Program Overview

Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (NERC)

Overview

The GW4+ Doctoral Landscape Training Partnership (DLTP) comprises the University of Bristol, University of Bath, Cardiff University, University of Exeter, British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Natural History Museum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.

The partnership provides a multidisciplinary training environment for postgraduate students in NERC sciences. Due to the nature of the funding, this programme is open primarily to UK students. There will be a limited number of studentships available to international students - including those from the EU.

This NERC-funded doctoral landscape training partnership programme offers studentships for 42 months within four research themes: Climate Change and Risk, Earth Science and Hazards, Science for Environmental Solutions and Evolution and Biodiversity Through Space and Time.

As part of your PhD studies, you will be offered training that equips you with a range of skills for future employment in many different working environments. You will be expected to attend training during your PhD and are encouraged to take up work placements. Details of training can be found on the NERC GW4+ website.

PhD projects are available in earth and environmental science topics within the Schools of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Geographical Sciences. New projects are advertised annually from October on each school's webpage:

• School of Biological Sciences
• School of Chemistry
• School of Earth Sciences
• School of Geographical Sciences.

Key Information

• Programme duration: Three-and-a-half years full-time (minimum period of funding), four years full-time (maximum period of study).
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline: Monday 13 January :59 GMT
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: PhD

World-leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry Requirements

• An upper second-class degree or higher (or international equivalent) in a discipline related to the PhD project for which you are applying, such as geology, biological sciences, environmental sciences, chemistry or geography.
• Some projects may be suitable for those with computing, mathematics, engineering and physics degrees.
• Applicants with additional relevant experience and/or a master's degree are encouraged to apply.

English Language Requirements

• If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.

Fees and Funding

• Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
• UK Funding: Full studentships including the tuition fee will start in September 2025. This will cover tuition fees, research and training support grant of £11,000, a training budget of £1000 and a maintenance stipend of £19,237 each year.
• International applicants (including EU): There are a limited number of full studentships for international students. Although international students are usually charged a higher tuition fee rate than 'home' students, those international students offered a NERC GW4+ Doctoral Landscape Training Partnership full studentship starting in 2025 will only be charged the 'home' tuition fee rate (which will be covered by the studentship).

Alumni Discount

• University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.

Research Groups

Our approach to training is centred around our four research themes:

• Climate Change and Risk
• Earth Science and Hazards
• Evolution and Biodiversity Through Space and Time
• Science for Environmental Solutions

How to Apply

• To apply for this programme, you must select the related PhD from the School in which the project is advertised: Biological Sciences PhD, Chemistry PhD, Geology PhD, or Geographical Sciences (Physical Geography) PhD.
• Please ensure you read the admissions statement before you apply.
• You must provide a personal statement using the specified template.
• Application Deadline: Monday 13 January :59 GMT
• Please see the provided admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.