University of Leicester Target PhD studentship 2026

TARGET is the Training and Research Group for Energy Transition Mineral Resources, and UKRI-NERC sponsored Centre for Doctoral Training. TARGET is led by the University of Leicester, with a large number of university and industry partners.

TARGET will support the training and development of researchers engaged in the challenge of meeting the changing patterns of resource demand. As we move away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, and as the technology we use at home and at work evolves, we need greater amounts, and an increasingly diverse list of metals and minerals. Many of the materials we need are critical, with significant risk of disruption to their supply.

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineJanuary 7, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Leicester
• City to studyLeicester
• School to studyUniversity of Leicester
• Course to studyGeography , Geology
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

TARGET studentships are for 3.5 years and are funded by NERC TARGET and provide:

• Tuition fees at UK (Home) rates*
• Annual stipend, (currently set at £20,780 per year for 2025/26)
• Research training support grant (RTSG)

Requirements

The project-based studentships are open to UK and overseas applicants who meet the academic requirements (at least a 2:1 at UK BSc level or at least a pass at UK MSc level or overseas equivalent).

To be eligible for UK fees you must:

• Be a UK or Irish national (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have EU settled status* or EU pre-settled status* (meeting residency requirement) or,
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

*EU applicants who hold EU settled or EU pre-settled status please provide PGR Admissions with a share code (the one that starts with S) so we can verify your fee status. Please email [email protected].

International students

Students who do not meet the criteria for home/UK student would be classed as an international student.

International students will require a student visa in order to be able to study in the UK. There are costs associated with the visa application process, which must be met by the student; approximately £2,500 for the visa and healthcare surcharge. Please ensure you have the means to meet these costs before you apply to the programme.

Applicants must have or expect to obtain a first class or upper second class BSc and/or M-level degree (or an equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant subject.

Applicants who hold a lower second class honours degree (or an equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant subject may be considered for admission provided that they also hold a Masters degree in a relevant subject.

University of Leicester English language requirements apply as necessary.

Application Deadline

January 7, 2026

How To Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to University of Leicester on le.ac.uk to apply

Select the project you want to be considered for. Download and complete the TARGET application form (docx., 156kb).

Complete and submit your University PhD application using the 'Apply Now' button at the bottom of the page and select September 2026 entry.

Guidelines for your PhD application:

• Upload your completed TARGET Studentship Application Form to the Personal Statement section (a separate personal statement is not required).
• Enter your TARGET project supervisor's name, institution and the project title under supervisor section on the proposal page. You do not need to submit a proposal.
• Upload your supporting documents (CV, degree transcripts and certificates, evidence of English language).
• Enter the names and contact details of referees in the space provided. Please be sure to let your referees know to expect a reference request from us. Or upload reference letters if available (these should be on signed headed paper). Referees cannot be anyone on the PhD supervisory Team.
• Under the funding section of the online application form select studentship from the drop down menu and in the next drop down menu select NERC TARGET or just type TARGET in the free text box. Provided you use the application link at the bottom of this page we will know you are applying for a Target studentship.

For more details, visit University of Leicester Scholarship webpage