How to apply

For fully-funded PhD studentships* starting in Sept 2024, projects will be advertised in October 2023.

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Submitting your application

Please apply to the institution listed as the host institution for the PhD project you are interested in, unless otherwise indicated.

Note: links to 'further guidance and support related to your application' encompasses all PhD studentships, and DTP programme requirements take precedence. Also only applications submitted by the application deadline will be accepted.

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 >>

Apply to Bath >>

Application guidance:

  • When completing the online application form, please identify your application as being for the SWBio DTP call in Section 3 Finance (question 2).
  • Should you wish to apply for more than one project at Bath, you may do so without submitting a separate application but you should state all the projects for which you would like to be considered in the ‘Your research interests’ section of the application form and you should upload a separate statement for each one, outlining your motivation, achievements and suitability for that particular project.
  • Although all candidates are required to apply on the application form for the PhD programme in Biosciences (Biology & Biochemistry), candidates who are successful in obtaining an offer for a project in Health, Pharmacy & Pharmacology or Physics will be transferred to the appropriate programme at the point of offer.
  • Part-time study is available through the University of Bath, even though the application form available is for a full-time programme.  You will just need to indicate part-time within the 'Your research interests' section of the application form.
  • Further guidance and support related to your application >>

About the University of Bath >>

Bristol SWBio DTP programme information >>

Apply to Bristol >>

Application guidance:

  • Please read the Bristol SWBio DTP programme information before completing your application.
  • From the 'Start your application' page, search for South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (PhD) under 'find a programme' and select it from the dropdown list. Select apply to begin your application.
  • If you do not already have an account, create a 'new applicant' profile and follow the instructions in eVision.
  • If you apply to multiple projects at the University of Bristol you will need to enter a new application for each project. However, as the application system is not able to accept multiple applications to the same programme, you will need to select a different programme/entry date for each application. The application/s will be transferred to SWBio DTP. If you have any problems submitting applications to Bristol please contact the Faculty of Life Sciences Graduate School via fls-GAM@bristol.ac.uk.
  • When the application asks for a research statement, please just upload a blank document. A research statement is not needed for this programme as you are applying directly to a project.
  • Further guidance and support related to your application >>

About the University of Bristol >>

Contact details: fls-pg-admissions@bristol.ac.uk

Cardiff SWBio DTP programme information >>

Apply to Cardiff >>

Application guidance:

  • Please read the Cardiff SWBio DTP programme information before completing your application.
  • When completing your application, please list Doctor of Philosophy as the 'qualification' and 1 October 2023 as the 'start date'.
  • You will need to include the project you are applying to and the main supervisor as part of the application.
  • For funded studentships: When asked if you are intending to self-fund, please select No and within the text box list BBSRC South Bioscience DTP
  • You will need to submit a separate application for each project you wish to be considered for.
  • Further guidance and support related to your application >>

About Cardiff University >>

Exeter SWBio DTP programme information >>

Apply to Exeter >>

Application guidance:

About the University of Exeter >>

Please apply through the registered university of where the listed academic supervisor is based.

About Rothamsted Research >>

Apply to Swansea >>  

  • Apply via the individual project advert
  • Course choice – please select Chemistry / PhD / Full-time / 3 Year / October
  • Start year – please select 2023
  • ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
  • ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS184 - SWBIO CHEM

About Swansea University >>

Apply to UWE >>

Application guidance:

  • Please use reference 2324-OCT-HSS01
  • You do not need to upload a CV as the application form will capture the relevant information.
  • When the application asks for a research proposal, please just upload a blank document. A research proposal is not needed for this programme as you are applying directly to a project.
  • For further information please see Eligibility and applications - How to apply | UWE Bristol or contact graduateschool@uwe.ac.uk

About UWE >>


Documentation requirements

As part of your application you will normally be required to submit:

    • Two references
    • Academic transcripts / degree certificate(s)
    • Personal statement.  Please include supporting evidence for your Maths background.
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    • English language certificates (where applicable)

Further guidance about these documents and who to contact if you have any queries can be found as part of the application process when you apply through the relevant institution listed above.

*subject to meeting the academic and residence criteria