How to apply

Applications for fully-funded 4 year PhD studentships starting in Sept 2026 are now closed

For studentships starting in Sept 2027, projects to apply to will be advertised in Oct 2026

Below are projects that were advertised for studentships starting in Sept 2026.  We are no longer accepting applications to these projects, but remain viewable to give a flavour of the types of projects across the DTP.  Exception: If you have external-funding (including self-funding), these projects are still available to apply to – further information.

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Your application

Please submit an application through our SWBio DTP centralised application system. Only applications submitted through this and by the deadline will be accepted.

You will be requested to register for an account as part of your application.

How to register

  • Click on the link above (this link will only be made available when accepting applications) > Go to the ‘Log in or register’ box and enter your email address (DO NOT use the ‘Log in via Single Sign-On (University of Bristol users)’ option) > Click ‘continue’ > You will receive a security verification code to your email address > Enter this > add your name and create a Password
  • Ensure you tick ‘I agree to receive notification and communication emails from SWBio DTP’ so we can communicate with you through the system and update you on the progress of your applications.      (This can also be updated in your Profile > Preferences > Notification and Broadcast emails).
  • Click on ‘Complete registration’

How to return to your application

  • Click on the link above > Log-in > Go to the ‘Apply’ tab (top left of page).  All current applications (submitted and in progress – as indicated by the ‘Statuses’ column) will be listed under ‘My applications’ at the bottom of the page.

Submitting multiple applications?

  • You can submit more than one application but only a maximum of 2 applications to the same hosting institution within the 3 types of studentships. 
  • Applications for an individual project will be considered separately by the project supervisors.
  • If you are successfully nominated for more than 1 project within this 2 application maximum, the DTP Hub will be in contact to confirm your preferred project choice to be interviewed for.

Our 3 studentship pools are: 

  • Standard studentship
  • CASE studentship
  • Standard with Associate Partner studentship

This is within the 2 application maximum to a single institution – there are not more than 2 applications within a studentship pool to a single hosting institution

Example 1:

  • Standard studentship: 2 Bristol, 1 Bath
  • CASE studentship: 2 Bristol, 1 Bath, 1 Cardiff
  • Standard with Associate Partner studentship: 2 Bristol

Example 2:

  • Standard studentship: 1 Bristol, 2 Bath
  • CASE studentship: 2 Bristol, 1 Bath, 2 Cardiff
  • Standard with Associate Partner studentship: 2 Bristol

Example 3:

  • Standard studentship: 0
  • CASE studentship: 2 Bristol
  • Standard with Associate Partner studentship: 0

Example 4:

  • Standard studentship: 0
  • CASE studentship: 1 Bristol
  • Standard with Associate Partner studentship: 0

This exceeds the 2 application maximum to a single institution - there are more than 2 applications within a studentship pool to a single hosting institution

Example 1:

  • Standard studentship: 3 Bristol, 1 Bath
  • CASE studentship: 2 Bristol, 1 Bath, 1 Cardiff
  • Standard with Associate Partner studentship: 2 Bristol

Example 2:

  • Standard studentship: 2 Bristol, 1 Bath
  • CASE studentship: 3 Bristol, 1 Bath, 1 Cardiff
  • Standard with Associate Partner studentship: 2 Bristol

Example 3:

  • Standard studentship: 0
  • CASE studentship: 3 Bristol, 1 Bath, 3 Cardiff
  • Standard with Associate Partner studentship: 0

Please do contact swbio-dtp@bristol.ac.uk if you are ensure on the applications you can submit, and we will happily provide further guidance.

 

Alongside, please do read through our ‘Selection Process‘ information.  This is full of really useful information including what we are looking for in a SWBio DTP student, the selection process and when our virtual DTP interview days will be taking place.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We want to support diverse and inclusive work environments. We therefore welcome applications from individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability status. We welcome applications from individuals who have previously studied at any recognised Higher Education Institute and from a range of career paths (please refer to the SWBio DTP academic criteria for eligibility), including individuals who have previously trained in the sciences and are wanting to return to scientific research.

To enable greater access to a PhD, we will work with you to take into consideration reasonable project adaptations (for example to support caring responsibilities, disabilities, other significant personal circumstances) as well as flexible working and part‐time study requests. All our supervisors support us with this, so please feel comfortable in discussing further with the listed PhD project supervisor to see what is feasible. Further information >>

Institution information

Please click on the name of the institution for further information.  This will guide you to:

  • institutional programme information
  • information about the institution
  • a contact if you have any institutional-specific queries – if the query is in relation to your application, please contact swbio-dtp@bristol.ac.uk

 

Application requirements

As part of your application you will be asked to include:

  • Information related to yourself
  • Project details
  • Names of references
  • Information about your motivation, your experience and your academic qualifications.  These are a series of guided questions which replace a CV and personal statement.
  • To support Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Anonymous EDI information, interview support, a contextual statement and the opportunity to submit an application to our Recognising Researcher Potential (RRP) scheme
  • Documents: Academic transcripts / degree certificate(s), visa/passport (where applicable for applicants that would meet international fees status)

Further guidance and how your data will be shared will be included in the online application form, and also included on our DTP guidance for your PhD application webpage.

Further application information

Programme expectations

  • This is an in-person PhD programme and a distance learning option is not available.  As such, you are expected to attend in person from the start of the programme and based at the listed host institution (exception is for standard studentships with associate partner where you will spend time at each of the listed supervisor’s institutions).
  • You will need to live in the UK and be in reasonable travel to your host institution. This is to ensure you receive adequate support and contact with your supervisor, access to training and facilities and to be in contact with your research group and other students. There may be periods of time where you may be away (either within the UK or outside the UK) for example, placements, conferences and training, which is acceptable.
  • As a cohort based programme with an integrated taught first year, there is one formal programme start date at your institution (this will either be late September or early October depending on your institution).
  • To support access to bioscience PhDs, we do not accept applications from applicants who have previously been awarded a PhD (or equivalent).
  • This is a 4 year PhD programme, and you are expected to submit your thesis within 4 years (4 years based on a full-time equivalent).
  • A range of part-time options are available (minimum of 50%) for the majority of our projects. Only home students are eligible for part-time study due to visa complexities for international students. Please discuss further with the listed project supervisor ahead of submitting your application. Further information >>