BBSRC Midlands Innovative Biosciences Training Partnership

Qualification: PhD

Application deadline: 6 May 2021

Start date: 27 September 2021

Overview

The Midlands Integrative Biosciences (Doctoral) Training Partnership (MIBTP) is a BBSRC funded doctoral training partnership between University of Warwick, University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, Aston University and Harper Adams University. The universities are separate entities, but there is large and growing cooperation between partners. We recognise that interdisciplinarity underpins most significant research and that critical mass is vital to ensure impact globally.

Students start their degree with a programme of hands-on training from experts in both theoretical and experimental approaches to bioscience.

All MIBTP scholars will join a programme of skills training in year 1.

Applicants are required to select an area of study (Sustainable Agriculture and Food, Understanding the Rules of Life, Renewable Resources and Clean Growth or Integrated Understanding of Health) but may join the programme with or without selecting a preferred project. Part of the skills training programme includes short rotation projects and students are able to choose a PhD project once they have experienced these differing research environments.

Potential PhD projects are provided to give applicants an idea of the breadth of research within MIBTP and specific research topics at each University. You can browse all the University of Leicester projects listed under the MIBTP Projects 2021 tab below, divided into specific areas within each theme. Additional projects will become available during Year 1 and students can work with potential supervisors during their first year to develop a particular project.

Eligibility, funding advice and the application process can be found in the tabs towards the bottom of the page.

Doctoral training partnerships

Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) and Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) are multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional schemes designed to support the training of the next generation of world-class researchers. The University of Leicester is a lead partner in four DTPs/CDTs through which we can offer funded PhD studentships in a wide range of research areas.

Studentships are available to highly motivated and qualified applicants and provide a generous support package usually including a full fee waiver, annual stipend, and research training support grant. Studentships are in most cases offered early in the year for September/October start.

MIBTP Projects for September 2021

Funding

Funding

All MIBTP students will be provided with a 4 years studentship. 

  • Tuition Fees at UK fee rates
  • a tax free stipend of at least £15,295 p.a (to rise in line with UKRI recommendation)
  • a travel allowance in year 1
  • a travel / conference budget
  • a generous consumables budget
  • use of a laptop for the duration of the programme

Further information with regards to the funding of the fee difference will be included here shortly.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

  • Those who have a 1st or a 2.1 undergraduate degree in a relevant field are eligible.
  • Evidence of quantitative training is required. For example, AS or A level Maths, IB Standard or Higher Maths, or university level maths/statistics course.
  • Those who have a 2.2 and an additional Masters degree in a relevant field may be eligible.
  • Those who have a 2.2 and at least three years post-graduate experience in a relevant field may be eligible.
  • Those with degrees abroad (perhaps as well as postgraduate experience) may be eligible if their qualifications are deemed equivalent to any of the above.

For further information please contact MIBTP@warwick.ac.uk.

University English language requirements apply.

Informal enquiries

Informal enquiries

Project/funding enquiries

Application enquiries

You may find answers to your questions on the FAQs.

How to apply

How to apply

Select the project you want to apply for from the project options on the tab below. Alternatively you can simply apply to join the programme without choosing a project at the application stage.

Please apply using the guidelines below:

  1. Check your eligibility
  2. Complete and submit your Leicester PhD application using the Apply Button at the bottom of the page.* Select September 2021 in the drop down menu. (NB The online application will show Genetics regardless of the project you apply for. The academic department may change at the point of offer)
  3. Please notify MIBTP of your application by completing the online application notification form, ensuring that you upload a current CV to the form. This ensures that all applications are processed, especially if applying through a different department.
  4. Review the MIBTP Data Privacy Policy to understand how we process your personal data.

*In your Leicester PhD application please include:

  • Your A levels (or equivalent) including Maths - if all of your A levels are on one certificate please only upload it once
  • Degree level study including study not yet completed. Upload copies of all transcripts and degree certificates if available
  • CV
  • In the personal statement section explain why you would like to study for a PhD and why you are applying for MIBTP funding. Articulate your case in light of your academic and/or professional experience, including extracurricular courses, activities, placements, etc. you might have attended
  • If you are applying to a specific project (or projects) enter the name of the primary supervisor/s in the Supervisor Section and add the title of the project (or projects) in the Proposed project title section ( you do not need to include a research proposal)
  • If you are applying to the program without choosing a specific project
    • enter PROGRAM in the Proposed supervisor section 
    • In the Proposed project title/ Studentship title section indicate the area of research that meets your interests, i.e:
      • Sustainable Agriculture and Food
      • Renewable Resources and Clean Growth
      • Understanding the Rules of Life
      • Integrated Understanding of Health
  • In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available.
  • In the funding section of the application select STUDENTSHIP. In the drop down menu select BBSRC MIBTP

Interview dates to be confirmed.

Eligibility

Eligibility

Residence requirements for MIBTP studentships (including CASE)

From the 2021/22 academic year UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding is open to both UK and International research students as detailed on the UKRI website.

Awards for both UK residents and International applicants cover UK tuition fees and provide a stipend at the standard UKRI rate to support living costs.

UKRI funding will not cover international fees. Funding for this may be available from other sources but specific guidance on this is currently not available. Please watch out for updated information on our website. UKCISA provides information on tuition fees to help you assess your fee status.

Home / UK students 

  • To be classed as a home student, candidates must meet the following criteria:
  • Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
  • Have settled status, or
  • Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirement) or,
  • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter

See the full eligibility criteria for further information.

International students

  • Anybody who does not meet the criteria for home / UK student, above, would be classed as an international student.

Further information with regards to the funding of the fee difference will be included here shortly.