Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) · Liverpool, United Kingdom
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) in the United Kingdom is inviting applications for its Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships Scheme 2027. The programme offers a maximum of 20 doctoral studentships to outstanding candidates and their academic supervisors who propose high quality research projects.
Applications opened on October 7, 2026, and the deadline is January 29, 2027, at 5:00 p.m. UK time. The scheme welcomes applicants with both UK and international fee status, subject to the university’s eligibility requirements. Candidates must work with an eligible lead supervisor, who is responsible for submitting the final application.
Now in its twelfth year, the programme supports research excellence and strengthens the university’s research and knowledge exchange activities. It encourages innovative projects across different disciplines, including neuroscience, engineering, public health, criminology and other fields represented across the university.
The Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships Scheme supports promising doctoral researchers undertaking projects that align with LJMU’s research strengths and institutional priorities. It aims to recruit academically strong students, encourage collaboration and contribute to the university’s long term research strategy.
The programme is open to research proposals across the university’s two faculties, covering a wide range of academic and professional disciplines. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration with institutions around the world are encouraged.
Each application is developed jointly by the prospective doctoral student and their lead supervisor. The proposed research should demonstrate academic quality, clear objectives, an appropriate training plan and a meaningful connection to the university’s research priorities.
The university will assess applications through a faculty review followed by a university level panel. A maximum of 20 studentships will be awarded for the 2027 competition.
The funding available depends on whether the successful applicant receives a full time or part time studentship.
• Full time doctoral studentships: Three years of support.
• Tuition fees: Course fees are covered under the published scholarship conditions.
• Research support: Full time studentships include a bench fee currently set at £1,600 per year, allocated to the lead supervisor to support research costs.
• Stipend: Full time awards include a stipend. Applicants should consult the university’s Doctoral Academy for the applicable rate.
• Part time doctoral studentships: Six years of support, with course fees covered under the published conditions.
• Research development: Students can develop their research skills through a structured doctoral project and training plan.
• Academic supervision: Successful applicants work with an eligible lead supervisor and the relevant academic research community.
• International research environment: The university encourages multidisciplinary research and collaboration with institutions worldwide.
Applicants should note that the published scheme distinguishes between full time and part time awards. The part time scholarship information lists course fee coverage but does not list a stipend. Candidates should confirm the financial conditions that apply to their proposed studentship before accepting an award.
Liverpool John Moores University supports doctoral research across a broad range of subjects. Applicants should explore the university’s research areas and identify a project that fits its academic expertise.
Potential areas include:
• Neuroscience and related health research.
• Engineering and technology.
• Public health and population health research.
• Criminology and criminal justice.
• Biological and environmental sciences.
• Computer science and mathematics.
• Psychology and behavioural research.
• Nursing and allied health.
• Business and management.
• Education and social sciences.
• Humanities, law and creative disciplines.
These are examples of research areas at LJMU rather than a guaranteed list of available scholarship projects. Candidates should consult faculty pages and discuss their proposed research with a suitable supervisor before applying.
The university welcomes applications from UK and international candidates who meet its academic and admission requirements for doctoral study.
Applicants should meet the following conditions:
• Meet the academic requirements for PhD level study at LJMU.
• Identify an eligible lead supervisor before the application is submitted.
• Develop a high quality research proposal with the supervisor.
• Demonstrate relevant academic qualifications, research achievements, experience, skills and abilities.
• Present a clear research question and a suitable plan for conducting the proposed studies.
• Explain how the proposed project connects with the university’s Strategy 2030 or the relevant faculty research and knowledge exchange plan.
• Complete any applicable English language and immigration requirements if applying internationally.
• Complete an existing master’s programme before enrolling in the PhD in August or September 2027, if currently studying at master’s level.
• Apply for a PhD rather than a professional doctorate or another qualification outside the scheme.
Students already enrolled in a PhD or another level 8 programme at LJMU or another institution are not eligible for this scholarship scheme.
International applicants should contact LJMU International Admissions while preparing their applications to clarify eligibility, English language requirements and visa procedures. The university also publishes country specific restrictions that prospective applicants must review.
The university specifies the following core information for applications:
• Student information and personal details.
• A lay summary of up to 250 words explaining the research rationale, aims, objectives and planned outcomes for a general audience.
• A detailed research proposal describing the proposed doctoral work.
• A research and training plan.
• A statement explaining how the project connects with LJMU Strategy 2030 or the relevant Faculty Research and Knowledge Exchange Plan.
• A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form submitted separately by the student.
The university states that additional materials beyond those requested will not be included in the assessment. Applicants should therefore follow the official template and avoid sending unnecessary documents.
Applications will be assessed through a two stage process involving faculty and university panels. The assessment focuses on the quality of the candidate, the supervisory team and the proposed research project.
The principal criteria include:
• Academic qualifications, research achievements, outputs, experience, skills and abilities of the candidate.
• Relevant experience and quality of the supervisory team.
• Clarity and quality of the lay summary.
• Academic quality and clarity of the proposed research.
• Suitability and relevance of the doctoral training plan.
• Alignment with the university’s research strategy or the relevant faculty priorities.
The candidate’s academic calibre and research achievements receive additional weighting in the assessment.
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
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