newcastle uni phd studentships

• PhD studentships
• Fellowships
• UK Cosmo Meeting

The Newcastle University School for Mathematics, Statistics and Physics regularly offers PhD positions both for students seeking full funding and self-funded students. The funded opportunities are listed on our School website https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/fees-funding/search-funding/?code=S0000007

We have several opportunities for PhD studentships starting in 2023, including Astrophysics, Cosmology and Theoretical Physics.

In particular, we have a Robinson Cosmology PhD studentship for which we offer projects including early universe theory, particle cosmology and late-time cosmology with applications to galaxy surveys and expect to offer a cosmology studentship as part of the NUData CDT for data-intensive astrophysics at Newcastle and Northumbria Universities. (Deadline 31 January)

The Open Studentship Competition

It has been necessary to revise the dates of the 2021/2022 Studentship Competition. Candidates should note the changes below, and that the timeline published in our original guidance no longer applies:

Thursday 24 February 2022, by 4:00pm Deadline for the submission of Nomination Forms to the NBCDTP. Candidates and prospective supervisors should be aware that schools, departments and subject areas may set their own internal deadline for the receipt of the completed nomination form and supporting documents, in advance of this deadline , which we ask you to observe. 

Monday 28 March 2022, by 4:00pm Deadline for the submission of all Subject Area Review Panel scores and comments to the NBCDTP.

Wednesday 6 April 2022 Moderation by the NBCDTP Moderation Sub-committee. Tuesday 26 April 2022 Meeting of the NBCDTP Studentships Committee. From Wednesday 27 April 2022 (onwards) Results announced (subject to individual institutional processes).

The 2021/2022 competition, for studentships starting in October 2022, launched here on Wednesday 6 October 2021. 

2022 Competition Launch and Briefing

Northern Bridge Online Launch Event Recording

Prospective applicants are expected to read the full Guidance Notes, to make themselves aware of the competition process and deadlines, and to approach prospective supervisors at the relevant Schools and Departments at the earliest opportunity.

The competition is open to all applicants who meet the AHRC's eligibility criteria. We hosted three Application Masterclasses for prospective applicants in early November 2021. You'll find the presentation slides and a recording of one of those Masterclasses in our Resources section. 

Guidance Notes for Staff and Applicants

Northern Bridge Nomination Form 2021-2022

P‌lease note that you must first download and save both the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form and Nomination Form to your own device before completing them. The forms will not work as intended if you open and complete them online. Please fill in the copies you have downloaded to your device. You can also Right Click on the above links and select "Save Link As" to save the forms to your device.

(‌Note: Applicants must be selected for nomination by their school/department. Applicants who submit an incomplete and unsolicited Nomination Form, either direct to schools or departments or direct to the Northern Bridge Consortium, will not be considered.)

Guidance for Staff and Applicants

Introduction.

The Northern Bridge Consortium Doctoral Training Programme (NBCDTP) runs an annual studentship competition to select postgraduate doctoral students of the very highest calibre to study at one of our partner institutions: Durham University, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Sunderland, Teesside University and Ulster University. [1] The competition is open to all applicants who meet the AHRC’s eligibility criteria:

TGC 5.2 Student Eligibility: https://www.ukri.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/UKRI-170821-TrainingGrantTermsConditionsGuidance-Aug2021.pdf

This site provides guidance to members of staff (including subject area leads and review panel members) at NBCDTP partner institutions and to applicants on the selection process and administrative arrangements for the NBCDTP studentship competition.

The aim of the site is to make the competition’s process clear to all. To this end, this guidance takes account of frequently asked questions from previous years. [2]

Applicants are expected to read the information here for detailed guidance on their obligations as a potential studentship award-holder, and on the NBCDTP’s obligations as a UKRI AHRC grant holder:

• UKRI Terms and Conditions of Training Grants  
• UKRI Training Grant Guide
• AHRC's Training Grant Funding Guide 

All at: https://ahrc.ukri.org/skills/phdstudents/award-holders-terms-and-conditions/

[1] While successful applicants are registered at one institution, cross-institutional supervision is allowed.

[2] The terms and conditions of a studentship award are not covered here except in a small number of instances (e.g. employment), which may influence an applicant’s decision to apply.

Definitions

AHRC:  Arts and Humanities Research Council and NBCDTP funder.

Host Institution:  The university where the student applicant wishes to be registered and to which they will therefore apply.

NBCDTP:  Northern Bridge Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership.

NBCDTP Director : Each partner institution (please see below) nominates its own NBCDTP director.  Directors deal with issues at the local, host institution level but also work collectively to shape and oversee the competition.

Partner Institution:  A member of the NBCDTP: Newcastle, Durham, Northumbria, Queen’s Belfast, Sunderland, Teesside and Ulster universities.

UKRI:  UK Research and Innovation (oversees all 9 research councils, including AHRC)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Widening Participation (WP)

NBCDTP is an inclusive community in which everybody – staff and students alike – are treated with dignity and respect. This is part of our vision of how research excellence comes about. We value individual differences and the diversity that this brings, and we to ensure that no-one is at a disadvantage – whether at the application stage or as part of our successful cohort – because of who they are.  We undertake Positive Action to support this aim ( https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/guidance/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/equality-legislation/positive-action ).

As part of our annual competition, we include a critical friend in the form of an EDI champion, who reviews our competition process, paperwork and outcomes to help us be as inclusive as we can be. We welcome all applicants irrespective of their gender, socio-economic background or ethnicity. We seek to include diverse life experiences and recognise the value of this diversity in developing excellent research. We explicitly encourage assessment panels to recognise this in their assessment of a candidate’s preparedness for doctoral study.

We are committed to WP in our DTP (and beyond) through positive action and support.  We welcome applicants of all ages and from all backgrounds.  We are particularly keen to encourage applications from under-represented groups, including (though not limited to) people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, lower income families and mature students.

In keeping with our commitment to WP, awards can be either full-time or part-time.

Nominees are asked to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form . This will be separated from the nomination form before the nomination is circulated for review [1] .   Subject area panel reviewers will not see the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.  The NBCDTP is required to submit anonymised statistics to the AHRC on EDI characteristics for all nominees and those who are successful. The NBCDTP administrator at Newcastle University will be able to identify who the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form belongs to, solely for the purposes of being able to make this distinction. All information reported to the AHRC and to the Studentships Committee will be anonymised.

Subject area review panels will assess nominations with due regard to non-conventional trajectories—e.g., where relevant experience is deemed to compensate for a lower degree classification.

Subject Area Review Panels should be aware of, and sympathetic to, the fact that applicants will come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including those with experience in practice or industry. NBCDTP is fully committed to WP and EDI, and is actively supporting, though its positive action initiatives, the diversification of its staff and student cohort. We ask panels to be mindful of issues surrounding WP and EDI when Part 1 of the Nomination Form.

Subject Area Review Panel members are asked to bear in mind that while formal academic qualifications are important indicators of academic achievement and potential, comparable consideration should be made to nominees with less conventional academic profiles, for example, mature nominees with significant and distinguished careers in creative arts or other professional practices.

[1] As we explain below, applicants apply to their preferred school or department at their preferred university and signal that they wish to be considered for a NBDTC award.  The school or department decides which applicants to put forward for the NBDTC competition; if selected, applicants must then fill out the relevant nomination form.

Types of Award

We make up to 67 awards per year.  There are three different types of award – staff-led collaborative doctoral awards, student-led collaborative doctoral awards, and standard doctoral awards.  Staff and students should judge carefully which route is best for them.

Of the 67 awards that we make, a number are reserved for the staff-led competition which runs earlier in the year.  There is no separate competition for student-led collaborative nominations; they are entered into the open competition and compete against standard nominations.  We do not reserve awards for student-led collaborative nominations. [1]

1. Staff-led Collaborative Doctoral Awards

• Members of academic staff at NBCDTP partner institutions submit a doctoral research proposal in partnership with a non-HE organisation to NBCDTP. Normally, this competition runs from August to October each year. 
• Successful projects are normally advertised and recruited to from November to March. Interested applicants will usually have to submit an application, CV and Expression of Interest. If selected, they will then be interviewed. 
• Further information can be found at: http://www.northernbridge.ac.uk/studentships/cda/

2. Student-led Collaborative Doctoral Awards

• Student applicants approach potential supervisors at their preferred host institution and a non-HE organisation(s) to develop a collaborative project originating from the applicant’s research proposal.                                                                                                                 
• It is expected that the applicant initiates the project and partnership. 
• These nominations are assessed in the open competition .
• This route is not open to PhD students who have already commenced their studies unless the student is already engaged in a CDA-type project.

3. Standard PhD Awards

• The most common option (around 85% of applicants take this route).
• Applicants with a research proposal in mind approach potential supervisors at their preferred host institution to develop their proposal.
• It is expected that the applicant initiates the project.
• These nominations are assessed in the open competition.
• Students currently registered on a doctoral programme at an NBCDTP institution are also eligible to apply.

In All Cases:

• Research proposals can be interdisciplinary and/or creative practice-based.
• Research proposals are welcome from recent graduates (or from those about to graduate) or from those who have not attended a university for some time.  In any of these cases applicants may point to relevant professional or practitioner experience in order to substantiate their case for funding.
• We are committed to widening participation in our DTP (and beyond) through positive action and support.  We welcome applicants of all ages and from all backgrounds.  We are particularly keen to encourage applications from under-represented groups, including (though not limited to) people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, lower income families and mature students.

In keeping with our commitment to widening participation, awards can be either full-time or part-time.

[1] Effectively, there are two competitions: a staff-led CDA competition (ca. 13 awards) and a standard-route or open competition (ca. 54 awards).  The open competition accepts two types of nomination: standard and student-led CDA.

Eligibility and Financial Support Available

Number of Awards Available

• Up to 67 doctoral awards across all partner institutions.
• Up to 20% (c.13) of these will be allocated to Collaborative Doctoral Awards under the separate Staff-led Collaborative Doctoral Awards competition.
• As stipulated by the AHRC, no more than 30% of the total number of awards available can be allocated to international candidates. [1]

Duration of an Award

• The normal duration of an award is 42 months full-time (3.5 years) or 84 months part-time (7 years).
• Awards to students who have already commenced their PhD will be reduced by the length of time the student has already been registered on the PhD programme.
• Part-time students who have already commenced their PhD may apply to transfer to full-time for the remainder of their studies should they be successful in the competition, and vice versa. [2]
• A part-time award must not be less than 50% of the full-time equivalent. [3]  

Who is Eligible to be Considered for an Award

• All UK and international applicants with a research proposal falling within the AHRC’s subject domain: ( https://ahrc.ukri.org/funding/research/subjectcoverage/ahrc-disciplines/ )
• All UK and international applicants meeting the entry requirements of their preferred PhD programme at their host institution.
• All UK and International applicants who have secured the support of a school or departmental-level supervisory team with expertise in the subject area(s) at their preferred host institution.

The Value of the Award

• Tuition fees paid at a rate equivalent to the Home UK fee.
• A minimum stipend per year for living costs, which is paid in regular instalments. Awards increase every year, typically with inflation. As an indicator, the level for 2021/2022 was £15,609.
• Award-holders are eligible to apply to a fund reserved for supporting primary research costs to include, for example, conference attendance, fieldwork, language training, overseas research visits and placements with a non-academic partner.
• Award-holders will not have a personal research account on which to draw.
• NBCDTP will not under any circumstances fund the (monetary) difference between home and international tuition fees. However, an international applicant’s host institution may offer an additional scholarship to the value of this difference. Applicants should check with their host institution for further guidance.  In some cases, successful international applicants may need to be prepared to fund the difference between the home and international tuition fee rate by alternative means.
• It is a condition of an award that at the time of commencing the award (1 October 2022) the applicant is not in full-time employment . Applicants in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.
• An applicant in part-time employment may be eligible for a part-time award providing the hours of employment plus the hours of part-time study do not normally exceed the equivalent of 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE). Exceeding this limit is prohibited in some institutions and may result in all or part of the studentship award being reclaimed by the NBCDTP. Applicants first should check with their host institution if intending to continue part-time working hours.
• During the studentship, award-holders can undertake teaching and demonstrating duties (or relevant alternative employment) provided that their supervisor(s) agree that the total demand made on a student’s time is compatible with their studies. Employment for full-time award-holders is not expected to exceed six hours in any one week, including preparation time.  Students cannot accept employment that involves substantial calls on their time (which may put their wellbeing and timeline for completion at risk) without the written consent of the Dean of Postgraduate Studies or equivalent at their host institution.

Study Location

• The UKRI and AHRC advise that studentship award-holders are required to be resident in the UK for the majority of their studies, and “A student must live within a reasonable travel time of their host institution to ensure that they are able to maintain regular contact with their department and their supervisor. This is to ensure that the student is not isolated and receives the full support, mentoring, training and access to facilities required to complete their research successfully and to a high standard. The only exceptions to these requirements are to cover periods of absence that are an essential part of their study e.g. fieldwork, study visits or conference attendance.”

https://www.ukri.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/UKRI-170821-TrainingGrantTermsConditionsGuidance-Aug2021.pdf

[1] Subject Areas, schools and departments should especially bear this constraint in mind when nominating applicants to the competition.

[2] Applicants who have already commenced their doctoral studies are eligible to apply on the condition that they will have completed no more than 18 months of full-time or 36 months of part-time study at the point at which they would take up the award (usually 1 October of the relevant year).  They must notify their supervisors and their host institution’s postgraduate office that they wish to be considered for an award (usually in January of the relevant year).  They must not submit a new postgraduate application form to their host institution or contact their host institution’s Postgraduate Admissions Service; it is not necessary.

[3] Part-time awards will, however, fall under the relevant regulations of the host institution. E.g., some partner institutions will only permit part-time study at 50% of the full-time equivalent (e.g., they will not allow part-time study at 60% of the full-time equivalent).

The Studentship Competition Timeline and Workflow

Open Competition Workflow

How to be Considered for an Award in the Open Competition

Applicants contact the relevant Subject Area Lead and/or potential supervisor(s) at their preferred host institution [1] at the earliest opportunity to ensure that:

• the expertise and capacity to supervise the proposed research is actually present;
• the viability of the proposed research can be assessed;
• the applicant will be fully supported throughout the competition process.

Applicants who delay approaching the Subject Area Lead and potential supervisors until close to the postgraduate application deadline are unlikely to be considered for nomination. 

Applicants identify the member Professional Services staff, or member of staff (which may be their supervisor, Subject Area Lead or local Northern Bridge Administrator), who has responsibility for the administration of the NBCDTP applicant selection and nomination process within their school or department at their host institution.

Step Three:

Applicants submit a Postgraduate Application Form and other supporting documentation to their host institution by the Wednesday 12 January 2022 .  Please note that, while the process will vary from institution to institution, all applicants must indicate that they wish to be considered for the NBCDTP studentship competition:

• Durham University:

Under ‘How do you propose to fund your studies?’ please select “Northern Bridge AHRC studentship” from the drop-down menu.

• Newcastle University:

Quote NBC22 under ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ and ‘Who is your sponsor/funding body?’

• Northumbria University:

Quote NBC22 under the ‘Project/Studentship Reference Number’ field.

• Queen’s University Belfast :

Tick ‘I will apply separately to an external body’ then enter NBC22 under ‘To which body do you intend to apply?’

• University of Sunderland:

State the supervisor and NBC22 in Section 6 ‘Who is expected to pay your fees.’

• Teesside University:

Answer the question ‘Who will pay your fees’ by selecting ‘other’ and then quoting NBC22 .

• Ulster University

Insert NBC22 in response to the question ‘If you will be self-funded or are in receipt of a private scholarship then please provide further information here’ in the Funding Details section. 

• If an applicant has already applied to their host institution, or omits the indication that they wish to be considered for a Northern Bridge studentship from their postgraduate application , they should contact the Subject Area Lead and Professional Services contact in the relevant school/department as soon as possible, and before Wednesday 12 January 2022 .
• Applicants can apply to only one of the seven institutions in the NBCDTP. Applicants who apply to more than one NBCDTP partner institution will be disqualified without consideration.
• However, applicants may apply to more than one Doctoral Training Partnership, including the ESRC Northern Ireland North East (NINE) DTP. For example, an applicant in Linguistics may apply to the NINE DTP and the NBCDTP at Newcastle; but may not apply to the NBCDTP via Newcastle and QUB .

[1] http://www.northernbridge.ac.uk/studentships/subjectareasandcontacts/

The Nomination Form

ESSENTIAL NOTE FOR APPLICANTS

Applicants must be selected for nomination by their school/department.

Applicants who submit incomplete and unsolicited Nomination Forms, direct to schools or departments, or direct to the NBCDTP will not be considered.

Applicants who approach schools and departments after the published deadlines will not be considered.

The Nomination Form Part 1

General Note

• It is important that nominees write in clear, precise English, and that they express their ideas in a way that is accessible to non-specialists. The members of a subject Area Review Panel will be experts, but not necessarily in specific sub-fields.  It is advisable, therefore, to avoid or to explain discipline-specific jargon or terminology.

Section 1: Nominee Details and Eligibility

• Please provide full and accurate information. The NBCDTP will base its decision on the nominee’s eligibility for a particular level of funding (home or international) on the details provided at the time of nomination to the NBCDTP. [1]
• To self-assess eligibility for a particular level of funding (home or international), nominees should consult “ Changes to EU and International Eligibility for UKRI funded studentships from Academic Year 2021/22 onwards - Implementation Guidance for Training Grant Holders ” on the NBCDTP website: http://www.northernbridge.ac.uk/studentships/theopenstudentshipcompetition/

Section 2: Award, University and Subject Area Details

• All nominees must select a Primary AHRC Subject Area from the drop-down list to ensure that the nomination is evaluated by reviewers with the requisite subject expertise. Do not overwrite the existing list or add a new subject area.
• Interdisciplinary proposals may still fall within the purview of a single subject area or discipline. If, however, the proposed project is interdisciplinary in a way described in the definition of interdisciplinarity above, the nominee should select one Secondary AHRC Subject Area .
• If a nominee indicates that, Yes , they wish their nomination to be considered by the Interdisciplinary Panel, a reason must be provided in the space below. If no reason is provided, the nomination will be treated as a single-subject proposal and not interdisciplinary.
• Additional guidance for Interdisciplinary nominees can be found below.

Section 3: Higher Education to Date

• Nominees are reminded that for taught postgraduate and undergraduate awards they must provide a full transcript, translated into English where necessary.
• Nominees currently completing a taught postgraduate programme must provide a provisional transcript listing their modules and marks received to-date.
• Current PhD nominees should use this section to provide details of their programme.
• Should a nominee hold more than one undergraduate and/or postgraduate degree, they should list the most relevant to the nomination and subject of the research proposal.

Section 4: Professional Employment Experience and Publications, Exhibitions, Commissions, etc.

• Subject Area Review Panels will assess nominations with due regard to non-conventional trajectories—e.g., where relevant experience is deemed to compensate for a lower degree classification.
• Relevant examples include exhibitions, shows, work in galleries, awards, commissions, residencies, publications, conference papers. These should be relevant to the research proposal and not otherwise mentioned on the nomination.

Section 5: Research Proposal and Case for Support

• The 100-word summary of the proposal should be written in such a way as to be accessible to a reader who may not be a subject specialist. This summary will be provided to the AHRC should the nomination be successful.
• To be eligible for funding, all research proposals must explicitly address each of the following considerations:

1. It must define a series of research questions , issues or problems that will be addressed in the course of the research. It must also define its aims and objectives in terms of seeking to enhance knowledge and understanding relating to the questions, issues or problems to be addressed.

2. It must specify a research context for the questions, issues or problems to be addressed. You must specify why it is important that these particular questions, issues or problems should be addressed; what other research is being or has been conducted in this area; and what particular contribution this project will make to the advancement of creativity, insights, knowledge and understanding in this area.

3. It must specify the research methods for addressing and answering the research questions, issues or problems. You must state how, in the course of the research project, you will seek to answer the questions, address the issues or solve the problems. You should also explain the rationale for your chosen research methods and why you think they provide the most appropriate means by which to address the research questions, issues or problems.

Our primary concern is to ensure that the research we fund addresses clearly-articulated research questions, issues or problems, set in a clear context of other research in that area, and using appropriate research methods and/or approaches.

Source: https://www.ukri.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AHRC-230821-ResearchFundingGuideV5.5-2021.pdf

4. In addition applicants are required to demonstrate that the project is feasible or viable with the allotted timeframe (up to three and a half years of full-time funded study or up to seven years of part-time funded study).  You should highlight any potential difficulties that might potentially arise and explain how they will be met, and you must also show that you have seriously considered costs and resource implications of undertaking the proposed research.

• The proposal is strictly limited to 750 words . Do not include a bibliography or footnotes. A brief note of the reference (e.g. Smith, 1990 ) is sufficient as the proposal will be considered by experts familiar with the literature.
• Additional guidance for Creative Practice nominees can be found below.
• Additional guidance for Student-Led Collaborative Project nominees can be found below.

Resources and Facilities

• Nominees should consult prospective supervisors about the availability of key resources and the likely costs of research and training activities in order to ensure the viability of the proposed research project, and provide an estimate where possible. Highlight the resources and facilities that will be required. Note, for example, anticipated fieldwork, special training (e.g. immersive difficult language training) or specialist equipment requirements that will be necessary for the successful completion of the PhD. [2]
• Successful nominees/award-holders will have the opportunity to bid for additional funding to support their research costs as they progress through their PhD. Such funding is not guaranteed and award-holders do not have a personal allowance to draw on . Significant costs stated as necessary to the research may influence the assessors’ view of the feasibility of the project.
• If a student is successful in getting a studentship, and applies to the NBCDTP’s grant scheme during the course of their studentship, any high-cost bids are checked against this section of the Nomination Form. A failure to mention high-cost requirements at the nomination stage will mean the funding application is likely to be rejected.

The Project’s Suitability to the NBCDTP

• Nominees should consider the expertise of the proposed supervisors, the resources available within the NBCDTP universities, specific training provision, and the potential relevance of external strategic partners.
• Nominees are encouraged to consider any potential placement opportunities available through non-HE organisations. They should use this section to indicate if they have already established whether their studentship will include a placement. However, nominees who have not secured a placement will not be penalised.

Project Feasibility and the Pandemic

• At present, there is still uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Nominees are asked to confirm that they have discussed with their proposed supervisors if they would be able to adjust and revise their project plans if current restrictions are maintained/future restrictions are imposed. These might include issues such as: travel restrictions, closure of institutions such as libraries, museums, laboratories, other research facilities, and extensive periods of working from home. Reviewers do not expect nominees to have developed a full ‘Plan B’ but would like to see evidence that the project can be adjusted if necessary and would remain feasible.

[1] As noted above, while there is a considerable gap between home and international tuition fees, some partner institutions may have provisions in place to make up for this gap.

[2] It should not be assumed that such costs will be met by the NBCDTP, nor by the nominee’s institution; such additional funding is not guaranteed.

Information for Interdisciplinary Applicants

We understand interdisciplinary research as being the integration of methodological approaches from two or more distinct subject areas, generating outcomes that could not be achieved from within a single subject area.

So defined, the NBCDTP welcomes applications for interdisciplinary research projects.  These may be of two kinds:

• (i) Applicants engage with two or more arts and humanities disciplines (or subject areas) . [1]   In this case, applicants must make it clear how their project will integrate approaches from the two subject areas (e.g., film and philosophy) they have identified. Eligible nominations will be assessed by a specially convened Interdisciplinary Panel with the relevant expertise (in subject area, interdisciplinary studies, and creative practice and collaborative projects where appropriate). The interdisciplinary panel may determine that a nomination is most appropriately reviewed as a single-area nomination rather than an interdisciplinary nomination, and routed to that panel for assessment.
• (ii) Applicants engage both with arts and humanities disciplines and with a STEM or social sciences discipline . In this case, applicants must still make it clear that their project falls predominantly within the arts and humanities (that is, at least 50%). Nominees should identify the project as interdisciplinary.  In particular, they should identify the non-AHRC subject area and provide an explanation for its rationale on the Nomination Form. Again, eligible nominations will be assessed by the Interdisciplinary Panel.

For Instance:

• Under (i) above, a project that uses linguistic analysis of language attitudes to explore and develop the design of language-learning apps for refugees would be interdisciplinary. It integrates methodologies from two arts and humanities subject areas (Linguistics and Interaction Design) and would be assessed for its success in addressing those disciplines by the Interdisciplinary Panel. It generates outcomes that could not be achieved within a single discipline or subject area.
• Under (ii) above, a project that makes significant use of research methods associated with economics as part of a broader study of popular music would be interdisciplinary . It integrates methodologies from an arts and humanities discipline (music) and a social sciences discipline (economics) and would be assessed by Interdisciplinary Panel.
• However, projects where the researcher reviews economic literature on popular music, but does not use methods of economic analysis as part of their original contribution, would not meet this definition. A project that explores Ghanaian literary culture of the 1990s, and in doing so draws on historical political material such as newspapers, is not interdisciplinary for the purposes of NBCDTP assessment. The data are often considered by different subjects, but the methods belong to a single discipline. The project outcomes could be achieved within a single subject area.
• If a nominee indicates that, Yes , they wish their nomination to be considered by the interdisciplinary panel, a reason must be provided in the space provided on the Nomination Form. If no reason is provided, the nomination will be treated as a single-subject proposal and not as interdisciplinary.

[1] The AHRC subject domain, and hence the subject disciplines or subject areas that it covers, can be accessed here: https://ahrc.ukri.org/funding/research/subjectcoverage/ahrc-disciplines/

Information for Creative Practice Applicants

• Creative output can be produced, or practice undertaken, as an integral part of a research process as defined above [under Section 5: Research Proposal and Case for Support ] . The Council would expect, however, this practice to be accompanied by some form of documentation of the research process, as well as some form of textual analysis or explanation to support its position and as a record of your critical reflection. Equally, creativity or practice may involve no such process at all, in which case it would be ineligible for funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

https://www.ukri.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AHRC-230821-ResearchFundingGuideV5.5-2021.pdf

• Section 6: Sample of Practice-based Outputs

Applicants nominated in Creative Practice-based areas only are required to supply a URL to a portfolio of outputs which may be accessed by assessors for contextual information only; this will not form part of the formal assessment documentation. The portfolio is not an extra quality check but rather allows nominees to demonstrate how their creative work represents an appropriate methodology for addressing their research questions and their preparedness for doctoral study.

• It is vital that nominees articulate the methodological value of creative practice.

Information for Student-led Collaborative Doctoral Award Applicants

It is expected that:

• The nominee identifies and approaches a suitable non-HE partner organisation as well as a potential supervisor at the host institution in order to develop their own proposed project;
• Responsibility for supervision and training is shared between the non-HE partner organisation and the host institution;
• The project is set up so that it generates benefits for the non-HE partner organisation as well as producing the outputs required for the award of a PhD;
• The student normally spends a substantial portion of the period of doctoral study at the non-HE partner organisation.

It is essential that conversations between prospective nominees, the partner organisation and the university supervisors begin at the earliest opportunity.

In developing their application, the nominee should consider the following:

• Intrinsic Benefits : how will the research field produce insights and knowledge that will help the partner organisation achieve its objectives?
• Process Benefits : how will the partner organisation benefit from the process of the nominee’s undertaking of the research project, informally or through the completion of specific tasks (e.g. cataloguing of collections, knowledge exchange with staff)?
• Public Engagement Benefits : what kind of research outcomes will generate ‘content’ for the partner organisation to use in their public engagement work (e.g. material for an exhibition)?

The Nomination Form Part 2

Completed by the Nominee’s School or Department

Section 8: Supervision (and Cross-institutional Supervision)

• Please include:
• Details of the supervisors’ track record of postgraduate (PhD) student supervision;
• Relevant publications;
• Any involvement in postgraduate training;
• Relevant web-links to staff profiles and publications.  
• Cross-institutional supervision is permitted but is not a requirement and does not affect eligibility. Nominees whose supervision is based at solely at their host institution will not be penalised for that reason.
• The composition of the proposed supervisory team must comply with the host institution’s Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Students (or equivalent). Where a successful candidate is supported by a supervisory team that crosses institutional boundaries, the main and second supervisors must be at the host institution, with the third advisor from another institution. In certain, exceptional, cases it may be appropriate for there to be a fourth advisor from another institution as well.
• Additional supervisors may be appointed from an NBCDTP partner institution, or any other HE or non-HE organisation, if appropriate to the research proposal and if permitted by the host institution.
• There is no financial remuneration for external supervisors and advisors via the NBCDTP. A financial arrangement, if any, will be at discretion of the host institution, and cannot by any means be funded by the NBCDTP.

Section 9: Training and Development

• Funding for research and training activities from the NBCDTP is limited. Supervisors must confirm that any supplementary costs involved in undertaking fundamental research or in meeting the nominee’s training needs are realistic and justified, and explain how these costs will be met in full, if not by the NBCDTP. No funding (additional to fees and stipend) is guaranteed and award-holders do not have a personal allowance to draw on for primary research costs. Significant costs stated as necessary to the research, for which funding is not guaranteed, may influence the assessors’ view of the feasibility of the project.

Section 10: Research Environment

• Explain how the nominee will be integrated into the research environment in their subject area. Include details of how the research strengths of the subject in the school/department, interdisciplinary research groups, clusters, Centres, and Institutes, specialised facilities/resources, and external  partnerships, are relevant to or will contribute to the completion of the nominee’s research project.
• For Student-led Collaborative Doctoral Award nominees also outline the contribution of the collaboration and the value added to the nominee’s research project, including the arrangements for support of the nominee by the partner and any previous experience of collaboration with the partner. Include details of how the nominee will be integrated into the culture of the partner organisation, and the specialised facilities/resources they will benefit from.

Referees and References

• Applicants are responsible for contacting their referees at the earliest opportunity.
• Two references are required. Additional references will not be accepted and will be removed from the nomination.
• Applicants must ensure their referees are available to provide references during the application and selection period, and particularly from Wednesday 12 January 2022 to Tuesday 15 February 2022 when schools and departments will be collating nominations.
• Referees should be encouraged to address the following:
• Details about how long they have known the applicant and in what capacity
• Comments on the applicant’s academic performance to date or on their performance in any post or position of responsibility;
• Comments on the applicant’s predicted Master’s result (if appropriate), including information on individual modules where relevant to the subject of the research proposal;
• The applicant’s preparedness for doctoral research, in terms research skills and experience, and the likelihood of timely completion of the project.
• Any special circumstances and contextual factors should also be highlighted.
• If an applicant is returning to Higher Education after a period of professional practice or similar and is not able to draw on academic referees, please ensure that the chosen referees are able to comment on their preparedness for doctoral study.
• Applicants are strongly urged to identify referees who are independent of their proposed supervisory team, unless the applicant is already registered on the PhD programme. Prospective supervisors may provide a reference, but risk disadvantaging a candidate as this may be perceived by assessors as a conflict of interest.
• Applicants are responsible for identifying the member of Professional Services Staff or member of staff (which may be their supervisor, Subject Area Lead or local Northern Bridge Administrator) who has responsibility for the administration of the NBCDTP competition at their host institution, and to make themselves aware of the deadline for the receipt of references.
• Referees should be directed to send their references to the member(s) of staff identified above. References should not be sent to the applicant.
• Schools and departments can set their own internal deadlines for the completion of the Nomination Form and the receipt of references, (and other required documentation such as transcripts). This deadline is likely to be earlier than Tuesday 15 February 2022 and applicants must make themselves aware of it and allow referees plenty of advanced notice.
• Referees may also be contacted by the host institution’s Postgraduate Admissions Service and asked to provide separate references. At some partner institutions, this is a required part of the postgraduate admissions process, necessary to be considered for a place on the PhD programme, and independent of the NBCDTP Studentship Competition.

Transcripts and Previous Qualifications

Lost/Unavailable Transcripts

• Each year we receive queries from applicants returning to Higher Education after a lengthy period of time, and concerned about the following:
• They have proof of their qualifications but no transcripts.
• They no longer have proof of their qualifications or transcripts.
• The degree-awarding institution has since closed or has stated a substantial period of time before proof of qualifications or transcripts can be produced.
• In such instances, for the purposes of the Nomination Form, the NBCDTP will accept evidence of the award of the degree only, and/or an appended explanation as to why transcripts or evidence of qualifications is not available.
• In such instances, the choice of referee and the content of the reference is vital. Either a referee should be able to speak to the applicant’s past academic performance, or be clear on the applicant’s preparedness for doctoral research in terms their research skills and experience.
• Please note, however, that local Postgraduate Admissions Services may have different requirements and applicants without the necessary evidence must contact the Service at their local institution for further guidance.

Students Currently Taking a Master’s Degree

• A provisional transcript is required that indicates marks attained to-date.
• Again, if this is not available, consider carefully the choice of referee and the content of the reference, which should address the applicant’s past academic performance, or be clear on the applicant’s preparedness for doctoral research.

Where the Transcripts are in a Language other than English

• English translations of the transcripts and evidence of previous qualifications must be provided.

Submission of the Nomination Form

• Schools or departments are responsible for submitting the complete Nomination Form to: [email protected] by 16:00 on Tuesday 15 February 2022.
• The local NBCDTP administrator (listed below) should be copied into the submission.
• Please attach a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form . This will be separated from the Nomination Form before the nomination is circulated for review. Subject area panel reviewers will not view the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.
• The NBCDTP is required to submit anonymised statistics to the AHRC on EDI characteristics for all nominees and those who are successful. The NBCDTP administrator at Newcastle University will be able to identify who the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form belongs to, solely for the purposes of being able to make this distinction. All information reported to the AHRC and to the Studentships Committee will be anonymised.
• Incomplete nominations will not be considered under any circumstances.
• Amended or missing attachments (e.g., ‘updated’ proposals or references) received after the deadline will not be accepted.
• Full nominations received after the deadline will not be considered under any circumstances.
• The full nomination should be submitted as one complete PDF in the order below and named according to the following convention:

NomineeSurname+Initial_SubjectArea_Institution, e.g. SmithJ_Linguistics_QUB.

And in the following order:

Local NBCDTP Administrator Contact Details

The Assessment Process and Guidance for Subject Area Review Panels

• Schools and departments select their strongest applicants to proceed to the nomination stage of the Open Competition. [1] Those nominees will then complete and collate the Nomination Form with the support of their supervisory and professional services team.
• Schools and departments convee their own internal subject-area Scrutiny or Selection Panels. NBCDTP encourage schools and departments to do so in line with EDI best practice.
• Schools and departments are encouraged to use the NBCDTP Marking Scheme and Assessment Criteria when selecting their nominees.
• Schools and departments are asked to maintain a record of decisions, including reasons for the selection or rejection of applicants. This information is not required by the NBCDTP but recommended in the event of a Freedom of Information request.
• Schools and departments are responsible for notifying all applicants who have indicated a wish to be considered for nomination whether they have been successful or not.
• NBCDTP academic directors and administrators are not responsible for the selection of nominees at school or department-level and take no part in this process. They cannot advise applicants whether they have been selected to go through to the nomination stage.
• Schools and departments can set their own internal deadlines for the completion of all parts of the Nomination Form and the receipt of references and other required documentation such as transcripts. This deadline is likely to be earlier than Tuesday 15 February 2022 and applicants must make themselves aware of it.

Composition of the Subject Area Review Panel

• Subject Area Review Panels should normally be comprised of three subject area specialists from the Subject Area Lead’s own institution, including the Subject Area Lead. The NBCDTP understands that local institutional and disciplinary contexts may necessitate some variation.

We ask that Subject Area Review Panels consider the following:

• Panels should take into account EDI in their composition;
• Panels should include a mixture of early and later career stage academics;
• Individual assessors must ensure they have no conflict of interest with individual applications; if they have, they must refrain from being part of the assessment of those applications;
• If assessing a Creative Practice application, the panel must contain at least one Creative Practitioner.
• Subject Area Leads are asked to notify [email protected] of their panel members by 31 January 2022.

The Responsibilities of the Panel

• In agreeing to participate as a Subject Area Review Panel member, academic colleagues are confirming that they will be available to review nominations over the period Thursday 17 February to Monday 14 March 2022 , and committed to submitting a complete set of marks and comments no later than 16:00 on Monday 14 March 2022 .
• Full nominations (minus the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form) will be made available to every member of the relevant Subject Area Panel on Thursday 17 February 2022 .
• Each subject area panel will also receive an Excel spreadsheet listing all nominees they are required to assess against a grid for recording marks and comments.
• We request that panels use the Excel spreadsheet provided to aid the accurate transfer of marks and comments to the NBCDTP record of overall results.
• Subject area panels are expected to assess and provide marks and comments for all nominees in their subject area at every partner institution ( i.e. all of those listed on the Excel spreadsheet) and not just those nominees at the Panel’s home institution. [2]
• Marks and comments should be jointly agreed by all members of the panel before the completed Excel spreadsheet is returned to the NBCDTP.
• That is, the NBCDTP should receive an agreed set of marks per nominee, per Subject Area Panel, per institution. NBCDTP will calculate a final mark for each nominee based on an average of all marks received.
• Subject Area Review Panels in one institution are not required to liaise with their counterparts in our partner institutions . However, in the 2021/2022 we will be piloting cross-institutional assessment in one subject area and in our Interdisciplinary Panel.

Access to Nominations for Subject Area Panel Reviewers

• Access will be via OneDrive (SharePoint).
• All Subject Area Leads and Panel members will be invited to a shared space on Microsoft OneDrive, in advance of nominations being made in available .

The Assessment of Interdisciplinary Nominations (see also ‘Information for Interdisciplinary Applicants’ guidance notes above)

• Eligible nominations will be assessed by a specially convened Interdisciplinary Panel with the relevant expertise (subject area, interdisciplinary studies, creative practice and collaborative projects). The interdisciplinary panel may determine that a nomination is most appropriately reviewed as a single-area nomination rather than an interdisciplinary nomination, and routed to that panel for assessment.

The Assessment of Creative Practice Nominations (see also ‘Information for Creative Practice Applicants’ guidance notes above)

• Subject area review panels considering nominations in Creative Practice should consult the portfolios for information. However, assessment must be based on and justified with reference to the case presented in the Nomination Form, transcripts and references.

Subject Area Coverage

• Each nomination must be evaluated by a minimum of four subject area panels across the NBCDTP. It may therefore be necessary for the academic directors and NBCDTP administrators to approach members of staff in their institution to ask them to convene a panel in a subject area not normally represented by that institution. 
• Particular consideration will be given to the above nominations – those assessed by a panel in a subject area not normally represented by that institution – at the Moderation Sub-committee.

What Happens When Marks and Comments are Returned to the NBCDTP

• Subject Area Review Panel marks are aggregated and used to produce an initial ranked list of nominations.
• The ranking, scores and comments are considered by the Moderation Sub-Committee to ensure consistency, and to confirm a final ranked list of all nominations for consideration by the Studentships Committee. In exceptional circumstances, the Moderation Sub-committee may seek external advice if they judge it appropriate to do so. 
• The Studentships Committee comprises the NBCDTP academic directors, interdisciplinary, collaborative, and creative practice representatives, and an external academic representative from each of the AHRC’s three disciplinary clusters. The Studentship Committee will confirm the final rankings from which the awards will be made and identify a list of candidates to be placed on a reserve list.
• The outcome of the Studentship Competition will be communicated to nominees from Monday 4 April 2022 (subject to individual institutional processes)by the relevant school or department in the nominee’s host institution . 

Should a successful nominees decline an award, the next highest-ranked nominee on the reserve list will be made an offer of an award, regardless of the host institution of the original recipient .

[1] On average, less than 1 in 4 nominations are ultimately successful.  That figure drops, however, for particular schools and departments that put forward large numbers of nominations.  We strongly encourage local schools and departments to nominate only the very strongest applications, and to be mindful of the burdens that large numbers of nominations create for smaller schools and departments across the partner institutions.

[2] The purpose here is to avoid the perception that ‘home’ Review Panels sometimes favour their own nominees.  While we recognise that there is always room for reasonable academic disagreement, the Excel spreadsheet allows the directors to consider large discrepancies in scores across the different Review Panels.  In some cases, marks have been adjusted at the Moderation Sub-committee.  Any adjustments are further discussed at the Studentships Committee prior to agreeing a final list of awardees.

Marking and Assessment: General Guidance

Please note : Subject Area Review Panels should be aware of, and sympathetic to, the fact that applicants will come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including those with experience in practice or industry. NBCDTP is fully committed to Widening Participation (WP) and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and is actively supporting, though its positive action initiatives, the diversification of its staff and student cohort. It asks Panels to be mindful of issues surrounding WP and EDI when Part 1 of the Nomination Form. We also ask panels to be open-minded about different research approaches and perspectives within a given subject areas and that each nomination is assessed on its own academic merits. Finally, we would also ask individual assessors to ensure they have no conflict of interest with nominations and, if they do have such conflicts, to refrain from being part of the assessment of those individual nominations.

General Guidance on the Evaluation of Nominations

• Consider the full Nomination Form and the supporting documentation.
• Scores should be explained in ( and be consistent with ) your comments, which should be sufficiently extensive for the Moderation and Studentships committees to understand how the score was arrived at.
• A common issue that might disadvantage a nominee is a Subject Area Review Panel’s failing to justify a set of particularly high (or low) marks in their comments.
• Comments must address all four areas of the Nomination Form: Applicant , Research Proposal, Supervision , and Training and Development . Please ensure that your comments match the grade descriptors for the mark you award, and that you make reference to each of these four areas in your comments.
• Please bear in mind that while formal academic qualifications are important indicators of academic achievement and potential, comparable consideration should be made to nominees with less conventional academic profiles, for example, mature nominees with significant and distinguished careers in creative arts or other professional practice.

References Provided by Prospective Supervisors

• The guidance above states:

“Applicants are strongly urged to identify referees who are independent of their proposed supervisory team, unless the applicant is already registered on the PhD programme. Prospective supervisors may provide a reference, but risk disadvantaging a candidate as this may be perceived by assessors as a conflict of interest.”

Please be aware that for some students, the potential supervisor is the best or only viable referee, and in such cases the judgement of the referee should be respected in line with the assumption of academic integrity underpinning the NBCDTP evaluation process.                                                                       

Nominations to the NBCDTP Studentship Competition will be assessed strictly according to the following criteria:

• The quality of the nominee, including their past academic and/or professional performance and experience, likely future performance, and their preparedness for doctoral study in terms of relevant research skills and experience.
• The quality of the research proposal, including the clarity and cogency of the research questions, awareness of relevant research in the field, the sources to be used, and the appropriateness of the proposed approach/methodology.
• The coherence, importance and viability of the proposed research, and in particular the feasibility of completion within 42 months (or 84 months part-time).
• The fit of the supervisory team, including supervisors’ subject expertise in relation to the proposed research; ability to develop nominee’s skills and professional competence; past success in supervising doctoral students; and any involvement in postgraduate training. In identifying supervisory teams, nominees and supervisors should consider the full spectrum of expertise available across the NBCDTP. [1]
• The degree to which the Nomination Form provides a detailed account of how the specific training and development needs of the nominee will be met.
• The quality of the research environment across the NBCDTP, in terms of school/ departmental research strengths, interdisciplinary research groups, clusters, centres, institutes, and external partnerships, as well as the ways in which the nominee will be integrated into this environment.

In addition to the above, Collaborative Doctoral Award nominations will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• The contribution the project will make to the operations of the partner organisation.
• The fit of the supervisors from the partner organisation.
• The account of the quality of skills development opportunities offered by the partner organisation, and how they will meet the specific training and development needs of the nominee.
• The quality of the research environment, in terms of research priorities, facilities and resources at the partner organisation.

The criteria to be used to evaluate nominations are indicated below.

[1] It is worth stressing that, as noted above, cross-institutional supervision is not a requirement; no penalty attaches either way.

The Marking Scheme and Assessment Criteria

Subject Area Review Panels are kindly asked to grade and comment on four aspects of the nomination:      

• Applicant (16);
• Research Proposal (32);
• Supervision (12);
• Training and Development and Research Environment (12);

Giving an aggregate score out of 72.

Nominations that score below 50% of the mark in any area will automatically be considered ineligible for funding.

In assessing the suitability of the applicant for an NBCDTP doctoral award, assessors should consider the following:  

• Do the applicant’s skills and qualifications or work experience (particularly for applicants with non-standard academic trajectories) demonstrate their outstanding potential and preparedness for the proposed doctoral research?
• Do referees focus on the particular abilities of the applicant that make them suitable for postgraduate research, and do they support the applicant unreservedly? Do referees describe any special circumstances or contextual factors of the applicant that should be taken into account? A weak reference is one that indicates significant problems, omits to address key issues, or offers ‘stock’ or general replies with little detail, for example, on previous marks.

Research Proposal

In assessing the quality of the research proposal, assessors should consider the following:

• Research question : Are the research question(s) or problem(s) clearly defined? How important is it that these questions should be addressed? How timely are they?
• Research context : What other research is being, or has been, conducted in this area? What particular contribution will this project make to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in the field? Has the applicant placed their proposal in an appropriate context, giving due consideration to other work in the field?
• Research methods: How, during the PhD, will the applicant seek to answer the questions or address the problems?  Is there an adequate rationale for their chosen research methods? Do the research methods provide an appropriate means by which to answer the research question(s)? Is the research likely to raise ethical or safety issues and, if so, are these addressed in the proposal?
• Practical viability: Does the applicant provide evidence that the project can be feasibly completed within up to three and a half years of full-time funded study or up to seven years of part-time funded study? Have the costs and resource implications of undertaking the fundamental research been adequately considered?

Supervision

This section of the Nomination Form should comment on the suitability of the supervisory team, noting the supervisors’ previous track record of successful supervision and any involvement in postgraduate training. Research expertise and publications that are relevant to the applicant’s project can be included, however it is not advisable to concentrate on the supervisors’ research excellence to the detriment of demonstrating the excellence of the fit between supervisor and research project. When considering the supervisory team, and training and development requirements, schools/departments may look beyond their own institution in order to identify possibilities for cross-consortium supervision. There is no requirement to do so, however, and nominees will not be penalised either way.

A strong application will be one in which the supervisors have expertise in an area closely related to the applicant’s proposal and where, in the case of Collaborative Doctoral Awards, there is clear evidence that the student will be strongly supported by the partner organisation. A strong application will also have considered the opportunities available across the NBCDTP, and built these into the nomination where they add value. In a weak application, the supervisor will not be expert in the area.

Wherever possible, Subject Area Review Panels are asked to take into consideration that the NBCDTP seeks to support research at all partner institutions. As part of that aim, it actively values the distinct research environments of each partner institution and, moreover, seeks to support the building of capacity across the partner institutions, including supporting the development of early career supervisors and others who have not had the opportunity to supervise large numbers of PhD students.

The Descriptors below also include criteria pertinent to Student-led Collaborative Doctoral Awards (in italics).

Training and Research Environment

The nomination should address the ways in which the research strengths of the school/department, as well as any interdisciplinary research groups, clusters, centres, and institutes, specialised facilities/resources, and external partnerships are relevant to the applicant's research project. It should also specify how the applicant will be integrated into this environment.  This section of the Nomination Form should also identify any skills training and professional development needed for the successful completion of the research project. This should be specific to the applicant and their project; please do not include general statements about the generic skills training available within the NBCDTP . When considering training and development requirements, schools/departments are advised to look beyond their own institution in order to identify possibilities for research group participation and training opportunities, including those provided by external organisations.

A strong application will be where: the applicant will be well integrated into the school/department and/or appropriate interdisciplinary structures, and, in the case of collaborative doctoral awards, into the research culture of the partner organisation; facilities or resources are available to support the applicant’s research; and the applicant’s training needs have been fully considered, along with a clear sense of how these will be met. A strong application will also have considered the opportunities available across the NBCDTP and built these into the nomination where appropriate. In a weak application, the school/department or partner organisation will not be a suitable host for the proposed research and/or there will be no interdisciplinary structures to provide a supportive research environment. A weaker application may be characterised by limited consideration of the training needs of the applicant, which may constrain their ability to conduct the research. A weaker application may also lack awareness of the relevant research environment, resources, and training opportunities elsewhere in the NBCDTP.

Once again, Subject Area Review Panels are asked to take into consideration that the NBCDTP seeks to support research at all partner institutions. As part of that aim, it actively values the distinct research environments of each partner institution. Research environments vary for many reasons (including their capacity to attract self-funded PhD students). We ask reviewers to recognise that size alone is not necessarily a good indicator of quality. A relatively small department with a cluster of researchers highly appropriate to the project may be a better environment than a much larger department that lacks a close connection to the applicant’s work.

The Descriptors below also includes criteria pertinent to Collaborative Doctoral Awards (Student-led) in italics:

Guidance for Subject Area Review Panel Comments

Subject Area Review Panels are reminded that comments must address all four areas of the Nomination Form: Applicant , Research Proposal, Supervision , and Training and Development . Please ensure that your comments match the grade descriptors for the mark you award, and that you make reference to each of these four areas in your comments.

We provide here examples of good practice of Subject Area Review Panel comments. These have been anonymised, but are otherwise taken verbatim from Subject Panel review comments. Please note that different scoring systems were used in previous years of the competition (12 for applicant and proposal, 6 for supervisor and environment; we have since shifted to a 16, 32, 12, 12 format).

Sample Comments

Applicant 12: Outstanding achievement with 82 average in final year UG at University of xxx (79% overall) and current average of 77% in MA; second BA graduate in literary studies at University of xxx 2013 and currently top-performing in MA literary studies cohort at xxx University. Proposal 11: Outstanding: proposal identifies a new and potentially very valuable direction in 20thc xxx studies. The combination of formal literary and historico-political approaches is challenging and ambitious, but the outline shows a clear grasp of what’s at stake based on project’s strong foundations. Supervisory Fit 6: Cross-School supervision for this project with experienced and research active supervisors. Training & Environment 6: Outstanding environment and training needs excellently addressed.

Applicant 11: An outstanding candidate with a 2:1 (Hons) in XX as well as a truly unique skillset. The extensive and highly relevant work and research experience go well above and beyond what is required to make up for the lack of a Masters degree. In particular, the candidate has 26 years’ experience in XX Museum, supported by a solid reference, as well as high level commissions and academic research-related contributions, including a ‘Critically Endangered’ award. Overall the candidate demonstrates an excellent capacity and access to the resources to provide lasting impact from this research. Proposal 12: The proposal is unique, specific, and based on outstanding practical experience. The candidate's passion for this research area is made clear throughout the proposal as well as in the provided reference. The research questions are clear and an important part of XX’s heritage, being all the more important as this is currently critically endangered and may be lost if this work is not carried out. Supervisory Fit 6: The supervisory team is a fantastic fit and includes a mix of career stages and experiences in supervision. Training & Environment 6: The chosen university is a perfect fit to this project, as regionally this topic has a particular relevance and the research expertise resides in X university.

Applicant 10: A strong candidate with some very high marks, but really let down by one exceptionally short reference (4 lines!). Proposal 9: Archival research is not a methodology. An interesting idea for a proposal but not as well organised or conveyed as some others; there's limited sense of the broader significance of the topic, and the comparative aspect could have been explained more. Supervisory Fit 4: Supervisory statement is quite broad and the supervisors' expertise has not been related particularly closely to the specific topics to be explored in the proposal. Training & Environment 4: Limited analysis of training needs though good to see that there is consideration of museum and curatorial skills. Good research environment statement.

PhD Studentship: ‘Healthy Systems’: Supporting Physical Activity Systems With Behavioural Science

Newcastle university.

Award Summary

100% of home tuition fees and annual living expenses at UKRI rate (currently £19237 for 24/25) plus a research training support grant of £5000/yr to cover relevant costs. International students are eligible to apply but will be required to make up the difference between home and international fees.

Are you interested in physical activity and keen to bring together different research methods and ideas? We are looking for a student who can contribute to an emerging programme of research, with plenty of scope for student-led developments. The studentship will focus on applying behavioural sciences to explain and inform changes within physical activity systems, with the aim of increasing population levels of physical activity. You will be supported to engage with scholarship from a range of disciplines to understand how, when, and why systems change, and how we can support systems, and those within them, to thrive. You will be trained in a range of research methods and will have the opportunity to engage closely with policy-makers and practitioners in this field.  

Number Of Awards: One

Start Date: 16.09.2024

Award Duration: Three years

Application Closing Date: 8th May 2024

Sponsor: Newcastle University, Faculty of Medical Sciences

Supervisors

Professor Emily Oliver   (Principal Supervisor);   Dr Benjamin Rigby   and   Dr Laura McGowan ; all based in the Population Health Sciences Institute.

Eligibility Criteria

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and particularly those from demographic groups that are underrepresented in higher education and at Newcastle University. We are keen to meet a diverse range of candidates who may have followed different post-degree training and career pathways to date. 

Applicants should possess a minimum 2:1 degree in psychology, public health, behavioural sciences, sport and exercise sciences, or a related field. While a master’s degree with Merit or higher is preferred, it is not mandatory, and we will consider candidates with comparable research experiences. Importantly, candidates must be eager to engage in interdisciplinary research, to work creatively, and to develop advanced research skills. A keen interest in physical activity research is crucial.

If your first language is not English you need an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (at least 5.5 in all sub-skills) or equivalent language qualification. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study this programme.

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s   Apply to Newcastle Portal  

In ‘Course choice’ tab, click ‘Search Course’ put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in 'Type of Study', ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2024’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8370F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’.

Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Population Health Sciences (FT)’, and click ‘Save selection.’ 

Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code ‘PH047’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, please state how your interests and experience relate to the project.  

Contact Details:  Professor Emily Oliver:   [email protected]

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AI for Simulation-Based Training

Closing date: 31 may 2024 apply now.

The research will focus on developing advanced AI techniques to improve analysis and interpretation of data in simulation-based training scenarios for Defence. The project aims to advance AI methodologies to optimise training effectiveness and system capabilities in simulated environments.

New Technologies for Imaging the Impact of Bacterial Biofilms in Chronic Open Wounds

A funded PhD position is available to develop novel imaging techniques for wound monitoring including algorithms for image processing and prediction. The PhD student will become part of a large multidisciplinary team who are focused on improving outcomes for patients with chronic wounds.

Odyssey Travel Scholarship

This scholarship has been established to support students studying a PhD in Classics or Ancient History to increase their knowledge and understanding of the Greek and/or Roman world through experiencing the landscape, geography, culture and artefacts of the countries and regions bordering the northern Mediterranean

The Australian Wildlife Society Research Conservation Awards

Phd opportunity.

The Australian Wildlife Society Research Conservation Awards are funded by the Australian Wildlife Society.

Waratah Scholarships (NSW Department of Education)

Top-up scholarship.

The NSW Department of Education would like to support current and future RTP candidates with an additional $10,000 in areas that address state research priorities.

Neural Principles of Multi-Sensor Vision Systems in Rail Safety Applications

Closing date: 01 june 2024 apply now.

The project will develop new deep learning methods to improve machine vision comprising several sensors in collaboration with industry partners 4AI Systems and 4Tel Pty Ltd.

3D-Printing in the Micro-and Nano-Scale

Closing date: 31 july 2024 apply now.

This project aims to develop a 3D-printing platform that is capable of printing micro- and nanostructures such as functional nanofibers, nanofiber mesh and 3D scaffolds that mimic microstructures of tissues.

Quantifying the Hofmeister Series in Complex Electrolytes

Closing date: 01 december 2024 apply now.

This project will apply quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics simulations to the study of Hofmeister and specific ion effects in complex electrolytes, including non-aqueous solvents, deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids.

Glenn and Ken Moss PhD Scholarships in Engineering Research

Closing date: 01 january 2018 apply now.

This donor funded supplementation scholarship has been established and funded for University of Newcastle students studying PhD (Mechanical Engineering) or PhD (Mechatronics). If a candidate is not available in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics, then the scholarship may be offered to a student from another Engineering Discipline.

Judy Kennedy Research Scholarship in Mental Health

The scholarship should be awarded to a student whose research aims to improve the care and outcomes for people with mental illness and their families.

Understanding, Optimizing, and Safeguarding the Thermal Desorption and Destruction of PFAS

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.

Progressive Voices/Movements in Islamic Theology in the (Post-)Secular Society of 21st Century

Closing date: 31 december 2025 apply now.

PhD research on “Progressive Voices/Movements in Islamic Theology in the (Post-)Secular Society of 21st Century”

Recently expired PhD Scholarships

Tracking Climate Changes by Space Gravity Measurements

Closing date: 29 february 2024 apply now.

This is a research opportunity for PhD students who are interested in learning satellite tracking (radar and laser) technology, Earth's gravity field variations, and climate changes by hydrological extremes (flooding/droughts) and melting ice, as well as solid Earth deformation.

An In-Built Depolymerisation Solution for Polyethylene Waste

Closing date: 01 march 2024 apply now.

This project aims to design polymer coated enzymes that can be embedded into polyethylene, and later activated by the elevated temperatures of a compost heap, to depolymerise the plastic to small molecules.

Exploring the Benefits of Walk-and-Talk Therapy vs Traditional Indoor Therapy for Men with Low Mood

Closing date: 08 march 2024 apply now.

This PhD scholarship will be aligned with a randomised trial examining the effectiveness of outdoor walk-and-talk therapy for men with low mood, compared to traditional indoor therapy.

Edith Ethel Ward Perpetual PhD Scholarship

Closing date: 07 april 2024 apply now.

This donor funded scholarship has been established and funded for a maximum of 3 years (full-time equivalent) for a current Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate in the College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing. The supplementation scholarship provides a benefit of $10,000 per annum for up to a maximum of 3 years (full-time) for a PhD program.

Graduate Research [email protected] +61 2 4921 6537

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

Are you visiting our site from South Asia ? Head to our dedicated page with all the information you need to study at the University of Newcastle. Close

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Find out more about PhD Studentships

In partnership with

EPSRC Studentships

Please note that we will not be reopening for applications after recruiting our fifth and final cohort who started in September 2023. 

We have a minimum of 11 fully-funded EPSRC PhD studentship awards available across Newcastle University and the University of Nottingham in addition to fully-funded Industry led studentships.

Students are welcome to apply with their own research vision which we will help shape during the first year of the programme, our MRes in Geospatial Systems, with input from research teams at both Newcastle University and University of Nottingham. We also have a number of CDT Projects available for direct applications.

Funding and Eligibility

Successful applicants will receive full fees and an annual living allowance which is based on the UKRI 2023/24 rate (estimated minimum award £18,550). A substantive Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £22,000 to cover the costs for consumables, travel, conferences, and access to placement opportunities with industrial partners.

We welcome applications from Home and International (incl. EU) students from a range  of backgrounds, including  Computing, Engineering, Geography, Geomatics, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Physics, Economics and related disciplines, and are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion to  ensure fair opportunity for all. P lease note that there are a limited number of international awards available and fees are at UK home rate only, students may be required to top up to overseas rate.

How to apply

Applicants wishing to be considered should apply directly to Newcastle University or University of Nottingham quoting the relevant studentship code on their application and supporting documents.

Studentship codes can be found on each project outline, if you would like to submit your own research idea, please use code GEO23_00.

Industry Studentships

Information on projects fully funded by our industry partners will appear here when available for applications. Unfortunately, our Industry funded studentships are only available to UK students.

Submit an application for an advertised research project

Academic colleagues from across Newcastle University and the University of Nottingham have submitted projects for applications. These projects are suitable for students who would like to join the CDT but have not yet formed their own, individual research idea and will introduce students to a diverse range of research teams.

Unfortunately, all our EPSRC funded studentships have now been filled. We are still accepting applications for the industry funded opportunities above. 

When applying for a specific project, please include the project application reference number on your supporting documents.

Submit an application with your own research idea

We welcome applications from students who would like to develop their own research idea. We will help form this during the first year of our programme with input from research teams at Newcastle University and University of Nottingham.

Our existing students have joined the CDT from a very diverse range of backgrounds and have been enabled to complete their PhD research on a topic they feel passionate about.

Please visit our current cohort profile pages to see what our students are currently studying.

PhD studentships

We provide a number of studentships for clinical and non-clinical phd projects with the nihr newcastle biomedical research centre (brc)..

The NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is the only one of 20 BRCs across England  that is dedicated to the study of ageing and multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) across eight key research areas . 

Our experimental medicine and translational research turns innovative ideas and discoveries into practical benefits for patients and the NHS, as well as contributing to the local and national economy. ​

We are a partnership between Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, and Newcastle University, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Our research themes bring together a dynamic team of internationally recognised researchers, in the areas where we believe we can have the greatest impact on improving people’s health.

My PhD journey

Hear from previous PhD students about their experiences with the NIHR Newcastle BRC.

“People within this [NIHR] network are incredibly supportive and motivated to push the quality of research forward. I always felt like having an ally next to me opening for me several opportunities and ways in order for me to make the best choices for my research.”

Ramtin Mehraram, PhD student

“I gained holistic scientific training, as well as the opportunity to develop personal and professional relationships. These have nurtured my capacities as a scientific thinker, writer, and communicator.”

Leena Habiballa, PhD student

“NIHR focuses on improving both the quality of research as well as careers of researchers. I am thankful to the NIHR for funding my research and for providing constant career support through events and workshops.”

Sadaf Iqbal, PhD student

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2 fully funded PhD studentships in Newcastle University

• MRC funded – Deadline 17 Dec, on C. difficile  sporulation proteins; co-supervisor Dr Jamie Blaza, University of York

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Morning Rundown: Jan. 6 rioter and a Capitol Police officer on the ballot, woman says singer's stage dive left her seriously injured, and an orca attack sinks a yacht

Arizona State scholar on leave after video of verbal attack on woman in hijab goes viral

An Arizona State University postdoctoral research scholar is on leave as the institution investigates his confrontation with a woman in a hijab that was captured on video, the school said Tuesday.

The confrontation happened Sunday during a pro-Israel rally just outside campus in Tempe. Viral cellphone video shows the scholar, Jonathan Yudelman, and another man, not identified, confront the woman, who was wearing a hijab.

It's not clear what happened before the video captures Yudelman facing off with the woman, but in the clip, he said, "I’m literally in your face — that’s right."

The woman backs away as Yudelman repeatedly advances, sometimes with his hands raised, and gets inches away from her.

"You’re disrespecting my religious boundaries," the woman says.

"You disrespect my sense of humanity, b----," Yudelman says back.

In a statement, the Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the incident, calling for "law enforcement to arrest Arizona State University (ASU) professor Jonathan Yudelman for allegedly harassing and assaulting a Muslim woman in a hijab during his participation in a pro-Israel protest near campus."

"Such behavior is not only discriminatory but also violates the fundamental principles of academic integrity and respect for diversity that professors should uphold inside and outside of the classroom," said Azza Abuseif, executive director of the chapter, who called on ASU to fire Yudelman.

On Tuesday, the university responded to the video and criticism of Yudelman.

"ASU is aware of the allegations against Jonathan Yudelman and is investigating them," it said in a statement. "Dr. Yudelman is on leave and will remain so pending the outcome of the investigation."

Yudelman did not respond to requests for comment sent to his ASU email address and through contacts at other institutions he has been affiliated with recently.

NBC affiliate KPNX of Phoenix interviewed Yudelman before the confrontation. He described pro-Palestinian protests at universities across the country as "campuses being taken over by supporters of terrorism" and decried what he described as "Jewish students' being intimidated."

"It was important to come out and make a statement for the community," he said.

A campus rabbi who advises students who organized the pro-Israel rally and who spoke at the event didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. One of the student groups that organized the event Sunday, Chabad at ASU, also didn't respond.

The university's Students for Justice in Palestine chapter also didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Yudelman is a scholar at ASU's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership. The university listed him as teaching classes titled "Great Debates in American Politics" and "Great Ideas of Politics and Ethics."

He is also listed as an assistant professor of political theory in intellectual foundation at the University of Austin in Texas, and he has also held postdoctoral positions at Princeton, Harvard and Baylor, according to his University of Austin biography .

"His current research focuses on early modern political theory, the idea of progress, sources of political authority, and the intersection of politics and religion," it says.

Yudelman is listed as being on the faculty of the Tikvah Fund , a nonprofit organization in New York City that promotes Jewish ideas and describes itself on its website as “politically Zionist, economically free-market oriented, culturally traditional, and theologically open-minded.”

A spokesperson for Arizona State said around 100 people attended Sunday's pro-Israel rally, which was in contrast to global protests and campus encampments critical of Israel's warfare in neighboring Gaza following Hamas militants' surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

The spokesperson said one person not affiliated with the school was arrested and accused of spray-painting university property during a "pro-Palestine" rally the previous weekend.

Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

Graduation 2024: Congratulations to School of Medicine Graduates!

Congratulations to the 446 students from the Duke University School of Medicine who graduated on Sunday, May 12, 2024, marking the successful culmination of their hard work and dedication. Students received degrees in the following programs:

MD and MD/PhD Graduates

Medical Physics MS and PhD Graduates

Doctor of Physical Therapy Graduates

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Graduates

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Why have student protests against Israel’s war in Gaza gone global?

Ceasefire and divestment calls have spread beyond US campuses, with more expected as Rafah offensive begins

University campuses around the world have been the stage of a growing number of protests by students demanding academic institutions divest from companies supplying arms to Israel .

The protests, which first spread across college campuses in the US, have reached universities in the UK, the rest of Europe , as well as Lebanon and India.

The students say they are voicing their opposition to, what they describe as, their university’s “complicity” in Israel’s assault on Gaza that has killed more than 34,700 people. Israel said its military offensive was a response to the attack by Hamas militants on 7 October, when about 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage.

More than 2,500 demonstrators have been arrested in the US so far, with protests on college campuses attracting global media attention and reaction from Palestinians trapped in the besieged Gaza.

More protests are expected, with the Israeli assault on Rafah drawing international condemnation. Some students have begun hunger strikes in protest against their university’s “silence and inaction”.

Where are the protests happening?

Demonstrations have been staged at nearly 140 college campuses in the US, spanning 45 states and Washington DC since protests began at Columbia University in New York. 

Dramatic scenes unfolded at Columbia about a week ago when more than 100 students were arrested after police officers entered the campus. 

The university called on the police to tackle demonstrators who had occupied Hamilton Hall, renaming it Hind’s Hall, after a six-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed in Gaza. 

Afterwards, Joe Biden, rejected claims that the protests were non-violent. “Destroying property is not a peaceful protest; it’s against the law,” the US president said.

Biden added: “There is no place for hate speech or violence of any kind, whether it’s antisemitism, Islamophobia, or discrimination against Arab Americans or Palestinian Americans.”

Since then, students at about 14 UK universities have also set up encampments.

Hala Hanina, a Palestinian student who has been involved in protests at the Newcastle University, said: “It’s so important for the student community and British community that they are fighting for justice.”

More than a dozen students at Princetonand 10 students at Edinburgh have said they will begin a hunger strike in protest at their university’s policies.

Prof Peter Mathieson, the principal and vice-chancellor at Edinburgh, said: “We have very recently been notified of the intention of an unknown number of students to commence a hunger strike as an indication of their strength of feeling and determination around issues related to Palestine and Israel.

“While we recognise their bodily autonomy, we appeal to them and others not to take risks with their own health, safety and wellbeing. We are in daily contact with the protesters to ensure they are aware of the health and wellbeing support available to them.”

What is the situation in mainland Europe?

Small protests have taken place at universities including in France, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain, although most were swiftly cleared by police.

The largest was at the University of Amsterdam where riot police, acting at the request of university authorities, city hall and public prosecutors, moved in early on Tuesday morning to break up an encampment that had sprung up on Monday.

Police used a mechanical digger to break down barricades of pallets and bicycles erected by the protesters and used batons to disperse the crowd – 125 of whom refused to leaveand were arrested. Most were released after a few hours.

The university said: “We share the anger and bewilderment over the war, and we understand that there are protests over it. We stress that within the university, dialogue about it is the only answer.”

What are the student protesters calling for?

Many want universities to sell off shares, assets or other investments in companies linked to Israel and its war in Gaza, a move known as divestment.

Activists say universities and colleges investing in Israeli companies or organisations doing business in Israel are “complicit” in the war in Gaza. 

The protesters are also calling for a ceasefire, for universities to acknowledge the conflict in the besieged Palestinian territory as a “genocide” and to “condemn the destruction of all of Gaza’s universities”.

Some students have also fused their demands on Gaza with their calls for universities to help tackle the climate crisis.

More than 100 students occupied Ghent University in Belgium calling for concrete action to meet the institution’s 2030 climate plans, as well as demanding it cuts ties with companies connected to the Israeli military.

The university did not respond to a request for comment but its director, Rick Van de Walle, posted a statement saying its ethical policies would not change, adding: “No deviation from the existing human rights policy will be used with regard to one particular country, in this case Israel.”

How have universities responded?

There has been a varied response from academic institutions to student protests, ranging from dramatic crackdowns to negotiations. 

Brown University in Rhode Island brokered an agreement with students last week that the institution’s highest governing body, the Corporation, would vote on divestment from companies affiliated with Israel during a meeting in October. In return, students cleared the encampments.

Northwestern University in Illinois and the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, have also reached agreements with students, while Columbia has called off its main graduation ceremony.  

An occupation at Goldsmiths in London also came to an end after the university agreed to the students’ demands, including the renaming of a lecture hall after the Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, humanitarian scholarships for Palestinian students and a review of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism.

• Israel-Gaza war
• Universities
• US campus protests
• Palestinian territories

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School of Human Resources and Labor Relations College of Social Science

School of human resources and labor relations phd candidate uriel saldivar receives the college of social science graduate student teaching award.

HRLR PhD candidate, Uriel Saldivar.

Uriel is a published researcher with interests in leadership, negotiated work arrangements, and remote work. He aspires to become a research professor in management upon completing his PhD. Uriel teaches HRLR 315, Research Methods and Analysis; HRLR 211, Introduction to Organizational Leadership; and HRLR 212, Career Management.

The Graduate Student Teaching Award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated evidence of dedication to instruction through experimentation and successful implementation of innovative techniques and/or contribution to the scholarship of teaching and learning, including experiential learning; and evidence of excellence in instruction as demonstrated by the impact on students' careers and colleagues' teaching/advising practices.

Uriel's PhD advisor Dr. Chenwei Liao noted, "As a first-generation college student, Uriel values the transformative power of education and integrates this perspective into his teaching to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in his classes. His dynamic teaching style captures students' attention, while his openness encourages active participation from students of all backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning community. Thanks to his outstanding teaching, students often remark that they completely forgot he was a first-time professor due to his exceptional teaching skills."

His students describe Uriel as an engaging, compassionate, and inspiring instructor who is focused on building authentic relationships and helping students learn. "Uriel is an empathetic instructor and is willing to offer support when students are in need. He wants students to learn the material of the course in ways that are applicable to their careers, not just for exams. His classroom is an inclusive space for all to explore their identities as a leader and as a future human resources professional," shared student Maura L.

"Besides research, teaching has also been a rewarding aspect of my doctoral journey in the School of Human Resources & Labor Relations at MSU. The CSS graduate student teaching award only further motivates me to continue serving our students to the best of my ability. I would like to thank everyone involved in this award nomination and the College of Social Science for this opportunity," said Uriel.

Uriel Saldivar's achievement exemplifies the high caliber of education within the College of Social Science, and we look forward to seeing how he will continue to shape the field of management and human resources in the years to come.

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Preparations underway for Liberty University’s 51st Commencement

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May 8, 2024 : By Office of Communications & Public Engagement

Liberty University is gearing up for its 51st Commencement — projected to be one of its largest in its history — with ceremonies running from Thursday through Saturday. Approximately 10,800 graduates have registered to participate in degree ceremonies, and the university estimates about 60,000 graduates, family, and friends will flock to Liberty Mountain over the three-day period.

Last week, crews began setting up the stage and field seats in Williams Stadium for the Commencement Main Ceremony, scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and featuring U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) as keynote speaker. Staff from Liberty’s Emergency Management and Community Engagement Office and Grounds Department have been setting up barricades around campus to help with traffic and create safe pedestrian walkways for the events. On Monday morning, the Registrar’s Office kicked off the week with a large planning session for the staff responsible for running all the events.

More than 29,000* degrees will be conferred at 28 individual degree presentation ceremonies set for 2 and 6 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday. All degree ceremonies and the main ceremony will be streamed live from the  Commencement website .

The university will hold its annual Military Graduate Recognition Ceremony on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Thomas Road Baptist Church. The ceremony honors all service members, veterans, and military spouses who have completed their degree during the 2023-24 academic year. In addition, Liberty will hold two commissioning ceremonies for Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC on Saturday.

Visitors can download a Weekend Guide to the Commencement activities and are encouraged to download the Champion Safe App (on Apple Store or Google Play ) for up-to-date information on activities and safety alerts throughout Commencement. Updates and FAQs are also available on the Commencement website and Facebook page . Additionally, information booths will set up at Williams Stadium, the Vines Center/Liberty Arena, Thomas Road Baptist Church, and the Liberty Multipurpose Center.

“It definitely can be challenging with the large numbers on campus, but I love how I’ve heard President (Dondi) Costin refer to Commencement as our Super Bowl,” said Lori Baker, Liberty’s Senior Associate Registrar for Student Services & Records and Program Manager for Commencement. “It’s our big time to celebrate why we’re here, and for our graduates it’s about celebrating that they’re finishing a major goal and moving along the path to their dreams.”

Returning this year is the Graduate Reception, set for Friday from 1-3 p.m. on the Academic Lawn. The event will be a time for graduates to meet and greet faculty, visit with students and professors from other departments, and enjoy light refreshments and fellowship with their classmates.

“We want to give our graduates more opportunities to connect with the faculty in their program during Commencement,” Baker said. “We anticipate this will be a very highly attended event.”

Tents will be set up for each school and for various campus departments, such as the Alumni Relations Office and Flames Club.

With a large majority of the graduates (more than 24,000) having earned their degrees through  Liberty University Online Programs , Baker estimates that 75 percent of the graduates attending Commencement will be visiting campus for the first time.

“This is such a great opportunity for our university and our community to show off our campus and everything it has to offer,” she said. “It’s very exciting to see a lot of these graduates and guests on campus because they are just happy to be here, see campus, and meet people face-to-face who have worked with them over the course of their time with Liberty. We want them to have a great experience while they are here.”

While on campus, guests are encouraged to take a campus tour (start at the Hancock Welcome Center), the Legacy of Faith Historic Walk around campus, and visit Lynchburg’s tallest landmark, the Freedom Tower. For those arriving early, Liberty Baseball  will be hosting Virginia Tech tonight (Wednesday) at 6 p.m.

Commencement festivities officially begin today (Wednesday) with a Commencement Welcome Fair from 1-5 p.m. in the Montview Alumni Ballroom, where graduates can pick up their honor or military cords, reader cards, purchase a T-shirt, and have formal regalia photos taken. The fair will continue on Thursday and Friday as graduates arrive to campus.

For the Main Ceremony, gates at William Stadium will open at 3 p.m. Friday. Metal detectors will be at all gates, and Liberty’s  clear bag policy  will be in effect.

The university has announced several road closures throughout the events. Guests should anticipate heavy traffic on Friday leading up to the Main Ceremony and between degree presentation ceremonies on Thursday and Saturday. Parking and shuttle services will be available at multiple campus locations throughout Commencement.

2024 Commencement Facts

Total Liberty University and Liberty University Online Academy Graduates –  29,359*

•   LUO Graduates – 24,217 (83%)
• Resident Graduates – 3,866 (13%)
• Online Academy Graduates – 1,276 (4%)

Degrees conferred

• Associates – 1,279
• Bachelors – 11,471
• Certificates – 2,274
• Masters – 10,054
• Juris Doctorate – 111
• Osteopathic Medicine – 146
• Doctoral – 2,967
• High School Diploma – 1,276
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Business Administration
• Criminal Justice
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Arts in Executive Leadership
• Doctor of Education: Educational Leadership
• Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education
• Business Administration: Finance
• Biomedical Sciences
• Juris Doctorate

Top states represented by graduates: Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, California, Tennessee

Top countries represented by graduates: United States, Canada, Korea, Germany, Bahamas, United Kingdom, Japan, China, Bermuda, Nigeria

Military graduates

• Military – 6,066
• Military Spouse Only – 2,536
• Active Duty – 2,162

Family pairs

• Married – 25 pairs
• Parent/Child – 69 pairs
• Siblings – 186 pairs
• Twins – 22 pairs
• 4,094 with a perfect 4.0 GPA
• 5,770 graduating with honors

Top 5 degree programs

• Bachelor of Science: Interdisciplinary Studies
• Master of Arts: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Bachelor of Science: Psychology
• Bachelor of Science: Business Administration

Average age: 35

Oldest graduate: 81, earning a graduate degree in aeronautics

Youngest graduates: Liberty has two graduates who are 15, one earning an associate’s and one earning a bachelor’s degree

Male/female ratio: Male: 40%, Female: 60%

*All data reported is based on preliminary numbers for the 2023-24 academic year.

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U.S. Sen. Tim Scott delivers Commencement keynote address at Liberty University

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All you need to know about postgraduate tuition fees at Newcastle University.

• Tuition Fees
• Newcastle University
• Postgraduate
• Fees and Funding

About tuition fees

You'll find full details of expected fees on each course page . This will be detailed in the Fees and Funding section.  The fee amount reflects the cost of one year, longer courses will have additional fees. Some courses involve intensive laboratory, clinical or fieldwork so may have higher fees.

Home students registering for an eligible taught postgraduate course with a September start date can pay for their annual tuition fees in six installments.

Read more about our tuition fee installments scheme

International students and research students need to pay half of their annual tuition fees to register at the university in September. The second half of your fees will be due in the following January.

Tuition fees are usually payable for each year of your study. If you begin your studies mid-year, you will only pay the proportion of your tuition fee due to cover the period to the end of the academic year.

If your course lasts longer than an academic year, the fee due in the following September will normally be higher than in the previous year, due to an inflationary increase.

Further fee payment information for international and research students can be found on our student welcome website.

Visit our student welcome website

We want to protect you by making sure you don't take unnecessary risks with your money. Therefore we do not accept cash as payments. We offer you many other payment options by safer and more secure means.

Find out more about tuition fee payment methods

University tuition fees are not subject to exchange control regulations for Chinese students.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance  here .

Part-time fees for international students do not apply as your student visa requires you to study full time. There are occasional exceptions to this.

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

You may be unsure if you have home or international fee status.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance on who is eligible for home fees.

Find out more about the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)

We will assess your fee status using the information in your postgraduate application. In some cases, we may ask you to complete a fees assessment questionnaire and send us extra documents. Confirmation of our assessment of your fees status will be in your offer letter.

Find out how to apply for a postgraduate course

We offer the following tuition fee discount schemes:

• a £1,000 Alumni Progression Scholarship for eligible International and UK Newcastle University alumni 
• a 20% Alumni Progression Discount for eligible UK Newcastle University alumni from disadvantaged backgrounds
• 2% tuition fee discount if you pay your annual tuition fees in full before or by the end of registration week
• 10% International Family Discount available for close relatives of our international students

Other funding awards can cover the cost of tuition fees.

Visit our funding page to find out what you could be eligible for