Summary
The Central England NERC Training Alliance (CENTA) offers fully-funded PhD studentships in Earth and Environmental Sciences through two main pathways: project-based studentships and the CENTA Science Opportunity Scholarships (CSOS). These opportunities are designed to support doctoral research training within a consortium of research-intensive universities and institutes, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
CENTA is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, recognizing diverse educational pathways and personal circumstances that may affect a candidate’s opportunity to demonstrate their full potential. Such circumstances, if disclosed, will be considered during the application process.
Designation
- PhD Studentships (Project-based)
- CENTA Science Opportunity Scholarships (CSOS) – Fully-funded PhD Studentships
Research Area
Earth and Environmental Sciences (within the NERC funding remit).
Location
Across the six Universities and three Research Centres within the CENTA consortium. Partner institutions include various universities and research centres in the Central England region.
Eligibility/Qualification
General Academic Requirements for All Pathways:
- At least a 2:1 at UK BSc level or equivalent.
- At least a pass at UK MSc level or equivalent.
Project-based Studentships Eligibility:
- Open to all applicants meeting academic requirements.
- UKRI allows international students for up to 30% of the cohort.
- CENTA can only fund tuition fees at the Home fee level. International applicants must cover the difference between Home and International fees, and all relocation costs (visa fees, health surcharge, flights, accommodation, etc.).
CENTA Science Opportunity Scholarships (CSOS) Eligibility:
- Open to applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds.
- Must be considered ‘Home’ students for university fees purposes.
- International students are NOT eligible for CSOS.
- To be classed as a ‘Home’ student, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria and associated residency requirements: UK National, Settled Status, Pre-settled Status, Indefinite Leave to Remain or Enter, or Irish National.
Scholarship Description
Project-based Studentships:
These studentships are tied to specific, advertised research projects within the CENTA consortium. Applicants apply directly to a listed project at a host institution. Successful candidates will undertake PhD research aligned with the chosen project.
CENTA Science Opportunity Scholarships (CSOS):
CSOS offers fully-funded PhD studentships aimed at addressing historical imbalances by supporting applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds. This scheme is not attached to specific projects; instead, successful applicants will have the opportunity to design their own PhD project in collaboration with a supervisor from the CENTA network who works in their area of interest, within the NERC funding remit.
How to Apply
For Project-based Studentships (2027 Entry – applications open mid-late October 2026):
- Browse available CENTA projects on the CENTA website (when applications open).
- Select a project and apply directly to the university hosting that project through their application system.
- Attach the CENTA Studentship Application Form and a CV (with at least two referees) to your university application.
- Complete the host university’s application form.
- Complete the CENTA EDI survey via the link on the CENTA application form and add your receipt number to the application form.
- Focus efforts on the CENTA Studentship Application Form, as it is crucial for assessment. Applications without this form will be rejected.
- Note: You may apply to only one project per university, but multiple projects if hosted at different universities.
For CENTA Science Opportunity Scholarships (CSOS) (2027 Entry – applications NOW OPEN):
- Complete and submit the online CENTA CSOS Application Form for 2027 Entry.
- Upload a CV with the names of at least two referees (academic abilities preferred).
- Complete the CENTA EDI survey and add your receipt number to the application form.
- If shortlisted, you will be assisted in identifying a suitable supervisor at a chosen CENTA host institution to co-develop a PhD project within the NERC funding remit.
- Once a project is developed, the supervisor will submit a project proforma to CENTA.
- Interviews for CSOS candidates with developed projects will take place in late January 2027.
- Successful candidates receive a conditional offer and must then submit a separate application to their chosen host institution.
- Applicants to CSOS may also apply separately to listed project-based studentships.
Last Date for Apply
| Studentship Type | Application Deadline | Interviews (Expected) | Conditional Offer (Expected) | Project Submission (CSOS Only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project-based Studentships | Applications for 2026 entry are closed. 2027 entry applications open mid-late October 2026. | Early February 2027 | Late February / Early March 2027 | N/A |
| CENTA Science Opportunity Scholarships (CSOS) | 23:59 on Sunday 18th October 2026 | Late January 2027 | Late February / Early March 2027 | 23:59 on Wednesday 6th January 2027 (for developed projects) |
| Universal Acceptance Deadline for NERC PhD Studentship Offers | N/A | N/A | 12 noon GMT, Wednesday 17th March 2027 | N/A |
Apply Link
- For CSOS Application Form 2027 Entry: The source indicates an online form. Please visit the official CENTA website’s ‘Apply’ section for the direct link.
- For Project-based Studentships: Applications will be made directly through the host university’s application portal once projects are advertised. Visit the CENTA website when applications open for specific project details and links.
For further information and specific application forms, please refer to the official CENTA website: https://centa.ac.uk/apply/
