Project details
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.
View the full project description (pdf 88kb)
The closing date for applications is 29/02/2024.
Supervisors
Candidates should identify a potential supervisor and have conversation to discuss their research and demonstrate their motivation to undertake a research degree. The potential supervisor must complete a statement of support.
Potential supervisors for in the Faculty of Science & Technology can be found here:
Department of Archaeology & Anthropology staff
Department of Computing & Informatics staff
Department of Creative Technology staff
Department of Design & Engineering staff
Department of Life & Environmental Science staff
Department of Psychology staff
Funding
A fully-funded Studentship includes a maintenance grant of £18,622 per year to contribute towards living expenses during the course of your research, as well as a fee waiver for 36 months.
Associated costs, such as for fieldwork and conference attendance, will also be met under the Studentship.
Academic support
The Research Development Programme, developed by the Doctoral College in line with the Researcher Development Framework (Vitae).An added benefit is the opportunity to meet researchers from other academic schools at BU through the activities of the Doctoral College and benefit from their experiences, skills, and perspectives.
Full entry requirements
The BU PhD and MRes Studentships are open to UK, EU and International students.
Candidates for a PhD Studentship should demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 4 years and must demonstrate:
- 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
- An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language and this must be evidenced at point of application.
In addition to satisfying minimum entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.
Applicants will be asked to submit an online application form and a proposal (approximately 1500 words) outlining their understanding of the project for which they are applying, the approach they would envisage taking and what qualities they will bring to the research community.
Please note:
- current BU Doctoral students are not eligible to apply for a Studentship
- current MRes/MPhil students can apply, subject to satisfactory completion of their Research Degree prior to being able to take up the award
- PhD Studentships cannot be used to support BU staff to complete doctoral programmes.
International entry requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 (with a minimum 6.0 in each component) or equivalent.
View further information about our English language requirements.
A number of pre-sessional English and preparatory programmes are offered through our partner institution, Bournemouth University International College, and will get you ready for study at BU at the appropriate level.
You can also find further details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our postgraduate entry requirements page.
How to apply
Please prepare a research proposal on the Fully Funded Studentship Proposal form.
You should identify a potential supervisor and have conversation to discuss your research and demonstrate your motivation to undertake a research degree. Your potential supervisor must complete a statement of support.
You should compete the online application and attach your project proposal.
The closing date for applications is 29/02/2024.
Careers
A research degree can open new career opportunities in commercial research and development, consultancy, or could lead you to starting your own business. You may alternatively consider a career in academia. You may wish to undertake research to contribute to your knowledge of a specialist subject, or develop your employability by enhancing your skills in project management and analysis.
