INSPIRE Doctoral Training Program

Entry requirements

A UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher in one of: biological sciences (or a closely related discipline), marine biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental sciences, geography, geology, geophysics, mathematics, natural sciences, oceanography or physics

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Join the University of Southampton, a global top 100* research-intensive university, and enhance your skills with INSPIRE - the Interdisciplinary Southampton Partnership for Investigators Researching the Environment.

INSPIRE aims to equip environmental scientists to excel in their chosen field, to thrive in interdisciplinary research teams, to apply cutting edge technology to environmental research, and to act as ambassadors of global environmental issues to industry and society. It will train students in research, professional and transferable skills within world-leading research teams to enable them to develop as future leaders.

The main scientific themes of INSPIRE are:

1. Oceans and climate

2. The dynamic Earth

3. Interaction of organisms with the global environment.

*QS World University Rankings 2023.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language, you'll need an IELTS minimum level of 6.5 with a 6.0 in writing, reading, speaking and listening.

Your awarded certificate needs to be dated within the last 2 years.

If you need further English language tuition before starting your degree, you can apply for one of our pre-sessional English language courses.

Fees and funding

INSPIRE studentships are funded by the Natural and Environmental Research Council (NERC). The stipend is in line with RCUK stipend levels. All studentships are fully funded for 3.5 years. Both UK and non-UK candidates are eligible to apply.