Global PhDs
The University of St Andrews is pleased to offer tailored opportunities for collaborative PhDs through our Global PhD programme. Global PhDs provide the ability for doctoral students to undertake research at both St Andrews and a nominated partner institution and with two (or more) academic supervisors. These programmes, often known as 'co-tutelles', encourage wider research collaboration than for many standard PhDs and give an international focus whilst making the most of subject-matter expertise from a range of partners. They lead to a jointly awarded degree from the two institutions and involve at least 12 months of research at each university.
To discuss a potential co-tutelle degree, please contact the Global Office by emailing globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Typically a student wishing to undertake a Global PhD should expect to have to comply with relevant requirements which may include a need to:
- Apply to each institution following their standard requirements for PhD students;
- Meet any relevant entry requirements for each institution, which may include a prior qualification such as a two-year Masters degree;
- Ensure awareness of the expectations of a PhD student at each institution, including possible taught components;
- Satisfy any national immigration requirements, including associated costs, for each host country;
- Meet any relevant tuition or other fee requirements of the institutions unless supported by funding covering that tuition fee;
- Follow agreed requirements on examination process, which may necessitate a non-standard format to meet policy for each institution.
The University of St Andrews welcomes interest in developing new Global PhD programmes. For more information, please see our Global PhDs - information for partners (PDF) .
-
A Global PhD is an arrangement whereby a student conducts their doctoral research under co-supervisors from two institutions, leading to a jointly awarded degree. Students studying under these agreements are usually awarded a joint degree via a single certificate which carries the insignia of both institutions.
The student is expected to engage with both institutions from start to finish, and to meet regularly with all parties, either in person or through phone or video calls.
A Global PhD agreement will not usually extend the duration of a standard PhD which at St Andrews is three years with the possibility of a final continuation year.
-
Students must spend at least 12 months in total as a resident student in St Andrews in order for the University to recognise the degree.
Students will divide their time into study blocks in order to facilitate access to the resources, human and otherwise, that will maximise their research opportunities. Each study block should be at least six months in length where possible.
Students requiring a visa to study at St Andrews should consider the impact of immigration requirements and associated costs when determining their intended pattern of study.
-
Before applying, students should contact their prospective supervisors at St Andrews and the partner institution to discuss the feasibility of a Global PhD agreement. Students must demonstrate a strong case for joint supervision on their application form.
A Global PhD arrangement can be initiated by either an academic at St Andrews or an academic at a partner institution who considers a co-tutelle with a named co-supervisor to be the optimal route for their prospective PhD student.
Students should apply online using the Postgraduate Research Application form, indicating that they intend to study for a co-tutelle.
The length of the application process will depend on whether St Andrews already has an existing agreement or links in place with the partner institution. If there is no formal agreement in place, both parties will have to carry out relevant due diligence checks to ensure that both institutions can provide the best outcome for the student. In most cases, this will require a formal agreement to be drawn up between St Andrews and the partner institution which may lengthen the application process. Some institutions have very lengthy internal approval processes that might delay the start of studies. It is therefore advisable for students to apply well in advance of the intended start date; you should begin the processes not less than six months prior to the intended start date of the degree.
At St Andrews, a Global PhD requires a proposal to be submitted by the supervisor in consultation with the co-supervisor and the student as well as an application form. Proposals and applications should both be submitted as early as possible in the process as an offer cannot be confirmed unless the formal agreement is in place.
For more information, please see our Global PhDs - information for candidates (PDF)
-
Students undertaking a Global PhD are liable for St Andrews tuition fees at rates applicable to their fee status for the periods when they are studying at St Andrews. Tuition is payable monthly on a pro rata basis for those periods. Rates are defined by bands and depend on academic discipline, year of entry, and Home or Overseas status and can be found here: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/money/fees/feestable/#d.en.66444
In certain circumstances, St Andrews offers reduced fee rates for Overseas students through a scholarship which is automatically applied to all eligible students.
The below details apply wherever the student is not already supported by existing commitments between institutions for tuition fees, or through internal or external scholarships which cover tuition fees.
This tuition fee scholarship reduces the Overseas fee liability to a Home fee liability in cases where the partner university’s fees are equal to or lower than a St Andrews Home fee for Global PhDs with established and strategic partners, and is applicable to the partner universities listed below:
University of Amsterdam
University of Bonn
Charles University (Prague)
University of Ghent
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
University of Oslo
University of Padua
Sapienza University of Rome
*this scheme supports Global PhD partners as listed below, as well as selected additional partner universities. Where new Global PhD programmes are created, they will be included in the scheme. In some cases, these arrangements are available to certain academic disciplines only. Please see the Global PhD partners lists below for relevant subject availability.
-
Academic staff and students who have been involved in Global PhDs at St Andrews offer their views of the benefits of the programme:
Academic staff comments:
Prof. Riccardo Bavaj
"Co-tutelles offer fantastic opportunities at various levels: Students not only benefit from a wider range of resources and supervisory expertise, but they also immerse themselves in two potentially very different research environments. This provides an additional boost to intellectual creativity, skills development, and job prospects. For scholars and universities, co-tutelles are an excellent way of facilitating academic exchange and border-crossing – now more important than ever in a post-Brexit world."
Dr Justine Firnhaber-Baker
"My co-tutelle doctoral students have benefited not only from the best possible supervisory team for their projects but also from immersion in the different national and academic cultures of our two universities."
PhD students:
Aubrie, School of Biology
"As a University of St Andrews alumnus, I am aware of the University’s well-deserved reputation as a world-class institution, particularly in my field of interest. While a PhD with the University of St Andrews will set you up for a fantastic career, I also had the fantastic opportunity to benefit from collaborations with a lab specializing in my study species. Long-standing ties between researchers at St Andrews and my partner institution, La Laguna University, have been investigating the incredibly deep-diving family of elusive beaked whales. I know I am receiving the best possible education in both aspects of my project, while also building a network of colleagues across both Universities."
Larisa, School of Classics
"I decided to apply for a co-tutelle programme for its double nature. I could only see the benefits of working with two supervisors, two institutions, and two methods. That is exactly what I am gaining from my joint PhD St Andrews-Rome Sapienza: a combined academic path that allows me to keep my feet on my previous, Italian education while enriching my formation within the UK system. I am persuaded that this would not have been possible in any other programme mostly because the internationally recognised level of these two universities in the Classics area is hardly comparable to any other academic institution. I would not have been able to find elsewhere their resources, staff, academic activities."
Adrian, School of Psychology and Neuroscience
"I decided to undertake a co-tutelle because it provided the opportunity to work under the supervision of two experts in my research area. This meant expanding my learning opportunities, and research network and generally enriching the experience. Two different universities can offer more opportunities such as conferences, workshops, and courses as well as taking part in activities in two instead of one laboratory group. I benefited from two diverse and complementary PhD programs, the abroad experience and generally taking opportunities from two important universities."
Marcel, School of History
"The co-tutelle programme has been the perfect opportunity for me to study abroad. The School of History (in St Andrews) gives me a great further historical education with new research perspectives. It fits perfectly with my department in Bonn and complements the theoretical base of my work. Without the co-tutelle, I would never have met these broad perspectives of my subject. The opportunity to gain teaching experience in two different countries and languages upgrades every CV."
Elisabeth, School of Mathematics and Statistics
"St Andrews and Oslo have collaborated for many years and a joint PhD allows me to take advantage of the expertise and resources from both departments, which is invaluable in my research. Doing a co-tutelle is essentially double the experience of a normal PhD. I get to benefit from two world-leading universities, take part in two research environments, and experience two countries. At the end, I will end up with a unique degree that will be valuable both in business and academia."
Joe, School of Art History
"My two supervisors have been excellent, each offering distinctive and valuable advice in a very thoughtful and encouraging way. Their careful and coordinated support has given me the confidence to pursue research in a fulfilling way."
Global PhD partners
Students should be aware that not all institutions offer co-tutelle degrees. Students should also check to see if the scholarships and funding arrangements they have in place allow for a co-tutelle.
St Andrews has established co-tutelle agreements with a range of partners in the past and usually has a number of current arrangements underway. So long as both institutions and both supervisors are willing to enter into a co-tutelle partnership, you may apply for one with any relevant institution.
St Andrews also currently has agreements with the following partner institutions which students may apply to:
-
The University of St Andrews and Ghent University have established an agreement to allow PhD candidates to undertake research leading to the award of a joint doctoral degree across the following Schools of Arts and Divinity:
- Art History
- Classics
- Divinity
- English
- Film Studies
- History
- International Relations
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy
- Social Anthropology.
Anyone pursuing a Global PhD with Ghent can expect the following:
- A maximum duration of three years, with a possible continuation period of 12 months;
- To spend at least 12 months' study at each institution;
- A final exam including an oral elements which will follow the regulations of both institutions with an examination committee consisting of members proposed by each partner;
- A single joint degree award including the relevant titles for each institution (defined by discipline);
- Graduation at either institution at the student's choice.
-
The University of St Andrews and Macquarie University have established an agreement to allow PhD candidates to undertake research leading to the award of a joint doctoral degree in subjects across the Faculties of Arts, Divinity and Science.
Anyone pursuing a Global PhD with Macquarie can expect:
- A maximum duration of three years with the potential for a further continuation period of 12 months;
- A minimum of 12 months' study at each institution;
- One institution shall be designated the administering institution - this will determine the format and the location of the final examination which will include an oral component;
- A single, joint degree award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD);
- Graduation at either institution at the student's choice.
-
The University of St Andrews and Sapienza University of Rome have established an agreement to allow PhD candidates to undertake research leading to the award of a joint doctoral degree in Classics.
Anyone pursuing a Global PhD with Sapienza can expect:
- A typical duration of three-and-a-half years with the potential for a continuation period making the overall programme a maximum of four years;
- A standard of 18 months' study at each institution;
- An examination following the procedure of the institution at which the student begins their degree, which will include a viva voce element and a committee made up of members nominated by each institution;
- A single, joint degree award. The doctoral degree will give the titles of the awards in each institution's format (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) for St Andrews, and Dottore di Ricerca in Filologia e Storia del Mondo Antico for Sapienza);
- Graduation at either institution of the student's choice.
-
The University of St Andrews and Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn have established an agreement to allow PhD candidates to undertake research leading to joint doctoral degrees in the Faculties of Arts and Divinity (Word). Global PhDs are available in all academic disciplines within the faculties of Arts and Divinity, particularly for joint doctoral degrees in German and Comparative Literature and joint doctoral degrees in Mediaeval History or Modern History. Within the faculty of Science, Global PhDs are available with disciplines in Bonn's Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, incorporating Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Biology, Pharmacy and Molecular Biomedicine.
Anyone pursuing a Global PhD programme with Bonn can expect the following elements:
- A maximum duration of three years with the potential for a further continuation period of 12 months;
- A minimum of 12 months' study at each institution;
- One institution shall be designated the lead institution - this will determine the format of the final examination which will include a viva voce element and an examination committee made up of examiners designated by each institution;
- A single, joint degree award. The doctoral degree may be used in the format awarded by either St Andrews or Bonn (Doctor or Philosophy (PhD), or Doktor der Philosophy (Dr. phil.));
- Graduation at either institution at the student's choice.
For further details on joint PhDs in History with Bonn see the link below.
-
The University of St Andrews has partnered with the University of Stirling to offer research postgraduate students the St Andrews and Stirling Graduate Programme in Philosophy (SASP). This programme offers MPhil and PhD degrees in Philosophy.
-
The University of St Andrews has partnered with the University of Oslo to offer PhD candidates to undertake research leading to a joint doctoral degree in all disciplines across the Faculties of Arts, Science, Divinity, and Medicine at St Andrews.
Anyone pursuing a Global PhD with Oslo can expect:
- A maximum duration of three years with the potential for a further continuation period of 12 months;
- A minimum of 12 months' study at each institution;
- One institution shall be designated the lead institution - this will determine the format of the final examination which will include a viva voce element and an examination committee made up of examiners designated by each institution, followed by an oral disputation in public;
- A single, joint degree award. The doctoral degree may be used in the format awarded by either St Andrews or Bonn (Doctor or Philosophy (PhD), or Doktor der Philosophy (Dr. phil.));
- Graduation at either institution at the student's choice.
Within the overall scheme, there is also a programme for joint PhDs with Oslo in Philosophy.
For further details on the Philosophy scheme, see the link below.
-
The University of St Andrews and the University of Amsterdam have established an agreement to allow excellent PhD candidates to undertake research leading to the award of a joint doctoral degree in the areas of Philosophy, Logic, Language and Computation.
Anyone pursuing a Global PhD with the ILLC at Amsterdam can expect:
- A maximum duration of four years;
- A minimum of 12 months' study at each institution;
- A maximum thesis length of 70,000 words (excluding bibliography, references, and appendices);
- Examination via a pre-defence at St Andrews which shall follow the policy for examination at St Andrews and shall include a viva voce element, followed by assessment via a Doctoral Committee at Amsterdam. The examination committees for each element must be composed of different members;
- A single award, providing the titles for degree of each institution (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) for St Andrews, and Doctor for Amsterdam). Each institution shall provide its own certificate which will reference the collaborative nature of the degree and the other institution;
- Graduation at the University of Amsterdam.
Global St Andrews Doctoral scholarships
We are delighted to announce a call for applications for Global St Andrews Doctoral scholarships for 2023-2024 entry in a range of subjects at established partner universities. The Global Doctoral scholarships are supported by funding from St Leonard's Postgraduate College.
These Global PhDs are for specific doctoral research projects to be defined by co-supervisors working at St Andrews and an existing partner institution.
Overview
- Up to 8 fully-funded (fees and stipend) scholarships provided by St Leonard’s Postgraduate College for joint degree programmes with existing international partner institutions
- Available for new UK or international doctoral students starting their degree in the 2023-2024 academic year who meet the entry requirements of both institutions
- Supervisor-led competition open to all Schools
The scholarships provide for tuition fees and a stipend at RCUK rates for the period of time spent at the University of St Andrews in a joint doctoral programme where it is expected that around half the time will be spent at each of two specified institutions. The partner institution is expected to provide corresponding funding for the periods spent with them, and the application for a Global Doctoral scholarship should indicate the details of partner funding.
-
Description
The Global St Andrews Doctoral Scholarships are intended to contribute to the global theme of the University Strategy. In particular, the scholarships are intended to help consolidate the University's position as a sector leader in international engagement.
Scholarships will support research jointly supervised and delivered with a second non-UK university. Applications with one of the following partner universities on our Global PhD programme will be prioritised:
- Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn/University of Bonn, Germany
- Macquarie University, Australia
- Universitetet i Oslo/University of Oslo, Norway
- Universiteit Gent/Ghent University, Belgium (schools in the Faculty of Arts and Divinity)
- Sapienza Università di Roma/Sapienza University of Rome, Italy (School of Classics only)
Applications with institutions other than those listed above will be considered on a case-by-case basis, where space remains. Applications with institutions other than those listed will normally be approved only if there is an existing collaboration and a clear strategic rationale for the partnership. Where an application with an institution not listed here is successful, further details will be requested to ensure appropriate alignment with St Andrews policy and provision can be ensured before proceeding.
The scholarships are funded by St Leonard's Postgraduate College.
Up to eight scholarships will be awarded for new doctoral students starting their degree in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Specifically, within this total, up to two scholarships to proposals partnered with Macquarie University will be awarded through a co-funded scheme. For specific details of the call for Global St Andrews and Macquarie Strategic Partner Doctoral Scholarships, see the separate listing below.
Additionally, up to four scholarships from the total for this year, will be awarded through a co-funded scheme for proposals partnered with Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn. Specific details of the call for Global Doctoral Scholarships - St Andrews and Bonn are available in the separate listing below.
-
Overview
- Up to eight fully-funded (fees and stipend) scholarships provided by St Leonard's Postgraduate College for Global PhD programmes
- Available for new UK or international doctoral students starting their degree in the 2023-2024 academic year who meet the entry requirements of both institutions
- Supervisor-led competition open to all Schools
Supervisor-Led Competition
Applications should be submitted by University of St Andrews staff on behalf of those involved from a partner institution. The supervisor-led competition is open to all Schools.
Applications may propose either a pre-defined research project in a specific area of research under a specified lead supervisor at each institution or two closely defined topics in which student-led projects would be recruited. This flexibility is intended to support Schools who would not normally offer pre-defined doctoral projects while still ensuring that funding is directed toward research that supports strategic priorities.
No School may submit more than two applications for the whole Global PhD call. Heads of School or School Directors of Postgraduate Research should therefore establish a School-level selection process to identify up to two applications to submit to the competition.
Applications should comprise:
- an outline project description, or an outline description of up to two closely defined topics in which student-led projects would be recruited. The outline should indicate any innovative or distinctive features of the project/topic. It is suggested that this should not be more than 600 words. Keep in mind that, as the selection panel will comprise academic colleagues from across the University, the description should be written for a multi-disciplinary audience
- a statement of the way(s) in which the scholarship would contribute to developing an international partnership that strategically strengthens the school. It is suggested that this should not be more than 300 words
- a statement describing the anticipated supervision arrangements across institutions and indicating how the supervision arrangements contribute to the strength of the application. It is suggested that this should not be more than 200 words
- confirmation that the application has the support of the authorised member of staff at the University of St Andrews, normally the Head of School or the School Director of Postgraduate Research (a letter is not required)
- confirmation that the application has the support of the authorised member of staff at the partner university. This MUST also indicate the nature of the partner institution's commitment in relation to fees/maintenance support for the period to be spent at the partner institution (please see advice below)
Applications must be submitted by email to globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk by Friday 30 September 2022 at noon GMT/UTC. Late applications will not be accepted.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be considered by a multi-disciplinary selection panel chaired by the Assistant-Vice Principal (Provost).
In assessing applications, the selection panel will be guided by the following questions. Therefore, schools are encouraged to ensure that application documents clearly address these questions:
- Is the case for the project/topic well argued?
- How do the anticipated supervision arrangements contribute to the strength of the application?
- What progress is anticipated beyond current thinking?
- Is the project/topic innovative?
- What is the likely added value of the project/topic?
- Does the project/topic seem feasible? - i.e., is it suitable for doctoral-level research and can it be completed within the scholarship term?
- How well aligned is the project/topic to the University Strategy? - i.e., how would the scholarship contribute to developing capacity that strategically strengthens the school? the selection panel would also particularly welcome bids that clearly address one of the following themes:
- Peace, Conflict, and Security
- Cultural Understanding
- Evolution, Behaviour, and Environment
- Materials for the Modern World
- Health, Infectious Disease, and Wellbeing
- Sustainability
Student Recruitment and Eligibility
The results of the supervisor-led competition will be announced in December 2022. There will be an open call for student applications from January 2023. Exceptions to this requirement will not be permitted. Only projects for recruitment of new students may be submitted - a student must not have been identified in advance of the application outcomes being announced.
The application period will close at the end of February 2023. The school will be expected to complete its selection process, and to offer the scholarship to the selected applicant by the beginning of April 2023.
The School will be required to provide the Provost with a brief report on the selection process and to provide details to the Global Office at globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk
The Global Office will work with partner universities to arrange official notification of scholarship awards and the two universities will conclude contractual arrangements, which must be in place prior to the start of the degree.
The student may, with the agreement of the school, start their degree at any of the approved entry points during the 2023-2024 academic year, subject to conclusion of contracts between the parties, the student having met any admissions requirements of each university, and any immigration procedures having been completed. Scholarships cannot be deferred. Awards will be withdrawn if the student is unable to start their doctoral degree in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Please note that the student must:
- Matriculate for a joint (co-tutelle) doctoral degree to be awarded by the University of St Andrews and the partner university. Students are not eligible if they are matriculating for a research Masters degree (MPhil, MRes, etc.)
- Not already hold a doctoral degree, or be matriculated for a doctoral degree at the University of St Andrews or another institution
- Matriculate as a full-time student as part-time study is not available under this scheme
- Meet the entry requirements set by both the University of St Andrews and the partner institution, including any relevant language requirements
Funding
The scholarships comprise the equivalent of a full-fees award and stipend for the normal full-fee paying period up to 3.5 years. Scholarship holders will be expected to have submitted their thesis for examination by the end of that period.
Projects should be planned so that the student will spend half of the scholarship term at the University of St Andrews and half at the partner university:
- For the period spent at the University of St Andrews, the scholarships will comprise of a full fees awards and a stipend paid at the current UK Research Council rate (£16,062 each year in 2022-23).
- For the period spent at the partner university, the scholarships must comprise of an equivalent package, that is, the student does not directly incur tuition fees, and receives support for the purposes of maintenance. The maintenance package for the period spent at the partner university should reflect local practice in how this is paid (stipend, salary, or some other form) and value and details should be included in the application.
St Leonard's Postgraduate College will cover costs arising from that part of the scholarship term spent at the University of St Andrews. The partner institution will cover costs arising from that part of the scholarship term spent there.
The School at the University of St Andrews is not required to contribute to the costs of the scholarship.
N.B.: Unless otherwise specified, the scholarships do not cover:
- Any continuation, extension, or resubmission period/fees;
- A research training grant or another equivalent award for research expenses, e.g. bench fees or conference attendance fees;
- Funding for fieldwork activities;
- Support for travel, immigration, and related charges between the partner institutions.
Schools that normally provide doctoral students with a research training grant or equivalent award for research expenses must cover these costs themselves or come to an agreement with the partner institution should if they wish to offer this type of support.
Further Enquiries
Further enquiries about the Global Doctoral Scholarships may be addressed to the Global Office via globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk
-
Global St Andrews Doctoral Scholarships from St Leonard's Postgraduate College and Macquarie University Strategic Partner Framework Doctoral Scholarships for Joint PhD/co-tutelle Degrees
Overview
- Up to 2 fully funded (fees and stipend) scholarships provided by St Leonard’s Postgraduate College and Macquarie University Strategic Partner Framework for joint PhD degree programmes
- Available for new UK or international doctoral students (including domestic Australian applicants) starting their degree in the 2023-2024 academic year who meet the entry requirements of both institutions
- Supervisor-led competition open to all schools at both universities.
Description
The Global St Andrews and Macquarie Strategic Partner Doctoral Scholarships are intended to contribute to the global theme of the University of St Andrews’ Strategy and the Macquarie University Strategic Research Framework. In particular, the scholarships are intended to help consolidate both Universities’ position as sector leaders in international engagement.
Scholarships will support research jointly supervised and delivered through a Global PhD degree programme. Applications for a project within an area of strategic importance to both institutions will be prioritised.
For the 2023-2024 St Andrews - Macquarie University call, priority will be given to proposals that fall under the themes of Public Health or Environment, encompassing at St Andrews the strategic research areas of:
- Evolution, Behaviour, and Environment;
- Materials for the Modern World;
- Health, Infectious Disease, and Wellbeing;
- and Sustainability;
and at Macquarie:
- Healthy People;
- Prosperous Economies;
- Secure Planet;
- Innovative Technologies.
Applications in other disciplines will also be considered.
The scholarships are funded by St Leonard's Postgraduate College and Macquarie University, Australia. Up to two scholarships will be awarded for new doctoral students starting their degree in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Supervisor-Led Competition
Applications should be submitted by University of St Andrews staff on behalf of those involved from Macquarie University. The supervisor-led competition is open to all schools at both institutions.
The applications will be jointly prepared by supervisors from both Universities. Applications may propose either a pre-defined research project in a specific area of research under a specified lead supervisor at each institution or two closely defined topics in which student-led projects would be recruited. This flexibility is intended to support schools who would not normally offer pre-defined doctoral projects while still ensuring that funding is directed toward research that supports strategic priorities.
No school may submit more than two applications for the whole Global PhD call. Heads of School or School Directors of Postgraduate Research should therefore establish a school-level selection process to identify up to two applications to submit to the competition.
Applications should comprise:
- an outline project description, or an outline description of up to two closely defined topics in which student-led projects would be recruited. The outline should indicate any innovative or distinctive features of the project/topic. It is suggested that this should not be more than 600 words. Keep in mind that, as the selection panel will comprise academic colleagues from across the Universities, the description should be written for a multi-disciplinary audience
- a statement of the way(s) in which the scholarship would contribute to developing an international partnership between St Andrews and Macquarie that strategically strengthens research collaboration at both Universities. It is suggested that this should not be more than 300 words.
- a statement describing the anticipated supervision arrangements across institutions and indicating how the supervision arrangements contribute to the strength of the application. It is suggested that this should not be more than 200 words
- confirmation that the application has the support of the authorised member of staff at the University of St Andrews and Macquarie University, normally the Head of School or the School Director of Postgraduate Research (email is sufficient)
- confirmation of the nature of the partner institution's commitment in relation to fees/maintenance support for the period to be spent at the partner institution- applicants should contact the named contact person to gain confirmation of the type of in-kind and funding support.
Applications must be submitted by email to globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk by Friday September 30, 2022, at noon GMT/UTC. Late applications will not be accepted.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be considered by a multi-disciplinary selection panel involving membership from both St Andrews and Macquarie and chaired by the Assistant-Vice Principal (Provost) of St Andrews.
In assessing applications, the selection panel will be guided by the following questions. Therefore, schools are encouraged to ensure that application documents clearly address these questions:
- Is the case for the project/topic well argued?
- How do the anticipated supervision arrangements contribute to the strength of the application?
- What progress is anticipated beyond current thinking?
- Is the project/topic innovative?
- What is the likely added value of the project/topic?
- Does the project/topic seem feasible? - i.e., is it suitable for doctoral-level research and can it be completed within the scholarship term?
- How well aligned is the project/topic to University strategies? - i.e., how would the scholarship contribute to developing capacity that strategically strengthens the school? The selection panel would also particularly welcome bids that clearly address one of the identified themes common to both Universities’ research priorities:
- Public Health
- Environment
Applications to other areas will also be considered but should align to at least one of the strategic research themes of St Andrews or Macquarie.
Student Recruitment and Eligibility
The results of the supervisor-led competition will be announced in December 2022. There will be an open call for student applications by both Universities from January 2023. Exceptions to this requirement will not be permitted.
Only projects for recruitment of new students may be submitted - a student must not have been identified in advance of the application outcomes being announced.
The application period for students will close at the end of February 2023. The school will be expected to complete its selection process, and to offer the scholarship to the selected applicant by the beginning of April 2023.
The School at St Andrews will be required to provide the Provost with a brief report on the selection process and to provide details to the Global Office.
Macquarie University will be expected to complete its selection process and communicate the outcome to St Andrews for a joint announcement of application outcomes.
The Global Office at St Andrews will work with the Graduate Research office at Macquarie to arrange official notification of scholarship awards and the two universities will conclude contractual arrangements which must be in place prior to the start of the degree.
The student may, with the agreement of both Universities, start their degree at two entry points in the 2023-2024 academic year, which will either be 27 September (for St Andrews starts) / 1 October (for Macquarie starts) or 27 January (for St Andrews starts) / 1 February (for Macquarie starts. Scholarships cannot be deferred. Awards will be withdrawn if the student is unable to start their doctoral degree in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Please note that the student must:
- Matriculate for a joint (cotutelle) doctoral degree to be awarded by the University of St Andrews and Macquarie University. Students are not eligible if they are matriculating for research Master’s degree (MPhil, MRes, etc.)
- Not already hold a doctoral degree or be matriculated for a doctoral degree.
- Matriculate as a full-time student as part-time study is not available under this scheme
- Meet the entry requirements set by both the University of St Andrews and Macquarie University. Note: conditional offers will not be made for meeting English Proficiency requirements at Macquarie University.
Funding
The scholarships comprise the equivalent of a full-fees award and stipend for the normal full-fee paying period up to 3.5 years. Scholarship holders will be expected to have submitted their thesis for examination by the end of that period.
Projects should be planned so that the student will spend half of the scholarship term at the University of St Andrews and half at Macquarie University:
- For the period spent at the University of St Andrews, the scholarships will comprise of a full tuition fee award and a stipend paid at the current UK Research Council rate (£16,062 each year in 2022-2023).
- For the period spent at Macquarie University, the scholarships must comprise of an equivalent package, that is, the student does not directly incur tuition fees, and receives support for the purposes of maintenance. The maintenance package for the period spent at Macquarie University is detailed here: https://www.mq.edu.au/research/phd-and-research-degrees/explore-research-degrees/cotutelle-and-joint-phd
St Leonard's Postgraduate College will cover costs arising from that part of the scholarship term spent at the University of St Andrews. Macquarie University will cover costs arising from that part of the scholarship term spent there. The school at the University of St Andrews or Macquarie University is not required to contribute to the costs of the scholarship.
N.B.: Unless otherwise specified, the scholarships do not cover:
- Any continuation, extension, or resubmission period/fees.
- A research training grant or another equivalent award for research expenses
- Support for travel, immigration and related charges between the partner institutions.
Schools that normally provide doctoral students with a research training grant or equivalent award for research expenses, or any travel funding, must cover these costs or come to an agreement with the partner institution should if they wish to offer this type of support.
Further Enquiries
Further enquiries about the Global Doctoral Scholarships may be addressed to the Global Office at St Andrews via globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk or to the Graduate Research International Programs office at Macquarie via gr.international@mq.edu.au
-
We are delighted to announce a call for applications for St Andrews-Bonn Global Doctoral scholarships for 2023-2024 entry in a range of subjects. The Global Doctoral scholarships are supported by funding from St Leonard's Postgraduate College at St Andrews and the University of Bonn.
These Global PhDs are for specific doctoral research projects to be defined by co-supervisors working at St Andrews and Bonn.
Overview
- Up to 4 fully funded (fees and stipend) scholarships provided by St Leonard’s Postgraduate College at St Andrews and the University of Bonn for Global PhD degree programmes
- Available for students of all nationalities starting their degree in the 2023-2024 academic year who meet the entry requirements of both institutions
- Supervisor-led competition open to the Faculties of Arts, Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Medicine at the University of Bonn and the Faculties of Arts, Science, and Medicine at St Andrews. Members of other Schools/faculties should contact the Global Office/International Office prior to application.
Description
St Andrews-Bonn Global Doctoral scholarships are intended to contribute to the global theme of the University of St Andrews’ Strategy and the Internationalization Strategy of the University of Bonn. The scholarships are intended to help to increase collaborative research between the institutions and to aid their internationalisation agenda.
Scholarships will support research jointly supervised and delivered through a Global PhD degree programme. Applications for a project within an area of strategic importance to both institutions will be prioritised. Students are expected to be integrated into a Bonn International Graduate School or other structured PhD program at the University of Bonn.
Supervisor-Led Competition
Applications should be submitted by University of St Andrews staff on behalf of those involved from the University of Bonn. The supervisor-led competition is open to the Faculties of Arts, Science, and Medicine at St Andrews and the Faculties of Arts, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and Medicine at Bonn. Members of other faculties should contact the Global Office at St Andrews or the International Office at Bonn to discuss potential applications before submitting.
The applications will be jointly prepared by supervisors from both Universities. Applications may propose either a pre-defined research project in a specific area of research under a specified lead supervisor at each institution or two closely defined topics in which student-led projects would be recruited. This flexibility is intended to support schools/faculties which would not normally offer pre-defined doctoral projects while still ensuring that funding is directed toward research that supports strategic priorities.
No school at St Andrews may submit more than two applications for the whole Global PhD call. Heads of School or School Directors of Postgraduate Research at St Andrews and should therefore establish a school-level selection process to identify up to two applications to submit to the competition.
Applications should comprise:
- an outline project description, or an outline description of up to two closely defined topics in which student-led projects would be recruited. The outline should indicate any innovative or distinctive features of the project/topic. It is suggested that this should not be more than 600 words. Keep in mind that, as the selection panel will comprise academic colleagues from across the Universities, the description should be written for a multi-disciplinary audience.
- a statement of the way(s) in which the scholarship would contribute to developing an international partnership between St Andrews and Bonn that strategically strengthens research collaboration at both Universities. It is suggested that this should not be more than 300 words.
- a statement describing the anticipated supervision arrangements across institutions and indicating how the supervision arrangements contribute to the strength of the application. It is suggested that this should not be more than 200 words.
- confirmation that the application has the support of the authorised member of staff at the University of St Andrews and the University of Bonn. For St Andrews, this will normally be the Head of School or the School Director of Postgraduate Research (email is sufficient), and for Bonn will normally be the Managing Director of an Institute.
Applications for the 2023-2024 call are particularly invited for projects which will begin at the University of Bonn. Applications should clearly state that the project is expected to do so. If there is a clear academic rationale related to the specific parameters of the research project for beginning at St Andrews, this should be specified. Statements on this matter do not count towards the word counts mentioned above.
Applications must be submitted by email to globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk by Friday 30 September 2022, 12:00 GMT/UTC / 13:00 CET. Late applications will not be accepted.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be considered by a multi-disciplinary selection panel involving membership from both St Andrews and Bonn and chaired by the Assistant-Vice Principal (Dean of Learning and Teaching) and Provost of St Andrews and the Vice-Rector International of Bonn.
In assessing applications, the selection panel will be guided by the following questions. Therefore, schools are encouraged to ensure that application documents clearly address these questions:
- Is the case for the project/topic well argued?
- What progress is anticipated beyond current thinking?
- Is the project/topic innovative?
- What is the likely added value of the project/topic?
- Does the project/topic seem feasible? - i.e., is it suitable for doctoral-level research and can it be completed within the scholarship term?
- How do the anticipated supervision arrangements contribute to the strength of the application? The supervision concept put forward by the PIs should outline the planned integration of PhD candidates into their respective research environments. At Bonn, students are expected to be integrated into a Bonn International Graduate School or other structured PhD program.
- How well aligned is the project/topic to University strategies? - i.e., how would the scholarship contribute to developing capacity that strategically strengthens the school? The selection panel would also particularly welcome bids that clearly address a research theme common to both Universities’ research priorities.
Applications to other areas will also be considered but should align to at least one of the strategic research themes of St Andrews or Bonn.
Student Recruitment and Eligibility
The results of the supervisor-led competition will be announced in December 2022. There will be an open call for student applications by both Universities from January 2023. Exceptions to this requirement will not be permitted.
Only projects for recruitment of new students may be submitted - a student must not have been identified in advance of the application outcomes being announced.
The application period for students will close at the end of February 2023. The school will be expected to complete its selection process, and to offer the scholarship to the selected applicant by the beginning of April 2023.
The School at St Andrews will be required to provide the Provost with a brief report on the selection process and to provide details to the Global Office.
The Universities of Bonn and St Andrews will work together to complete the selection process and make a joint announcement of application outcomes.
The Global Office at St Andrews will work with the International Office at Bonn to arrange official notification of scholarship awards and the two universities will conclude contractual arrangements which must be in place prior to the start of the degree.
As noted, the 2023-2024 call anticipates a start date at Bonn. Where starting at Bonn, this may be at any of the following dates: If an application has been submitted with a rationale for a start at St Andrews and this has been agreed during the selection process, the available start dates for St Andrews will be 27 September, 27 October, 27 January or 27 May.
Scholarships cannot be deferred. Awards will be withdrawn if the student is unable to start their doctoral degree in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Please note that the student must:
- Matriculate for a joint doctoral degree to be awarded by the University of St Andrews and the University of Bonn. Students are not eligible if they are matriculating for research Master’s degree (MPhil, MRes, etc.)
- Not already hold a doctoral degree or be matriculated for a doctoral degree.
- Matriculate as a full-time student as part-time study is not available under this scheme.
- Meet the entry requirements (including any relevant language requirements) set by both the University of St Andrews and the University of Bonn.
Funding
The scholarships comprise the equivalent of a full-fees award and stipend for the normal full-fee paying period up to 3.5 years. Scholarship holders will be expected to have submitted their thesis for examination by the end of that period.
Projects should be planned so that the student will spend half of the scholarship term at the University of St Andrews and half at the University of Bonn:
- For the period spent at the University of St Andrews, the scholarships will comprise of a full tuition fee award and a stipend paid at the current UK Research Council rate (£16,062 each year in 2022-2023).
- For the period spent at the University of Bonn, the scholarships will comprise a monthly maintenance grant of €1,500. The University of Bonn does not charge any tuition fees, but students must pay a so-called social contribution once per semester (currently €315 per semester). For students commencing at Bonn, Bonn will offer a relocation allowance of up to €1,500.
St Leonard's Postgraduate College will cover costs arising from that part of the scholarship term spent at the University of St Andrews. The University of Bonn will cover costs arising from that part of the scholarship term spent there. The school/faculty at the University of St Andrews or the University of Bonn is not required to contribute to the costs of the scholarship, but will be liable for normal costs such as those for examiner’s fees, etc.
N.B.: Unless otherwise specified, the scholarships do not cover:
- Any continuation, extension, or resubmission period/fees.
- A research training grant or another equivalent award for research expenses, bench fees, etc.
- Support for travel, immigration and related charges between the partner institutions.
Schools that normally provide doctoral students with a research training grant or equivalent award for research expenses, or any travel funding, must cover these costs or come to an agreement with the partner institution should if they wish to offer this type of support.
Further Enquiries
Further enquiries about the Global Doctoral Scholarships may be addressed to the Global Office at St Andrews via globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk or to the International Office at Bonn (tina.odenthal@uni-bonn.de).