NERC DTP in Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment (ACCE)

Open to International (including EU) and UK (home) students.

We aim to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK and are able to offer a limited number of bursaries that will enable full studentships to be awarded to international applicants. These full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates, due to the competitive nature of this scheme. 

You can apply if you have, or are expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree or equivalent. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this programme we welcome applications if your background is in any relevant subject that provides the necessary skills, knowledge and experience for the DTP, including environmental, biological, chemical, mathematical, physical and social sciences.

The York ACCE DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Not all projects will be funded; a limited number of candidates will be appointed via a competitive process.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. For more information see our Postgraduate English language requirements.

Application deadline: Monday 8 January 2024, 6.45pm GMT

To submit your application, click on the 'apply online' button inside the project description.  This will take you to the University's online application system.

It's very important that you write the title of the project you're applying to and the names of the project supervisors. If you decide to apply for more than one project (maximum two), please number them in order of preference.

Supervisors can only nominate one student for consideration per project. Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and applicants are normally notified promptly.

If you're shortlisted you'll be invited for an interview. As part of the interview process, you'll be asked to make a five-minute presentation on a research project you've undertaken.

You'll be notified as soon as possible after the interview dates whether your application has been successful, placed on a reserve list, or unsuccessful. If you are successful, you'll be required to confirm your intention to accept the studentship within 10 days.

The studentships are fully funded for three and a half years and you must complete your PhD in four years.

You'll receive a minimum of £18,622 per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular instalments. The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) stipend is tax-free and does not need to be paid back.

International students will need to have sufficient funds to cover the costs of their student visa, NHS health surcharge, travel insurance and transport to the UK as these are excluded from UKRI funding.

As a member of the York Graduate Research School, you will study throughout the whole year, working for at least 35 hours per week, and will have a usual annual leave entitlement (normally 30 days over the year plus public holidays). You are encouraged to make use of your leave and have a responsibility to discuss the timing of this with your supervisor (for longer periods of holiday) and recording leave taken through the year. Students working in collaboration with non-academic partners are expected to bear in mind their obligations to those partners in planning leave.

You must adhere to the University’s regulations, policies and guidance regarding research degree programmes. 

As part of the York ACCE DTP programme you are expected to attend all mandatory induction, meetings and training sessions scheduled by the DTP and by the lead Department.