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Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership

Frequently Asked Questions

This page will attempt to answer commonly asked questions about the MIBTP Doctoral Training Partnership. If you do not find an answer to your question on this page, please do not hesitate to email the MIBTP team at .

Application FAQs

Programme FAQs

Application FAQs

What undergraduate degree do I need to be eligible?

Students from a wide range of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. MIBTP welcomes those with creative drive in theoretical (maths, physics, psychology, computer science etc.) and experimental (biology, biomedicine, chemistry, biotechnology etc.) research.

Can international students apply?

From the 2021/22 academic year, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding is open to both UK and International research students, as detailed on the UKRI website. Awards for UK residents and International applicants cover UK tuition fees and provide a stipend at the standard UKRI rate to support living costs.

I am an international applicant, will I have to pay overseas tuition fees?

UKRI funding only covers fees at the home rate. However, some of our institutions cover the difference between UK and Overseas fees. The institutions that cover these fees are below:

University of Birmingham

Coventry University

University of Leicester

University of Warwick

The other institutions do not cover the difference in fees, however funding may be available from other sources. You should contact the institution separately for details.

I don't have a first-class undergraduate degree, should I still apply?

Applicants are scored on a wide range of academic, research and non-academic experience, therefore it is possible to be shortlisted without a first-class undergraduate degree. However, this is a competitive programme and academic experience is considered. You can use our scoring matrix to work out where you might fit amongst the candidates: MIBTP Candidate Scoring CriteriaLink opens in a new window

I don't have A Level maths - should I still apply?

We no longer have maths requirements as part of our shortlisting process. However, candidates should be aware that the programme contains intense quantitative skills training and some experience within this area is expected, whether this is formal statistical training or quantitative modules at undergraduate level.

Can I apply for more than one project?

This will depend on the institution you're applying to. Please consult the application guidance for your chosen institution on the MIBTP webpages and on the institution webpages. N.B. Studentships are awarded on the strength of the candidate's application, not on the availability of the selected project. If you are shortlisted, but the selected project is no longer available, you will be asked to select an alternative project.

Can I apply to more than one University?

You can apply to any number of the MIBTP Universities; however, if you are shortlisted, it may not be for your preferred university, depending on the availability of projects at each university. If you are invited to interview, this will take place at the university you have been shortlisted at.

I have a qualification from an overseas institution - how can I find out what UK grade this is equivalent to?

The University of Warwick's grade equivalencies page can help with working out a rough equivalent for your overseas grade: Undergraduate International Qualifications (2027)

Do I need to provide any supporting documentation with my application?

We need only what you supply to the online system, so please include references, a CV, and a cover letter.

You must complete the ED&I form on the MIBTP website so that we know you have applied to our programme. The information in the EDI form is NOT available to anyone involved in assessing your application.

I have been asked to upload evidence of meeting the course's English Language Requirements, do I need to complete this before I submit my application?

No, it is not necessary to upload evidence of meeting the English Language Requirements at the application stage. If your application is successful and you are awarded an MIBTP studentship, you will need to make sure that you meet this condition in advance of commencing your course in October 2026.

N.B. Exemptions to the English Language Requirements will not be granted, other than in exceptional mitigating circumstances.

I am not able to source two academic references - should I still apply?

If a second academic reference cannot be sourced for your application, you are welcome to provide a professional reference in place of this, especially if you are applying based on the strength of your non-academic experience.

N.B. We do require at least one academic reference in your application.

How do I apply?

Please complete the relevant application form depending on where you want to study (Aston, Birmingham, Coventry, Harper Adams, Leicester, or Warwick).

Please also complete the ED&I formLink opens in a new window on the MIBTP website (regardless of which University you wish to study at) so we can track your application. The information within the EDI form is NOT available to anyone involved in assessing your application.

Where can I find guidance on completing a PhD application?

FindaPhD has some useful guidance on its website with regard to the PhD application process.

When will I receive an outcome to my application?

Interviews for standard MIBTP projects will be taking place in late January/early February. You should be notified a few weeks in advance of your interview date if you have been shortlisted. Please don't worry if you haven't received an outcome by the end of February, it may be that processes have been delayed. If the recruitment process remains on schedule, all outcomes should be processed by March at the latest.

Please note that CASE timelines are separate from the above schedule as interviews are arranged by the project supervisors along with the industry partner supervisors. CASE interviews may take place any time between January and March, but you will be notified within the same timeframe.

Programme FAQs

What does the studentship include?

The studentship includes payment of fees, a tax-free stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£21,805 in the 2026/27 academic year), a travel/conference budget, a generous consumables budget, and use of a laptop computer for the duration of the programme.

I have a disability, would this course be suitable for me?

We are here to support you. Disabled students recruited to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) or Research Council studentships can apply for additional financial support towards expenditures arising from their postgraduate studies incurred solely because of their disability. This additional financial support is called Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA).

MIBTP is unusual in that it requires training at all six partner universities. Our scheme requires students to do a fair amount of training and a 3-month research project at one of the partner Universities (away from your 'home' university) during the training year. Students must also undertake a 3-month industry placement, a 3-month technical mini project, and attend masterclasses and cohort events at each of the six partner institutions over the 4-year programme. This scheme might present additional challenges for people with some disabilities, however, we are committed to supporting all our students in the best way possible. We will work with you and your home university disability team to ensure you are adequately supported.

Am I responsible for arranging the Professional Internship Placements (PIPs), or is support offered?

We provide potential options for internships (PIPs) for students to explore. However, we also encourage you to make your arrangements because it offers you the opportunity to develop ideas and plan your agenda. We provide support and resources as needed.

Can I organise my mini-project or choose from a set list?

You can approach supervisors who have listed PhD projects with MIBTP. Your mini-project topic is for you to choose. You can discuss this with your PhD supervisor, although this is not a requirement. Most students discuss and agree on their own projects with academics, but the MIBTP can offer assistance if required. All projects need to fall within the remit of BBSRC.

Can I self-fund?

Self-funders may apply to take a four-year degree course and participate in MIBTP training. The PhD thesis must be submitted before the end of year four.

Note: The supervisor must accept the costs of any experimental work. MIBTP students have a consumable budget of approximately £4500 pa, which will not be available to self-funders.

There are no other costs due to the University other than fees.

Data privacy policy

Please review the MIBTP Data Privacy Policy to understand how we process your data during the application process and beyond.

Contact us

You can contact the MIBTP team by emailing MIBTP@warwick.ac.uk; we will endeavour to answer any queries promptly.

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