LJMU PhD Scholarships 2027 | 20 Funded UK Studentships

The LJMU Vice-Chancellor's PhD Scholarships Scheme supports talented researchers and high-quality doctoral projects that contribute to Liverpool John Moores University's research priorities.

The 2027 competition marks the scheme's 12th year and supports the university's Strategy 2030. LJMU encourages multidisciplinary research and collaboration across academic disciplines.

Applications are assessed on the quality of the candidate, the proposed research project and the supervisory team. Successful applicants will undertake doctoral research within the university's academic faculties.

LJMU PhD Scholarships 2027 Overview

• Scholarship: Vice-Chancellor's PhD Scholarships Scheme 2027

• Host country: United Kingdom

• University: Liverpool John Moores University

• Study level: PhD

• Available awards: Up to 20 studentships

• Full-time funding: Course fees, stipend and research bench fees

• Duration: Three years full-time or six years part-time

• Application deadline: 29 January 2027, 5:00 p.m. UK time

The scholarship provides different funding arrangements for full-time and part-time doctoral students.

1. Full Course Fee Coverage

Successful full-time and part-time studentship recipients have their eligible course fees paid.

This benefit is available under both scholarship arrangements, including for eligible international applicants.

2. Annual Stipend for Full-Time Students

Full-time scholarship recipients receive a doctoral stipend for three years.

The university directs applicants to its Doctoral Academy for the applicable stipend rate rather than specifying a fixed amount on the 2027 scholarship page.

Important: The exact annual stipend should be confirmed with LJMU before publication or acceptance of an award.

3. Research Bench Fee Support

Full-time studentships include a research bench fee allocation, currently £1,600 per year.

This amount is awarded to the lead supervisor to support eligible research costs. It is not an additional personal allowance paid directly to the student.

4. Three Years of Full-Time Support

Full-time awards provide funding for three years, covering course fees, the applicable stipend and research bench fees.

The university's published scheme does not automatically promise accommodation, international flights, visa fees or relocation allowances.

5. Six Years of Part-Time Fee Support

Part-time scholarships cover course fees for six years.

Part-time recipients do not receive a stipend or bench-fee allocation under this scheme.

6. Research and Professional Development

Successful candidates can undertake doctoral research with LJMU supervisors in a range of academic disciplines.

Research training and collaboration with relevant academic teams form part of the proposed doctoral project.

Related: Discover more fully funded international scholarships on OHUB.

The official scholarship application requires:

• Completed VC PhD Scholarship application form

• Student information and academic details

• Lay summary of the proposed research, up to 250 words

• Detailed research proposal and training plan

• Statement linking the project to LJMU Strategy 2030 or the relevant faculty research plan

• Details of the proposed supervisory team

• Completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring form

Important: LJMU states that no additional materials are expected with the scholarship application. Extra documents will not be included in the assessment.

Successful candidates will later complete a separate formal postgraduate research admission application, which may require qualifications, references and other admission documents.

Applicants must meet the university's academic and scholarship requirements.

• Nationality: UK and eligible international applicants

• Academic qualification: Must meet the requirements for PhD study at LJMU

• Study level: New PhD applicants, not students already enrolled on a Level 8 programme

• Research proposal: A high-quality doctoral project aligned with university research priorities

• Supervisor: An eligible LJMU lead supervisor must be identified

• Study mode: Full-time or part-time, subject to relevant requirements

Students currently completing a master's degree must finish it before their planned PhD enrolment in August or September 2027.

The scheme does not fund professional doctorates or other non-PhD Level 8 programmes.

Can International and African Students Apply?

Yes. The LJMU Vice-Chancellor's PhD Scholarships 2027 accept applications from eligible non-UK citizens, including international applicants from many African countries.

However, applicants must carefully review the university's current country restrictions and visa requirements.

The LJMU Vice-Chancellor's PhD Scholarship application process differs from many other doctoral funding opportunities because the lead supervisor must submit the scholarship application.

Step 1: Visit the Official Scholarship Website

Open the LJMU Vice-Chancellor's PhD Scholarships 2027 page.

Review the scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, research priorities and application instructions.

Step 2: Develop Your Research Idea

Identify a research topic that matches your academic background and the university's research priorities.

Your proposal should explain the research question, objectives, methods and expected contribution.

Step 3: Identify an Eligible Lead Supervisor

Find an LJMU academic whose research expertise matches your proposed project.

The lead supervisor must be a permanent academic staff member at Lecturer or Senior Lecturer level or above.

Applications without an eligible lead supervisor will not be accepted.

Step 4: Prepare the Scholarship Application

Work with your proposed supervisor to complete the official scholarship application form.

The application must include a lay summary of up to 250 words, a detailed research proposal, a training plan and a statement connecting the project to LJMU's research strategy.

Step 5: Complete Any Required External Partner Review

If your research project involves an external organisation, the proposed collaboration must be reviewed by the university's Research and Innovation Services team.

Applicants should allow sufficient time for this process before the deadline.

Step 6: Confirm International Applicant Requirements

International applicants should follow the university's instructions for confirming their eligibility, English-language requirements and visa arrangements.

Check the official scholarship page for the appropriate contact and guidance.

Step 7: Ask Your Lead Supervisor to Submit the Application

The completed scholarship application must be submitted by the eligible LJMU lead supervisor using the official submission instructions.

Applicants should not submit the supervisor's scholarship application themselves.

The deadline is 29 January 2027 at 5:00 p.m. UK time.

Step 8: Submit the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

The student applicant must personally submit the completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring form using the instructions on the official scholarship page.

The form must include the student's name and must arrive before the same deadline.

The supervisor should not submit this form on the student's behalf.

Step 9: Wait for the Scholarship Decision

LJMU expects to inform applicants and their lead supervisors of the outcome by 15 April 2027.

Step 10: Complete Formal PhD Admission if Successful

Successful scholarship candidates must then complete the university's formal postgraduate research admission application.

Applicants should not complete this separate admission application before receiving the scholarship outcome, in accordance with the scheme's instructions.

Related: Find more fully funded PhD scholarships with upcoming deadlines on OHUB.