We are delighted to announce our fully-funded, 3.5 year PhD studentships, in the applications of Environmental Monitoring and Sustainability, Data-economic Machine Learning and AI, and Energy Systems and Materials Innovation.
Applications for October 2025 entry are now closed.
A DLA studentship provides;
- All PhD tuition fees paid at UK rates.
- A tax-free stipend at EPSRC rates.
- A generous research training support grant.
How to apply
To apply, please download our application form and submit alongside the following documentation.
- Official transcript(s) of your latest degree
- Official transcript(s) of any previous degree(s)
- A current CV
- Language certification (if applicable and available)
Applicants will apply directly for our PhD projects, details of these projects can be found below.
Applicants can apply for more than one project. In this case applicants should complete separate application forms for each project and submit these in one email, within the email applicants should rate their project preferences (i.e. first choice project, second choice project, etc.).
Shortlisting panels are ONLY provided with the information contained within the application form, panels do not review documents such as CV and transcripts until a shortlisting decision is made. Therefore, it is essential that the application form is completed correctly, and in full. Should this document not contain the relevant information for a shortlisting decision to be made, it may not be possible to continue processing your application.
Student eligibility
Both home and International students must be a resident in the UK for the majority of their studies and any time spent overseas should be for the purposes of fieldwork/long-term attachment only.
The standard UKRI cap of 30% open eligibility for studentships applies to all DLA awards. The 30% cap is per academic year intake (DLA cohort) from the Academic Year 2025/26 onwards. This means there is a limited number of places available for international students.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups inclusive of Black, Asian and other minoritised/marginalised ethnic groups, all gender identities and expressions from the LGBTQIA+ community, candidates with a disability, and those that practise different faiths and beliefs, to enhance our One Community where we strive to be kind, patient, and supportive of each other.
Entry requirements
Applicants should hold or be predicted a minimum of an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) or Master’s degree.
International students will be expected to meet the University of Lincoln’s English language requirements.
The anonymised recruitment process
In line with our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the DLA follows an anonymised recruitment process.
All identifying data are removed from your application form prior to submission to the shortlisting panel. The shortlisting panel are only provided with the information contained within your application form for their initial review, they do not review information provided in your supporting documents, including CV and transcripts. Therefore, it is essential that your application form is completed correctly and in full. Should this document not contain the relevant information for a shortlisting decision to be made, it may not be possible to continue processing your application.
Why use anonymous recruitment?
We want to ensure that all applicants have equal and fair opportunities. Excluding all identifying data at the shortlisting stage removes unconscious biases and provide a fair and equal platform for all applicants.
What do applicants need to do?
We ask that you support us in the anonymous recruitment process, by ensuring that you do not enter any identifying data within the application form, unless specifically directed to. Identifying data refers to any personal information which may result in identification of characteristics, such as age, gender, nationality, etc. (For example: ‘I am a mature Indian Student’).
You will be specifically asked to submit certain identifying data (i.e. name, contact information, etc.) but please rest assured that this information will be removed, prior to your application being sent for shortlisting. We can also confirm your diversity data will not be made available to the shortlisting panel at any stage during the recruitment process.
What is identifying data?
Identifying data refers to any personal information which may reveal your identity.
Examples of identifying data include (this list is not exhaustive): name/title, age/date of birth, gender/sex, ethnicity/race, nationality, residency, disability, contact information (address, email address, phone number), religion/philosophy, photograph, marital status, sexual orientation, political opinions, health.