Natural Environment Research Council DTP

The London Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) DTP partners are University College London, Birkbeck University of London, King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Brunel University London, the Institute of Zoology, the Natural History Museum. We also have ongoing collaborations with a number of non-academic Associate Partners. The aim of the partnership is to attain new standards of excellence in environmental science research training, and deliver a transformative inter-disciplinary experience for PhD students in the heart of London.

Our PhD programme is focussed on seven key research themes: biodiversity, ecology and conservation, earth, amosphere and ocean processes, environmental hazards and pollution, environmental physics and mathematical modelling, evolution and adaptation, past life and environments and solid earth dynamics.

Students are trained at world-leading research centres, which cover a the breadth of environmental science research, from those driven by contemporary environmental challenges to those exploring complex questions about the evolution of planet Earth.

Applications are now open from November to January for the following September intake.

Fully-funded studentships

Chemical and toxicological characterisation, fate and remediation of Highway Stormwater Pollution - an emerging ecological crisis. NERC DLA TREES STUDENTSHIP

Microplastics in Rivers: Sources and Pathways - NERC DLA TREES STUDENTSHIP

Interactions between Climate Change and Chemical Pollution : Impacts on Human and Ecological Health - NERC DLA TREES STUDENTSHIPS

A Systems Approach to Understanding the Environmental Fate and Impacts of Electronic Waste - TREES DLA STUDENTSHIPS

Interactive effects of antibiotics and temperature on freshwater bacteria - NERC DLA TREES STUDENTSHIP

Predicting the bioaccumulation of ionisable pharmaceuticals in a freshwater macroinvertebrate - NERC DLA (TREES) STUDENTSHIP

Advancing circular economy in water utilities to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and environmental protection -NERC DLA TREES STUDENTSHIP

Unravelling unexpected impacts of pharmaceuticals on mollusc development.NERC DLA TREES STUDENTSHIP

AI-assisted design of nature-based solutions for integrated flood and pollution management NERC DLA TREES STUDENTSHIP

Our funded studentships become available at different times of the year. Please keep checking our page regularly to see the latest funded opportunities. We also advertise all our funded studentships as soon as they become available on the @BrunelResearch twitter account.

View all studentships

What is the structure of London NERC DTP?

The London NERC DTP is a multidisciplinary 4 year training programme to ensure that NERC funded doctoral students develop the core science skills needed to make optimal progress. All students will undertake an intensive programme of interdisciplinary core research and professional development training in the autumn and spring terms.

At the end of term 1, all students will submit a choice of two equally attractive project titles of which they will be allocated one. At the end of term 2, students will present their PhD project plans to the rest of their cohort before joining their primary research institution to begin their project.

Who can apply for a Doctoral Training Partnership?

Studentships supported by the United Kingdom Research and Innovation are open to Home, EU and International students.
Students must reside in the UK during their studies to receive United Kingdom Research and Innovation funding
The studentships are highly competitive with two stages of selection: first application to The London NERC DTP and then the second stage is an interview
A minimum IELTS 7 for international students
Applications to the London NERC DTP programme are not for a specific project, but for a research theme. The projects listed on the site are to provide you with details on what is potentially on offer if you were to be accepted to the DTP. It is expected that students will meet with potential supervisors to discuss and develop their project ideas during the first six months of their PhD training.

What will you receive if you’re successful?

Fees	Full fees at the current home rate for the length of the studentship, irrespective of your fee status. Brunel University London has waived the difference between Home and International fee level so that International students will not be charged the difference.
Stipend	A stipend including London Weighting. You can find the current stipend amount on the UKRI web page.

How to apply?

There will be an opportunity for you to learn about the DTP and the application process by attending a webinar. Details will be posted on the London NERC DTP website.
Application is via an online form on our website.

Deadline for applications: 5pm, Thursday 5th January 2023.

All applications will be anonymised prior to evaluation.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in February 2023.
Eligibility: NERC funding is subject to candidates meeting UKRI-NERC eligibility criteria and we also encourage eligible international applicants. There are options for part-time and flexible study.