Apply

CENTA offers studentships through two main pathways:

  1. You can apply directly to a listed project. This involves applying to the host institution for that project, for example through their application portal, and attaching the CENTA Studentship Application Form. Details of how to apply to each project can be found in the ‘Further Details’ section of each individual project advert.
  2. If eligible, you can apply directly for one of our CENTA Science Opportunity Scholarships (CSOS). This scheme is open to BAME students who are considered as ‘Home’ students for the purposes of University Fees. This scheme is not attached to specific projects; instead, successful applicants will have the opportunity to design their own PhD project alongside a supervisor from the CENTA network who works in their area of interest. If applying to CSOS, you may also apply to listed projects.

The routes have different eligibility criteria and application deadlines, which can be found in our How to Apply pages.

CENTA recognises that a diversity of pathways through education exist and that there may be challenges to studying for a PhD alongside other personal commitments.  If disclosed, circumstances that may have taken time away from study and thus limited the candidate’s opportunity to demonstrate their full educational potential (for example through parental leave, other caring responsibilities, ill-health, disabilities or the need to engage in paid work alongside study) will be taken into consideration by the supervisors, host institution recruitment teams and the CENTA board.  Each application will be considered individually. For more information read our pages on student support and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Have any questions about applying for a studentship / PhD project with CENTA? Visit our Studentship FAQs page.

Apply for a research opportunity

There are two main pathways to a CENTA studentship with slightly different application processes.

Student and training support

There are a wide range of support options available to you as a postgraduate student at CENTA.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We strive to keep equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of every step of our programmes.