The South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP) is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBRSC) and comprises the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter, alongside Rothamsted Research.

This partnership also includes the following associate partners:

• Marine Biological Association (MBA)
• University of Plymouth
• Swansea University
• UCB Pharma
• University of the West of England (UWE)
• SETsquared Bristol

This partnership has established international, national and regional scientific networks, and widely recognised research excellence and facilities.

We aim to provide you with outstanding interdisciplinary bioscience research training, underpinned by transformative technologies.

You will be recruited directly to a broad, interdisciplinary project, supported by a multidisciplinary supervisory team, with many cross-institutional projects available. There are also opportunities to:

• Apply your research in an industry setting - DTP CASE studentships.
• Undertake research jointly with our core and associate partners - Standard DTP studentships with an associate partner.
• Work with other national/international researchers.
• Undertake fieldwork.

First year

In the first year, we provide a broad awareness of the fundamental research approaches in life sciences and how they could be applied to real-life situations through:

• Two rotation projects - both allied with but in different disciplinary areas related to the PhD project.
• Three taught units - training in Statistics, Bioinformatics, coding, experimental design, innovation and understanding the impact of your research.

You will need to successfully complete the first year to be able to progress into your second year of studies. An MRes exit route is available at the end of year one should this be required.

Second to fourth years

The remaining years will be more like a conventional PhD, where you will focus on your PhD project.

Note: The PhD thesis must be submitted within 4 years (full-time equivalent) of starting the programme.

Placements

To help broaden your career horizons, you will undertake:

• A 3-month placement of your choice, outside of an academic research environment - examples include working within policy, science communication, industry and scientific publishing.
• Or a 3-18 month industry placement with your CASE partner - CASE studentships only.

These are to provide you with highly desirable skills, experience and knowledge that can be applied to many career sectors.

Cohort activities

You will have the opportunity to join many partnership cohort activities, such as student conferences, workshops and outreach events. Here you will meet students across the partnership, giving you access to a thriving multidisciplinary and supportive student network.

Read further information about our cohort activities.

You could receive funding for up to four years. This includes:

• tuition fees
• a generous budget for research expenses and training
• a maintenance stipend at the UKRI minimum rate

Funding eligibility

Home and International students can apply for this award; however, in line with guidance from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the number of awards available to International students will be limited to 30% of the total.

International students should also note that studentships do not cover UK Student visa costs, or the cost of the mandatory UK Immigration Health Surcharge. These costs can be considerable, so we ask all International applicants to check these costs before applying and to ensure they would be willing and able to cover these from their personal funds.

International applicants must satisfy all visa and immigration requirements, including successfully obtaining ATAS clearance if their offer of study confirms this is required.

Find out more about your tuition fee status.

Academic eligibility

To apply, you should have obtained, or be about to obtain, a 1st or 2:1 UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology. If you have a 2:2 degree you will be considered if you also have a master’s degree with at least a Merit classification, or the international equivalent.

In addition, due to the strong mathematical component of the taught course in the first year and the quantitative emphasis in our projects, a minimum of a grade B in A-level Maths or an equivalent qualification or experience is required.

Equivalent qualifications/experience:

• Physics A-level (grade B and above)
• Undertaking units as part of your degree that have a significant mathematical component (for example maths, statistics, bioinformatics)

You must ensure you highlight your Maths background within your application and upload any supporting evidence.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to have achieved an Academic IELTS result of at least 6.5 overall (with no less than 6.5 in any of the four skills). For other means of meeting the English language requirement and exemptions, see our English language requirements webpage.

Programme expectations

This is an in-person PhD programme, and you are expected to attend in person and be based at the University of Bath from the start of the programme (except during placements).

Scheme opens

Applications usually open in October. Check the SWBio DTP website for updates.

Application deadline

When the scheme is open, the deadline for the receipt of applications will be published on the SWBio DTP website.

Application Process

Find out how to apply.

Find a project

You will first need to find an available project  that you are interested in. We strongly advise you to contact project supervisor(s) in advance of applying to discuss the project and to ensure you make an informed choice.

DTP Virtual Support Events

SWBio have events available to help you with deciding on a bioscience PhD, and support with applications and interviews.

Further information.

Make an application

Applications should be submitted via the SWBio DTP’s application system. You should not apply directly to the University of Bath.

When the scheme is open, a link to the application form will be posted on the SWBio DTP’s website along with information on what supporting documents and information will be required.

You may apply for more than one project if you wish, and each application for an individual project will be considered separately; however, supervisors may take into account your commitment to their particular project.

Part-Time Study

Home applicants

It may be possible to accommodate requests for part-time study, even though the application form is for a full-time programme. You should discuss this with the lead supervisor of your chosen project(s) before you apply and make it clear in the ‘Your PhD project’ section of the application form that you would like to study part-time.

Overseas applicants

Unfortunately, due to the complexities and restrictions associated with visa for part-time studies, we are currently unable to accept part-time applications from international candidates.

• University of Bath EDI webpage
• Our SWBio DTP EDI statement
• How we support our diverse student cohort
• PhD study adjustments and support