CENTA PhD Studentships

Funding

CENTA studentships are for 3.5 years and are funded by NERC CENTA and provide:

• Tuition fees at UK (Home) rates*
• Annual stipend (currently set at £21,805 per year for 2026/7) 2027/8 rates still to be confirmed
• Research training support grant (RTSG)

*International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to demonstrate they can fund the difference between UK and Overseas fees for the duration of their study. The annual fee difference for 2026/7 academic year is be £19,012 per year of study. 2027/8 rates still to be confirmed.

Entry requirements

• Applicants must have or expect to obtain a first class or upper second class BSc and/or M-level degree (or an equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant subject.
• Applicants who hold a lower second class honours degree (or an equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant subject may be considered for admission provided that they also hold a Masters degree in a relevant subject.
• University of Leicester English language requirements apply as necessary.

Informal enquiries

Please forward your project and application enquiries to CENTA at Leicester at [email protected].

For general enquiries regarding the CENTA DTP please see the CENTA website.

How to apply

1. Download and complete the CENTA studentship application form
2. Complete and submit your University PhD application using the Apply button at the bottom of the page and select September 2027 entry.

Guidelines for your PhD application

• Upload your completed CENTA Studentship Application Form to the Personal Statement section (a separate personal statement is not required)
• Enter your CENTA project supervisor's name and the Project code in the project title tab. The project code can be found on the project listing above.
• A research proposal is not required so you can leave this blank
• Upload your supporting documents (CV, degree transcripts and certificates, Evidence of English language).
• Enter the names and contact details of referees in the space provided  Please be sure to let your referees know to expect a reference request from us. Or upload reference letters if available (these should be on signed headed paper).
• Under the Funding Section of the online application form select Studentship and in the drop down menu select NERC CENTA
• Visit the CENTA webpages to learn more about CENTA PhDs.
• We encourage you to get in touch with the lead supervisor of the project before making your application, to find out more about the project, and to ask any questions you might have.

You can only apply for one project at University of Leicester.

Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

We will short list candidates after the deadline. Interviews will take place in February 2027. 

Unsuccessful candidates will be advised by email.

Eligibility

Our project-based studentships are open to all applicants who meet the academic requirements (at least a 2:1 at UK BSc level or at least a pass at UK MSc level or overseas equivalent).

*International students will require a student visa in order to be able to study in the UK. There are costs associated with the visa application process, which must be met by the student; approximately £2,500 for the visa and healthcare surcharge. Please ensure you have the means to meet these costs before you apply to the programme.

*EU applicants who hold EU settled or EU pre-settled status please provide a share code (beginning with S) as part of your online application, so we can verify your fee status.