Bicentennial VC PhD scholarships

The LJMU VC Studentship Scheme is now closed. The next round is expected to be July 2023.

LJMU has a reputation for delivering pioneering research that is extending our knowledge and understanding across a diverse range of areas from neuroscience to engineering and public health to criminology. We strongly encourage multidisciplinary research and actively support collaboration with institutions across the world.

Support will be available for full-time, three-year studentships via the LJMU PhD scholarship scheme as well as some “fee only” part-time studentships over 6 years. Studentships will be available to applicants in all disciplines at the University where excellent research is being performed.

Research at LJMU

Research and scholarship are at the heart of everything we do at Liverpool John Moores University. Research is central to the student experience and informs the curriculum at all levels.

The results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework demonstrate the world-leading quality of our research with 66% classified as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”.

LJMU ranks in the top half of the overall research league table, placed 46th out of 129 universities for research power - the overall quality of our submission multiplied by the full-time equivalent number of researchers submitted.

Find out more about our research impact at LJMU.

We offer research students the opportunity to become part of a vibrant research community, which is delivering world-leading and internationally-excellent research right across the institution. Ranked in the top 25 English universities for PhD completion rates, we also offer expert supervision and excellent training and support via our dedicated Doctoral Academy.

PhD scholarships

Under the LJMU PhD scholarship scheme, fully-funded three-year PhD scholarships would comprise:

  • Annual fees fully paid – equivalent to the standard postgraduate UK rate
  • A contribution towards running costs (£1,600 per annum)
  • Plus an annual stipend (around £16,062 per annum paid in monthly instalments for full-time study
  • Coaching, mentoring support and advocacy
  • Enhanced training and skills development from LJMU’s Researcher Development Programme (including the “Brilliant Club” scholars programme)

Part time offer – PhD degree programme supported over six years with fees only paid, but will have full access to the Doctoral Academy Researcher Development Programme.

Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Scholarships

Further to the launch of the Bicentenary VC Studentships and in line with our commitment to widening participation LJMU also supports postgraduate research degree of students from Black, Asian, Minority and Ethnic communities who are under-represented within LJMU academic and research careers. The scheme will offer full financial support and a skill development programme, designed to promote both academic and alternative-academic (alt-ac) careers.

LJMU promotes a ‘Respect Always’ culture and has a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment. The university has a thriving Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Group and all Schools have active equality, diversity and inclusion groups that work to create and promote an inclusive environment for students and staff from diverse backgrounds. Beginning to decolonise curricula and research practices as well as preparing a Race Equality Charter submission are both examples of the university’s commitment towards building a truly inclusive community.

Eligibility requirements

The scholarships are open to individuals who meet the following criteria:

  • Permanently resident in the UK
  • Overseas applicants who meet the criteria - please see application guidance and eligibility

Students interested in these scholarships should complete the application form and equal opportunities monitoring form.

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  • Microneurography experiment

  • Applied biology research laboratory

  • Forensic anthropology research