The Oxford Interdisciplinary Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership

1. Oxford Brookes Studentship Application Form
    
2. Upload your CV using the online form. Although the link states that it's for University of Oxford applications, this standardised CV is also being used by Oxford Brookes University. Once you have completed the form you'll have 15 minutes to download your CV as a PDF document. We request that you anonymise your name and gender pronouns. This PDF document is in the same format for all applicants. You should not modify the document or submit your CV in a different format.
    
3. Anonymised standard statement of purpose (maximum of 1000 words)
   This should describe in English how your background and research interests relate to the programme, following the template below. It should focus primarily on academic, research or employment-related achievements and interests rather than personal achievements and interests. Please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.
   • Briefly explain your motivation for undertaking doctoral study, including at least one specific example of how you have prepared yourself for doctoral study that illustrates your commitment and motivation
   • Summarise your previous achievements and experience, including information on any research you have conducted, relevant employment or work experience (if any), and any activities or experience that illustrate your communication skills, team skills or personal strengths.
   • Explain your motivation for applying to undertake the DTP and why you are a suitable candidate for the projects of interest.

   Your statement of purpose will be assessed for:

   • your reasons for applying
   • evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study
   • the ability to present a reasoned case in English
   • preliminary knowledge of research techniques
   • understanding of problems in the area and ability to construct and defend an argument.

   It's normal for your ideas and goals to change as you participate in the programme.

4. Letters of reference - candidates should ask three referees to send their anonymised references to hlsapplications@brookes.ac.uk on/before the application deadline.
    
5. Transcripts - your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university level qualifications to date. You should only provide official documents issued by your institution. Any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.
    
6. English Language Certificate (If appropriate) our requirement is IELTS: 6.5-7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Certain alternatives may be acceptable. 
    
7. Contextual Statement -  this is optional and should be no more than 4,000 characters. You may wish to provide this, particularly if any of these apply. You:
   • are in the first generation of your family to go to university
   • have been in care for at least three months
   • have been a young carer
   • are from a low-income background
   • have received a means-tested scholarship
   • have needed to work to support yourself during your academic studies because of your socioeconomic circumstances
   • are a refugee
   • are neurodivergent
   • have or have had one or more disabilities or chronic illnesses that have affected you in education or at work
   • wish to disclose other circumstances that have substantially affected you in education or at work.

We recognise that socio-economic data may not fully capture an individual student’s personal circumstances. If any of the above apply, we encourage you to submit a statement providing additional detail on your personal circumstances. This will not be made available to assessors during the initial phase of academic shortlisting, but may be used in association with socio-economic data to contextualise short-listing and decision-making processes.