Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (NERC) PhD
University of Bristol
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( 4.1)

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

University of Bristol

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3.5 years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

University of Bristol

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3.5 years

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Geography & Environmental Science
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Course info

OverviewThe Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP) comprises the University of Bristol, University of Bath, Cardiff University, University of Exeter, British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Natural History Museum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.The partnership provides a multidisciplinary training environment for postgraduate students in NERC sciences. Due to the nature of the funding, this programme is open primarily to UK ...Read more

Overview

The Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP) comprises the University of Bristol, University of Bath, Cardiff University, University of Exeter, British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Natural History Museum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.

The partnership provides a multidisciplinary training environment for postgraduate students in NERC sciences. Due to the nature of the funding, this programme is open primarily to UK students. There will be a limited number of studentships available to international students - including those from the EU.

This NERC-funded doctoral training partnership programme offers studentships for 42 months within three research themes: Dynamic Earth, Living World and Changing Planet.

As part of your PhD studies, you will be offered training that equips you with a range of skills for future employment in many different working environments. You will be expected to attend training during your PhD and are encouraged to take up work placements. Details of training can be found on the

  • NERC GW4+ website
  • .

    PhD projects are available in earth and environmental science topics within the Schools of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Geographical Sciences. New projects are advertised annually from October on each school's webpage:

  • School of Biological Sciences
  • School of Chemistry
  • School of Earth Sciences
  • School of Geographical Sciences
  • .

    Key stats

    WUSCA ranking:
    WUSCA student ranking
    These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
    86/101
    CUG Subject Ranking
    CUG Subject Ranking
    Source: Complete University Guide 2025
    8th
    CUG Ranking
    CUG Ranking
    Source: Complete University Guide 2025
    16th

    Entry requirements

    An upper second-class degree or higher (or international equivalent) in a discipline related to the PhD project for which you are applying, such as geology, biological sciences, environmental sciences, chemistry or geography. Some projects may be suitable for those with computing, mathematics, engineering and physics degrees. Applicants with additional relevant experience and/or a master's degree are encouraged to apply.

    Tuition fees

    Students living in

    Domestic

    £2,425 per year

    This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
    Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

    Students from Domestic

    This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

    Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a 8% increase in fees each year.

    Students from EU

    The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

    To be confirmed

    Students from International

    The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

    To be confirmed

    IDP Connect

    Uni info

    University of Bristol
    Beacon House Queen’s Road Bristol BS8 1QU United Kingdom
    Nearest train station: Clifton Down  0.2 miles away
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