How to Apply
We seek applications from outstanding post-graduate candidates with an interest in sustainable organic synthesis. Sixteen fully-funded four-year studentships are available each year (12/13 in Oxford and 3/4 in York), for applicants with related science degrees and/or relevant experience. Further details of the application procedure can be found below.
Applicants need to apply directly to the host institution of their preferred projects. The list of CSHP CDT projects available for 2026/27 entry can be found here.
The 1st application deadline for the CDT is Fri 14 Nov 12noon. We will continue to receive applications following this deadline, however some of the projects may be filled following the assessment of the first round of applications. The 2nd application deadline is Thu 8 Jan 12noon.
The CSHP CDT is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.
The University of Oxford has recently launched a number of pioneering initiatives to improve access to graduate study, including scholarships for black students or fee waivers for applicants from low income backgrounds. You can learn all about these initiatives here. Similar initiatives from the University of York can be found here.
The CSHP CDT has partnered with Oxford's Academic Futures scholarship programmes to offer a fully-funded studentship per intake to a student of UK Black and Mixed Black ethnicity, a student refugee or with lived experience of displacement, or a student who has experienced being in care in the UK. We have also joined Oxford’s pilot programme on using contextual, socio-economic data to inform the shortlisting and offer process.
Application check-list - University of Oxford
1. Visit the Admissions Website for more information on the course, including the Entry Requirements.
2. Prepare all the required supporting documents:
- Online application form
- 1000-word personal statement, focusing on your interest and experience in your proposed field of research
- Clearly state your 1-2-3 choice of substantive research projects chosen from our list at the end of your personal statement
- Transcripts detailing your university-level qualifications and marks to date
- Three Academic/Professional References: please include contact details for 3 referees; references need to be submitted by each application deadline, please allow sufficient time for your referees to be contacted and references submitted.
4. Log onto the University of Oxford's online system. Please note:
- Under course enter Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (EPSRC CDT) and course code enter R31_1
- Leave college choice open on the application
Need help?
For more details on the application and selection processes, and for answers to general questions (i.e. funding eligibility, project allocation, etc.) please visit our FAQs section.
For information regarding the programme that cannot be found on the website, please contact the CSHP CDT team.
If you have any general questions regarding the University’s application procedure, please contact Graduate Admissions.
Application check-list - University of York
1. Visit the Admissions Website for more information on the course, including the Entry Requirements. Please note that applications to the CDT for York-hosted projects are open to UK (home) students only.
2. Prepare all the required supporting documents:
- Online application form
- 1000-word personal statement, focusing on your interest and experience in your proposed field of research
- Clearly state your 1-2-3 choice of substantive research projects chosen from our list in the section of the form entitled Research Proposals. Please clarify in your personal statement your preferred project.
- A CV (Curriculum vitae)
- Transcripts detailing your university-level qualifications and marks to date
- Two Academic/Professional References: you will be required to submit contact details for 2 referees; references need to be submitted by each application deadline, please allow sufficient time for your referees to be contacted and references submitted.
- Complete the CSHP CDT Studentship: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Data Form (for York applicants only)
4. Log onto the University of York's on-line application system.
- Please do not submit multiple PhD applications. You can apply for more than one project on the same application form.
Need help?
For more details on the application and selection processes, and for answers to general questions (i.e. funding eligibility, project allocation, etc.) please visit our FAQs section.
For information regarding the programme that cannot be found on the website, please contact the CSHP CDT team.
If you have any general questions regarding the University’s application procedure, please contact Graduate Admissions.
