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School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  1. School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  2. PhD/Research
  3. Research Studentships

Postgraduate Research Studentships

The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences offer a number of fully funded postgraduate research studentships to support PhD students each year.

Our PhD studentships are usually attached to a specific research project and cover the cost of tuition fees as well as providing a maintenance stipend. Funding is normally for up to 3 years at the UK Research Council level. Our studentship funding typically comes from the university, Research Councils, or other external organisations through research grants. Some of the funding available is limited to UK residents. 

  • STFC studentships
    STFC studentships can now be awarded to students from any country who satisfy the eligibility criteria. A full studentship lasting 3.5 years will cover the payment of tuition fees (in full for UK-based students, or in part for international students) as well as tax-free maintenance costs (£21,237 per year for 2024/25). For international students, studentships and other external sources of funding can often be used to cover the remainder of the tuition fees. Briefly, the eligibility criteria for a full STFC award are a good upper second or first class honours degree or a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check the detailed criteria from the STFC website. Deadline - 31st of January.
  • Queen Mary Postgraduate Research studentships
    Queen Mary offers a number of university-funded studentships each year across a full range of academic disciplines. These include the waiver of tuition fees and tax-free maintenance costs of around £21,237 per year for 2024/25.Deadline - 31st of January.

  • S&E Doctoral Research Studentships for Underrepresented Groups 2025/26:  The Queen Mary Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Doctoral College is inviting applications for Doctoral Research Studentships from UK candidates from underrepresented groups (e.g., Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) in research in the UK.

    Up to 6 PhD studentships will be awarded on the basis of the excellence of the applicant. Awards are tenable for up to 3.5 years, and cover tuition fees and a maintenance stipend at the UKRI London rate (c.£21,237 p.a. full-time 2024/25).

    You must be a UK permanent resident from an underrepresented group in research, e.g., Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic, with the priority for this round given to those from Black origin, and eligible to pay home student fees. Further details can be found here: S&E Doctoral Research Studentships for Underrepresented Groups 2025/26 [PDF 374KB]. Expected start date: 01 September 2025. Deadline for applying is 29th January 2025.

  • CSC studentships
    Please contact the admissions tutor for the group you are interested to enquire about this award. More details on the scheme can be found here. Applicants considering a CSC studentship are encouraged to contact us early, and formally apply for a position. Important Note: The application deadline for CSC Deadline - 31st of January.
  • International studentships
    A number of other international studentships are available, but have specific eligibility requirements and application procedures. Please see the International Scholarships page for more information.

We also accept students via the following Doctoral Training Partnerships which offer a number of research studentships each year.

Alternative sources of funding for PhD studies

The School also welcomes self-funded PhD students or those with funding from external bodies. See our fees and funding page for information on scholarship schemes and self-funding a PhD.

 

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