Bournemouth University (BU) is committed to continue supporting the growth of our postgraduate researchers (PGRs) through a new call for up to 10 fully funded studentships with a focus on research excellence. The first cohort of fully funded studentships will start in April 2024 and on-going investment will continue in 2024-25 and beyond.

These fully funded studentships represent a significant investment in postgraduate research by Bournemouth University as we look to REF2029. The studentships will be awarded via a competitive process to the best candidates who develop their own research projects which align to one or more of the BU research themes:

  • Helping people to live better for longer
  • Helping protect and preserve a sustainable environment
  • Preparing for and recovery from crisis
  • Challenging marginalisation, misinformation and under-representation
  • Helping creative industries and cultural heritage to thrive
  • Using our expertise to be a catalyst for growth, boosting skills and advancing the region.

With this student focussed funding approach, BU is seeking to attract high calibre candidates with a passion for research and a strong desire to contribute to BU’s research environment. The successful individual should be motivated to complete a research project of their own design, which will have relevance and excellence and be aligned to one of BU’s research strengths.

The allocative process, which will be aligned to external UKRI fully funded opportunities, will be overseen by the Interim Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange and be administered by the Doctoral College.

Recruitment of candidates will be administered by the Doctoral College in line with the process set out below.

The fundamental terms of BU fully funded PhD studentships are as follows:

  • Fully funded PhD Studentships are normally offered on a full-time basis
  • Fully funded PhD Studentships are offered on a stipend basis for 36 months
  • Full fees will be waived by the lead faculty for 36 months
  • From 37 months onwards, candidates who have not submitted will automatically be transferred to Continuation Status and will be liable for Continuation Status fees
  • Candidates are expected to complete their study within 4 years, and they will be liable for full fees if their research project continues beyond 48 months
  • Stipends are in line with those of UKRI and will be paid monthly, in arrears.

This scheme is open to UK and International students.

Full details can be found in the BU PhD Studentship Terms & Conditions.

Key information

Next start date:

April 2024

Location:

Bournemouth University, Lansdowne Campus

Duration:

36 months

Entry requirements:

Outstanding academic potential as measured normally by either a 1st class honours degree or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA), or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent. If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent). For more information check out our full entry requirements