Postgraduate research
Qualification: PhD
Department: School of Physics and Astronomy
Application deadline: 17 January 2025
Start date: 22 September 2025
The School of Physics and Astronomy offer PhD projects funded by The Sciences and Technology Facilities Research Council (STFC) for September 2025 entry.
Research Council studentships
Research Council funded studentships schemes designed to support the training of the next generation of world-class researchers.
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 start.
The projects listed are in competition for STFC funding. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding.
The STFC studentship provides:
*Full overseas fee waivers will be available for small number of international students; otherwise, international applicants must show that they can cover the fee difference between UK/International costs. For 2024/5 this is currently £18,864 per year of study. This may increase for 2025/26.
Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor Degree 2:1 or better in a relevant subject or overseas equivalent.
The University of Leicester English language requirements apply.
Enquiries relating to projects should go to the project supervisor (contact details are on each project).
General enquiries to csepgr@le.ac.uk. Include STFC in the subject line.
To apply please use the online Apply Button at the bottom of the page and select September 2025.
With your application, please include:
In the funding section: from the drop down menu select Studentship and then select STFC. Funding percentage field = 100%.
You do not need to include a research proposal.
Available to UK and International applicants.
International students refer to the funding section. If you 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 £2500 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 PGR Admissions with a share code (the one that starts with S) so we can verify your fee status email to pgradmissions@le.ac.uk.
