China Scholarship Council and University of Exeter PhD Scholarships

The University of Exeter combines world-class research with high levels of student satisfaction at its campuses in Exeter and Cornwall, South West England. Formed in 1955, the University has around 25,000 students from 130 different countries. The University of Exeter is the UK’s fastest growing research university. We are leaders in cutting-edge science, engineering, mathematics, and medicine research, and have a world-class reputation in the humanities and social sciences.

The University of Exeter is proud to offer up to 50 full-time PhD scholarships in collaboration with the China Scholarship Council (CSC), for September 2023/24 entry

As a Russell Group University our research makes a difference across the world. We believe in breaking down traditional barriers between academic disciplines so the bigger problems of the 21st Century can be considered from human as well as physical perspectives. We are constantly seeking new ways to engage with partners to build productive relationships that tackle some of the fundamental issues facing humankind.

Our broad research themes align to the three Faculties where expertise is often combined across the sciences, humanities and social sciences creating a culture of collaborative and interdisciplinary research.  Our Research Institutes demonstrate the nature and scope of our interdisciplinary research.

Application deadline midday 4 January 2023.

» About the China Scholarship Council

Our Research Institutes

The Global Systems Institute (GSI)

The Global Systems Institute (GSI) is applying Earth system science to generating networked solutions. By bringing together a truly transdisciplinary group of researchers, educators and impact generators, who span relevant parts of the sciences, mathematics, engineering, social sciences, arts and humanities, GSI seeks to understand, monitor and model complex environmental systems and scope-out sustainable futures. In partnership with the Met Office Hadley Centre, GSI is leading a team of experts in performing the central analysis for this nationally-important programme under the UK’s Climate Change Act.

The Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI)

The Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) is an interdisciplinary centre leading cutting-edge research into solutions to problems of environmental change and enhancing peoples’ lives by improving their relationships with the environment. The ESI’s four key research themes include Energy, materials and Resources, Biodiversity and ecosystem services, Environmental Stewardship and Citizenship, and Ecosystem Health. The ESI houses researchers with backgrounds in fields as various as Geography, Mathematics, Mining, Renewable Energy, Ecology, Microbiology, Politics, Business and Health.

The Living Systems Institute (LSI)

The Living Systems Institute (LSI) pioneers transformative science to engineer control of complex biological systems. LSI merges research in biology and medicine with ground breaking physical sciences technologies and powerful mathematical modelling capabilities, to address key challenges in fields including, though not limited to, molecular bioscience, anti-microbial resistance, neuroscience and developmental & stem cell biology. LSI is now home to 27 research teams, comprising biologists, engineers, physicists and mathematicians.

The Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (IDSAI)

Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (IDSAI) provides a hub for data-intensive science and artificial intelligence (AI) activity within the University and the wider region. IDSAI carries out basic research in advanced data analytics, from foundations and method development to wider-ranging applications with particular strengths in climate, environment, sustainability and health. As a truly interdisciplinary research institute. IDSAI is home to data scientists, mathematicians, and computer specialists across the Faculties, Research Institutes, and Departments at the University of Exeter, and works closely with industry and government, for instance with key partners such as the Alan Turing Institute.‌

The Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM)

Despite their huge burden and high rates of death, fungal infections remain understudied compared with other infectious diseases and there is a pressing need for more research in this field with more than 1.5 million deaths worldwide each year caused by fungal infections. The Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM) at the University of Exeter focuses on performing cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and on training the next generation of scientists to increase research capacity in this neglected field in the UK and worldwide. Experts in the field have identified three priorities that require urgent attention:

(i) to improve our ability to detect fungal infections, by developing robust, rapid, simple and cheaper diagnostics;
(ii) to generate better, safer and more effective antifungal drugs;
(iii) to enhance the understanding of fungal virulence and host antifungal immunity, and to exploit these discoveries to help tackle these devastating infections.

Our vision is being achieved by continuing to deliver on the following objectives over the next years: 1) Research – Innovative and Interdisciplinary; 2) Training and Capacity Building;  3) Translation to Clinic and Industry; and 4) Communication – Public Engagement and Scientific Dissemination‌.

Applications for 2023 entry are now open!

Stage 1 – Apply to the University of Exeter

Please see the following web page for details on how to apply https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=4627

Stage 2 – Apply to the China Scholarship Council (CSC)

If successful, you will need to apply for CSC funding by following the guidelines specified by the China Scholarship Council.  For further information please visit their website https://www.csc.edu.cn

Important Dates for 2023/24 applicants:

Deadline for receipt of application to the University of Exeter – midday Wednesday 4th January 2023

CSC applications open -To be announced

CSC applications close – To be announced

Announcement of successful scholars- June 2023

For general information about studying at the University of Exeter, you can contact International Student Recruitment – East Asia Team based in Beijing and Shanghai at the following email address: eastasia@exeter.ac.uk