University of Cambridge NERC-Funded PhD Studentships 2027: 15 Fully Funded CREATES Doctoral Opportunities in Environmental Science
The University of Cambridge offers 15 NERC-funded PhD studentships for studies beginning in October 2027 via the CREATES Doctoral Landscape Award. These 3.5-year opportunities span interdisciplinary environmental science research across multiple university departments and the British Antarctic Survey.
Overview
The University of Cambridge provides 15 NERC-funded PhD studentships for students beginning their studies in October 2027 through the Cambridge Research Experience and Advanced Training for Environmental Scientists (CREATES) Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA). The programme supports 3.5 years of doctoral research across major environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, conservation, and Earth-system processes.
Benefits
- 15 NERC-funded PhD studentships covering 3.5 years of doctoral funding.
- Tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, and a Research Training Support Grant.
- For international students, UKRI funding covers UK-rate fees and maintenance, while Cambridge covers the difference between international and home fees for DLA students.
- Access to interdisciplinary training, collaborative partners, and professional development opportunities.
Eligibility
- Applicants should normally hold at least a 2.1 Honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent overseas qualification (such as a CGPA of 3.5/4.0).
- At least one proposed research topic must fall within the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) remit.
- Applicants must meet the University of Cambridge's English-language proficiency requirements.
- Two outstanding academic references must be submitted.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal for a Michaelmas Term start on 1 October 2027. Prospective candidates should follow these recommended steps:
- Research and identify potential CREATES supervisors and topics across eligible departments or the British Antarctic Survey.
- Contact prospective supervisors in advance to discuss research compatibility and project directions.
- Submit the formal PhD application through the Applicant Portal, ensuring you select "Yes — I wish to apply for funding" and indicate preference for the NERC Doctoral Landscape Award.
- Include a 250-word research summary detailing your proposed topic, motivations, and supervisor alignment.
- Arrange for two academic references and all required supporting documents to be delivered by the course deadline.
Deadline
The application deadline depends on your chosen Cambridge course and is either 8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027.