funded phd programs 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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Funded PhD research programmes 2024 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 deadline has passed for the October 2024 start for funded PhDs, but there will be further announcements shortly. Meanwhile, please visit our PhD funding advice pages . 

Visit our PhD disciplinary programme lists

What UK PhD studentships are available ?

Our academics at the University of Brighton regularly develop research projects in which they can offer outstanding support and which they are committed to developing and growing.

The studentships available will be given to candidates who best fulfil the promise outlined by these academic departments.

These funded PhD opportunities are generally open to home and international students. 

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 our schemes will usually involve:  

• submitting a full application through the university's PhD application portal, 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).
• Please note, deadline for 2024 start on the most recent funding scheme was 29 February 2024 16:00 (UCT/GMT).
• Shortlisted applicants are likely to be invited for interview.

Details of application for fully funded PhD studentships

To apply for your studentship at the University of Brighton, you should first review the specific projects or project areas that our academics are offering to support. 

All eligible applications for the funded PhD will be reviewed, with shortlisted candidates entered for final decisions on the allocations of funding, which will rest with the university's central Doctoral College. 

What does PhD funding include?

The funding for the PhD usually cover 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 these programmes. We look forward to receiving your application. Good luck!

• Postgraduate
• PhD and Professional Doctorates

PhD opportunities

Fully funded phd studentships.

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

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.

Finance shouldn’t be a barrier to delivering world-leading research. That’s why we run an annual fully funded studentship competition, to recruit talented researchers from across the world. 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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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)

Additionally, Cooperative Awards in Science and Engineering (CASE) can be part-funded by any non-academic body. 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).
• 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, a University of Manchester School of Social Sciences PhD studentship includes tuition fees for three-and-a-half years and a maintenance grant of £16,062 (2022/23 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 .

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International PhD Scholarships

King's College London is one of the world's leading research institutions with a diverse research community producing internationally recognised work. King's and the Centre for Doctoral Studies are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing top international postgraduate research talent to study alongside our renowned academic supervisors.

If you are interested in a postgraduate research degree (MPhil/PhD) at King's. there are a range of funding opportunities for international postgraduate researchers at King's, including:

• Joint PhD Programme Funding
• King's China Council Scholarships

You can learn more about these opportunities below. You can also access our postgraduate funding database to search all currently open funding competitions at King's.

Postgraduate Funding Database

A link to PG Funding database

Joint PhD Scholarships

Three scholarships are available for the 2023/24 academic year for students applying to joint PhD programmes run in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong, National University of Singapore or the University of Sao Paulo, with King's as their home institution.

The King's Joint PhD Scholarship provides full tuition fees, stipend and an annual research grant.

Download the guidance for the 2023/24 Joint PGR Scholarships .

Find out more about the Joint PhD Programmes available at the National University of Singapore, University of Hong Kong, and University of Sao Paolo by visiting the International Education webpage.

• Applications close 26 March 2023

King’s-China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarship programme (K-CSC) 2023-24

King's College London and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) hold an agreement to jointly fund PhD students to pursue research degrees at King's College London.

As part of the agreement, successful students will receive a scholarship that covers the tuition fee, an annual living allowance that includes overseas student health cover, a return airfare to London and visa application fees.

Please be aware that students funded through this scheme must abide by any additional terms and conditions set by the CSC. Scholars will be required to enter into a legally binding agreement with the CSC before they are able to take up the scholarship. If there are any significant developments that could affect/hamper a scholar's expected completion of the PhD, scholars are advised to get in touch with the Education Section in the Chinese Embassy.

A considerable number of K-CSC scholarship awards are available for the 2023-24 competition.

• Applications close 02 January 2023

Find full details on the KCL Funding Database.

Useful links

Postgraduate English Language Requirements

Find out more about our English Language Requirements.

Imperial College London Imperial College London

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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

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

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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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

Meet, visit and discover LSE Webinars, videos, on campus events and visits around the world

• Schools & departments

Depending on the field of study you are interested in, you may be able to apply for a pre-defined PhD project, or you may need to develop your own research idea.

Research in the fields of medicine, science and engineering tend to require you to:

• apply for a project that already has specific, pre-defined aims
• compete for a place on a partially or fully funded programme (often with competitive application processes).

Research in the fields of arts, humanities and social sciences tend to require you to:

• develop your own research idea (be prepared to adapt your original idea)
• source your own funding, although some funded projects may be available.

PhD research projects

Doctoral training centres and partnerships, developing your own research idea, professional doctorates.

Funded programmes

We offer several specialised PhD training programmes that come with funding.

All of our fully funded programmes are displayed below including our prestigious doctoral training partnerships and industry funded schemes.

Some of these programmes offer interdisciplinary or structured training during the first year or placements outside of the lab.

Alternatively, you can search our live project listings to find advertised fully funded projects or visit our funding opportunities page  to browse the fully funded scholarships and awards we offer.

Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarships

Fully funded studentships for candidates from groups under-represented in postgraduate research.

More about the Excellence in Diversity scholarships

Joint scholarships with the China Scholarship Council (CSC)

Scholarships for Chinese PhD students through a joint scheme between the University and the CSC.

More about joint scholarships with the CSC

BBSRC DTP studentships

The BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership provides an opportunity to experience cutting-edge research in the biosciences.

More about BBSRC DTP studentships

MRC DTP studentships

The MRC Doctoral Training Partnership provides an outstanding environment for PhDs in the biomedical sciences.

More about MRC DTP studentships

British Heart Foundation PhD

Our 4-year BHF PhD provides an intensive introduction to cardiovascular research.

More about the British Heart Foundation PhD

Wellcome Trust Immunomatrix in Complex Disease PhD

A 4-year PhD programme at the interface of immunology and matrix biology research.

More about the Wellcome Trust Immunomatrix in Complex Disease PhD

CRUK Manchester Centre PhD Training Scheme

Develop a career in world-leading cancer research with clinical, MB-PhD and non-clinical PhD opportunities funded by the Cancer Research UK Manchester Centre.

More about the CRUK Manchester Centre PhD Training Scheme

CRUK Manchester Centre MB-PhD

Combining medical training with research training in the area of cancer sciences.

More about the CRUK Manchester Centre MB-PhD

CRUK Manchester Institute PhD studentships

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute have PhD projects on offer spanning the whole spectrum of cancer research.

More about the CRUK Manchester Institute PhD studentships

ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership

ESRC funding for postgraduate training in the social sciences is available through the North West Social Sciences DTP.

More about the ESRC North West Social Science DTP

Social-Biological CDT

PhD studentships are available in an innovative new centre for doctoral training in biosocial research.

More about the Social-Biological CDT

HDR UK/Turing PhD Programme in Health Data Science

PhD studentships are available for research within health data science.

More about the HDR UK/Turing PhD Programme in Health Data Science

Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) PhD studentships

Studentships for clinical and non-clinical PhD projects in cancer, inflammation and other areas with the Manchester BRC.

More about the Manchester BRC PhD studentships

President's Doctoral Scholar awards

Studentships for outstanding international (non-UK) candidates seeking PhD opportunities.

More about the President's Doctoral Scholar awards

Dual Award PhD with the University of Melbourne

Apply for a project from the Dual Award PhD programme between Manchester and Melbourne.

More about the Dual Award PhD with the University of Melbourne

Kennedy Trust IMPACT Inflammation MB-PhD

Combining the vocational training of a medical degree with the research expertise of a PhD.

More about the Kennedy Trust IMPACT Inflammation MB-PhD

The Boots Company Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP)

Undertaking world-class bioscience research in skin health.

More about the The Boots Company CTP

Funded projects

Our projects database individually lists the studentship opportunities available.

Search the database

Funding opportunities

Find out about the other sources of financial support available for UK and international applicants.

See funding opportunities

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• Postgraduate research
• BBSRC MIBTP
• CENTA PhD Studentships
• ESRC Midlands Graduate School Doctoral Training Partnership
• Midlands4Cities Open Doctoral Awards 2024
• NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre
• Chemistry Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD
• Chinese Scholarship Council and University of Leicester joint PhD scholarships
• British Heart Foundation 4-year funded PhD studentships 2024
• Articulating the Impact of Cultural Programming in UK Public Libraries
• Artificial Empathy
• Self Funded - Evidence-based empathy education and training
• Leicestershire Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Doctoral Training Programme
• Molecular dissection of horizontal gene transfer mechanisms in mycobacteria
• Exploring multiscale dynamical landscapes and hierarchies of tipping points in the Earth System
• Molecular and Cell Biology PhD for January 2024 Master's students
• Mechanisms of control of 3D genome organisation
• MRC AIM DTP Studentships
• Predicting diabetes-related complications with machine learning techniques
• Health inequalities in medication adherence in those with cardiometabolic disease(s)
• Sarcopenia as a biomarker for people with multiple long-term conditions: an epidemiological perspective
• Investigating the association between cardiometabolic health and labour market outcomes using administrative health data sources
• Understanding Changes in Tropical Wetlands with Remote Sensing, Machine Learning and Land Surface Modelling

Ground stone in a metallic world

• School of Business Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) funded PhD
• Target studentship
• Wellcome Trust DTP in Genomic Epidemiology and Public Health Genomics

Funded opportunities

Listed below are the funded studentship opportunities which are currently accepting research student applications.

Research Council Studentships

Phd studentships funded by research councils open for september 2024 entry.

Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Programme

• Start date: 23 September 2024

CENTA studentships

The Sciences and Technology Facilities Research Council (STFC) studentships for September 2024

• Physics and Astronomy
• Closing date: Closed

Leicestershire Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Doctoral Training Programme (LHII DTP) studentships for 2024

• Start date: 1 October 2024

MRC AIM 2024 studentships

• Start date: 23 September 2023

College of Life Sciences

Please read the studentship adverts for eligibility criteria, funding and application process.

Molecular and Cell Biology:   Mechanisms of control of 3D genome organisation

• Supervisor Professor Daniel Panne
• Closing date: 29 April 2024

Molecular and Cell Biology:  Molecular dissection of horizontal gene transfer mechanisms in mycobacteria

• Supervisor: Dr Abhinav Koyamangalath Vadakkepat

Population Health Sciences:  Predicting diabetes-related complications with machine learning techniques

• Supervisor: Dr Sharmin Shabnam
• Start date: 23 September 2024 or 1 October 2024
• Closing date: 31 May 2024

Population Health Sciences: Sarcopenia as a biomarker for people with multiple long-term conditions: an epidemiological perspective

• Supervisor: Dr Thomas Wilkinson
• Closing date: 9 June 2024

Population Health Sciences:   Health inequalities in medication adherence in those with cardiometabolic disease(s)

• Supervisor: Dr Patrick Highton
• Closing date: 21 April 2024

Population Health Sciences:   Investigating the association between cardiometabolic health and labour market outcomes using administrative health data sources

• Supervisor: Dr Cameron Razieh

NIHR BRC: 2 funded projects

• Supervisors: Project 1 Dr Francesco Zaccardi / Project 2 Dr Dr Yogini V Chudasama
• Closing date: 18 April 2024

School of Healthcare: Artificial Empathy

• Supervisor: Professor Jeremy Howick
• Closing date: 7 April 2024

MIBTP Studentships  - open to UK applicants only

• Various projects/supervisors
• Start date: 23rd September 2024
• Closing Date: 23rd May 2024

Self funded PhD projects 

• Evidence-based empathy education and training
• Population Health Sciences
• Closing date: Open until filled
• Start date: September 2024 
• Open until filled
• Respiratory Sciences

College of Science and Engineering

Please check eligibility for each individual project.

Geography:  Articulating the Impact of Cultural Programming in UK Public Libraries

• Supervisors: Professor Katy Bennett and Dr Tess Osborne
• Closing date: 12 April 2024 (Interviews w/c 22 April 2024)

Mathematics:   Exploring multiscale dynamical landscapes and hierarchies of tipping points in the Earth System

• Supervisor: Professor Lucarini
• Closing date: 10 April 2024

Physics and Astronomy:  Understanding Changes in Tropical Wetlands with Remote Sensing, Machine Learning and Land Surface Modelling

• Supervisor: Dr Robert Parker
• Closing date: 8 April 2024

Chemistry GTA Studentship

• Projects available with Dr Alison Stuart, Dr Fabrizio Ortu, Dr Philip Ash and Dr Richard Hopkinson
• Start date:  23 September 2024
• Closing Date: 22 April 2024

College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Archaeology and Ancient History

Symbols of power, prestige goods or vibrant materials? Rethinking gold, jet and amber grave goods in Early Bronze Age Britain.

• Supervisor: Dr Rachel Crellin
• Start Date: 1 October 2024
• Closing Date: 21 June 2024

School of Business. Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) funded PhD

• Start Date: 23 September 2024
• Closing Date: 28 April 2024

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What is a PhD?

A PhD is a postgraduate degree. It stands for ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ and is one of the highest academic qualifications you can achieve.

Courses involve both research and academic learning where you take on a significant amount of independent work.

For most PhDs, you’ll research for, write and publish an extensive thesis on a specialist subject area.

How long is a PhD? 

PhDs courses usually last between three to four years if you study full-time. Students often extend their thesis deadlines and finish the work in their fourth year. If you study part-time, courses can last six or seven years. 

Courses can begin anytime throughout the year, though most studentships (doctorate scholarships) start in September or October.

What qualifications do you need for a PhD?

You usually need a good second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent. Many courses also ask for a master’s degree. 

When applying, you may need to demonstrate an ability to conduct research. This could be by showing your experience of independently working on a research project. You’ll probably also have to submit a research proposal that outlines what you’ll be studying.

How is a PhD taught?

There’s very little teaching involved in a PhD degree. Your course may begin with five or six hours per week of classes where you learn about research methods and techniques. Aside from this, you’re in control of your studies, though you’ll receive some guidance from an academic tutor.

How is a PhD assessed?

PhD students are assessed mainly by a thesis, and a closed oral examination where examiners ask questions about the thesis. 

Degrees are usually graded as pass or fail.

What skills do you learn during a PhD?

As well as subject-specific skills, you develop transferable skills such as: 

• Organisation 
• Research 
• Work habits 
• Project management 
• Critical thinking 
• Written communication 
• Presentation

How much does a PhD cost? 

Fees vary widely between courses and institutions, but are commonly between £3,000 and £6,000 per year for UK students. International students often pay more. 

Many degrees are partly or fully funded, and lots of students receive scholarships and bursaries. UK Research Councils provide universities with grants of around £4,000 per year for each funded PhD student.

PhD degree facts

Some new PhDs are more vocational and offer practical experiences as well as research. These are designed for those looking to advance their careers. 

When applying for a PhD, you show the university that you’re the right person for an advertised position, or that you’d be suitable to complete your research proposal. 

Popular PhD subjects

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Upcoming open days, university of roehampton, sheffield hallam university, university of bedfordshire.

Ph.D Scholarships UK - Ph.D Funding UK 2024-2025

If you want to take your Ph.D program in UK but you need financial support, below is a list of available Ph.D scholarships for International students in UK  2024-2025. These Ph.D grants uk are made available by universities in UK

• Fully funded

University Of Birmingham PhD Scholarship for Black British Researchers 2024

The PhD will provide a unique opportunity to engage with an under-researched collection of African art at the University of Birmingham (UoB), a discrete collection that is part of Research and Cultural Collections (RCC) - a university museum holding full Museum Accredited status from Arts Council En

Published: 2024-04-02 Type: PhD Study in: Birmingham Deadline: January 1, 1970

City Law School PhD Law Scholarships for Black British Researchers 2024

The City Law School is offering a full-time, three-year doctoral scholarships (entry in September 2024) specifically addressed to Black British applicants. Applications are invited from exceptional and ambitious graduates wishing to pursue cutting-edge research in any of the School's key rese

Published: 2024-03-28 Type: PhD Study in: London Deadline: April 1, 2024

University of Sussex Peter Carpenter Africa Climate Scholarship for African PhD Students 2024

This prestigious fully-funded PhD Peter Carpenter Climate Change scholarship is awarded to African citizens with top level academic qualifications. The PhD programme is hosted within the Climate Science and Society Research (CSSR) group in the Department of Geography, where there is a v

Published: 2024-03-28 Type: PhD Study in: Brighton Deadline: April 15, 2024

University of Kent Law School PhD Research Studentship in UK 2024

This studentship is offered by Kent Law School in association with the UKRI-funded Future Leaders Fellowship project led by Dr Connal Parsley, “The Future of Good Decisions: an Evolutionary Approach to Human-AI Government Administrative Decision-Making”. The project will take a new appro

Published: 2024-03-05 Type: PhD Study in: London Deadline: March 31, 2024

Newcastle University PhD Studentship in Skeletal Muscle (UK) 2024

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated and talented individual to join our team. Our prior studies have revealed intriguing structural changes in patients with mitochondrial myopathy, a condition characterised by mitochondrial dysfunction. Specifically, we have observed an increased

Published: 2024-02-26 Type: PhD Study in: Newcastle upon Tyne Deadline: April 30, 2024

University of Kent Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Scholarship for PhD Students 2024

The University of Kent is pleased to offer four EPSRC studentships starting in September 2024 to exceptional students undertaking PhD study in the following schools on a full-time basis: School of Physics and Astronomy School of Chemistry and Forensic Sciences School of Computing School

Published: 2024-02-22 Type: PhD Study in: London Deadline: March 24, 2024

University of Southampton Horizon Europe Fee Waivers for Postgraduate Students 2024

The University of Southampton is introducing a new programme to support the reassociation of the UK with the Horizon Europe programme, and the University strategy to grow the international diversity of its doctoral cohort. The University will apply a fee waiver - equivalent to the diffe

Published: 2024-02-20 Type: PhD Study in: Southampton Deadline: Not Specified

University Of Portsmouth PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Narcissus 2024

This Ph.D. project explores the rarely studied area of corona structures in Narcissus flowers, highlighting the striking species-to-species variation. To solve the puzzles surrounding corona development, the research combines cooperative efforts, high-throughput DNA sequencing, developmental genetic

Published: 2024-02-16 Type: PhD Study in: Portsmouth Deadline: March 1, 2024

Newcastle University Konishi Foundation Scholarship for PhD Students 2024

The Konishi Foundation Scholarship provides support to an excellent candidate who wishes to pursue a PhD in Politics in topics related to East Asian politics within the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology at Newcastle University. For purposes of this call, East Asia includes China, Hong Kong

Published: 2024-02-16 Type: PhD Study in: Newcastle upon Tyne Deadline: February 19, 2024

King’s College CMCI London African Music PhD Scholarship 2024

The researcher will be based in the Department of Culture, Media and Creative Industries (CMCI),  King’s College London and co-supervised by Professor Roberta Comunian (Professor of Creative Economies in the Department of Culture, Media & Creative Industries) and&n

Published: 2024-02-15 Type: PhD Study in: London Deadline: March 19, 2024

King’s College London Afro Beats And Afro Bytes: PhD Studentship for African Students 2024

The researcher will be based in the Department of Culture, Media and Creative Industries (CMCI),  King’s College London and co-supervised by Professor Roberta Comunian (Professor of Creative Economies in the Department of Culture, Media & Creative Industries) and Dr Eka

Published: 2024-02-13 Type: PhD Study in: London Deadline: March 19, 2024

Newcastle University AHRC-funded PhD Studentship in Early Modern Studies 2024

Interested in early modern books, print culture and politics? This project investigates how the early modern English state used the book trade guild known as the Stationers’ Company to censor publications.  You will work with the Stationers’ Company’s extensive archive (in

Published: 2024-02-12 Type: PhD Study in: Newcastle upon Tyne Deadline: February 28, 2024

Newcastle University Overseas Research Scholarships (NUORS) for International PhD Students 2024 entry

Newcastle University is committed to offering support to the very best international students hoping to pursue a programme of research. We are pleased to offer a small number of University funded NUORS awards for outstanding international students who apply to commence PhD studies in any subject in

Published: 2024-02-08 Type: PhD Study in: Newcastle upon Tyne Deadline: May 10, 2024

Newcastle University Overseas Research Scholarships (NUORS) 2024 entry

Published: 2024-02-07 Type: PhD Study in: Newcastle upon Tyne Deadline: May 10, 2024

University of Bristol Black Heritage PhD Scholarships 2024

We welcome applications for full scholarships to postgraduate research programmes starting in 2024. As part of our commitment to the Black community, the University of Bristol has launched a number of postgraduate research scholarships exclusively for students of Black heritage for 2024/25 entry.

Published: 2024-02-02 Type: PhD Study in: Bristol Deadline: February 27, 2024

University of Leeds Business School Marketing Department Scholarship 2024

Doctoral research students in marketing will develop the ability to pursue research that advances the frontiers of the marketing discipline and solves business and marketing problems using advanced research tools and techniques. They will learn how to derive implications from their research results

Published: 2024-01-23 Type: PhD Study in: Leeds Deadline: April 26, 2024

University Of Manchester Dean's Doctoral Scholarship Award 2024

These scholarships are open to all nationalities and across all research areas, and will be of interest to students of the highest calibre who have the commitment and desire to work on challenging research projects in a world leading research environment.  

Published: 2024-01-18 Type: PhD Study in: Manchester Deadline: March 31, 2024

Regent's University London PhD Progression Scholarship 2023

Regent's PhD Progression Scholarships reward the loyalty of undergraduate students or taught postgraduate students who progress to enrol on a PhD degree with us. It's our way of saying thank you.  

Published: 2024-01-18 Type: PhD Study in: London Deadline: Not Specified

University of Edinburgh 2023 Informatics Global PhD Scholarship

If you have a strong academic record of accomplishment at undergraduate or Masters level, and are highly motivated to pursue a PhD programme in the School of Informatics at The University of Edinburgh, you could be selected to receive a full PhD scholarship.  Applicants who submit a programm

Published: 2024-01-12 Type: PhD Study in: Edinburgh Deadline: April 26, 2024

University of Edinburgh Law School & Cameron PhD Scholarship to Study In UK, 2024

Edinburgh Law School offers a number of full PhD studentships, one of which is provided through a generous bequest from alumnus Ewen Cameron in his name. These scholarships will pay tuition fees and an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (approximately £18,662 per annum). The stipend wil

Published: 2024-01-11 Type: PhD Study in: Cardiff Deadline: February 1, 2024

Best UK Scholarships

• Loughborough Development Trust Africa Scholarship for International African Students 2024-2025
• Leeds Masters Scholarships at University of Leeds 2024
• Aston University Ferguson Scholarship 2024
• City University of London Global STEM Leadership Scholarship for Postgraduate Students 2024
• Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship 2024
• Loughborough University Inspiring Success Scholarship for UK Students 2024
• Nottingham Trent University (NTU) International Merit Scholarships 2024
• Loughborough University Global Excellence Scholarship for UK and International Students 2024

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Fully Funded Phd in UK for International Students with Scholarships (2024 Admissions)

• Study in UK After 12th
• Universities in UK
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Updated on 27 January, 2024

Sr. Content editor

While many of us are interested in pursuing a PhD program in the UK, the fees for the program could add tremendous stress. But fret not; there are many fully-funded PhD programs in the UK for international students that make higher education affordable.

We will discuss all the details regarding applications, deadlines, tenure, and much more for fully-funded programs in the UK for international students.

Scholarship

High-calibre students who wish to apply for fully-funded PhD studentships can consider these programs. These fully-funded programs are offered by a wide range of universities in the UK and some Non-profit and corporate organizations. The positions in these fully-funding PhD can close at any time if someone accepts the offer.

Country/course eligible for

Usually, these fully-funded programs in the UK are available for overseas, European Union, and domestic students. The courses eligible for fully-funded PhD programs will vary according to different scholarships and programs.

Level of scholarship

The fully-funded PhD scholarship in the UK is for candidates who plan to pursue a PhD program or are currently pursuing one. You should essentially have a bachelor’s and master’s coursework for the same.

Tenure/duration

The fully-funded PhD in the UK for international students covers the expenses for the entire duration of the course, which is typically three years.

Subject/fields

There are no fixed subjects or fields where the scholarships will be offered. Students can find opportunities in every discipline across different fully funded PhD programs.

Number of scholarships available 

Several scholarships are available for fully-funded PhD in the UK for international students. Some of the renowned names are

Ten universities offering fully-funded PhD in the UK for international students

Here are ten universities in the UK offering international students a fully-funded doctoral program in the country for your reference:

1. University College London

2. University of Leeds

3. University of Nottingham

4. Imperial College London

5. Lancaster University

6. Aberystwyth University

7. Kings College London

8. University of St Andrews

9. University of Liverpool

10. London Business School

Application duration

Each of these fully-funded PhD programs has a different application start date. We strongly suggest you be aware of the same by regularly checking the official websites.

As far as deadlines are concerned, below mentioned are some of the renowned fully funded Ph.D. program scholarships along with their deadlines.

Mode of Application

The mode of application for fully-funded PhD programs in the UK is online.

Eligibility Criteria and Additional Requirements

1. Eligible countries: the UK, EU citizens, and foreign candidates are acceptable

2. Acceptable course/subjects: PhD support is generally awarded in the given research areas such as Architecture, construction projects and organization, building energy, construction products and processes, digital construction, urban planning, water engineering, and infrastructure, transport.

3. Admissible criteria: To be eligible, the applicants must meet all the following criteria:

It would be best if you had, or expect to achieve, a minimum of 2:1 honours degree (equivalent international qualification) in a similar discipline.

Previous applicants should have their degrees in Civil Engineering, transport, geography, building services engineering and physics, mathematics, or chemistry.

A relevant master’s degree clubbed with employment experience will also give you an edge.

Value of Scholarship

The scholarship value for a fully-funded PhD in the UK varies from GBP 20,000 to GBP 23,200 (INR 20 Lakh to INR 21.56 Lakh).

Selection Process

The selection process involves a panel of experts who access your academic, research, and extracurricular contributions. At times, need-based scholarships are also provided to students.

Requirements for continuing the Scholarships

Most of these scholarships are allotted annually, but we recommend maintaining a stellar academic record if you wish to continue the scholarships.

1. Masters in Finance in the UK

2. MS Courses in the UK

3. Oxford University’s Rhodes Scholarship

4. Cambridge University Scholarships

5. Duke University in the UK

In summary, the availability of fully funded PhD programs in the UK for international students in 2024 represents a significant opportunity for scholars worldwide. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial challenges associated with advanced studies but also open doors to extensive research resources, expert guidance, and international academic networks. For aspiring doctoral candidates, these programs in the UK offer more than just financial support; they provide a platform for groundbreaking research, intellectual growth, and the chance to contribute to global knowledge. The 2024 admissions cycle thus stands as a gateway for talented international students to embark on a journey of discovery and academic excellence, fully supported by the generous scholarship opportunities available in the UK.

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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• Alternative routes...

Alternative routes into clinical research: a guide for early career doctors

• Related content
• Peer review
• Phillip LR Nicolson , consultant haematologist and associate professor of cardiovascular science 1 2 3 ,
• Martha Belete , registrar in anaesthetics 4 5 ,
• Rebecca Hawes , clinical fellow in anaesthetics 5 6 ,
• Nicole Fowler , haematology clinical research fellow 7 ,
• Cheng Hock Toh , professor of haematology and consultant haematologist 8 9
• 1 Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
• 2 Department of Haemostasis, Liaison Haematology and Transfusion, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham
• 3 HaemSTAR, UK
• 4 Department of Anaesthesia, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
• 5 Research and Audit Federation of Trainees, UK
• 6 Department of Anaesthesia, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, Rotherham Hospital, Rotherham
• 7 Department of Haematology, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Treliske, Truro
• 8 Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Prescott Street, Liverpool
• 9 Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool
• Correspondence to P Nicolson, C H Toh p.nicolson{at}bham.ac.uk ; c.h.toh{at}liverpool.ac.uk

Working in clinical research alongside clinical practice can make for a rewarding and worthwhile career. 1 2 3 Building research into a clinical career starts with research training for early and mid-career doctors. Traditional research training typically involves a dedicated period within an integrated clinical academic training programme or as part of an externally funded MD or PhD degree. Informal training opportunities, such as journal clubs and principal investigator (PI)-mentorship are available ( box 1 ), but in recent years several other initiatives have launched in the UK, meaning there are more ways to obtain research experience and embark on a career in clinical research.

Examples of in-person and online research training opportunities

These are available either informally or formally, free of charge or paid, and via local employing hospital trusts, allied health organisations, royal colleges, or universities

Acute medicine

No national trainee research network

Anaesthesia

Research and Audit Federation of Trainees (RAFT). www.raftrainees.org

Cardiothoracic surgery

No national trainee-specific research network. National research network does exist: Cardiothoracic Interdisciplinary Research Network (CIRN). www.scts.org/professionals/research/cirn.aspx

Emergency medicine

Trainee Emergency Medicine Research Network (TERN). www.ternresearch.co.uk

Ear, nose, and throat

UK ENT Trainee Research Network (INTEGRATE). www.entintegrate.co.uk

Gastroenterology

No national trainee research network. Many regional trainee research networks

General practice

No national trainee-specific research network, although national research networks exist: Society for Academic Primary Care (SAPC) and Primary Care Academic Collaborative (PACT). www.sapc.ac.uk ; www.gppact.org

General surgery

Student Audit and Research in Surgery (STARSurg). www.starsurg.org . Many regional trainee research networks

Geriatric Medicine Research Collaborative (GeMRC). www.gemresearchuk.com

Haematology (non-malignant)

Haematology Specialty Training Audit and Research (HaemSTAR). www.haemstar.org

Haematology (malignant)

Trainee Collaborative for Research and Audit in Hepatology UK (ToRcH-UK). www.twitter.com/uk_torch

Histopathology

Pathsoc Research Trainee Initiative (PARTI). www.pathsoc.org/parti.aspx

Intensive care medicine

Trainee Research in Intensive Care Network (TRIC). www.tricnetwork.co.uk

Internal medicine

No trainee-led research network. www.rcp.ac.uk/trainee-research-collaboratives

Interventional radiology

UK National Interventional Radiology Trainee Research (UNITE) Collaborative. https://www.unitecollaborative.com

Maxillofacial surgery

Maxillofacial Trainee Research Collaborative (MTReC). www.maxfaxtrainee.co.uk/

UK & Ireland Renal Trainee Network (NEPHwork). www.ukkidney.org/audit-research/projects/nephwork

Neurosurgery

British Neurosurgical Trainee Research Collaborative (BNTRC). www.bntrc.org.uk

Obstetrics and gynaecology

UK Audit and Research Collaborative in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (UKAROG). www.ukarcog.org

The National Oncology Trainee Collaborative for Healthcare Research (NOTCH). www.uknotch.com

Breast Cancer Trainee Research Collaborative Group (BCTRCG). https://bctrcguk.wixsite.com/bctrcg

Ophthalmology

The Ophthalmology Clinical Trials Network (OCTN). www.ophthalmologytrials.net

Paediatrics

RCPCH Trainee Research Network. www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/rcpch-trainee-research-network

Paediatric anaesthesia

Paediatric Anaesthesia Trainee Research Network (PATRN). www.apagbi.org.uk/education-and-training/trainee-information/research-network-patrn

Paediatric haematology

Paediatric Haematology Trainee Research Network (PHTN). No website

Paediatric surgery

Paediatric Surgical Trainees Research Network (PSTRN). www.pstrnuk.org

Pain medicine

Network of Pain Trainees Interested in Research & Audit (PAIN-TRAIN). www.paintrainuk.com

Palliative care

UK Palliative Care Trainee Research Collaborative (UKPRC). www.twitter.com/uk_prc

Plastic surgery

Reconstructive Surgery Trials Network (RSTN). www.reconstructivesurgerytrials.net/trainees/

Pre-hospital medicine

Pre-Hospital Trainee Operated Research Network (PHOTON). www.facebook.com/PHOTONPHEM

Information from Royal College of Psychiatrists. www.rcpsych.ac.uk/members/your-faculties/academic-psychiatry/research

Radiology Academic Network for Trainees (RADIANT). www.radiantuk.com

Respiratory

Integrated Respiratory Research collaborative (INSPIRE). www.inspirerespiratory.co.uk

British Urology Researchers in Surgical Training (BURST). www.bursturology.com

Vascular surgery

Vascular & Endovascular Research Network (VERN). www.vascular-research.net

This article outlines these formal but “non-traditional” routes available to early and mid-career doctors that can successfully increase research involvement and enable research-active careers.

Trainee research networks

Trainee research networks are a recent phenomenon within most medical specialties. They are formalised regional or national groups led by early and mid-career doctors who work together to perform clinical research and create research training opportunities. The first of these groups started in the early 2010s within anaesthetics but now represent nearly every specialty ( box 2 ). 4 Trainee research networks provide research training with the aim of increasing doctors’ future research involvement. 5

A non-exhaustive list of UK national trainee led research networks*

Research training opportunities.

Mentorship by PIs at local hospital

Taking on formal role as sub-investigator

Journal clubs

Trainee representation on regional/national NIHR specialty group

API Scheme: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/health-and-care-professionals/training/associate-principal-investigator-scheme.htm .

eLearning courses available at https://learn.nihr.ac.uk (free): Good clinical practice, fundamentals of clinical research delivery, informed consent, leadership, future of health, central portfolio management system.

eLearning courses available from the Royal College of Physicians. Research in Practice programme (free). www.rcplondon.ac.uk

eLearning courses available from the Medical Research Council (free). https://bygsystems.net/mrcrsc-lms/

eLearning courses available from Nature (both free and for variable cost via employing institution): many and varied including research integrity and publication ethics, persuasive grant writing, publishing a research paper. https://masterclasses.nature.com

University courses. Examples include novel clinical trial design in translational medicine from the University of Cambridge ( https://advanceonline.cam.ac.uk/courses/ ) or introduction to randomised controlled trials in healthcare from the University of Birmingham ( https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/colleges/mds/cpd/ )

*limited to those with formal websites and/or active twitter accounts. Correct as of 5 January 2024. For regional trainee-led specialty research networks, see www.rcp.ac.uk/trainee-research-collaboratives for medical specialties, www.asit.org/resources/trainee-research-collaboratives/national-trainee-research-collaboratives/res1137 for surgical specialties, and www.rcoa.ac.uk/research/research-bodies/trainee-research-networks for anaesthetics.

Networks vary widely in structure and function. Most have senior mentorship to guide personal development and career trajectory. Projects are usually highly collaborative and include doctors and allied healthcare professionals working together.

Observational studies and large scale audits are common projects as their feasibility makes them deliverable rapidly with minimal funding. Some networks do, however, carry out interventional research. The benefits of increasing interventional research studies are self-evident, but observational projects are also important as they provide data useful for hypothesis generation and defining clinical equipoise and incidence/event rates, all of which are necessary steps in the development of randomised controlled studies.

These networks offer a supportive learning environment and research experience, and can match experience with expectations and responsibilities. Early and mid-career doctors are given opportunities to be involved and receive training in research at every phase from inception to publication. This develops experience in research methodology such as statistics, scientific writing, and peer review. As well as research skills training, an important reward for involvement in a study is manuscript authorship. Many groups give “citable collaborator” status to all project contributors, whatever their input. 6 7 This recognises the essential role everyone plays in the delivery of whole projects, counts towards publication metrics, and is important for future job applications.

Case study—Pip Nicolson (HaemSTAR)

Haematology Specialist Training, Audit and Research (HaemSTAR) is a trainee research network founded because of a lack of principal investigator training and clinical trial activity in non-malignant haematology. It has led and supported national audits and research projects in various subspecialty areas such as immune thrombocytopenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, venous thrombosis, and transfusion. 8 9 10 Through involvement in this network as a registrar, I have acted as a sub-investigator and supported the principal investigator on observational and interventional portfolio-adopted studies by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. These experiences gave me valuable insight into the national and local processes involved in research delivery. I was introduced to national leaders in non-malignant haematology who not only provided mentorship and advice on career development, but also gave me opportunities to lead national audits and become involved in HaemSTAR’s committee. 10 11 These experiences in leadership have increased my confidence in management situations as I have transitioned to being a consultant, and have given me skills in balancing clinical and academic roles. Importantly, I have also developed long term friendships with peers across the country as a result of my involvement in HaemSTAR.

Associate Principal Investigator scheme

The Associate Principal Investigator (API) scheme is a training programme run by NIHR to develop research skills and contribute to clinical study delivery at a local level. It is available throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for NIHR portfolio-adopted studies. The programme runs for six months and, upon completion, APIs receive formal recognition endorsed by the NIHR and a large number of royal colleges. The scheme is free and open to medical and allied healthcare professionals at all career grades. It is designed to allow those who would not normally take part in clinical research to do so under the mentorship of a local PI. Currently there are more than 1500 accredited APIs and over 600 affiliated studies across 28 specialties. 12 It is a good way to show evidence of training and involvement in research and get more involved in research conduct. APIs have been shown to increase patient recruitment and most people completing the scheme continue to be involved in research. 12 13

Case study—Rebecca Hawes

I completed the API scheme as a senior house officer in 2021. A local PI introduced me to the Quality of Recovery after Obstetric Anaesthesia NIHR portfolio study, 14 which I saw as a training opportunity and useful experience ahead of specialist training applications. It was easy to apply for and straightforward to navigate. I was guided through the six month process in a step-by-step manner and completed eLearning modules and video based training on fundamental aspects of running research projects. All this training was evidenced on the online API platform and I had monthly supervision meetings with the PI and wider research team. As well as the experience of patient recruitment and data collection, other important aspects of training were study set-up and sponsor communications. Key to my successful API scheme was having a supportive and enthusiastic PI and developing good organisational skills. I really enjoyed the experience, and I have since done more research and have become a committee member on a national trainee research network in anaesthesia called RAFT (Research and Audit Federation of Trainees). I’ve seen great enthusiasm among anaesthetists to take part in the API scheme, with over 150 signing up to the most recent RAFT national research project.

Clinical research posts

Dedicated clinical research posts (sometimes termed “clinical research fellow” posts) allow clinicians to explore and develop research skills without committing to a formal academic pathway. They can be undertaken at any stage during a medical career but are generally performed between training posts, or during them by receiving permission from local training committees to temporarily go “out of programme.” These positions are extremely varied in how they are advertised, funded, and the balance between research and clinical time. Look out for opportunities with royal colleges, local and national research networks, and on the NHS Jobs website. Research fellowships are a good way to broaden skills that will have long term impact across one’s clinical career.

Case study—Nicole Fowler

After completing the Foundation Programme, I took up a 12 month clinical trials fellow position. This gave me early career exposure to clinical research and allowed me to act as a sub-investigator in a range of clinical trials. I received practical experience in all stages of clinical research while retaining a patient facing role, which included obtaining consent and reviewing patients at all subsequent visits until study completion. Many of the skills I developed in this post, such as good organisation and effective teamwork, are transferable to all areas of medicine. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it is something I hope to talk about at interview as it is an effective way of showing commitment to a specialty. Furthermore, having a dedicated research doctor has been beneficial to my department in increasing patient involvement in research.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Holly Speight and Clare Shaw from the NIHR for information on the API scheme.

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Patient and public involvement: No patients were directly involved in the creation of this article.

PLRN, MB, and CHT conceived the article and are guarantors. All authors wrote and edited the manuscript.

Competing interests: PLRN was the chair of HaemSTAR from 2017 to 2023. MB is the current chair of the Research and Audit Federation of Trainees (RAFT). RH is the current secretary of RAFT. CHT conceived HaemSTAR.

Provenance and peer review: Commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

• Downing A ,
• Morris EJ ,
• Corrigan N ,
• Bracewell M ,
• Medical Academic Staff Committee of the British Medical Association
• ↵ RAFT. The start of RAFT. https://www.raftrainees.org/about
• Jamjoom AAB ,
• Hutchinson PJ ,
• Bradbury CA ,
• McCulloch R ,
• Nicolson PLR ,
• HaemSTAR Collaborators
• Collaborators H ,
• ↵ National Institute for Health and Care Research. Associate Principal Investigator (PI) Scheme. 2023. https://www.nihr.ac.uk/health-and-care-professionals/career-development/associate-principal-investigator-scheme.htm
• Fairhurst C ,
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