The Oxford Interdisciplinary Life and Environmental Science training programme (ILESLA)
PhD
Key facts
Start dates
September 2027
Application deadline
6 January 2027 - 12:00 midday UK time
Location
Course length
Full time: 4 years
Part time: 6-8 years
More details
Eligibility: Home UK/EU and International Applicants
Bursary: The stipend is at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27 AY), plus £2000 p/a uplift.
Fees: The studentship covers bench fees, stipend and tuition fees. Visa costs are not funded. Further information for international students.
Overview
The 4 year MPhil/PhD provides the opportunity to undertake research across the full breadth of biological and environmental science. The tailored programme includes taught courses in interdisciplinary skills. Two exploratory research projects are taken in Year 1, with prospective supervisors, before choosing the 3 year research project. A 12 week professional internship during the research project provides work experience.
We offer 2 places on the BBSRC/NERC funded ILESLA training programme in the areas of plant cell biology, mammalian cell biology, molecular biology, parasitology, developmental biology, bioinformatics, conservation, ecology and bioimaging. Successful candidates will enjoy access to our state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories and bioimaging suite. Students admitted through Oxford Brookes University must undertake one rotation project at Brookes and another at any of the partner organisations. The PhD project must include a supervisor from Oxford Brookes.
Additional details
- University of Oxford, coordinators of the DTP
- Oxford Brookes University, a partner in developing regional excellence in bioscience research that can also award PhD studentships
- The Open University, a partner in developing regional excellence in bioscience research that can also award PhD studentships
- Pirbright Institute, which provides the UK’s national capabilities for the study and control of viral disease of livestock
- Diamond Light Source, which provides the UK’s national capabilities for synchrotron science
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, which provides national capabilities for neutron science
The programme is supported by the BBSRC and NERC through a Landscape Award with additional support from within the Partnership.
How to apply
Entry requirements
A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant academic subject (e.g. biochemistry, biology, chemistry, geology, geography, physics, mathematics, statistics, computer science).
English language requirements
UKRI eligibility criteria apply.
Application process
When ready to apply, please read the instructions carefully and apply through the University of Oxford website.
Please note that a fee waiver can be obtained for candidates who are applying to Oxford Brookes University and/or the Open University, where they are not also applying to the University of Oxford. Details are provided on the University of Oxford webpage.
Queries can be directed to Oxford Brookes University via ilesla.oxford.brookes@brookes.ac.uk.
Applicants should indicate the theme to which they are applying, on their application as well as any supervisors that you are particularly interested in working with. A list of potential supervisors is available on request to ilesla.oxford.brookes@brookes.ac.uk
Queries about the programme can be directed to Dr Andrew Jones (a.jones@brookes.ac.uk) and also Prof Verena Kriechbaumer (vkriechbaumer@brookes.ac.uk).
Further information on the programme and details of Open Days for applicants can be found on the ILESLA website.
Please follow the application instructions carefully.
Interviews are expected to take place in late February/early March 2027.
For Oxford Brookes University, part time study is only available to students with Home fee status.
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on: