University of Edinburgh E5 Doctoral Training Partnership (E5 DTP) in UK

The E5 DTP (Edinburgh Earth, Ecology and Environment Engagement Doctoral Training Partnership) is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and is hosted at the University of Edinburgh.

Funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the E5 Doctoral Training Partnership (E5 DTP) builds on the success of the E3 and E4 DTPs, led by the University of Edinburgh's School of Geosciences.  

Continuing a strong legacy of research and collaboration, E5 will recruit and train five cohorts of PhD students annually from 2024 to 2029, equipping the next generation of environmental leaders to tackle the planet's most pressing challenges. 

An E5 DTP cohort is made of between 19-21 students every year coming from a wide range of backgrounds and joining a community of more than 100 students already on the DTPs at any one time.

Standard E5 DTP studentships run for 4 years (48 months) and include: 

• Monthly Stipend based on the UKRI standard rate (currently £21,805 for 2026/2027)

• Tuition Fees: Home or International Fees.

• Research Costs: Covers project-related expenses such as equipment, consumables, fieldwork, conference travel and accommodation, and software.

Your thesis is expected to be submitted by the end of the 4-year funding period.

Academic eligibility

Applicants should hold a good Honours Degree (at least a 2.1) or an equivalent qualification. Relevant professional experience and postgraduate qualifications may also be considered as part of the assessment of an  applicant's suitability. 

The E5 DTP welcomes applicants from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. A Master's degree is  not a  requirement for applying for an E5 studentship. 

If your degree is from outside the UK, check the University of Edinburgh's Postgraduate Entry Requirements by Region directory to find the equivalent qualification for your country. 

English Language Requirements

All applicants must meet the University of Edinburgh's English Language requirements for postgraduate study, regardless of their nationality. 

You may be able to meet this requirement through a degree that was taught and assessed in English, an accepted English-language test or another qualification recognised by the university. 

Degrees taught and assessed in English

The university may accept a degree taught and assessed in English if it was completed: 

• In a majority English-speaking country or territory, as defined by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI).

• At one of the approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries.

If your are not a national of a majority English-speaking country or territory, your degree must be no more than five years old on the first day of the month in which your programme starts. 

• E5 Studentship form

• Academic CV (no more than 2 pages) - guidance can be found here

• Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form (EDI) - Once you have completed the EDI form: 

  • Copy and paste the EDI Response ID into your Studentship Form

• Download a copy of the completed form and save as a PDF

• Upload the PDF to the E5 application portal

Academic supporting documents 

Please provide the following documents, where applicable: 

Click the green button below to submit the application.

To apply;

1. 1

   Choose your preferred PhD project

2. 2

   Prepare your application documents

3. 3

   Contact your referees early

4. 4

   Submit your application by December 2, 2026

5. 5

   Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews and further processing.