Are you an ambitious graduate looking to pursue a PhD in the United Kingdom and contribute to innovative research that addresses important academic, social, scientific and technological challenges? The Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships Scheme 2027 offers an opportunity for outstanding prospective doctoral researchers to undertake research at a UK university known for its work across a wide range of disciplines.
The 2027 scholarship competition is open to applicants from the United Kingdom and other countries, including international students who meet the relevant academic and admission requirements. The programme supports high-quality research projects, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and aims to attract exceptional candidates who can contribute to the university’s research and knowledge exchange priorities.
According to the university’s official announcement, the scheme is accepting applications from 7 October 2026 to 29 January 2027. A maximum of 20 studentships will be available in this round, making it an important opportunity for graduates interested in advanced research and doctoral-level academic development.
Applicants should note that this is not a scholarship for which a prospective student simply submits an independent application directly to the university. The application must be developed with an eligible academic supervisor, who submits the completed studentship application on the candidate’s behalf. Understanding this requirement, the funding arrangements, the assessment criteria and the application timeline is essential for anyone considering applying.
About the Liverpool John Moores University Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships
The Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships Scheme is an established doctoral funding initiative at Liverpool John Moores University. Now in its 12th year in 2027, the programme is designed to support outstanding research candidates and high-quality doctoral projects across the university’s academic faculties.
LJMU has a research profile spanning numerous fields, including neuroscience, engineering, public health, criminology and other areas of scientific, social and technological inquiry. The university also encourages multidisciplinary research and collaboration with institutions around the world.
Through this scholarship scheme, LJMU seeks to strengthen its research environment, attract promising doctoral researchers and advance the objectives outlined in its institutional strategy.
The programme forms part of the university’s broader commitment to research excellence and knowledge exchange. Knowledge exchange involves sharing research, expertise and ideas with organisations, communities, businesses, public institutions and other stakeholders so that academic work can contribute to practical outcomes beyond the university.
For prospective doctoral students, the scheme provides an opportunity to develop advanced research skills, work with experienced academic supervisors and contribute to projects aligned with recognised research priorities.
The university has confirmed that a maximum of 20 studentships will be offered in the 2027 competition. Applicants should therefore prepare carefully, ensuring that their proposed research is academically strong, feasible and relevant to the university’s research interests.
Scholarship Overview
The following table summarises the main details of the LJMU Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships Scheme 2027.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | LJMU Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships Scheme 2027 |
| Host institution | Liverpool John Moores University |
| Study destination | United Kingdom |
| Academic level | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
| Application opening date | 7 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 29 January 2027, by 5:00 p.m. UK time |
| Maximum number of awards | 20 studentships |
| Eligible nationalities | UK and non-UK applicants, subject to applicable eligibility and immigration requirements |
| Study modes | Full-time and part-time |
| Full-time duration | Three years |
| Part-time duration | Six years |
| Full-time funding | Tuition fees, stipend and research bench-fee support, subject to the scheme’s conditions |
| Part-time funding | Tuition fees; the advertised part-time arrangement does not include the full-time stipend and bench-fee package |
| Application method | Application submitted by an eligible lead supervisor on behalf of the candidate |
| Expected notification of outcome | By 15 April 2027 |
| Official application webpage | Click HERE to apply |
Applicants should consult the official scholarship webpage for the complete and current conditions, particularly regarding the stipend amount, immigration requirements, eligible research projects and the formal doctoral enrolment process.
Fields of Research and Academic Opportunities
The Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships Scheme is not limited to one academic subject. Instead, it supports research across LJMU’s faculties and schools, provided the proposed project meets the university’s quality requirements and has an appropriate supervisory team.
Applicants should identify a research topic that aligns with the expertise of an eligible supervisor and the priorities of the relevant faculty.
The university encourages interdisciplinary research, meaning that projects may draw on knowledge, theories, methodologies or techniques from more than one academic discipline where appropriate.
For example, a project might combine public health and data science, engineering and environmental research, psychology and neuroscience, or education and social policy. Such examples are illustrative rather than a list of guaranteed funded projects; candidates must confirm that their proposed research can be supported by LJMU.
1. Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science
This faculty includes several research-oriented schools, institutes and centres. Its areas of expertise may be relevant to applicants interested in scientific discovery, technological innovation, healthcare, engineering and human behaviour.
Relevant academic units listed by LJMU include:
- Astrophysics Research Institute: Suitable for exploring research interests connected with astrophysics and related scientific questions, depending on available supervisory expertise.
- LJMU Maritime Centre: Relevant to maritime research and related technical or applied fields.
- Public Health Institute: An area to explore for research relating to population health, health policy and public health challenges.
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences: Relevant to biological systems, environmental questions and related scientific research.
- School of Computer Science and Mathematics: An option for applicants interested in computing, mathematical approaches and computational research.
- School of Engineering and Built Environment: Relevant to engineering, infrastructure and the built environment.
- School of Nursing, Public and Allied Health: An area to investigate for research involving nursing, allied health and related public-health issues.
- Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences: Relevant to pharmaceutical, molecular and biomedical research.
- School of Psychology: Suitable for exploring research into behaviour, cognition, psychological processes and related subjects.
- Sports and Exercise Sciences: Relevant to research into exercise, sport, physical performance and associated scientific questions.
Applicants interested in any of these areas should review faculty webpages and identify academics whose research expertise matches their proposed project.
2. Faculty of Society and Culture
The Faculty of Society and Culture offers another range of possible research environments, particularly for candidates interested in society, governance, law, business, education, the humanities and creative disciplines.
The academic units listed by the university include:
- Liverpool Business School: Relevant to research into business, management, organisational practices and related subjects.
- Liverpool School of Art and Creative Industries: An option for candidates exploring creative practice, art and related research areas.
- School of Education: Relevant to educational research, learning, teaching and education policy.
- School of Humanities and Social Science: An area to explore for research in the humanities and social sciences.
- School of Law and Justice Studies: Relevant to law, justice, legal institutions and related social or policy questions.
For applicants with interests in public policy, social development, institutional accountability, education or justice, these academic units may be worth investigating. However, the existence of a relevant school does not automatically mean that a particular project will receive funding. Applicants must establish a suitable supervisory relationship and develop a proposal that meets the scholarship’s assessment standards.
Why research alignment matters
Choosing a topic solely because it is personally interesting may not be sufficient for a competitive PhD scholarship application. Applicants should demonstrate that their research idea fits the expertise of their proposed supervisory team and contributes to the priorities of the university or relevant faculty.
Before applying, candidates should therefore:
- Identify a clearly defined research problem.
- Review relevant literature and existing debates in the field.
- Identify an appropriate LJMU school, institute or research centre.
- Find an eligible lead supervisor with relevant expertise.
- Develop a realistic research and training plan.
- Explain how the project aligns with the university’s research and knowledge exchange strategy.
This preparation can help applicants build a coherent application that demonstrates both academic quality and institutional relevance.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The funding arrangements differ according to whether a candidate applies for a full-time or part-time studentship. Applicants should understand these differences before committing to a particular mode of study.
Full-time PhD scholarships: Three years
The full-time scholarship is structured around a three-year doctoral programme and includes the following support:
1. Tuition fees
The university states that course fees are paid for full-time scholarship recipients, subject to the award conditions.
This support can reduce the financial burden associated with doctoral study. Applicants should nevertheless confirm the precise fee arrangements applicable to their student status and award before accepting an offer.
2. Stipend
Full-time awardees are eligible for a stipend. The university directs applicants to the Doctoral Academy for the applicable stipend information.
A stipend is a regular financial payment intended to support a research student’s living expenses during the funded period. The precise amount, payment arrangements and applicable conditions should be checked through LJMU’s official funding information.
Candidates should not assume a particular stipend amount without verifying the current figure directly with the university.
3. Research bench-fee support
The scheme lists a bench fee of £1,600 per year, awarded to the lead supervisor to support research costs.
Bench fees are intended to help cover appropriate expenses associated with carrying out the funded research. Depending on the project, such expenses may relate to research materials, equipment or other eligible research requirements.
The university specifies that:
- The bench fee is awarded to the lead supervisor rather than paid directly to the student.
- Funds should be spent within the relevant year and should not ordinarily be carried over.
- Carry-over requests will be considered only in exceptional circumstances.
- The lead supervisor is responsible for monitoring expenditure.
- Expenditure should be allocated to the appropriate school code.
The bench-fee provision is particularly relevant to projects that require research resources beyond the student’s ordinary living and tuition expenses. Applicants should discuss their project’s resource requirements with their proposed supervisor.
Part-time PhD scholarships: Six years
LJMU also accepts applications for part-time studentships lasting six years.
Under the published arrangements, course fees are paid for part-time scholarship recipients. However, the part-time scheme does not provide the same package of tuition fees, stipend and bench-fee support described for full-time awards.
Candidates considering part-time study should therefore establish how they will meet living expenses and any additional research costs not covered by the award.
Part-time study may suit applicants whose circumstances require a longer period to complete their doctorate. Nevertheless, the workload, funding arrangements and research timetable should be discussed with the proposed supervisor before an application is submitted.
Understanding the difference between the two funding options
The main distinction is that the full-time scheme offers a broader funding package, while the part-time scheme is advertised as covering course fees.
Candidates should compare the two options carefully, taking into account their financial circumstances, professional commitments, research requirements and ability to meet the expected doctoral milestones.
The university’s official scholarship page should be treated as the authoritative source for the detailed terms of each award.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The 2027 competition is open to applicants from the UK and outside the UK, including international candidates, provided they meet the relevant academic and admission requirements.
However, eligibility depends on more than nationality. Applicants must also satisfy the rules governing their current academic registration, proposed doctoral programme and supervisory arrangements.
1. Academic eligibility
Applicants must meet the relevant academic requirements for study at PhD level at Liverpool John Moores University.
Candidates should review the university’s doctoral admission requirements and ensure that their qualifications, research experience and proposed research are appropriate for doctoral study.
A strong application should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to undertake independent research, engage critically with existing scholarship and complete a substantial research project.
2. Students currently enrolled on a master’s programme
Students currently enrolled in a taught or research master’s programme may apply.
However, they must complete their master’s programme before enrolling on the PhD at LJMU in August or September 2027.
This means that an applicant who expects to complete a master’s degree during the 2026–2027 academic year should check whether their expected completion date is compatible with the doctoral enrolment timetable.
Candidates should discuss any uncertainty about examination results, graduation dates or outstanding academic requirements with the university before proceeding.
3. Students already registered for a PhD
Applicants who are already enrolled on an LJMU PhD or another Level 8 programme of study are not eligible for this particular scholarship competition.
The scheme is intended to support eligible candidates entering a PhD programme, rather than provide funding for individuals already registered on a doctoral-level programme.
4. Professional doctorates and other Level 8 programmes
The scholarship does not support Professional Doctorates or other non-PhD Level 8 registrations.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their intended qualification is a PhD covered by the scheme.
Candidates interested in another doctoral qualification should investigate alternative funding opportunities through LJMU or the relevant funding body.
5. International applicants
Non-UK applicants are eligible to apply in principle, but they must satisfy the university’s applicable international admissions and immigration requirements.
International candidates should contact LJMU International Admissions at InternationalAdmissions@ljmu.ac.uk while preparing their application to clarify any issues involving:
- Academic eligibility and international entry requirements.
- English-language requirements.
- Student visa eligibility and application procedures.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) requirements.
- Any other immigration or admission conditions relevant to their circumstances.
The university places responsibility on applicants to investigate and resolve these issues during the application process.
Candidates should not wait until the scholarship outcome is announced before investigating potential immigration or English-language requirements. Addressing such issues early can help prevent delays if an award is offered.
6. Applicants whose UK fee status is uncertain
Candidates should establish whether they qualify for UK student status or must apply as international students.
The university specifically advises that even UK citizens who have lived or studied outside the UK at any point during the three years before the programme starts may need to contact International Admissions to resolve questions about residency or settled status.
Applicants should not determine their fee status solely from nationality. They should seek clarification from the university where their circumstances are unclear.
7. Countries affected by visa restrictions
The scholarship webpage states that LJMU is not currently accepting applications from the following countries under its published visa restrictions:
- Afghanistan
- Cameroon
- Myanmar
- Sudan
- Pakistan
- Iran
- Iraq
The university also states that applicants from countries listed on its pre-CAS interview webpage must complete a pre-CAS interview before a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies can be issued.
Because immigration restrictions and university policies can change, prospective applicants should confirm the latest position with International Admissions before investing significant time in an application.
International candidates should also consult UKCISA for relevant guidance on studying in the UK and applicable international student requirements.
Additional Scholarship Support for UK Ethnic Minority Applicants
As part of the 2027 Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships Scheme, LJMU will again ring-fence up to three scholarships for talented UK applicants from under-represented ethnic minority backgrounds who meet the applicable residency criteria.
This initiative is intended to support diversity in postgraduate research and improve opportunities for people from backgrounds that are under-represented in academic research.
The university describes the initiative as a positive-action measure under Section 158 of the Equality Act 2010.
What does this support involve?
According to the published information, the targeted provision includes:
- Full financial support under the scheme.
- A skill-development programme.
- Support intended to promote academic career pathways.
- Development opportunities for alternative-academic, or alt-ac, careers.
Alternative-academic careers refer to professional opportunities that use research-related expertise outside conventional university teaching and research posts. These may include work in research management, policy, public engagement, knowledge exchange and other research-related professional environments.
The university also highlights its commitment to inclusion, respect and a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and harassment.
Its wider inclusion initiatives include diversity and inclusion leadership within its faculties, support networks for ethnically diverse staff and students, and work on decolonising curricula and research practices. The university also identifies its Athena Swan Silver and Race Equality Charter Bronze Awards as examples of its institutional commitment to equality and inclusion.
The ethnic minority categories described by LJMU include Black or Black British backgrounds, Asian or Asian British backgrounds, Arab backgrounds and mixed ethnic backgrounds. Applicants should refer to the official university guidance for the precise definitions and eligibility requirements.
Importantly, this targeted provision is specifically described for eligible UK applicants who meet the residency criteria. International applicants should not assume that this ring-fenced provision applies to them simply because the main scholarship competition accepts applications from outside the UK.
Application Requirements: What Must You Prepare?
The university specifies the information that must be included in a Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship application.
Candidates should work with their proposed supervisor to prepare a complete and well-structured submission. The application is assessed on both the candidate’s strengths and the quality of the proposed research project.
The required content includes the following.
1. Student information and personal details
The application must contain the candidate’s relevant information and details.
Applicants should ensure that all information is accurate and consistent with their academic records and other supporting administrative information.
2. Lay summary of the proposed research
The application must include a lay summary of up to 250 words.
A lay summary explains the research in language that can be understood by people who are not specialists in the subject. It should communicate the broad rationale for the research, its aims and objectives, and the outcomes the researcher hopes to achieve.
A strong lay summary should answer four fundamental questions:
- What problem or issue will the research investigate?
- Why is the issue important?
- What does the project intend to find out or achieve?
- What outcomes or contributions are expected from the research?
Applicants should avoid unnecessary technical terminology and explain specialised concepts where they are essential.
Although the summary must be accessible to a non-specialist audience, it should still be precise, coherent and consistent with the proposed research.
The university explicitly identifies the clarity and quality of the lay summary as one of the elements considered during assessment.
3. Research proposal and training plan
The application must include the specific research proposal and the proposed PhD training plan.
The proposal should explain what the candidate intends to investigate, why the research matters and how it will be undertaken.
Depending on the subject, a well-developed proposal will normally address:
- The research problem or question.
- The background and rationale for the study.
- The project’s aims and objectives.
- The relevant literature and existing debates.
- The proposed research design and methodology.
- The anticipated contribution to knowledge.
- The feasibility of the research within the available timeframe.
The precise structure should be agreed with the proposed supervisor and follow the scholarship application requirements.
The training plan should identify the knowledge and skills the candidate will need to complete the research successfully. It should be appropriate to the proposed methodology, the discipline and the candidate’s development needs.
For example, a project might require advanced data analysis, qualitative interviewing, laboratory techniques, statistical modelling or specialist research software. These are illustrative examples; the training plan should reflect the actual requirements of the proposed project.
The plan should demonstrate that the applicant and supervisory team have considered how the candidate will develop the skills needed to conduct rigorous research and complete the doctorate.
4. Statement linking the project to LJMU Strategy 2030 or faculty priorities
Applicants must provide a statement explaining how the proposed research relates to the university’s Strategy 2030 or the relevant Faculty Research and Knowledge Exchange Plan.
This statement is an important part of the application because it establishes the project’s institutional relevance.
Candidates should explain how their research connects with the priorities, plans or research objectives of the university or the relevant faculty.
A useful statement should identify the relevant strategic priority and explain the connection rather than merely repeating the university’s general commitment to research excellence.
For instance, a project may demonstrate relevance through its potential contribution to an identified research priority, its interdisciplinary approach or its potential to support knowledge exchange. The precise connection will depend on the actual project and the university’s published strategic priorities.
Applicants should work with their proposed supervisors to ensure that this section is accurate and supported by the relevant faculty or institutional documents.
5. Equal Opportunities monitoring form
The Equal Opportunities monitoring form is a separate requirement.
The applicant’s name should appear at the top of the form, and the form must be submitted by the same deadline as the scholarship application: 5:00 p.m. on 29 January 2027.
Candidates should follow the university’s instructions for the monitoring form and ensure that it reaches the designated email address on time.
Do not submit unnecessary supporting documents
LJMU explicitly states that no additional material is expected beyond the required application content.
If extra material is attached, it will not be included in the assessment.
Applicants should therefore concentrate on preparing the requested information to a high standard rather than submitting unrequested documents in the hope of improving their chances.
The application should be complete, clear and directly responsive to the scheme’s criteria.
How Will Applications Be Assessed?
The university assesses applications against criteria relating to both the candidate and the proposed research project.
The aim is to identify applicants who demonstrate academic excellence and the ability to undertake a high-quality PhD under appropriate supervision.
The published assessment criteria cover three broad areas.
1. Academic calibre and research potential of the candidate
The calibre of the candidate is double weighted in the assessment.
The university considers academic qualifications, research achievements, outputs, experience, skills and abilities.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate not only that they satisfy the minimum academic requirements but also that their background indicates the potential to undertake excellent doctoral research.
Relevant evidence may include academic performance, previous research projects, research outputs where applicable, subject knowledge, analytical skills and experience with research methods.
Candidates should ensure that the information they provide accurately represents their achievements and abilities.
Because this criterion is double weighted, applicants should pay particular attention to demonstrating their academic and research strengths through the required application sections.
2. Experience and quality of the supervisory team
The university considers the relevant experience, achievements and quality of the supervisory team.
This criterion highlights the importance of identifying a suitable lead supervisor and ensuring that the project can be supported by academics with appropriate expertise.
Applicants should look for supervisors whose research interests, methods and experience align with the proposed project.
The supervisory team should be capable of providing suitable academic guidance and supporting the candidate’s research and training needs.
A strong proposal must therefore be considered alongside the expertise available to guide it.
3. Quality of the proposed research project
The university assesses the overall quality of the research project, including several specific elements.
Clarity and quality of the lay summary: The summary should explain the research rationale, aims, objectives and intended outcomes in accessible language.
Clarity and quality of the proposed research studies: The project should be clearly defined, logically structured and sufficiently developed to demonstrate academic value and feasibility.
Appropriateness and relevance of the PhD training plan: The proposed training should correspond to the project’s methodological requirements and the candidate’s development needs.
Relevance of the strategic alignment statement: The application should explain how the project connects with the university’s or faculty’s research and knowledge exchange strategies, plans or priorities.
Applicants should treat these elements as connected components of a single research case. A promising research idea needs a clear explanation, an appropriate methodology, a realistic training plan and a credible connection to the university’s research priorities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the LJMU PhD Scholarship
The scholarship has a supervisor-led submission process. Prospective candidates should begin preparing early enough to identify a supervisor, develop the proposal and complete the required documentation before the deadline.
Step 1: Read the official scholarship guidance
Begin by reviewing the university’s official Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships webpage.
Read the eligibility conditions, funding arrangements, application requirements and submission instructions carefully. Pay particular attention to the distinction between full-time and part-time funding and the rules governing international applicants.
Official webpage: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/research/phd-studentship-application
Step 2: Identify your proposed research area
Choose a research topic that reflects your academic interests, previous experience and longer-term research goals.
The topic should be sufficiently focused to support a feasible PhD project while offering scope for an original contribution to knowledge.
Applicants should also consider whether the project aligns with the expertise of an LJMU school, research centre or institute.
Step 3: Find an eligible lead supervisor
A supervisor is essential to the application process.
The university specifies that the lead supervisor must be a permanent member of staff at Lecturer or Senior Lecturer level or above.
Postdoctoral researchers and research assistants cannot serve as lead supervisors under this scheme, although they may be included in the wider supervisory team.
Academic staff may supervise more than one scholarship applicant, but an individual staff member can be the nominated lead supervisor for only one applicant in this competition.
Candidates should therefore confirm that the academic they approach is eligible and willing to act as the lead supervisor for their application.
The university’s faculty pages can help applicants identify relevant academic expertise.
Step 4: Develop the proposal in collaboration with the supervisor
The university recommends that applications be completed jointly as a starting point for collaboration.
Once a suitable academic relationship has been established, the candidate and supervisor should develop the research proposal, lay summary, training plan and strategic alignment statement.
The collaborative process provides an opportunity to refine the research question, assess feasibility and ensure that the project fits the supervisor’s expertise and the university’s priorities.
Candidates should avoid leaving this work until the final days of the application period.
Step 5: Complete the official application form
The lead supervisor must submit the completed scholarship application on behalf of the student.
The required information includes student details, a lay summary of no more than 250 words, the research proposal and training plan, and a statement connecting the project to LJMU Strategy 2030 or the relevant faculty plan.
The university provides an application form template in Word format through the official scholarship webpage.
Applicants should use the current form provided by LJMU rather than relying on an old version or a template obtained from an unofficial source.
Step 6: Submit the Equal Opportunities monitoring form separately
The student must submit the Equal Opportunities monitoring form directly to VCScholarships@ljmu.ac.uk.
The student’s name must appear at the top of the form.
This is a separate submission responsibility and should not be delegated to the lead supervisor.
Step 7: Submit before the deadline
The lead supervisor must email the final scholarship application to VCScholarships@ljmu.ac.uk no later than 5:00 p.m. on 29 January 2027.
The Equal Opportunities monitoring form must also be received by that deadline.
LJMU states that applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Candidates should therefore agree an internal submission date with their supervisor that leaves sufficient time to resolve any outstanding issues.
Step 8: Prepare for the outcome and subsequent admission process
The university expects to contact each applicant and their lead supervisor with the outcome by 15 April 2027, whether the application is successful or unsuccessful.
Successful awardees must then complete the formal online postgraduate research application process required for PhD registration.
The scholarship application itself should not be confused with formal admission to the doctoral programme.
The university instructs successful candidates not to complete the formal online postgraduate research application form until the outcome of the Vice-Chancellor’s studentship competition is known.
Successful applicants should follow the university’s subsequent instructions carefully and ensure that all admission requirements are completed within the required timeframe.
Important Dates and Application Deadline
Prospective applicants should keep track of the following dates.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 7 October 2026 |
| Scholarship application deadline | 29 January 2027, 5:00 p.m. UK time |
| Equal Opportunities form deadline | 29 January 2027, 5:00 p.m. UK time |
| Expected notification of outcome | By 15 April 2027 |
| Intended PhD enrolment period | August/September 2027 |
Important: The deadline is strict. LJMU states that no further applications will be considered after 5:00 p.m. on 29 January 2027.
The university’s webpage contains an apparent inconsistency in its instructions concerning the enrolment year: the outcome section refers to an August/September 2026 enrolment point, whereas the eligibility section specifies August/September 2027 for the incoming PhD cohort. Because the 2027 competition opens in October 2026 and outcomes are expected in April 2027, prospective applicants should contact the university to confirm the applicable enrolment deadline before proceeding.
Click HERE for more information
Special Requirements for Applications Involving External Organisations
Applicants proposing research that involves an external organisation in any aspect of the PhD must ensure that the university reviews the arrangement before the application is submitted or the award is made.
This requirement may be relevant to research involving an external company, organisation or other partner that will have a defined role in the project.
The university requests the following information about the external organisation:
- Full company or organisation name.
- Address.
- Website.
- Name of the main contact person.
- Intended role of the organisation in the PhD project.
These details should be sent to Jane Townend at j.c.townend@ljmu.ac.uk, with Peter Leather at p.leather@ljmu.ac.uk copied into the email.
The university states that a review and feedback will be returned within ten working days of submission.
Candidates whose proposed projects involve external partners should begin this process early enough to allow for review and any necessary revisions before the scholarship deadline.
Applicants should not assume that an external partnership is automatically approved simply because a supervisor supports the proposed research.
Advice for Preparing a Competitive PhD Scholarship Application
Although the university publishes the formal assessment criteria, applicants can take several practical steps to strengthen the quality and coherence of their submissions.
Demonstrate strong academic preparation
Explain how your qualifications, research experience and skills have prepared you to undertake a PhD.
Where relevant, highlight research projects, dissertations, publications, presentations, methodological training or other achievements that demonstrate your ability to investigate complex questions.
Focus on evidence that is relevant to the proposed project rather than including a long list of unrelated accomplishments.
Develop a clear and feasible research question
A doctoral project should address a meaningful problem and make a credible contribution to knowledge.
Avoid proposals that attempt to investigate too many unrelated issues within one project. A focused research question makes it easier to develop appropriate methods, define objectives and establish a realistic timeline.
Discuss the scope of the project with your proposed supervisor and consider whether the necessary data, participants, equipment or other resources will be available.
Make the research methodology explicit
Explain how the research questions will be answered.
Depending on the discipline, this might involve quantitative analysis, qualitative interviews, experimental work, archival research, modelling, case studies or a combination of methods.
The methods should be appropriate to the research question and supported by a realistic plan for data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Write a strong lay summary
The lay summary should make the project’s purpose and potential contribution understandable to readers outside the specialist field.
Use straightforward language, avoid unnecessary jargon and ensure that the summary accurately reflects the full proposal.
Because LJMU specifically identifies the quality of this section as an assessment criterion, applicants should devote sufficient time to revising it.
Align the project with institutional research priorities
Identify the relevant university or faculty strategy and explain the relationship between that priority and the proposed research.
A clear statement of alignment demonstrates that the candidate understands the research environment in which the project will be undertaken.
Build a suitable supervisory relationship
The supervisor’s role is central to the application and the eventual research process.
Approach potential supervisors with a focused explanation of your research interests and why their expertise is relevant. Be prepared to discuss the research question, its significance, the proposed methods and the skills required to complete it.
The aim is to establish whether the project can be developed into a strong, feasible PhD proposal within the university’s research environment.
Check international requirements early
International candidates should contact International Admissions while preparing their applications, especially if they have questions about English-language qualifications, visa procedures, fee status or residency.
Early clarification is particularly important for candidates whose eligibility may be affected by country-specific restrictions.
Follow the instructions exactly
The university has made it clear that extra materials will not be included in the assessment and that late applications will not be considered.
Candidates should therefore prioritise completeness, accuracy, compliance with the required format and timely submission.
Contact Information and Official Application Links
Candidates who need clarification about the scholarship, funding arrangements or application procedure should use the official university channels.
Scholarship application and guidance:
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/research/phd-studentship-application
Scholarship enquiries:
VCScholarships@ljmu.ac.uk
International admissions enquiries:
InternationalAdmissions@ljmu.ac.uk
Lead supervisor eligibility:
Candidates should consult the university’s faculty pages and confirm the proposed supervisor’s eligibility under the scheme.
Applicants should use the official webpage to access the current application form template and Equal Opportunities monitoring form. They should also verify any changes to deadlines, immigration restrictions, funding amounts or enrolment requirements directly with LJMU.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the LJMU Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship open to international students?
Yes. The 2027 competition accepts applications from UK and non-UK citizens, subject to the applicable academic, admissions and immigration requirements. However, LJMU lists certain countries from which it is not currently accepting applications under its visa restrictions. International applicants should contact International Admissions for clarification.
2. What is the application deadline?
The final application must be submitted by the lead supervisor to VCScholarships@ljmu.ac.uk by 5:00 p.m. on 29 January 2027. The Equal Opportunities monitoring form must also be submitted directly by the student by the same deadline.
3. Can I apply without a supervisor?
No. Applications without an identified supervisor will not be accepted. The application must be submitted on the student’s behalf by an eligible lead supervisor.
4. How many scholarships are available?
LJMU states that a maximum of 20 studentships will be available in the 2027 competition.
5. Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?
Yes. The published scheme covers course fees for both full-time and part-time awardees, subject to the terms of the award.
6. Do full-time students receive a stipend?
The full-time scheme includes a stipend, with the applicable amount available through the university’s Doctoral Academy information. The published part-time arrangement covers course fees and does not provide the same full-time funding package.
7. How much is the research bench fee?
The published full-time scheme provides a bench fee of £1,600 per year. The funding is awarded to the lead supervisor to support eligible research costs rather than being paid directly to the student.
8. Can students who are completing a master’s degree apply?
Yes, provided they complete their master’s programme before enrolling on the PhD at LJMU in August or September 2027 and satisfy the other relevant requirements.
9. Can an existing PhD student apply?
No. Students already enrolled on an LJMU PhD or another Level 8 programme are not eligible for this scholarship scheme.
10. When will applicants hear the outcome?
The university expects to notify applicants and their lead supervisors by 15 April 2027.
11. What happens after a successful scholarship application?
Successful awardees must complete the formal online postgraduate research application process required for doctoral registration. The university advises candidates to wait until the scholarship outcome is known before completing that formal application.
12. Can I attach a CV, certificates or other additional documents?
The scholarship webpage states that no additional material is expected beyond the required application content and that extra material will not be included in the assessment. Candidates should follow the official instructions rather than attaching unrequested documents.
Conclusion
The Liverpool John Moores University Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships Scheme 2027 is an opportunity for academically strong graduates to pursue doctoral research in the United Kingdom, with support for high-quality projects across a broad range of disciplines. By welcoming eligible UK and international applicants, offering full-time and part-time study routes, and encouraging interdisciplinary research, the programme provides a structured route for candidates seeking to advance their academic and research careers.
The scholarship’s competitive nature means that applicants should pay close attention to academic preparation, the quality of their research proposal, the relevance of their training plan, the suitability of their supervisory team and the connection between their project and LJMU’s research priorities. International applicants must also investigate the university’s admission and immigration requirements early.
The most important practical requirement is to establish a suitable supervisory relationship before submitting an application. The lead supervisor is responsible for submitting the completed scholarship application, while the student must send the Equal Opportunities monitoring form separately.
Prospective candidates should begin preparing well before the deadline and verify the latest details directly with the university.
Application deadline: 29 January 2027, at 5:00 p.m. UK time.
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