UNRISK Doctoral Focal Award

PGR-F-395

Key facts

Deadline: Wednesday 14 January 2026
Funding start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Number of funding places: Multiple opportunities available
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Source of funding: Research council
Key staff: Professor Ken Carslaw

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Understanding Uncertainty to Reduce Climate Risks (UNRISK) is a Centre for Doctoral Training with fully funded PhD research opportunities at the University of Leeds, University College London, the University of Exeter collaborating with over 40 external partners. UNRISK will train students with the multidisciplinary knowledge and skills across climate science, data science and decision science to tackle the pressing challenge of reducing the risks associated with rapid climate change. UNRISK will fund 40 PhD students in cohorts of 12-15 per year over three years, providing them with a stipend, university fees and residential training for 3 years and 9 months.

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<p><strong>Please note that applications will open on Monday 17<sup>th</sup> November 2025</strong>.</p> <p><strong>The deadline for both parts of the application is Wednesday 14<sup>th</sup> January 2026 at 13:00 (UK time)</strong>. For more information on how to apply, please see <a href="https://unrisk-cdt.ac.uk/application-resources/">the UNRISK website</a>. </p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements should contact the supervisor for their chosen project.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

Applicants must meet the English language requirement for the institution, school or department where the project is based. For projects based at the University of Leeds, the minimum English language entry requirement is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. <br /> <br /> For more information on eligibility please see the UNRISK website, linked above.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For further information please contact the UNRISK team: <a href="mailto:unrisk@leeds.ac.uk">unrisk@leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>