How to Apply

ONEPlanet is committed to promoting diversity, and we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. Flexible study requests are welcomed, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Find out more about our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion policies here.

Eligibility Criteria:

Usually applicants are expected to have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree - exceptions are possible, but these should be strongly motivated. In addition, candidates may also hold or be completing a Masters degree in a relevant subject discipline but this is not a mandatory requirement.

Home and International applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply. Following the UKRI announcement in regards to their new 30% UKRI international recruitment policy (that will take effect from September 2021) both Newcastle University, and Northumbria University, have agreed to pay the international fee difference for all International applicants (inc. EU) who are awarded a DTP studentship.

International applicants - English Language requirements

Direct Entry: IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills).

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English course.

Further information for International Students can be found here.

Application guidelines

  • Please identify a project that is of interest to you on our Studentship projects page.
  • Once you have identified a project you can contact the named supervisor to discuss this project further before you apply. Please find further details on how to apply at the bottom of this page.
  • Alternatively, you can outline your own research idea. We strongly recommend that you make contact with a ONEPlanet supervisor or any academic colleague at either institution to discuss this idea before you apply. Please use the studentship code: OP9000 and provide the name of a suggested academic supervisor in your applcation form.
  • Please note that you can only apply for 1 project within the DTP.
  • If you are applying for a specific ONEPlanet research project, you are still required to write a proposal. For guidance on writing your research proposal please find advice here.

When you are ready to apply:

Please submit an application to either Newcastle or Northumbria University via their Postgraduate applications portals depending on the main supervisor of your chosen project, or your chosen main supervisor if outlining your own research idea. Use applications button below to access the application portals of Newcastle or Northumbria University.

Apply to Newcastle University: Applications are made using the Apply to Newcastle Portal - please see this How to Apply Guide for full information.

Apply to Northumbria University: Please apply via this link and select October 2023 as your entrance date. Please enter the related studentship code (eg. OP2301 etc) into the studentship code field.

The following documentation is required:

    • Your CV
    • Application form (Completed via the online application portal of your selected institution)
    • Your 1,000-word personal statement (with your chosen project title and reference code e.g. OP23XX). Please explain how your knowledge, skills and experience fit the project outline.
    • Your 1,000-word project proposal (with project title and reference code OP23XX). If you are outlining your own research idea please use reference code OP9000
    • A minimum of two references. These can be submitted with your application if they are signed, or alternatively, they can be emailed directly by the referee to oneplanet@ncl.ac.uk Please note that it is your responsibility to request these references and ensure they that are sent to us.
    • Attach degree transcripts and certificates.
    • If English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification.
    • If you are outlining your own research idea please use reference code: OP9000

Please remember to complete our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion form (required by the UKRI). You can read our Privacy notice‌ here.

If you have any further questions please contact: oneplanet@ncl.ac.uk 

Applicant support

We aim to make sure everyone has the opportunity to succeed in gaining a ONE Planet studentship, and we are here to guide you through the process.

Everyone is welcome to attend but we are particularly looking to support applicants from the following key areas:

  • UK applicants who are Black, Chinese, Asian, Arabic, or of another non-white ethnicity
  • Graduates who are from the first generation in their family to go to university
  • Applicants who have caring responsibilities

The next applicant webinar will take place when we re-open our recruitment process in November 2023.

These webinars will include information on:

  • The ONE Planet DTP; including our programme, how to apply, and general advice on how to prepare your application
  • An opportunity to meet our PhD researchers - hear about their experiences and find out how to access our mentor scheme
  • Your questions

Postgraduate Research applicant mentors

Would you like 1-1 help with your application preparation, or to speak to someone who has successfully been through our application process? Then we are able to help.

Please find below a list of our ONE Planet PhD Researchers who are happy to be contacted by you directly. Please make contact and arrange to discuss any questions that you have.

If you query is related to the studentship award, the application system, or any general queries please contact oneplanet@ncl.ac.uk directly. 

Click on their names to find out more about them: