Fully Funded PhD Studentships in Biosciences in the UK – September 2027 Entry

UK PhD Studentships in Biosciences: September 2027 Entry

The South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP) has announced its application timeline for PhD studentships starting in September 2027. The programme offers doctoral research opportunities across biosciences at participating UK universities and research institutions.

The application deadline is 12:00 noon GMT on Wednesday, 2 December 2026.

Prospective applicants should review the available research projects, academic requirements, residency rules and funding information before submitting an application.

Participating Universities and Research Institutions

The programme includes opportunities associated with the following institutions:

• University of Bath
• University of Bristol
• Cardiff University
• University of Exeter
• Rothamsted Research
• Swansea University
• University of the West of England (UWE)
• University of Plymouth

Applicants should visit the relevant institution's information page to learn about its research environment, programme details and contacts for institution-specific questions.

Who Can Apply?

SWBio DTP welcomes applicants from a range of educational and professional backgrounds, including people returning to scientific research after time away.

However, applicants must meet the programme's academic and residency eligibility requirements. These should be checked carefully before applying.

Important programme conditions include:

• Applicants who have already been awarded a PhD or equivalent are not eligible.
• The programme is designed for in-person study in the UK; distance learning is not available.
• Students are expected to live within reasonable travelling distance of their host institution.
• The programme lasts four years, with the thesis expected to be submitted within that period on a full-time-equivalent basis.
• Part-time study is available for many projects, generally at a minimum of 50% of full-time study. However, part-time study is restricted to home students because of visa-related complexities.

Important for international applicants: Check the programme's specific academic and residency criteria and its guidance for international applicants before investing time in an application. The published application instructions do not, by themselves, establish that every project or studentship is open to international applicants or that every international applicant will receive full funding.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the SWBio DTP centralised application system, known as Good Grants. Applications submitted through other methods, or after the deadline, will not be accepted.

According to the programme's application page, the application link is expected to be made available during the week commencing 27 October 2026.

Step 1: Review the Available PhD Projects

Explore the available studentship projects and identify those that match your academic background, research interests and career goals.

Review the project descriptions and the relevant studentship type before deciding which projects to apply for.

Step 2: Register on the Application Platform

When the application link becomes available:

1. Open the official SWBio DTP application page.
2. Follow the link to the Good Grants application system.
3. Enter your email address in the login or registration box.
4. Retrieve the security verification code sent to your email.
5. Enter the code, provide your name and create a password.
6. Agree to receive notification and communication emails from SWBio DTP.
7. Complete your registration.

Allowing communication emails will help the programme contact you about your application and its progress. The notification preference can also be updated in your profile settings.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

The application requires information about you, your selected project, your academic qualifications, your experience and your motivation for pursuing the PhD.

Rather than requesting a conventional CV and personal statement, the application uses a series of guided questions to gather information about your background and suitability.

Prepare clear, accurate answers that explain your academic experience, research interests, relevant skills and reasons for applying to the selected project.

Step 4: Provide Your Referees and Supporting Documents

Applicants will be asked to provide the names of their references and submit relevant supporting documents.

The listed requirements include:

• Academic transcripts.
• Degree certificate or certificates.
• Passport or visa documentation, where applicable to applicants who would be classified as international-fee-status students.
• Responses to the guided application questions.
• Other information requested through the online form.

Check the application guidance carefully to confirm the exact documents required for your circumstances.

Step 5: Check Your Application and Submit Before the Deadline

Review every section before submitting your application. Make sure your project details, referee information, academic history and supporting documents are correct.

Application deadline: Wednesday, 2 December 2026, at 12:00 noon GMT.

Do not wait until the final hours to register or upload documents. Submit through the official platform and follow the instructions provided by SWBio DTP.

Can You Apply for More Than One PhD Project?

Yes. SWBio DTP allows applicants to submit multiple applications, subject to its restrictions.

Applicants may submit a maximum of two applications to the same host institution across the three types of studentships. Individual project applications are considered separately by the relevant project supervisors.

If an applicant is nominated for more than one project within the permitted limit, the DTP Hub will contact them to confirm which project they prefer to interview for.

Review the programme's rules on studentship types and multiple applications before selecting your projects.

How Does the Selection Process Work?

SWBio DTP provides separate guidance explaining what it looks for in applicants, how the selection process operates and when virtual DTP interview days will take place.

Applicants should read this guidance before submitting their forms so they understand the expectations and selection stages.

The programme also provides information about its Recognising Researcher Potential (RRP) scheme and opportunities to submit a contextual statement. These provisions form part of its approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Support, Accessibility and Flexible Study

SWBio DTP states that it welcomes applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender or disability status. It also welcomes applicants from different recognised higher education institutions and a range of career paths.

The programme says it will consider reasonable project adaptations, flexible working arrangements and part-time study requests where feasible. Applicants who need adjustments are encouraged to discuss their circumstances with the relevant project supervisor before applying.

Part-time study is not available to international students under the programme's stated arrangements because of visa-related complexities.

Important Links for Applicants

Use the official pages below to confirm requirements and prepare your application:

• How to apply: https://www.swbio.ac.uk/programme/how-to-apply/
• Available studentship types: https://www.swbio.ac.uk/dtp-studentships/
• Academic and residency eligibility: https://www.swbio.ac.uk/programme/eligibility/
• Funding information: https://www.swbio.ac.uk/funding/
• Selection process: https://www.swbio.ac.uk/programme/selection-process/
• Guidance for international applicants: https://www.swbio.ac.uk/international-applicants/
• PhD application guidance: https://www.swbio.ac.uk/dtp-guidance-for-your-phd-application/
• Mailing list: https://www.swbio.ac.uk/phd-in-the-biosciences/

For questions specifically related to an application, the programme lists swbio-dtp@bristol.ac.uk as a contact address.

Final Advice

If you are interested in pursuing a biosciences PhD in the UK, start by reviewing the available projects and checking whether you meet the academic and residency requirements.

Prepare your academic documents, identify suitable referees and develop clear answers about your research experience and motivation. International applicants should pay particular attention to the funding arrangements and eligibility rules for their chosen projects.

Remember: The application deadline is 12:00 noon GMT on 2 December 2026. The official SWBio DTP website is the authoritative source for application instructions, project availability, eligibility and funding details.