NERC PhD Funding

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is the main source of UK government funding for PhD students in natural and environmental research. NERC PhD studentships cover tuition fees and a living stipend, as well as additional research and training costs.

In this guide, we’ve covered how NERC PhD funding works, who is eligible and how you can apply. You can also search for NERC-funded PhDs here on FindAPhD.

The NERC is one of seven Research Councils that make up UK Research and Innovation (URKI). Each of these councils manages a budget for supporting research in their subject areas, some of which goes to training PhD students.

Which PhD subjects does the NERC fund?

The NERC funds PhDs in Environmental Science subjects, such as:

• Climatology and Climate Change
• Ecology and Conservation
• Ecotoxicology and Pollution
• Environmental Chemistry
• Geophysics
• Meteorology
• Paleobiology
• Agronomy and Soil Science

The NERC also funds some interdisciplinary opportunities in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

What PhD funding does the NERC provide?

The NERC currently funds around 350 students a year. These students receive the national minimum stipend set by UKRI:

• Tuition fees of £4,596
• Stipend of £17,668 per year (you will receive slightly more if you are based in London)
• Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) to cover the costs of travel and consumables – £5,000–£11,000 amount depending on the studentship

These values will increase annually with inflation and you will receive the new amount each year.

How is NERC funding allocated?

The NERC provides funding for a certain number of studentships to universities and other research institutes, who advertise PhD projects supported in this way. You don’t apply directly to the NERC for PhD funding.

These projects are usually advertised either through Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs), Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering (CASE) or Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs).

The majority of NERC PhD funding is awarded through Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs). These provide students with excellent training and research opportunities through collaborations between multiple universities and industrial partners.

NERC DTPs for 2023

Current NERC Doctoral Training Partnerships include the following:

• IAPETUS2 DTP

  Led by Durham University, along with the University of Glasgow, Heriot-Watt University, Newcastle University, the University of St Andrews and the University of Stirling.

  Partners include the British Antarctic Survey, the British Geological Survey and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

  Find out more about the IAPETUS DTP or browse PhD projects.

• Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet (SSCP) DTP

  Based at Imperial College London.

  Partners include the Natural History Museum, Royal Botanical Gardens Kew and the Zoological Society of London.

  Find out more about the SSCP DTP.

• Envision DTP

  Led by Lancaster University, along with Bangor University and the University of Nottingham.

  Partners include the British Geological Survey, the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and Rothamsted Research.

  Find out more about the Envision DTP or browse Envision DTP PhD projects.

• One Planet DTP2

  Led by Newcastle University, along with Northumbria University.

  Find out more about the One Planet DTP.

• London DTP2

  Led by University College London, along with Birkbeck, University of London, Brunel University London, King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London and Royal Holloway, University of London.

  Partners include the Natural History Museum.

  Find out more about the London DTP2.

• QUADRAT DTP

  Led by the University of Aberdeen, along with Queen’s University Belfast.

  Find out more about the QUADRAT DTP or browse QUADRAT PhD projects.

• Central England NERC Training Alliance (CENTA2) DTP

  Led by the University of Birmingham, along with the University of Leicester, the University of Warwick, the Open University, Loughborough University and Cranfield University.

  Partners include the National Centre for Earth Observation, the British Geological Survey and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science.

  Find out more about the CENTA2 DTP or browse PhD projects.

• GW4+ DTP

  Led by the University of Bristol, along with the University of Bath, Cardiff University and the University of Exeter.

  Partners include Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the British Geological Survey and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

  Find out more about the GW4+ DTP.

• Cambridge Climate, Life and Earth (C-CLEAR) DTP

  Based at the University of Cambridge.

  Partners include the British Antarctic Survey.

  Find out more about the C-CLEAR DTP.

• Advanced Research and Innovation in the Environmental Sciences (ARIES) DTP

  Led by the University of East Anglia, along with the University of Essex, the University of Kent, the University of Plymouth and Royal Holloway, University of London.

  Partners include the British Trust of Ornithology, the John Innes Centre and the Marine Biological Association.

  Find out more about the ARIES DTP or browse PhD projects.

• Edinburgh Earth, Ecology and Environment (E4) DTP

  Based at the University of Edinburgh.

  Partners include the Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scotland's Rural College and the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre.

  Find out more about the E4 DTP or browse PhD projects.

• Panorama Doctoral Training Partnership

  Led by the University of Leeds, along with the University of Hull and the University of York.

  Find out more about the Panorama DTP.

• Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment (ACCE) DTP

  Led by the University of Liverpool, along with the University of Sheffield and the University of York.

  Partners include the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the Natural History Museum.

  Find out more about the ACCE DTP.

• Environmental Research DTP

  Based at the University of Oxford.

  Find out more about the Environmental Research DTP.

• Science of the Environment, Natural and Anthropogenic Processes, Impacts and Opportunities (SCENARIO) DTP

  Led by the University of Reading, along with the University of Surrey.

  Partners include the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, the National Centre for Earth Observation and the Zoological Society of London.

  Find out more about the SCENARIO DTP.

• Scottish Universities Partnership for Environmental Research (SUPER) DTP

  Led by the University of St Andrews, along with the University of Aberdeen, Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University, the University of the Highlands & Islands, University of Stirling, University of Strathclyde and the University of the West of Scotland.

  Find out more about the SUPER DTP.

• Interdisciplinary Southampton Partnership for Investigators Researching the Environment (INSPIRE)

  Based at the University of Southampton.

  Partners include the National Oceanography Centre, the British Antarctic Survey and the Marine Biological Association.

  Find out more about the INSPIRE DTP.

Studying your PhD at a NERC DTP

NERC DTPs offer more than just PhD funding. They also provide exceptional training to help you successfully complete your PhD and prepare for a career at the end of it.

This training is usually delivered as a series of workshops and masterclasses on specialist subjects that run alongside your PhD research.

You will be based within a single university (the one you apply to), however, you will have access to expertise, mentoring and facilities from across your DTP. You will also study alongside a wider cohort of PhD students. This will give you a supportive training experience and the opportunity to attend additional training and team building exercises as well as whole cohort conferences.

Typically, DTP studentships provide funding for 3.5 years of PhD research. Stipend extensions are sometimes available if required.

Many DTPs also provide opportunities for students to go on a placement with one of their non-academic industrial partners. These usually last two to three months and provide excellent preparation for non-academic careers.

Some NERC funding can be offered as CASE studentships (Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering). These are projects that are designed in partnership with external bodies (including business and industry as well as non-profits) to tackle specific natural and environmental problems with clear real-world applications. The NERC aim to ensure that 25% of DTP projects are CASE projects.

Studying a NERC CASE PhD

Studying a CASE studentship will provide you with access to addition training and expertise that is not available in an academic setting.

To get this training, you will spend between three and eighteen months in total with your CASE partner organisation.

CASE studentships are offered as part of an existing DTP and you will study alongside other PhD students in the same cohort.

You will receive the same funding opportunities as those in your DTP, however, your external partner may cover additional expenses during the time you spend with them.

NERC CASE opportunities for 2023

CASE studentships are usually awarded by DTP partners and you can apply for CASE projects through individual universities.

The best way to find a CASE studentship is to check the details for the DTPs above, or you can use FindAPhD to search for current NERC CASE opportunities.

Centres for Doctoral Training (CDT) are set up to focus on specific priority research areas identified within the NERC remit. Initially funded by the NERC, they are also supported by investments from external sources such as industrial bodies.

NERC CDTs typically operate as a consortium of research organisations, similar to DTPs. However, CDTs have much more specific overarching research goals which heavily shape the projects they offer.

NERC CDTs for 2024

There are currently five CDTs:

• CDT in Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE – joint-funded with the EPSRC)

  Led by the University of Edinburgh, along with the University of Exeter and the University of Strathclyde.

  Partners include EDF Eenergy, Sustainable Marine Energy and Wind Turbines Ltd.

  Find out more about the IDCORE CDT or browse PhD projects.

• CDT in Offshore Wind Energy and the Environment (Aura – joint-funded with the EPSRC)

  Led by the University of Hull, along with the University of Sheffield , Durham University , Newcastle University and the University of Plymouth.

  Partners include the National Oceanography Centre, the Hartree Centre and the Centre for Environment.

  Find out more about the Aura CDT or browse PhD projects.

• CDT in Ecotoxicology Risk Assessment Towards Sustainable Chemical Use (ECORISC)

  Led by the University of York, along with Lancaster University, the University of Sheffield, Cardiff University and the University of Exeter.

  Partners include the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

  Find out more about the ECORISC CDT.

• CDT in sustainable management of UK marine resources (SuMMeR)

  Lead by the University of Plymouth, along with Bangor University, Heriot-Watt University and the University of Exeter.

  Partners include the Marine Biological Association and the Plymouth Marine Laboratory.

  Find out more about the SuMMeR CDT.

• CDT in Satellite Data for Environmental Science (SENSE)

  Led by the University of Edinburgh and the University of Leeds.

  Partners include the British Antarctic Survey and the National Oceanography Centre.

  Find out more about the SENSE CDT or browse PhD projects.

Studying your PhD at a NERC CDT

CDT studentships cover fees, maintenance and research expenses (subject to eligibility). Your studentship will usually last 3.5-4 years depending on the CDT you are part of and you will be funded for the duration of your PhD. This will provide you with training opportunities to develop particular specialist skills.

As with DTPs, you will be studying as part of a cohort and attend conferences, seminars and other events.

Some NERC CDTs are set up in partnership with another UKRI research council (for example, the CDT in soil science is jointly operated with the BBSRC).

As with other UKRI Research Councils, there are specific eligibility criteria for NERC PhD funding.

Residency

• UK students who have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years will be eligible for a full studentship (covering fees and including the doctoral stipend).
• International students are also eligible for a full award. However only 30% of the total number of awards available at a university may go to international students.
• EU students may be eligible for UKRI funding on the same terms as UK students if they have settled status in the UK or applied to the EU Settlement Scheme prior to 30 June 2021. EU students who arrive in the UK for a PhD from 2021-22 onwards may apply as international students.
• Irish students are eligible for UKRI finding on the same terms as UK students as part of the Common Travel Area.

Academic requirements

NERC studentships are awarded on a competitive basis to the best applicants. Normally, the PhD programmes expect you to hold a first class or upper second (2.1) degree in a relevant subject. If you don’t meet this requirement, a Masters degree may help improve your application.

Working during a NERC studentship

You cannot work full-time while receiving NERC funding (or any other UKRI funding). You are allowed to work part-time but you should get your supervisors’ advice before you commit to the extra workload.

Other funding

You can’t combine a NERC studentship with a UK PhD loan, but you may be able to access some other funding from your university or other sources.

You don’t apply directly to the NERC for a studentship. Instead, funding is provided to universities and research institutes who advertise funded PhDs through their DTPs and CDTs.

Advertised projects

The majority of NERC-funded projects at DTPs and CDTs are set up with pre-defined questions, aims and objectives. However, you may have the opportunity to branch out in new directions in response to your findings as well as develop methodologies to fit into your research needs.

Some CDTs offer an alternative application track for students who would like to develop their own research project. You will spend time with a supervisory team in a pre-project period to design and submit a research project proposal. You will then have to defend your project in a proposal defence before starting your project.

Application process

The first step in applying for NERC funding is normally to find an advertised project. Once you have found something you like the look of, you should read the description carefully and gather the required application materials.

These normally include: a suitable CV, a cover letter (which explains your interest in the project and why you are suitable), a personal statement (which details your academic background and why you want to do a PhD) and maybe even your degree transcripts.

You may then be invited for a PhD interview where you will be able to discuss your application in more detail.

Application deadlines

NERC DTPs usually advertise projects from October / November to start the following October.

Here are the application deadlines for PhD studentships at NERC DTPs for projects beginning in the 2024-25 academic year:

• IAPETUS – 5 January 2024
• SSCP – 8 January 2024
• Envision – 10 January 2024
• One Planet – 11 January 2024
• London – 4 January 2024
• QUADRAT – 17 December 2024
• CENTA – 10 January 2024
• GW4+ – 9 January 2024
• C-CLEAR – 4 January 2024
• ARIES – 10 January 2024
• E4 – 4 January 2024
• Panorama – 5 January 2024
• ACCE – 8 January 2024
• Environmental Research – 5 January 2024
• SCENARIO – 12 January 2024
• SUPER – tbc
• INSPIRE – 3 January 2024

These are the deadlines for the different NERC CDTs:

• SuMMeR – 16 January 2024
• IDCORE – applications open until positions have been filled, apply early
• Aura – tbc
• ECORISK – tbc
• Sense – 30 October 2023

These are the deadlines for PhD projects starting in autumn 2022. You can use them to get a general idea of application timelines for 2023, but exact dates will probably change.

If you would like to stay up to date on NERC project advertisements and deadlines then why not sign up for our free PhD newsletter? You’ll receive new projects as they’re added to our PhD directory.

NERC funding application tips

NERC scholarships are funded on a competitive basis. Here are some tips to help give you the best chance:

1. Contact potential supervisors – Not only do you get to show your interest in the project beforehand but it may also help strengthen your application. This can also be an opportunity to scope out possible directions for a project together with the potential to incorporate your own ideas.
2. Be aware that applications take time – It can be a big task to prepare all of the materials you will need for a UKRI funding application. Don’t leave it to the last minute and risk missing out on that ‘perfect’ project. You will also need time to read up on the project and tailor your application appropriately.
3. Don’t forget about the interview – The interview is a crucial part of the application process. It is an opportunity to show that you are capable of completing a PhD but also to show that a specific department is the best place for you to do so.
4. Treat your PhD application like a job application – Like employers, universities want to find the best candidates for the PhD positions they are advertising. Show them why that’s you!

Further information

Check the NERC and UKRI websites for additional funding details.