The South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP) is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBRSC) and comprises the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter, alongside Rothamsted Research.

This partnership also includes the following associate partners:

• Marine Biological Association (MBA)
• University of Plymouth
• Swansea University
• UCB Pharma
• University of the West of England (UWE)
• SETsquared Bristol

This partnership has established international, national and regional scientific networks, and widely recognised research excellence and facilities.

We aim to provide you with outstanding interdisciplinary bioscience research training, underpinned by transformative technologies.

You will be recruited directly to a broad, interdisciplinary project, supported by a multidisciplinary supervisory team, with many cross-institutional projects available. There are also opportunities to:

• Apply your research in an industry setting - DTP CASE studentships.
• Undertake research jointly with our core and associate partners - Standard DTP studentships with an associate partner.
• Work with other national/international researchers.
• Undertake fieldwork.

First year

In the first year, we provide a broad awareness of the fundamental research approaches in life sciences and how they could be applied to real-life situations through:

• Two rotation projects - both allied with but in different disciplinary areas related to the PhD project.
• Three taught units - training in Statistics, Bioinformatics, coding, experimental design, innovation and understanding the impact of your research.

You will need to successfully complete the first year to be able to progress into your second year of studies. An MRes exit route is available at the end of year one should this be required.

Second to fourth years

The remaining years will be more like a conventional PhD, where you will focus on your PhD project.

Note: The PhD thesis must be submitted within 4 years (full-time equivalent) of starting the programme.

Placements

To help broaden your career horizons, you will undertake:

• A 3-month placement of your choice, outside of an academic research environment - examples include working within policy, science communication, industry and scientific publishing.
• Or a 3-18 month industry placement with your CASE partner - CASE studentships only.

These are to provide you with highly desirable skills, experience and knowledge that can be applied to many career sectors.

Cohort activities

You will have the opportunity to join many partnership cohort activities, such as student conferences, workshops and outreach events. Here you will meet students across the partnership, giving you access to a thriving multidisciplinary and supportive student network.

Read further information about our cohort activities.

You could receive funding for up to four years. This includes:

• Home tuition fees
• generous budget for research expenses and training
• maintenance stipend of £19,237 each year (2024/25 rate)

Funding eligibility

Home and International students can apply for this award; however, in line with guidance from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the number of awards available to International students will be limited to 30% of the total.

Find out more about your tuition fee status.

Academic eligibility

To apply, you should have obtained, or be about to obtain, a 1st or 2:1 UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology. If you have a 2:2 degree you will be considered if you also have a master’s degree or have significant relevant non-academic experience.

In addition, due to the strong mathematical component of the taught course in the first year and the quantitative emphasis in our projects, a minimum of a grade B in A-level Maths or an equivalent qualification or experience is required.

Equivalent qualifications/experience:

• Physics A-level (grade B and above)
• Undertaking units as part of your degree that have a significant mathematical component (for example maths, statistics, bioinformatics)

You must ensure you highlight your Maths background within your application and upload any supporting evidence.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to have achieved an Academic IELTS result of at least 6.5 overall (with no less than 6.5 in any of the four skills). Other tests are accepted - see our Postgraduate English language requirements for more information.

Supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

We support inclusive and flexible work environments, and welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.

• Our SWBio DTP EDI statement
• How we support our diverse student cohort
• PhD study adjustments and support

DTP Virtual Support Events

SWBio have events available to help you with deciding on a bioscience PhD, and support with applications and interviews.

Further information.

Scheme opens

Applications are accepted from Wednesday 13 November 2024.

Application deadline

Applications close on Wednesday 11 December 2024 at 23:59 GMT.