Funded PhD Studentships
All MIBTP scholars will join a programme of skills training in year 1Link opens in a new window. Applicants are required to select an area of study (Sustainable Agriculture and FoodLink opens in a new window, Understanding the Rules of LifeLink opens in a new window, Renewable Resources and Clean GrowthLink opens in a new window or Integrated Understanding of HealthLink opens in a new window) but may join the programme with or without selecting a preferred project. Part of the skills training programme includes short rotation projects and students are able to choose a PhD project once they have experienced these differing research environments.
Potential PhD projects are provided to give applicants an idea of the breadth of research within MIBTP and specific research topics at each University. You can browse all projects via the links below, divided into specific areas within each theme. Additional projects will become available during Year 1 and students can work with potential supervisors during their first year to develop a particular project.
Studentships include:
- Full tuition fees (at UK rate) *
- a tax free annual stipend (in academic year 2022-23 this was £17,668)
- a travel allowance in year 1
- a travel / conference budget
- a generous consumables budget
- use of a laptop for the duration of the programme.
* International scholarships are offered by some institutions. See the Application pageLink opens in a new window for more information.
** An enhanced stipend is available for students with a recognised veterinary degree qualification (£24,090 per annum for 2021-2022).
MIBTP Supervisors:
Learn more about some of our supervisorsLink opens in a new window and how they can support you during your PhD.
Current students:
Our students have come to us via a variety of pathways; many straight from their UG education, others returning to study after a period in the workplace. We also boast a diverse cohort of students from all around the world, including Italy, Greece, Nigeria, Brazil, Ireland and the UK. Take a look at our student profiles Link opens in a new windowto find out more.
MIBTP Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food
Recruitment for entry in
October 2023 is CLOSED
Application deadline: 20 January 2023
Novembopens in a new wApplicatioAiLink opens in a new window
Renewable Resources and Clean Growth

Understanding the Rules of Life
Students start their degree with a programme of hands-on training Link opens in a new windowfrom experts in both theoretical and experimental approaches to bioscience.

Integrated Understanding of Health
All studentships funded by the MIBTP are also subject to the studentship terms and conditions set out in the BBSRC's

Industrial collaboration projects
- Research with impact
- Industrial placement
- Business skills training