Funded PhD in Mechanistic Studies of Pasta at University of Brighton 2026

This PhD seeks to explore and systematically characterise the structure of Durum wheat semolina pasta using microscopy and in vitro digestive methods.  Pasta is characterised as a refined carbohydrate source yet it has a high dietary fibre content and a low glycaemic index. It is also a mainstay of the Mediterranean diet. This work will help elucidate the reasons for the positive health impact of pasta.

The project will aim to answer a complex biological problem using a multidisciplinary approach to study nutrient release, digestion kinetics and postprandial metabolism. You will receive training in plant food structure, plant cell wall biochemistry, polysaccharide function, enzymology, digestive physiology as well as microscopy. You will use light microscopy, confocal microscopy and may also use TEM and SEM.

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineNovember 9, 2025
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Brighton
• City to studyLondon
• School to studyUniversity of Brighton
• Course to studyEducation , Health Sciences , Sport
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• This studentship is funded for three years (or part time equivalent) by Barilla Pasta. The funding will cover the full cost of the UKRI-rate annual stipend (£20,780 in 2025-26) and the Home fee (£5,006 FT in 2025-26). There is additional funding to cover research costs, including travel.  
• Candidates applying who would be assessed as eligible for International fee (£16,390 in 2025-26) would need to meet the balance of the fee requirement and are not eligible for part-time study.

Requirements

Academic entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree and desirably hold or expect to achieve excellent grades in a masters degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or comparable qualifications from another recognised university.

Applicants are also required to submit a research proposal of no more than 1,000 words. The proposal should be shaped by a reflection on the project brief, and outline your motivation for conducting this research, the key skills that you can bring to this project, and how you would approach and shape the research.

Residential eligibility criteria?

Home students for full funding.

Other students welcome however they will need to pay the balance of fees as outlined in the benefits section

English language entry requirements

All applicants must have successfully completed a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in the last two years unless they are from one of the UKVI-defined list of Majority English-Speaking Countries.

Applicants who are studying for, or have obtained in the last three years, a degree from an institution in the UK or one of the UKVI-approved countries may apply without a SELT. However, the university may request a SELT is taken as part of any award made.? 

English language IELTS requirements are 7.0 overall, with 7.0 for writing and no component below 6.5. 

University of Brighton accept a number of English language qualifications including IELTS. Please contact us if you have any queries arising from this. Further details can be found here:? 

Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)?

Application Deadline

November 9, 2025

How To Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to University of Brighton on evsipr.brighton.ac.uk to apply

1. Click the 'apply online now' button? 
2. Select 'register and start a new application', to create your user account.? 
3. Once you are logged in, select 'apply to a new course'.? 
4. Select the type of course 'research degree'.? 
5. Select mode of study 'full-time' or 'part-time'.? 
6. Select 'Doctoral College'.? 
7. Select 'Mechanistic Studies of Pasta’
8. Click 'apply'.? 

You will now be able to complete the online application form.

For more details, visit University of Brighton Scholarship webpage