pre-determined subject area in order to meet the eligibility criteria for funding.

The other source of studentships is through professional bodies (e.g. Institution of Mechanical Engineers) and research charities (e.g. Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK). These studentships are known as Cooperative Awards in Science and Engineering (CASE). In nearly all cases, CASE studentships are also linked to a specific project title or field of study.

How Much Funding Can I Receive?

A successful applicant may receive two types of studentships: partially funded and fully funded . Partially funded studentships typically cover the cost of a student’s tuition fees and possibly any associated project costs. This can include aspects such as training courses and travelling for meetings and conferences, though the exact scope of what’s included differs for each studentship.

Although tuition fees vary depending on university, the indicative fee is £4,500/year as stated by the UKRI for UK students.

A fully funded studentship covers the same aspects of a partially funded studentship, however, in addition to this, it also provides a tax-free  maintenance grant to cover the student’s cost of living . This maintenance grant is more commonly referred to as an annual stipend  and looks to provide enough additional funding that the student need not look for part-time work to pay for their living costs whilst undertaking their PhD. It should be noted stipends provided by Research Councils will need to meet a nationally agreed minimum level; for 2021/22, this minimum level has been set as £15,609 . Living costs do of course vary between cities and it’s something you should factor in when planning your budget. Most universities do offer students the opportunity to earn a little extra money (e.g. by teaching undergraduates) to supplement your stipend.

Am I Eligible for a PhD Studentship?

The eligibility requirements differ between studentships, however, most will require the following in order to be eligible for financial support:

• A Bachelors degree with a 2:1 or above
• A relevant Masters degree

There may also be some restrictions which deem you non-eligible for a studentship. These are commonly:

• If you already hold a doctoral degree
• If you receive funding from another source e.g. a doctoral loan

As the requirements differ for each studentship, there may be some further requirements or restrictions in addition to the above. For example, some studentships restrict how many hours of paid employment you can undertake alongside your PhD and some are limited to students fitting certain criteria e.g. coming from a low-income household or being of a certain ethnicity.

Therefore, make sure you read the descriptions of any studentship carefully and in full before making any decisions.

Note: Being eligible for a PhD studentship does not guarantee you one. With exception to a few, all studentships are awarded based on ability, therefore, funding will be awarded to the best PhD applicants applying for the studentships.

UK PhD studentships are now typically only open to UK students , with fewer being available to EU and international students. One of the key reasons for this are the higher tuition fees that students outside the UK will need to pay. Some universities may offer EU/international students studentships if they are able to cover the additional fee costs themselves. However, even if you are an EU student, you still may be limited to only a partially funded studentship meaning only your fees will be covered, so it is important to be clear on what you’re eligible for and the deadline for applications. For further clarification, see the table below:

How Do I Apply for a PhD Studentship?

The application process can be initiated in one of two ways. First, some universities will automatically consider you for a studentship when they receive your application to undertake a PhD. For example, Nottingham Trent University specifies the below as their arrangements:

The NTU Doctoral School will treat your online form as an application form for a place to study for an MPhil/PhD doctoral research degree at Nottingham Trent University, as well as a funding application for the 2020 Nottingham Trent University PhD Studentship Scheme.

Second, some universities will require you to submit a separate funding application form. If you are required to submit a separate application, these are usually made directly to university regardless of the source of the funding body i.e. a Research Council or professional body. This is because although the studentship funding may be provided from a non-academic body, as the academic institute hosting the PhD project, the university will be responsible for assessing candidates and selecting the most suitable one. Be mindful that these may come with a strict application deadline.

If you are required to submit a separate application, you will typically be asked for:

• Your PhD application form
• A research proposal
• A cover letter
• Your references

Upon receiving your application, the PhD supervisor will likely have an informal discussion with you, either by email, over the phone or in person. In some cases, you may be invited in for a formal interview .

Regardless of which of the two situations occurs, the potential supervisor will use the discussion alongside your application to determine whether you should be awarded the PhD programme and studentship. Following their decision, they will get in touch with you to let you know the outcome.

It’s worth noting that in some cases, the potential supervisor may decide that you are suitable to undertake the PhD project but are not the strongest candidate who has applied across all PhDs within their department. If this is the case and the studentship is linked to a research topic as opposed to the specific project title you are applying for, you may be offered the PhD opportunity but not the studentship. If this occurs, you will need to consider your alternative PhD funding options, such as funding it yourself or obtaining a PhD loan, before making your decision.

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PhD studentships

Funding for PhD applicants is available from a range of sources on a competitive basis.

Follow the links in the table to find full details regarding eligibility, available finance, application methods and closing dates. Follow us on X and Facebook to hear when we have added new studentship opportunities. 

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Studentships and funding

All postgraduate research students need to think about how to pay for fees and living expenses that they will incur while studying. Living expenses might include housing costs, utility bills, childcare, travel, food and entertainment. Funding can be obtained from a number of different sources, these are outlined in the following sections.

UK Research and Innovation funding

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) distributes funding through various research councils in the form of ‘studentships’. These studentships are often as part of Doctoral Training Partnerships with other universities and organisations. The OU then recruit individual students to these studentships.

There is usually a high level of competition for these funded studentships. UKRI-funded students typically have their fees paid and receive a stipend to cover living costs. They also normally receive a Research Teaching Support Grant (RTSG) which can be used, subject to agreement with supervisors, to support the student’s research training. These funds can be used to support attendance at external workshops and conferences.

Some UKRI-funded students can also obtain additional support for overseas fieldwork from the Research Council, providing that the fieldwork was included in the original proposal.

Please see further information about the Doctoral Training Partnerships of which the OU is proud to be a part. Current studentships are advertised on the Studentship pages .

OU-funded research degrees

The OU offers funded studentships, either wholly or with an element of matched funding from an external partner in industry, government or a public body. Each faculty will have different funds available, and different criteria for eligibility. This varies from year to year. The studentships will have particular terms and conditions relating to Intellectual Property, registration periods, location of study and periods of leave.

Current studentships are advertised on the Studentship pages .

Sponsored employees

Some organisations sponsor their employees or other potential students because they want to develop future researchers and research-informed practitioners, along with accessing world-class research outputs. There are many advantages of sponsoring an OU research degree for organisations.

Funding, or co-funding, a PhD student provides an opportunity for bespoke research projects to be undertaken by a student linked to an issue of relevance and value to an organisation or research agenda.

Professional doctorate

Sponsoring a professional doctorate – either a professional doctorate in education (EdD) or in health and social care (DHSC) – provides an excellent opportunity for an employee to undertake research that develops their capability as a research-informed practitioner – and enables the organisation to benefit from the knowledge produced.

Other sources of funding

Other sources of funding include trusts and charities. Your eligibility to apply for funding may depend on your specific circumstances or on the nature of your research. This source of funding is usually attached to advertised projects.

The University subscribes to The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online , which lists alternative funding bodies which can make awards to any student, regardless of subject or nationality. The Alternative Guide Online contains a huge database of funding opportunities, comprehensive guidance and numerous tools to help you prepare a winning grant application. The Open University has purchased a licence to the Guide, and so it’s free for all students and staff to use! If you are a prospective student who has applied to the University, please contact the Library Research Support Team  to get an access PIN.

Self-funding and Doctoral Student Loans

Some postgraduate research students pay their own fees.

In 2018, the UK government introduced new loans to help with the cost of study on doctoral programmes. The loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course. More information on the loan and eligibility can be found on the on Gov.uk’s doctoral loans webpage.

Please note you are unable to apply until you have received an offer letter and you will need to ask the Graduate School for a Course Code in order to apply.

You will need to ask the Graduate School for a Course Code in order to apply.

Doctoral Loans are paid out after the course starts, so you need to pay in full before your start date using a different payment method to complete registration. You should contact the Graduate School if you plan to apply for a Doctoral Loan, to get a course code and to confirm your registration with Student Finance.

Your questions

For advice about applying for a research degree, or sponsoring a research student, email the Graduate School or call +44 (0)1908 653806.

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PhD funding in the UK with Postgraduate Studentships

There are many sources of financial support including postgraduate loans and additional study funding that is offered by Universities and Charities. Universities offer postgraduate funding to support students looking to continue their studies at a specialist level. These degrees can offer qualifications such as MA, MSc, MRes, MBA, MPhill and PhD. Postgraduate degrees are expensive and many students looking to study in the UK will look to additional funding sources in order to provide extra support. Universities encourage postgraduate students to study, so they want to make the process of seeking funding and applying as simple as possible. If you’re interested in PhD Studentships or any other postgraduate funding type, you’ve come to the right place.

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How to apply for a research degree

Once you’ve found a PhD project or decided on your own proposal and spoken with a potential supervisor, you can apply using our online application system.

Prepare your application

The online application form takes about 30 minutes to complete. 

Typically when you apply, you’ll need:

• your personal details
• how you plan to fund your studies
• project title
• supervisor name (you should speak to the supervisor before applying)
• 2 academic references from your most recent place of study
• an academic transcript of your undergraduate degree showing modules and marks achieved
• an academic transcript from your Master's degree showing modules and marks achieved if you have already graduated
• undergraduate degree certificate and Master's degree certificate (if you have already graduated)
• English language qualification (if required)
• CV (also referred to as a resume)
• personal statement
• research proposal (if you are planning your own project or if it states you need to provide it)

Apply as early as possible if you need to secure a UK visa or if you are applying for funding or sponsorship. Deadlines for research funding are usually at least 6 months in advance of the start date. 

Some projects will have a different application procedure. This is usually the case when the project is funded by a doctoral training partnership.

Steps to apply

• Check that you meet the entry requirements and confirm the key dates either on the project page or with your potential supervisor.
• Write a personal statement including your motivation for the project, your relevant skills and experience, and how it supports your future goals. Keep this focused and concise.  
• Have supporting documents ready to attach to your online application.
• Register for an account then complete and submit the online application form. You’ll be able to save and review your application before submitting it.  
• Check you have received our email confirming we've received your application. We usually send this straight away.
• Use your account login details to track the progress of your application.

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PhD Studentship: Reforming the Regulation of Healthcare Professionals in the United States

• Qualification type: PhD
• Subject area: Healthcare law
• Location/Campus: College Lane, Hatfield
• Start date: January or April 2025
• Closing application date: 3 November 2024
• Duration: 3 years, full-time

Project outline

The consequences of inadequate healthcare discipline in America are severe. In the absence of meaningful governmental regulation to stop bad actors from practicing, the private sector has layered its own standards and governance structures on most healthcare professionals: however, these private regulators – insurance panels, hospitals, and specialty boards – are heavily influenced by their own self-interests when disciplining practitioners.

The crisis of American State Board regulation has not been well-recognized in legal scholarship. To the extent that self-regulation creates bias in favour of accused practitioners in American disciplinary procedure, that bias is also inherent in the academic literature about the American medical disciplinary system. External voices, especially from academics trained in law and regulation, are desperately needed in the academic debate about misconduct.

In collaboration with colleagues in the US, we have developed a working model for the professional regulation of physicians based on that employed by the UK’s General Medical Council (GMC) and MPTS (Medical Practitioners’ Tribunal Service), which we have based on a pilot study limited to a single US state. In service of our goal of reforming healthcare regulation in the US, we next seek to examine other regulated professions across the wider US. This studentship will examine the severity of outcomes between medical disciplinary hearings in the UK and USA, respectively, and examine how disciplinary tribunals across these jurisdictions compare in their approach to resolving matters of professional discipline among healthcare practitioners.

Supervisors

• Principal supervisor: Prof. Cathal Gallagher
• Second Supervisor: Dr Nkiruka Umaru

Entry requirements

• Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a UK honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent for non-UK qualifications), and/or a master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as law, political science, psychology or sociology.

Eligibility

• International applicants are welcome to apply but will be required to cover the difference between Home and International fees.
• Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.

How to apply

Applicants should email the following documents:

• A completed  application form
• Two academic references - to be send direct from the referee to the  Doctoral College
• Copies of qualification certificates and transcripts

For international applicants

• English Language qualifications (if applicable). International students from countries where English is not the official first language should have a minimum IELTS score of at 6.5 or equivalent. This could be waived if you have already studied in the UK or in a mainly English speaking country such as the USA or Australia and hold a degree from one of those countries.

Please send completed applications via email to the  Doctoral College using the following format in the email subject line: “Reforming the regulation of healthcare professionals in the United States studentship”

• Interviews are likely to take place on week commencing 18 November 2024
• For informal enquires please email  Cathal Gallagher

Funding information

The studentship covers fees at the home rate and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate).

(UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria). International applicants are welcome to apply but will be required to cover the difference between Home and International fees.

PhD Studentship: Development of an Anthropomorphic Phantom for PErsonalised Radioimmunotherapy (DAPPER)

University of southampton - faculty of engineering and physical sciences.

Supervisory Team: Dr. Orestis Katsamenis, Dr. Charles Burson-Thomas, Dr. Sofia Michopoulou, (Faculty of Medicine & University Hospital Southampton), Dr. Frederick Wilson, (Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited), Dr. Andrew Fenwick, (National Physical Laboratory), Dr. Juliana Maynard, (Medical Research Council National PET Imaging Platform)

PhD Supervisor: Orestis Katsamenis

Project description:

Are you passionate about cutting-edge medical research and the potential to directly impact patient care? Join our interdisciplinary team at the University of Southampton and contribute to the development of a groundbreaking approach to improve radioimmunotherapy dosimetry.

Radioimmunotherapy is a crucial treatment for bone cancers, with approximately 2,000 patients in the UK undergoing bone marrow transplants each year. The process involves using radioactive antibodies to target and eradicate unhealthy bone marrow, presenting a safer alternative to total body irradiation. However, current dosimetry methods - the process of applying conversion factors on the SPECT/CT images to calculate radioactivity concentration within the patient's body - lack precision due to oversimplified phantoms that fail to replicate the complex anatomy of human tissues. This leads to a conservative approach in prescribing radioactivity and a systematic undertreatment of patients undergoing radiommunotherapy for bone marrow ablation.

This project will build upon the team’s expertise in advanced imaging, image-based modeling and dosimetry to design and manufacture an anatomically accurate dosimetry phantom of the lumbar spine; that is a specially designed object that mimics the relevant properties of the vertebral bodies.

To achieve this, we will utilise high-resolution Computed micro-Tomography and clinical CT datasets to create detailed models of human vertebrae. These models will be refined to account for population variability, and then used to develop 3D-printed, anatomically realistic structures. Monte Carlo simulations will establish a ground truth for dosimetry calibration using these new phantoms.

Clinical validation of the phantom will take place at University Hospital Southampton and the National Physical Laboratory. This project will also explore the phantom’s performance in Total Body PET imaging for post-therapy verification, an area where conventional PET technology falls short.

By comparing the new phantom's accuracy with the current clinical standard, we aim to significantly enhance dosimetry accuracy, leading to safer and more effective treatments. Improved standardisation of scanner calibrations across multiple centres will further reduce inaccuracies and support future dose escalation studies.

This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to develop transferable skills in advanced imaging, 3D modeling, and biomedical research. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team based in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, supported by world-class infrastructure and expertise, and working closely with the μ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre and the Biomedical Imaging Unit.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date : 31 October 2024. 

Funding: Tuition fee and stipend guaranteed for successful applicant from either UK or an EU-Horizon country , for eligible countries please see full list at https://www.southampton.ac.uk/doctoral-college/eu-fee-waivers.page

How To Apply

Apply online by clicking the 'Apply' button, above. 

Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”.

In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor:  Orestis Katsamenis

Applications should include :

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: [email protected]

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• PhD Study in the UK – A Guide for 2024

The United Kingdom is home to some of the world's oldest and most respected universities, but there's more to PhD study than age and reputation. Thankfully, British research programmes are also innovative and world-leading, with a modern approach to doctoral training and generous funding available to students from all backgrounds.

This guide covers everything you need to know about studying a PhD in the UK in 2024. We've explained how British PhD programmes work, what they cost (and how to pay for them) as well as advice on How to apply for a PhD in the UK.

Why study a PhD in the UK?

We're celebrating international students in the UK by supporting the #WeAreInternational campaign .

UK universities carry out research in all major subject areas but recent years have seen increasing investment in priority areas such as AI, Machine Learning and related fields such as Health Science and Bioinformatics.

Alongside this, the UK Government is working to attract and support talented international researchers with the launch of a three-year post-study work visa and the extension of PhD studentships to overseas students .

Here are a few reasons to consider a PhD in the UK this year:

• Historic universities – the British university system dates back to at least the eleventh century and has nurtured some of the most important developments in western science, medicine, art and philosophy.
• Global reputation – A British PhD commands respect around the world as the hallmark of the ability to conduct rigorous research and scholarship at the cutting edge of a student's field.
• Innovative training and support – UK universities increasingly deliver PhDs within structured doctoral training programmes, offering additional opportunities for academic and professional development that equip candidates for a range of careers.
• A wide range of funding options – The UK invests heavily in doctoral training, with studentships from dedicated Research Councils as well as a government doctoral student loans system and a range of support for international candidates .
• Priority research areas – On top of all the support the UK already provides for PhD study, additional funding is currently being made available for pioneering work in AI and related fields.
• New post-study work visas – A Graduate Route visa is available to international students completing a PhD from summer 2021 onwards. It allows you to stay in the UK and work (or seek work) for up to three years.

PhDs in the UK

The UK is a member of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This means its qualifications follow the format of the Bologna process. A doctorate in the UK is a third-cycle qualification. It usually takes between three and four years to complete a UK PhD.

This guide focuses on how PhD programmes in the UK are structured including assessments, examinations and supervision.

The British PhD follows a format that's recognisable around the world (partly because many parts of the world have copied the British PhD format!).

At its core, a UK doctorate is an independent research qualification. Right from the beginning, the focus is on your own individual research project with the ultimate aim of producing an original thesis that contributes to the understanding of your field.

Unlike in some countries (such as the USA ), there isn't any formal taught components for a UK PhD. You probably will have some additional training and development opportunities during your doctorate (such as teaching undergraduates , attending conferences and publishing papers ) but your performance in these won't affect your final degree result.They will help you hone your skills and knowledge to increase your employability prospects though!

UK doctoral degrees

Most UK universities award their academic doctorates as PhD qualifications. However, some institutions award a DPhil instead. The two degrees are effectively the same; in fact, they even stand for the same thing ('PhD' is an abbreviation of the Latin philosophiae doctor , whereas 'DPhil' is an abbreviation of the English 'doctor of philosophy'). Rest assured that, for all intents and purposes, a DPhil is the same as a PhD.

Other UK doctoral degrees do differ. Some universities award specialised professional doctorates in particular subjects. Examples include the Doctor of Engineering (Eng.D), Doctor of Education (EdD) or the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) . These tend to include more practice-based research and reflection, being designed for experienced professionals.

The length of a UK PhD (or other doctorate) is fairly standard. You'll normally be expected to spend a minimum of three years researching towards your thesis, with most universities allowing students to extend for a fourth year if necessary. Around six to eight years are normally allowed for part-time PhDs.

The UK academic year runs from September to June , but the lack of formal teaching on British doctoral programmes means that PhD students can, in principle, start at any point in the calendar year. Be aware that your university may prefer a September start where possible, however, in order to line up with induction and orientation.

Supervision

At the start of your degree, you'll be partnered with at least one PhD supervisor . They will be an expert in your specialism with some relevant experience of the kinds of material you intend to research and the methods you expect to use. It's their job to guide your project and provide advice on the best direction for your research as you progress. Your supervisor will also support your professional development as a researcher and – potentially – as a future academic.

It's actually common for students in the UK to have two supervisors :

• Your primary supervisor provides expert academic advice on the best direction for your project and offers feedback on drafts and other work in progress. This person is sometimes referred to as a 'director of studies'.
• Your secondary supervisor provides more pastoral support and general mentoring. They may not be as closely in your research but will help with professional development and training.

Sometimes the split in supervisor roles and responsibilities isn't as clear as this, with some students being co-supervised by two academics who both offer academic advice and more general support.

PhD structure

The UK PhD is traditionally a pure research degree, with no taught classes and assessments (other than your final oral examination – see below). You will normally begin with a literature review of existing work in your field, before moving on to gathering your own quantitative or qualitative data, textual evidence or other materials and eventually writing up your findings as a PhD thesis .

Some UK PhD students begin by registering for an MPhil before completing a PhD upgrade at the end of their first year (this is a short oral exam, based around a chapter draft or similar).

Some UK universities also offer a more structured PhD with timetabled training and development activities. This is most common for PhDs funded by the UK Research Councils which take place within dedicated Doctoral Training Centres.

Submission and examination

At the end of your PhD you will submit a written thesis detailing your findings and the conclusions you have drawn from them. The length of a UK PhD thesis varies by subject. Dissertations in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences tend to be between 60,000 and 100,000 words. Dissertations in STEM subjects are shorter, as much of the information is conveyed through graphs and data tables.

At least one of your supervisors will read your PhD in full before you submit it and offer constructive feedback to help improve your thesis.

Your PhD will then be submitted for oral examination in a process known as a viva voce (Latin for 'living voice'). A UK PhD viva usually involves two examiners: one 'internal examiner' from within your university and one 'external examiner' from another institution. Both will read your thesis in advance and then question you about it. It is your job to 'defend' your findings and conclusions in order to prove the value of your research and confirm the PhD is your own work.

Unlike in other European countries , where the viva is often a public defence, UK PhDs are usually examined in a 'closed room' setting. Your supervisor is not usually present but should be available before and after the exam.

Immediately following your viva your examiners will recommend a PhD result for you. This may involve passing (with or without some corrections to your thesis) or other outcomes that may require additional research and / or resubmission (it's rare to completely fail your PhD after reaching the viva stage).

If you’re interested in studying in the UK then we’ve covered everything you need to know including what they cost (and how to pay for them as an international student ) as well as advice on how to apply for a PhD in the UK .

Think you’re ready to find the perfect project for you?

Search our database of PhD programmes in the UK .

The seven UK Research Councils provide government studentships for PhD research in different subject areas. Our simple guide explains how this funding works, what you can get and how to apply successfully.

You may be able to get a PhD loan of up to £27,892 for a UK doctorate from Student Finance. Our guide explains eligibility, applications and repayments.

Our guide explains the best ways to fund international PhD study in the UK, with information on all the main scholarships available to you.

Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) or Doctoral Training Centres (DTCs) provide UK Research Council funded PhD studentships to postgraduate students

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

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Major update on PhD student facing death penalty for 'beating friend's baby to death'

Nicole Virzi, 29, is accused of murdering six-week-old Leon Katz while she babysat the tot at his home in Pittsburgh, US, in June - and now faces the death penalty

• 21:38, 13 Sep 2024

A PhD student accused of brutally mudering her friend's six-week-old baby will face a jury who will decide whether she is to be executed under the death penalty .

Nicole Virzi, 29, was charged with two counts of child endangerment and three counts of aggravated assault relating to the death of six-week-old Leon Katz - whom she was looking after at his home in Pittsburgh, US , in June.

Virzi allegedly caused fatal injuries to Leon's skull, leading to multiple brain bleeds. During the time she was supposed to be caring for baby Leon, his parents, Ethan Katz and Savannah Roberts, were dealing with another crisis as they took his twin brother Ari to the hospital for injuries now also attributed to Virzi.

At a pre-trial conference on Friday, the court set a jury trial date for December 10, 2024. Two status hearings will be held before the trial, which will give the defence and prosecution an opportunity to come to a resolution outside of court proceedings.

Prosecutors, who are pushing for the death penalty against Virzi, have built their case around claims that Virzi tortured Leon to death, stating: "The defendant committed the killing while in the perpetration of a felony. The offence was committed by means of torture. The defendant has a significant history of felony convictions involving the use or threat of violence to the person. The victim was a child under 12 years of age."

Virzi was on a break from her studies while babysitting the tot, and was considered a "trusted friend" of the parents. But the situation turned dire while the parents were away at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh with Ari, who had sustained an injury to his groin area, which police say was noticed by Virzi.

The student claimed she heard Ari screaming while she was in the kitchen preparing a bottle of milk, and rushed back to find he had fallen from his bouncer chair. She then immediately rang 911.

But a doctor told investigators: "The injuries sustained by both (twins are) consistent with having been sustained as a result of child abuse, as these are inflicted injuries that are not natural and not accidental," according to court papers.

David Shrager, Virzi's lawyer, said last month his client was heartbroken over Leon's death but was adamant she was innocent. Despite pleading not guilty, Virzi is up against charges of homicide, child endangerment, and aggravated assault.

Shrager told DailyMail.com that she was blindsided by the prosecution intending to seek the death penalty in late August. He said he'd already discussed with Virzi that the death penalty was a possibility, but thought it was unlikely to be pursued.

He said: “I did not believe [it] was going to happen. Obviously we discussed this as a possibility... I was aware it could.”

But despite the shock, Mr Shrager added he and his client are “confident in our defense of the case” and that “she looks forward to having an opportunity to tell her truth.”

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