Studentships

ESRC PhD Studentships 2025-26 entry (October 2026 start) 

UHI is seeking outstanding applicants for a select number of ESRC funded doctoral studentships in the following subject areas:

• Area Studies

UHI is part of a consortium of 14 Scottish institutions which have been awarded funding from SGSSS to support doctoral studentships and training in Social Sciences through the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science Student-led Open Competition.

Awards are offered to PhD researchers world-wide; UK, and International (including EU) - and consist of payment of research tuition fees and a tax-free maintenance stipend, as well as, overseas fieldwork support (if applicable to the project).

In addition, a research training support grant will support individual research and professional training and development opportunities.

Why UHI?

Spread across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, our distinctive partnership of independent colleges and research institutions is locally based and rooted in communities, but with national and international reach and significance.

Our innovative approach to learning and distinctive research is enriched and inspired by the people, natural environment, economy, culture and heritage of the Highlands and Islands.

Nearly three quarters of the research we submitted for assessment to the UK-wide 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) achieved the two top grades: world leading (4*) and internationally excellent (3*) and situated UHI as one of the UK’s leading modern universities, with an excellent environment for PhD level study.

Our students are exposed to cutting-edge thinking and work alongside world-class researchers. You will be part of a growing postgraduate research student community, guided by subject experts, building knowledge and skills, in a supportive and collaborative research environment.

Apply now to be part of a new cohort of ESRC PhD students.

Application deadline is Monday 24 November 2025, 5pm GMT. 

More information and details of how to apply. 

Please contact gradresearch@uhi.ac.uk. 

More information about Research at UHI. 

ECOWILD Studentships

UHI are excited to share these exciting ECOWILD studentships for 2026/27. 

Deadline for applications: January 2026

• Preventing Peatland Stressors – assessing and addressing deer and climate change impacts on peatlands
• Blurring the edges: assessing impacts from the spread of non-native conifers on birds, plants and hydrology in Scottish open blanket bog habitat mosaics
• River’s Edge: Using eDNA to Unravel Multi-Stressor Impacts and Guide Riparian Wetland Restoration
• Birds as Vectors of Plastics, Heavy Metals, and Pesticides in Scottish Wetlands
• Can we predict future climate and compound-stressors for intertidal habitats?

Self-funded opportunities

• Taking ‘forever’ out of ‘forever chemicals’ using biosolid biochar: A ‘circular economy’ approach for more sustainable wastewater treatment

• Threatened Archaeological Heritage in Scottish Island Contexts: Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies

We are still welcoming applications from self-funded students who are interested in pursuing postgraduate research across a wide range of disciplines. If you are considering self-funded study, we encourage you to explore our research areas and connect with potential supervisors to discuss your ideas.

For guidance on how to apply and support available for self-funded students, please visit our Postgraduate Research Admissions page.

For inquiries, please contact us at: gradresearch@uhi.ac.uk