Bournemouth University PhD Studentship – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes30 Jun, 2026

The Bournemouth University PhD Studentship is a fully funded doctoral research opportunity offered by Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom. The studentship provides full tuition fee coverage for the entire 36-month study period. In addition, recipients receive a maintenance stipend to support living expenses throughout the program. Furthermore, the scholarship covers research expenses, fieldwork costs, laboratory analyses, and specialist training. Students also gain access to advanced research facilities and expert supervision. Consequently, they can focus fully on conducting high-quality scientific research without significant financial concerns.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Bournemouth University PhD Studentship before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Conservation Biology, Genetics, Molecular Ecology

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.7-4.0

Languages

IELTS 6.5

Tests

Study Levels

Doctoral, PhD

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (2)

Result Date

Program Start

September 2026

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount
Deadline30 Jun, 2026
LevelDoctoral, PhD
InstitutionBournemouth University
CountryUnited Kingdom
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Bournemouth University PhD Studentship is a fully funded doctoral research opportunity offered by Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom. The project, titled “Application of Genetic and Molecular Tools for Assessing Outcomes of River Reconnection Programs for Diadromous Species,” focuses on evaluating how river restoration initiatives affect threatened migratory fish populations. In particular, the research examines the ecological, genetic, and population-level impacts of river reconnection measures implemented in the lower River Severn basin. Through advanced genetic and molecular approaches, the project aims to improve understanding of species recovery and long-term conservation outcomes following habitat restoration.

Background and Purpose

River barriers such as weirs and dams often disrupt the migration routes of fish species and reduce access to critical spawning and feeding habitats. Therefore, conservation organizations increasingly implement river reconnection programs to restore ecological connectivity. In the lower River Severn basin, major fish-pass installations and weir modifications were completed in 2021 to improve migration opportunities for aquatic species.

This PhD project investigates how these restoration efforts influence species distributions, genetic diversity, and population resilience. Researchers will study several threatened migratory fish species, including European shads (Alosa spp.), sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), and European eel (Anguilla anguilla). In addition, the project places special emphasis on Alosa species and their hybrids across multiple life stages. By combining environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis with molecular genetic techniques, the research will generate valuable insights into the effectiveness of river restoration programs.

Bournemouth University PhD Studentship Benefits

The studentship provides full tuition fee coverage for the entire 36-month study period. In addition, recipients receive a maintenance stipend to support living expenses throughout the program. Furthermore, the scholarship covers research expenses, fieldwork costs, laboratory analyses, and specialist training. Students also gain access to advanced research facilities and expert supervision. Consequently, they can focus fully on conducting high-quality scientific research without significant financial concerns.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should possess a strong academic background in biology, ecology, environmental science, genetics, conservation biology, zoology, or a related discipline. In addition, candidates should demonstrate an interest in molecular ecology, population genetics, and aquatic conservation.

Experience in laboratory techniques, ecological fieldwork, genetic analysis, or quantitative data analysis may strengthen an application. Furthermore, applicants should show the ability to conduct independent research and contribute to collaborative scientific projects.

Bournemouth University PhD Studentship Application Process

Applicants must submit a PhD application to Bournemouth University according to the published studentship requirements. They typically need to provide academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, supporting documents, and evidence of relevant academic or research experience.

The selection committee evaluates candidates based on academic performance, research potential, technical skills, and suitability for the project. Shortlisted applicants may also participate in an interview as part of the final assessment process.

Opportunities for Scholars

This PhD provides extensive training in molecular ecology, population genetics, environmental DNA analysis, quantitative data analysis, and conservation biology. In addition, students gain practical experience in field sampling, laboratory research, and ecological monitoring.

Furthermore, the project contributes directly to conservation science and habitat restoration policy. Research findings will help guide river management strategies and biodiversity conservation programs across the United Kingdom and Europe. Consequently, graduates will be well prepared for careers in academia, environmental consultancy, government agencies, conservation organizations, and ecological research institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this studentship?

Applications are open to UK, EU, and international students with outstanding academic potential, typically demonstrated by a first-class honors degree or a distinction-level master’s degree.

What skills are preferred for applicants?

Strong knowledge of molecular ecology, experience with DNA extraction, PCR, downstream DNA analyses, and proficiency in R or Python for data analysis are highly desirable. Experience with eDNA library preparation is beneficial but not essential.

What research methods will be used?

The study uses environmental DNA (eDNA), population genetics, DNA extraction, PCR analysis, molecular ecology techniques, and genetic analyses across multiple life stages of the target species.