Heriot-Watt University
6 days ago
Heriot-Watt University PhD Scholarship
PhD in Environmentally Sustainable Creel Fisheries at Heriot-Watt University Heriot-Watt University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Full scholarship covering Home-rate tuition fees and an annual stipend of £21,805 for 42 months. Overseas candidates may apply but must fund the fee difference themselves (approximately £22,000 GBP per year for 3.5 years). A continuing affiliation fee of £130 applies during thesis write-up after the funded period.
Deadline
Sep 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
Heriot-Watt University

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About this position
PhD opportunity in environmentally sustainable creel fisheries at Heriot-Watt University, based at the Orkney campus in the United Kingdom.
This funded PhD project focuses on marine ecology, fisheries science, environmental science, and statistics/data analysis. The research will examine creel fisheries targeting brown crab and lobster in Scotland, with an emphasis on bycatch reduction, gear loss, ghost fishing, and technical improvements to make passive gear fisheries more environmentally sustainable.
The project includes field-based catch monitoring, video analysis, literature review, interviews on gear loss, laboratory work on creel morphology and escape-gap/window design, and pilot experiments with modified creels and degradable components. The work is linked to practical collaboration with the Orkney Fisheries Association and aims to produce outcomes relevant to fisheries management and marine sustainability.
Funding: full scholarship covering Home-rate tuition and a stipend of £21,805 per year for 42 months. Overseas applicants may apply, but they must cover the fee difference themselves. A continuing affiliation fee applies during thesis write-up.
Eligibility highlights: MSc in a relevant field such as fisheries management, fishing gear technology, marine science, or ecology; experience with data collection at sea; quantitative data processing and statistical analysis; fluent English; willingness to be based at Orkney campus. Desirable experience includes scientific communication, fisheries work in Scotland, and marine litter research.
How to apply: submit the online application form, select PhD Environment, and include the project title, reference number EGIS2026-KC, and supervisor name. Upload a supporting statement, CV, degree certificates, transcripts, academic reference, and English language evidence if required.
Deadline: 30 September 2026. Start date expected in January 2027.
Funding details
Full scholarship covering Home-rate tuition fees and an annual stipend of £21,805 for 42 months. Overseas candidates may apply but must fund the fee difference themselves (approximately £22,000 GBP per year for 3.5 years). A continuing affiliation fee of £130 applies during thesis write-up after the funded period.
What's required
Applicants should have an MSc degree in a relevant discipline such as fisheries management, fishing gear technology, marine science, or ecology, preferably with a fisheries science focus or equivalent relevant experience. Required experience includes data collection at sea, preparation and planning of experiments, working with equipment, collecting and recording information, quantitative data processing, and statistical analysis. English must be fluent in speaking and writing. Candidates must be willing to be based at the Orkney campus. Desirable criteria include scientific communication, writing and presentations, experience working with fisheries in Scotland, and experience with marine litter or fisheries-related marine litter.
How to apply
Apply through the university's online application form. Select PhD Environment as the programme and include the full project title, reference number EGIS2026-KC, and supervisor name. Upload a supporting statement, CV, degree certificates, transcripts, academic reference, and proof of English language ability if needed.
More information can be found here
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