How we select candidates for studentships

 A PhD is an opportunity for you put your passion and scientific curiosity into practice by carrying out in depth research alongside other researchers in a world class research institution. With our comprehensive training programme, we will help you to develop your research and transferable skills during your PhD and prepare you for a future career in a variety of different sectors, both inside and outside academia, in research, policy and industry.

PhD studentships are competitive, and we receive many times more applications than we have places available. The process starts with you selecting a project that you are passionate about and, after we have received your application, moves through several stages designed to assess your suitability for the project and your potential as a developing researcher.

You are allowed to make only ONE application to us for one of our projects. If you make more than one, you will be excluded. You must therefore take time and effort to choose the research topic, the research group, the institution, and the location that is right for you by searching the projects we offer. Contacting the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in is the best way to find which project is right for you. You will find their contact details on every project summary.

We have 45 interview places available with a limited number for international students. For more information for international students, please go to our page ‘Am I eligible to apply for a PhD’.

Supervisor selection

Supervisors will read all applications and select one or exceptionally two candidates who can demonstrate their future potential as a researcher. Apart from the application form, it is FUNDAMENTAL to develop your Personal Statement which not only gives you an opportunity to highlight relevant skills and experience, but also enables you to demonstrate your passion for research and potential as a researcher. It will be the basis of their selection.

Panel shortlisting

After supervisors have selected their candidates, the Doctoral Landscape Training Partnership (DLTP) will use your Personal Statement and the optional Additional Statement to generate a list of candidates to be invited for interview. You will find more information on both Statements on the ‘How to Apply’ page.

Interviews and offers

Interviews will be held online during between 24 and 28 February 2025. You will be required to give a 5 minute presentation on the subject of your skills, experience and research potential and how they suit the project you have applied for. The interview panel will consist of academics specialising in a range of environmental sciences and a DLTP observer. The observer will ensure equal, fair and consistent treatment of all interviewees.

Interviewees will be asked questions about their presentation, their motivation and experience. You will receive the questions in advance to help you prepare for the interview.

We will hold a webinar for all interviewees before the interviews to give advice about what we expect from you during your interview including how to prepare your presentation and what to think of when answering the questions.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us here.