PhD Studentship: The Oxford Interdisciplinary Life and Environmental Science Training Programme (ILESLA) Oxford Brookes University in United Kingdom

[Full studentship: UKRI stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26 plus £2,000), tuition fees, and bench fees covered. Visa and associated costs not funded.] The Oxford Interdisciplinary Life and Environmental Science Training Programme (ILESLA) at Oxford Brookes University offers a prestigious 4-year, full-time PhD studentship designed for both UK/EU and international applicants. This innovative programme, funded by BBSRC and NERC, provides comprehensive training across the full spectrum of biological and environmental sciences. The studentship includes a competitive UKRI stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26 plus an additional £2,000), full coverage of tuition and bench fees, and access to a wide range of research facilities and partner institutions.

Visa and associated costs are not included in the funding. The ILESLA programme is structured to foster interdisciplinary skills and research experience. In the first year, students undertake two exploratory research projects with prospective supervisors, allowing them to experience different research environments and topics before selecting their main 3-year research project. A 12-week professional internship is also integrated into the programme, providing valuable work experience and enhancing employability.

Students admitted through Oxford Brookes University must complete one rotation project at Brookes and another at a partner organisation, ensuring broad exposure and collaboration. The PhD project must include a supervisor from Oxford Brookes University. The ILESLA partnership includes the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University, Pirbright Institute, Diamond Light Source, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, and The Open University. This collaborative network offers students access to world-class research facilities and expertise.

The programme is supported by a Landscape Award from BBSRC and NERC, with additional support from within the partnership. Applicants must hold or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor’s Degree with at least a 2:1 classification or an overseas equivalent in a relevant academic subject. UKRI eligibility criteria apply. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with a valid IELTS Academic test certificate (minimum overall score of 7.5, no component below 7.0) or an approved equivalent.

For further information on equivalency, applicants should contact [email protected]. Applications for 2026 entry are processed through the University of Oxford application system, with a single entry route for all partner institutions. Shortlisted candidates will typically be interviewed once for entry into the programme. The application deadline is 8 January 2026 (12:00 midday UK time), and the programme commences in September 2026.

For more details on the application process, open days, and programme structure, visit the Oxford Brookes course page or contact the programme directors, Associate Professor Andrew Jones and Professor Verena Kriechbaumer.