Applications for our 2025 fully funded PhD studentships are now closed
Thank you to everybody who submitted an application for our 45 fully funded PhD studentships. Applications closed on 14 February 2025.
Take a look below to see what happens next, or if you missed this round, sign up for emails to be notified of future funding opportunities.
Key dates
- 14 February 2025: Final submission deadline. Only completed applications submitted by this date will be reviewed.
- February–May 2025: Applications are assessed by subject panels, and shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews.
- Week Commencing 16 May 2025: Successful applicants are notified of their awards.
What our studentships provide
Finance shouldn't be a barrier to delivering world-leading research. Our ethos is ‘success for all’, so if you’ve got the talent, the perspectives and the capacity to drive change, we’ll support you. In return for the contribution you'll make to our research activity, our fully-funded PhD studentships will:
- cover the full cost of your PhD fees
- fund the research project, including field or lab work
- provide a tax-free stipend for your living expenses.
You’ll also be able to access support to present your work at at least one conference. All of our studentships are open to both UK and international students.
As a doctoral candidate at NTU you will become a big part of an interdisciplinary community of like-minded people who are passionate about driving innovation In Digital, Technology and Creative, Health Innovation and Safety and Sustainability with a full programme of events, seminars and sandpits. You will also automatically become a member of our institution-wide Doctoral School which offers a comprehensive programme of training and events that support all our doctoral candidates to grow, change, learn, and to build their interdisciplinary networks. You'll be able to access workshops on everything from academic writing to innovative research methods, from healthy research practices to open research and publishing. We support our candidates throughout their doctoral journey, enabling them to reach their potential as developing experts in their field.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible to be considered for a 2025 Strategic Research Theme Studentship, you must have met the following requirements:
- You must be available to begin study from 1 October 2025.
- You must not be a current doctoral level candidate at Nottingham Trent University or already hold a PhD or other doctoral degree.
- You can only submit one application relating to one project from the list of available 2025 Strategic Research Theme Studentships. If you submit more than one application none of your applications will be considered.
- You must have submitted a full and complete application (including having submitted all required supporting documents) by 14 February 2025. Any incomplete applications, or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
- Academic Qualifications: You must have a first or upper second-class honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification. Candidates with a lower second-class degree may apply if they hold a Master’s degree at Merit level or higher.
- English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency, typically with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each component). Additional details can be found here.
- Further guidance on entry requirements is available in NTU’s Quality Handbook Section 11 - Research Degrees.
A diverse community
Hear how Farah Shahrin's research is helping communities to make more sustainable choices.
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 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. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply.
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.