Research Councils
The seven UK Research Councils are publicly funded bodies that support research and studentships across the range of subject areas. The Research Councils support around 15,500 doctoral students. The high numbers of awards received by our graduates recognise the quality of the world-class research carried out in Oxford.
Around 50 Research Council college partnership awards are also available for 2013-14. Details of the awards are on the Research Council college partnership award webpage.
Full awards (fees plus a generous grant for living expenses) are open to UK nationals and EU students who can satisfy UK residency requirements. EU nationals who do not meet the residency requirements may be eligible for a fees-only award. For full details about eligibility requirements and how to apply, please use the individual Research Council links below.
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
The AHRC supports world-class research that furthers our understanding of human culture and creativity. Information about AHRC scholarships at Oxford can be found on the Humanities Division website.
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
The UK’s principal funder of basic and strategic biological research.
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
The main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences.
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
The UK’s largest funding agency for research and graduate training relating to social and economic issues. Information about ESRC scholarships at Oxford can be found at the Social Sciences Division website.
Medical Research Council (MRC)
The MRC promotes research into all areas of medical and related science with the aims of improving the health and quality of life of the UK public and contributing to the wealth of the nation. The University of Oxford receives a Doctoral Training Grant from the MRC each year, which is divided across departments and split into several studentships. These studentships are awarded to students by the University via open competition. In addition, the University bids in MRC competitions for Industrial CASE Awards and Capacity Building Studentships. Following successful bids, studentships are advertised by the University and awarded to students via open competition.
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
NERC’s mission is to gather and apply knowledge, improve understanding and predict the behaviour of the natural environment and its resources. It offers studentships in atmospheric, earth, terrestrial and aquatic sciences.
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
The STFC, formed from a merger of Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council and the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils, offers studentships in astronomy and nuclear and particle physics.