The University of Reading in the UK is inviting applications for the International Research PhD fully funded Studentships available for October 2020 start. These are available for highly qualified applicants for research within science, life sciences, social science and arts and humanities.
According to the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), 98% of research conducted at the University of Reading is of international standing, so you’ll receive first-class supervision from leading experts in your research area. And that’s just the start. If you are considering applying for a doctoral research programme, here are just a few of the benefits Reading offers you.
They structure their research around five interdisciplinary themes:
- environment
- food
- health
- prosperity and resilience
- heritage and creativity.
Depending on your discipline, you may be able to suggest your own research topic or apply to work on a specific project. If you have qualified in the arts, humanities, social sciences or in business, you will most likely identify your own research topic, taking into account the resources and time available to you.
With a background in science or life science, you will find many opportunities to contribute to predefined projects. Supported by your supervisor, you will still work independently and usually get to shape the project to your interests so that you can make an original contribution.
Worth of Award
A combination of full and fee-only awards will be available. Full studentships offer:
- a subsistence grant (stipend) to match the 2019/20 UK Research Council rate (the 2019/20 rate is £15,009)
- tuition fees at the International rate
- a £1,000 p.a. training and development allowance
Fees-only studentships, offering:
- tuition fees at the International rate
- a £1,000 p.a. training and development allowance
All awards are for up to three years in duration.
Eligibility
- Funding is only open to international (non-EU) candidates. Candidates will be required to meet the language requirements specified by their department upon entry.
- Due to the nature of the studentships where training and support will be directly available via the university, they only invite applications for students wishing to study at one of the University of Reading campuses.
- Unfortunately, they cannot support other modes of study, such as by distance.
How to Apply
- Make contact with your department. As a first step, you should check with the Director of Postgraduate Research Studies in your School or Department that your proposed research can be supervised by the Department. Directors will also be able to match you with a potential supervisor.
- Apply for a place of admission. You will then need to submit an application for admission to a PhD programme in your chosen subject via their online admissions portal. If you are not sure which programme you should apply to, consult with your Director of Postgraduate Research Studies.
- The admissions application must be for admission in October 2019. If you have an existing application for a different start date you can request the start date be changed by emailing [email protected] In the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your online application, quote ‘International Research Studentship Competition’ in order for your application to be considered in this competition.
- If you have already applied and did not quote the competition, you should email your name and application number to your School Director of Postgraduate Research Studies to ensure they are aware of your wish to be considered for this funding.
- The admissions application will usually require a research proposal be uploaded; requirements vary by School.
- Prepare a 700-word research proposal. The international studentship competition requires a research proposal with a maximum length of 700 words, excluding title and references. (If you uploaded a longer research proposal for your admissions application, this can be shortened for the funding competition.)
- The proposal can be emailed to your School Director of Postgraduate Research Studies and prospective supervisor.
- The research proposal is an important element of the funding decision; it is advisable to consult the Graduate School’s guidance on writing a research proposal and your proposed supervisor.
- The research proposal must be your work but your supervisor may guide and advise you on developing and improving the proposal.
Deadline: Friday, January 10 2020. Successful candidates will be notified via a formal studentship award letter on May 2020. Please note that this is provided separately from any offer of admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria.
Click here for more details and to apply
