PhD Studentships: Funded Studentships in the faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS)

The Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies is inviting applications from prospective PhD students for our October 2027 cohort.

There are 7 funded studentships available for the following projects:

• WELS-01-27J Skills Development and Further Education in England 
• WELS-02-27J Optimising Exercise Prescriptions for Individuals with Mild Cognitive Decline
• WELS-03-27J Critical Approaches to Language Teaching and Learning 
• WELS-04-27J Fathers and Loss
• WELS-05-27J Developing Interventions to Improve Support for Young People with Melanoma
• WELS-06-27J Music in Times of Conflict: Resilience, Belonging and the Making of Alternative Identities 
• WELS-07-27J Research in Care Ethics 
• WELS-08-27J Recovering the Hidden Histories of People with Learning Disabilities from Black and Minoritised Ethnic Communities 
• WELS-09-27J Young Motherhood in West Africa

Self-funded applications are also being considered for applicant led projects across our research areas. One self-funded targeted project is also available.

• WELS-10-27J Strength and Conditioning for Golf 

Funding information

A total of 7 funded studentships are available, which will be allocated on the basis of eligibility and merit. These studentships cover course fees for a duration of 3 years and an annual stipend of at least £21,805 per annum (pro rata for part-time students). Funded students will also be provided with a research travel and support grant of up to £3,000.

Applicants who are not successful in obtaining funding or are not eligible for funding may be considered for a self-funded place. 

Eligibility

• Applicants must hold a masters degree in a relevant subject area. Degrees from outside the UK will be assessed according to the UK ENIC framework.
• Applicants who are not UK or Irish citizens must demonstrate their English language competency. This course has a higher requirement, and applicants must demonstrate a proficiency of at least C1 in the CEFR. (see International research student applications for further details)
• To be considered for funding, applicants must study a full-time campus-based course. Requests for part-time or distance learning will normally only be considered as a reasonable adjustment on the basis of disability. 

How to apply

Applications for funded places close at 23:59 on 31 January 2027.

Applications for self-funded places close at 23:59 on 28 February 2027.

To apply you must complete the online application form, as part of which you will be asked to upload:

• A project proposal
• A CV/resume outlining your most relevant qualifications, professional experience, and any prior research experience
• Copies of your degree certificates (including translations if not in English)
• For applicants who are not British/Irish, proof of English language competency 

Applicants may apply to more than one project.

Generative AI: You must not use generative AI to write your research proposal or to complete your application form. Any other usage of generative AI must be declared at the end of your proposal.

For queries or support, please contact [email protected] or telephone +44 (0) 1908 653806 (Mon-Fri 09:00 – 16:30)