How to apply

Applications for October 2026 will open on Monday, 17 November 2025
Closing date & time for applications is 13:00 Wednesday 7 January 2026

 

Please ensure you READ and FOLLOW the detailed instructions below.  Failure to do so may mean we are unable to consider your application.

We strongly advise that you try to contact the project supervisor before applying, to ensure that the project is the correct one for you, and your existing skills and experience are a good match.

Step 1: Select the project you would like to apply for

    • Review the YES•DTN projects we have available for studentships to start in October 2026.
    • Contact the relevant supervisors by email to ensure the project is the right one for you
    • Select a first choice and a second choice project

Step 2: Complete the University of Leeds online application form

    • Applications open 17 November 2025
    • PLEASE READ THE GUIDANCE BEFORE COMPLETING THE OLA
    • Guidance on completing the OLA
    • Select “NERC YES DTN Yorkshire Environmental Sciences” as your planned course of study

    Step 3: Upload your supporting documentation

    In order to be considered for the studentship you must submit all the required supporting documents for your application for study when you complete the OLA.
    The required documents include:

        • Copies of your degree certificates and transcripts (including official translations where these are not in English).
        • Provisional transcripts if you are currently studying.
        • Your English language test results 

    All documents should be in English or be accompanied by a certified translation into English.

    They can be sent via the online research degree application or can be emailed to [email protected] after you have submitted your application.

    Your email should include your student ID number (emailed to you on submission of your application), full name and your intended course of study.

    Please do not send original documents at the application stage and only provide documents via email.

    Step 4: Complete the YES•DTN combined CV and structured personal statement application 

        • Applications open 17 November 2025
        • When you submit your OLA (Step 1) you will be automatically given a nine digit Student ID number (SID). 
        • You need your SID BEFORE you complete the YES•DTN application form as you will need to include your SID on the form.
        • Once you have completed the OLA you need to complete and submit the YES•DTN application form (combined CV and structured personal statement), listing the PhD project you would like to be considered for, plus a second choice project, if applicable. 
        • Only submit one application (for your first choice project).  If you submit multiple applications we might not be able to process your application.