PhD Studentships
Funded PhD Studentships are available, commencing February 2025.
Awarding Body
Robert Gordon UniversityValue
Fully Funded PhDDeadline
Friday 29 November 2024 at 17:00 (GMT)Quantity of Awards
VariousOverview
Robert Gordon University has a strong track record of high quality and impactful research that delivers significant social, cultural and economic value, contributing to sustainable growth, improved service provision, and increased innovation. We also have a strong commitment to research that involves co-production and collaborative working with partners locally and globally across the public, private and third sectors.
As part of a major new investment in research, and to foster innovative research that is relevant and responsive to real-world challenges, we have a number of fully funded 3 year full time equivalent PhD studentships (fees and stipend), available for students from the UK and overseas.
Funding Offered
Studentship funding awards made will provide full UK tuition fees and include provision of a tax-free annual stipend. For Session 2024/25, the tuition fee is £4,786 (Home fee only) and the annual stipend is £19,237. This will be offered to those applicants who are successful in being awarded a 3 year-fully funded studentship
Potential international candidates should note that the tuition fee award available within the fully funded studentships is set at the home tuition fee level and will not be for the full international tuition fee. Before submitting an expression of interest, candidates based overseas are encouraged to check tuition fee status and eligibility criteria as detailed.
These awards cannot be held concurrently with any other source of funded scholarships and only available on the basis that no other funding is being provided.
Successful candidates must be able to commence study at the beginning of February 2025 and there will be no option to delay.
Length of Funding
The maximum funded period for all awards is 36 months for those studying full time for PhD. All students will be registered for a further 12 months to a maximum completion period of 48 months (full time). The assessment period fee for the final 12 months will also be covered by this studentship award, although it should be noted no stipend will be offered during this final year (to those in receipt of a fully funded award).
Eligibility
Eligible Countries of Residence
All countries are eligible for this scholarship, funding or discount.
Eligible Courses
Course Level
- PhD
Mode of Attendance
- Full Time
Mode of Study
- On Campus
Subject Area
- All Subjects
Other Requirements
Academic Background
As a minimum requirement candidates must possess, or shortly expect to obtain (no later than November 2024), a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree at undergraduate level (or the international equivalent) but excluding any candidates who already possess a doctorate. The subject of the undergraduate and/or postgraduate master’s degree should be in a relevant academic discipline to the research project/proposal.
English Language Requirements
To meet the eligibility requirements for a studentship, applicants are required to provide evidence of their English language ability. For candidates applying from a country where English is not the officially recognised language, alternate evidence must be submitted which meets the minimum overall requirement of 6.5 and with each element of reading, writing, speaking and listening meeting a minimum of 6.0.
Read further guidance on the range of tests or evidence we accept and a list of countries which are officially recognised as English speaking:
Tuition Fee Status and Eligibility Criteria
Before submitting an expression of interest, you should consult the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) to obtain information on the categories and criteria to determine your eligibility for home fees or otherwise. Although the fee status eligibility criteria are established by the Scottish Government, UKCISA provide an interpretation of their regulations:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
RGU seeks to attract the greatest diversity of expressions of interest, including from people from BAME minorities, women, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, disabled, or people from socio-economically disadvantaged or care-experienced backgrounds.
Conditions of the PhD Studentship Award
Prior to submitting an expression of interest, candidates should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria detailed to ensure that the requirements for acceptance have been (or will be) achieved.
An expression of interest for a PhD Studentship award must be submitted by Friday 29 November 2024 at 17:00 (GMT). Only successful expressions of interest which are subsequently made an offer will be given instructions to formally apply to the RGU admissions system.
Where candidates have been offered an award on a conditional basis, it is essential that they must evidence that all conditions and eligibility criteria have been met and in turn secured an unconditional offer before the start date of the PhD programme at the beginning of February 2025 .
It is important to note that any candidates who receive an offer of award, but do not achieve the requirements for an unconditional offer by the beginning of February 2025 , will have the award withdrawn.
How to Apply
Initial Expression of interest
Candidates are required to complete the expression of interest form in which there is the option to either:
- select a specific research project on the RGU website that details all project opportunities currently available:
Research Degrees
or, - submit a detailed research project proposal for a project that aligns to one of our four research themes. Detailed guidance on how to prepare your proposal:
The expression of interest form contains sections that candidates are required to complete about personal details, academic and professional qualifications, background and experience, and details of nationality, to assess eligibility and suitability. You must then indicate whether you are aligning with an advertised RGU project or proposing your own research project, before providing a short rationale for your choice of research project.
Completed Expression of Interest forms should be submitted before Friday 29 November 2024 at 17:00 (GMT) to:
Process for Selection
Expressions of interest will be assessed by the research theme panels, and nominations for an award made to a university award panel.
It is anticipated that provisional offers for awards will be made during the first two weeks of December. Only when all those who supplied an expression of interest are successful in being offered an award, will unsuccessful candidates be notified.
Securing the Award
You should only submit an expression of interest at this stage. You must not make an application directly into the University application portal as it will not be considered by the selection panel.
If after the closing date, you receive a provisional offer of an award, you will be given instructions at the same time on how to formally apply for it in the University’s application portal. If your offer contains conditions, it will be your responsibility to meet them prior to February 2025, otherwise your offer of studentship will be withdrawn prior to commencing study.
Data protection
The information provided by individuals within the expression of interest form will be held securely within RGU in keeping with institutional policy on data protection. Only those staff who are required to have access to this material will be permitted to do so. This will include staff involved with the administration of the overall process and members of the selection panels. Details will not be released to any other party at any time and restricted access will comply with our Privacy & Cookie Statement.