Program Overview

Program Overview

The Star and Planet Formation Connections PhD program is offered by the Astronomy Unit at Queen Mary University of London. This full-time project is available for a duration of 4 years, with funding provided via the China Scholarship Council.

Funding

• Funding is provided via the China Scholarship Council.
• Available to Chinese applicants only.
• Applicant required to start in September 2026.
• The studentship arrangement will cover overseas tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.

Project Description

Dr. Haworth's primary research focus is the effect of star-forming environment upon the planet formation process. In particular, he is well known for working on a process called external photoevaporation, where UV radiation from stars in clusters heats and disperses planet-forming material. He utilizes a combination of theoretical models, simulated observations, and real observational data with various facilities. He also works on other problems in star formation and the interstellar medium.

Requirements

• This project is only available to Chinese nationals eligible for China Scholarship Council Funding.
• The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) and MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent).
• A valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in all categories is required.

Application Details

• Deadline for application: 28th of January 2026
• The program is supervised by Dr. Tom Haworth.

Research Areas

• Star and planet formation
• External photoevaporation
• Theoretical models
• Simulated observations
• Real observational data
• Star formation
• Interstellar medium

Program Structure

• The program is a full-time PhD project
• Duration: 4 years
• Number of students: 1

Eligibility

• Chinese nationals eligible for China Scholarship Council Funding
• Good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) and MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent)
• Valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in all categories

Tuition Fees

• The studentship arrangement will cover overseas tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.