How to apply

The application deadline for PhD studentships starting in Sept 2025 has now closed.   Projects will be advertised in Oct 2025 for PhD studentships starting in Sept 2026

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Your application

Please apply to the institution listed as the host institution for the PhD project you are interested in, unless otherwise indicated.

You can apply for more than one project, with each application for an individual project considered separately by the project supervisors.  Some institutions may have a limit on the number you can apply to within the institution (this information will be included in their application guidance).  Each application for an individual project will be considered separately by the project supervisors.

Note: links to ‘further guidance and support related to your application’ encompasses all PhD studentships, and DTP programme requirements take precedence. Also only applications submitted by the application deadline will be accepted.

Alongside, please do read through our ‘Selection Process‘ information.  This is full of really useful information including what we are looking for in a SWBio DTP student, the selection process and when our virtual DTP interview days will be taking place.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We want to support diverse and inclusive work environments. We therefore welcome applications from individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability status. We welcome applications from individuals who have previously studied at any recognised Higher Education Institute and from a range of career paths (please refer to the SWBio DTP academic criteria for eligibility), including individuals who have previously trained in the sciences and are wanting to return to scientific research.

To enable greater access to a PhD, we will work with you to take into consideration reasonable project adaptations (for example to support caring responsibilities, disabilities, other significant personal circumstances) as well as flexible working and part‐time study requests. All our supervisors support us with this, so please feel comfortable in discussing further with the listed PhD project supervisor to see what is feasible. Further information >>

Submitting your application

Please click on the name of the institution you need to apply to below.  This will guide you to:

  • the application system
  • guidance and further information for your application
  • a contact if further support is needed
  • information about the institution

Bath SWBio DTP programme information >>

Start your application: Apply to Bath >>

Application guidance:

About the University of Bath >>

Contact for application queries support: doctoraladmissions@bath.ac.uk

Bristol SWBio DTP programme information >>

Start your application: Apply to Bristol >>

Application guidance:

  • From the 'Start your application' page, search for South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (PhD) under 'find a programme' and select it from the dropdown list. Select apply to begin your application.
  • If you do not already have an account, create a 'new applicant' profile and follow the instructions in eVision.
  • If you wish to apply to multiple projects at the University of Bristol you will need to submit a new application for each project. Unfortunately, the application system cannot accept multiple applications to the same programme unless the selected start date is different. You should select a new entry date for each application (eg, Sept 2025, Jan 2026), and, should you be successful, the start date will be amended to September 2025. 
  • When the application asks for a research statement, please just upload a blank document. A research statement is not needed for this programme as you are applying directly to a project.
  • Further guidance and support related to your application >>

About the University of Bristol >>

Contact for application support: fls-GAM@bristol.ac.uk

Cardiff SWBio DTP programme information >>

Start your application: Apply to Cardiff >>

Application guidance:

  • When completing your application, please list Doctor of Philosophy as the 'qualification' and 1 October 2025 as the 'start date'. 
  • You will need to include the project you are applying to and the main supervisor as part of the application.
  • For funded studentships: When asked if you are intending to self-fund, please select No and within the text box list BBSRC South Bioscience DTP
  • If you apply for more than one project, you just need to submit one single application but include a separate cover letter for each project within this single application.
  • Further guidance and support related to your application >>

About Cardiff University >>

Contact for application support: biosi-pg@cardiff.ac.uk

Exeter SWBio DTP programme information >>

Start your application: Apply to Exeter >> – refer to 'Projects and PhD studentships available' section

Application guidance:

  • Please read the Exeter SWBio DTP programme information before completing your application.
  • Please apply via the project link found at the bottom of the 'Exeter SWBio DTP programme information page' (refer to link above).
  • You will need to submit a separate application for each project you wish to be considered for.
  • Further guidance and support related to your application >>

About the University of Exeter >>

Contact for application support: pgradmissions@exeter.ac.uk

Please apply through the registered university of where the listed academic supervisor is based.

About Rothamsted Research >>

Start your application: Apply to Swansea >> 

Application guidance:

About Swansea University >>

Contact for application support: a.rowland@swansea.ac.uk

Start your application: Apply to UWE >>

Application guidance:

  • Please use reference 2526-OCT-CHSS01
  • You do not need to upload a CV as the application form will capture the relevant information.
  • When the application asks for a research proposal, please just upload a blank document. A research proposal is not needed for this programme as you are applying directly to a project.
  • For further guidance and support related to your application form >>

About UWE >>

Contact for application support: doctoralacademy@uwe.ac.uk

Please apply through the university indicated in the project advert

About the University of Plymouth >>

Documentation requirements

As part of your application you will normally be required to submit:

Further guidance about these documents and who to contact if you have any queries can be found as part of the application process when you apply through the relevant institution listed above.

Further application information

Programme expectations

  • This is an in-person PhD programme, and you are expected to attend in person from the start of the programme and based at the listed host institution (exception is for standard studentships with associate partner where you will spend time at each of the listed supervisor’s institutions).
  • As a cohort based programme with an integrated taught first year, there is one formal programme start date at your institution (this will either be September or October depending on your institution).
  • To support access to bioscience PhDs, we do not accept applications from applicants who have previously been awarded a PhD (or equivalent).
  • This is a 4 year PhD programme, and you are expected to submit your thesis within 4 years (4 years based on a full-time equivalent).
  • A range of part-time options are available (minimum of 50%) for the majority of our projects. Only home students are eligible for part-time study due to visa complexities for international students. Please discuss further with the listed project supervisor ahead of submitting your application. Further information >>