UWS Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Studentship Scheme 2025 – Fully Funded Doctoral Opportunities in Scotland

Omran Aburayya
3 days ago
2 min read

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is inviting applications for its prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Studentship Scheme 2025. This initiative offers eight fully funded PhD studentships commencing in October 2025, providing a unique opportunity for aspiring researchers to engage in impactful studies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .

🗒️ Scholarship Summary

Host Institution: University of the West of Scotland (UWS)
Study Level: PhD (Doctoral Research)
Start Date: October 2025
Number of Studentships: 8
Duration: 3 years (36 months)
Application Deadline: June 20, 2025
Eligibility: Open to UK citizens and individuals with pre-settled or settled status in the UK
Financial Support:
- Full coverage of UK tuition fees
- Annual stipend of £20,780 to support living expenses
Affiliation: Successful candidates will join their respective academic schools and become members of the UWS Doctoral College, benefiting from comprehensive training, resources, and support .

📚 Research Themes

The studentships span across UWS's four academic schools, each offering projects that address critical global challenges:

School of Business & Creative Industries
- The Commonwealth Games 2026: Resetting the Narrative Towards Sustainability and Social Impact (VC25035)
- Stellar Quines and Intersectional Feminist Arts Praxis: Strategies for Arts Provision in Scotland’s Regions (VC25044)
School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences
- Enabling British Sign Language (BSL) in Virtual Reality using Machine Learning (VC25019)
- Empowering Future Industries: Enhancing Mission-Critical Communications with Next-Generation Networks (VC25043)
School of Education & Social Sciences
- The Changing Landscape of Third Sector Employment: Longitudinal Evidence from Linked Administrative Data (VC25029)
- Building Support for Caring Dyads: Complex Communication Deficits in Older Adults (VC25050)
School of Health & Life Sciences
- Nurturing the Implementation of the Coach’s Eye: The NICE Project (VC25004)
- The Impact of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) on Mothers and Their Children (VC25048)

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be UK citizens or hold pre-settled or settled status in the UK
Demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential
Align their research interests with one of the specified project themes
Commit to contributing to research that addresses global challenges and aligns with the UN SDGs

📝 Application Process

Select a Project: Review the available PhD projects and choose one that aligns with your research interests.
Prepare Your Application: Gather necessary documents, including academic transcripts, a research proposal, and references.
Submit Application: Apply directly to the corresponding academic school via the UWS application portal.
Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted by June 20, 2025.

🌟 Why Choose UWS for Your PhD?

Research Excellence: In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 90% of UWS research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Global Impact: Ranked 2nd in Scotland and joint 16th globally for reducing inequalities in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
Supportive Environment: Access to the UWS Doctoral College, offering comprehensive support, training, and development opportunities.
Strategic Focus: Research themes aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing real-world impact.