How to Apply For a PhD Studentship

For detailed guidance on PhD project applications, please download the Centre-UB PhD project application guidance document.  You can find the PhD project application form here.

Application and Selection Process 

• Supervisors submit a project proposal together with an external partner, which includes the involvement and commitment from the external partner throughout the PhD. 
• The project application form, together with a letter of support from the partner organisation, should be submitted through this website. You can access the application form here.   
• The Selection Board evaluates all applications (see below for criteria) and selects 15 projects to be advertised. 
• Supervisors interview and nominate their preferred candidate for shortlisting
  • Supervisors will be given guidance related to recruitment and interview processes
• Members of the Selection Board evaluate nomination forms and decide on the final award of the studentships.  

Project selection criteria

Fifteen ESRC/UoB funded projects are available per year, which will be allocated following competitive evaluation. Projects will be evaluated based on the scientific quality of the project, fit with Centre-UB remit, potential for impact, external partner collaboration, and supervisory team.

• Project content 
  • Behavioural research with a clear fit with remit of Centre-UBScientific quality of the PhD project Feasibility of the project as a PhD project within the given timeframe (i.e., up to 4 years, including sufficient time for training and personal development, opportunities for developing research and transferable skills)Interdisciplinary research projects are encouraged, including cross-school/college supervisory teams
  • Clear training and development opportunities
• Impact and outcomes 
  • Potential for impact 
• Partner organisation collaboration
  • Evidence of co-development with partner organisation, showing that the partner is not just a site for data collection. 
  • In-kind or financial contributions of the partner organisation
• Supervisory team 
  • Appropriate expertise in the supervisory team to support the PhD work
  • Clear arrangements for supervision with supervisor based with the partner organisation

Timeline

The project application form together with a letter from the partner organisation should be submitted through this website.

Deadline for submitting a project application is Tuesday 25 November 2026, 1pm.