Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (NERC)

Entry requirements

An upper second-class degree or higher (or international equivalent) in a discipline related to the PhD project for which you are applying, such as geology, biological sciences, environmental sciences, chemistry or geography. Some projects may be suitable for those with computing, mathematics, engineering and physics degrees. Applicants with additional relevant experience and/or a master's degree are encouraged to apply.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The GW4+ Doctoral Landscape Training Partnership (DLTP) comprises the University of Bristol, University of Bath, Cardiff University, University of Exeter, British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Natural History Museum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.

The partnership provides a multidisciplinary training environment for postgraduate students in NERC sciences. Due to the nature of the funding, this programme is open primarily to UK students. There will be a limited number of studentships available to international students - including those from the EU.

This NERC-funded doctoral landscape training partnership programme offers studentships for 42 months within four research themes: Climate Change and Risk, Earth Science and Hazards, Science for Environmental Solutions and Evolution and Biodiversity Through Space and Time

As part of your PhD studies, you will be offered training that equips you with a range of skills for future employment in many different working environments. You will be expected to attend training during your PhD and are encouraged to take up work placements. Details of training can be found on the NERC GW4+ website.

PhD projects are available in earth and environmental science topics within the Schools of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Geographical Sciences. New projects are advertised annually from October on each school's webpage:

• School of Biological Sciences
• School of Chemistry
• School of Earth Sciences
• School of Geographical Sciences.

Information for international students

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and funding

UK Funding

Full studentships including the tuition fee will start in September 2026. This will cover tuition fees, research and training support grant of £11,000, a training budget of £1000 and a maintenance stipend of £19,237 each year.

International applicants (including EU)
There are a limited number of full studentships for international students. Although international students are usually charged a higher tuition fee rate than 'home' students, those international students offered a NERC GW4+ Doctoral Landscape Training Partnership full studentship starting in 2026 will only be charged the 'home' tuition fee rate (which will be covered by the studentship). International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to undertake a PhD.

The budget for project costs is £9,000 which can be used for computer, lab, and fieldwork costs necessary for you to conduct your research. There is also a conference budget of £2,000 and individual Training Budget of £1,000 for specialist training.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.