How to Apply

There will be multiple application rounds. Applications have now closed for the first October 2024 entry. Interviews will take place on Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th May 2024 with offers sent out shortly after those dates. The second round of applications (for entry in October 2025) will open in October 2024. 

A list of projects is available here. Candidates should apply to the respective partner university (Southampton, Loughborough, Bristol or Newcastle) that is listed against each project. To apply click on the respective link on each project page. During the application process candidates will need to upload:

  • a curriculum vitae giving details of your academic record and stating your research interests;
  • name two current academic referees together with an institutional email addresses; on submission of your online application your referees will be automatically emailed requesting they send a reference to us directly by email;
  • academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated if not in English) - if you have completed both a BSc & an MSc, we require both;
  • a IELTS/TOEFL certificate, if applicable; and a
  • short statement of your research interests in flooding and rationale for your choice of project.

Please upload all documents in PDF format. You are encouraged to contact potential supervisors by email to discuss project-specific aspects of the proposed prior to submitting your application. If you have any general questions please contact floodcdt@soton.ac.uk.

 

We welcome applications from candidates with non-traditional backgrounds. We also invite enquiries about possibilities of doing a PhD with us if you wish to work part time, if you have childcare or other needs that mean you need to work flexibly. We recognise that applying for a PhD can be a challenging process, particularly where you might not have access to support from people familiar with the process to help you effectively put an application together. Please contact floodcdt@soton.ac.uk if you need extra support.

 

You can also register your interest for future rounds by signing up for the newsletter here.

 

 

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for students who are enthusiastic about flooding and environmental issues.

 

Funding

The studentship will cover UK course fees and an enhanced tax-free stipend of year for 3.5 years along with a budget for research, travel, and placement activities. Details of the studentship amount can be found on the NERC web-site here.  We are pleased to announce that students from EU countries and other Horizon associated countries are now also eligible for a full studentship (covering tuition fees and living expenses stipend). For any questions regarding the funding eligibility, please get in touch with floodcdt@soton.ac.uk. EU students need to apply for a visa to study in the UK. We are also happy to accept applications onto the programme from those who have a funded scholarship from another source or are able to self-fund (proof of funds will be required). 

 

 

Entry Requirements

FLOOD-CDT is multidisciplinary, and we welcome applicants from diverse disciplines, including but not limited to: physical scientists, engineers, mathematicians, life and social scientists. Students should have an interest in multidisciplinary research, as well as other skills relevant to one or more of the core Research and Training themes within the CDT. Applicants must already have, or expect to shortly graduate with, a very good undergraduate degree or Master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree) – or an equivalent international qualification from a high ranking university – in a relevant subject. Academic attainment is only one of our criteria for selection; we equally value the ability to work in teams, excitement for research, enthusiasm for the research focus of the CDT and the ability to communicate ideas. EU and Overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency.

 

Support

Appropriate adjustments will be made to ensure that students with additional needs can access and benefit from the range of learning and teaching offered throughout the programme. Student needs will be assessed by the University’s Enabling Services team, and the CDT Management team will ensure that these needs are met. The University and CDT will ensure that additional needs are appropriately funded, including UKRI Disabled Students’ Allowances scheme funding.

 

EDI

FLOOD-CDT is committed to promoting best practices for equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in all our activities, for our students, staff and supervisors, from recruitment through to graduation. We work closely with our CDT and other partners and across the Universities and research centres involved to monitor best practice and share experiences and expertise, aiming to create an inclusive research community, recognise structural barriers and privileges, and continuously improve equality and equity in all aspects of scientific research and education.

Additional Considerations

Undertaking a full-time doctorate is a challenging task with a workload equivalent to that of a full-time job. We advise prospective students to consider that, if you are working, it is extremely unlikely that your work in your day job can be directly translated into a PhD, and subsequently the PhD research would need to be in addition to this. 

Therefore, we do not advise you to work full time and study full time. Your well-being and work/life balance is important. FLOOD-CDT will consider part-time study applicants.