Coventry University Funded Studentships in Microplastics (MPs) and associated chemicals 2026

This PhD project is part of the Cotutelle arrangement between Coventry University, UK and Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. The supervision team will be drawn from the two universities.

Microplastics (MPs) and associated chemicals have been detected in many parts of the environment and, increasingly, in human tissues. This raises concerns about human exposure through everyday products. In particular, plastics used in food packaging may release both microplastics and chemical additives, some of which are known or suspected to disrupt hormonal systems or affect development.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMay 7, 2026
• ValueTuition fees and stipend
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorCoventry University London
• City to studyCoventry
• School to studyCoventry University London
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Tuition fees and stipend
• The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral and Researcher College which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Requirements

Candidate specification

Applicants must meet the admission and scholarship criteria for both Coventry University and Deakin University for entry to the cotutelle programme.

• Applicants should have graduated within the top 15% of their undergraduate cohort. This might include a high 2:1 in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 70% mark (80% for Australian graduates) in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 70% overall module average (80% for Australian graduates).
• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field requiring at least four years of full-time study, and which normally includes a research component which is equivalent to at least 25% of a year’s full-time study in the fourth year, with achievement of a grade for the project equivalent to a H1 standard or 80%.

OR

• a Masters degree, with a significant research component, in a relevant subject area, with overall mark at minimum Distinction.
• In addition, the mark for the Masters thesis (or equivalent) must be a minimum of 80%.
• Please note that where a candidate has 70-79% and can provide evidence of research experience to meet equivalency to the minimum first-class honours equivalent (80%+) additional evidence can be submitted and may include independently peer-reviewed publications, research-related awards or prizes and/or professional reports.
• Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study.

Additional Requirments

Requirements for PhD applicants: MSc/BSc in chemistry/ Life and Environmental Sciences/Toxicology/Environmental chemistry • Experience in laboratory work and instrumental analysis (e.g., FTIR, Raman, LC-MS, GC-MS) • Strong interest in interdisciplinary research • Knowledge of statistics and data analysis • Ability to work independently and in a team • Effective time management and organisation skills

Application Deadline

How To Apply

To apply, visit Coventry University Scholarship webpage