How to Apply

Applications to this programme are now open. Applications will close January 15, 2027 at 17:00 BST.

You can apply through two routes:

Route A: Develop a proposal on a named topic with a named supervisor.

Route B: Open call to develop a PhD proposal from any discipline on the theme ‘Waste Futures’. (Check here for details on proposal length and content when applications open).

For both routes, you must have the support of a supervisor at QMUL. The first step in an application is to be in touch with a supervisor.

CLICK HERE TO FIND PROJECTS AND SUPERVISORS FOR BOTH APPLICATION ROUTES.

Eligibility and academic entry criteria 

• When you apply, please check the entry requirements on the School or Department website to which you are applying.

• A limited number of awards (up to six across the programme) are available for international students. 

• We specifically welcome applications in interdisciplinary research and from typically under-represented groups including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. 

Application process 

Application documents 

All applicants should apply through the procedures of the Department or School of their proposed supervisor. Applicants must submit the following:

• a 2-page (max) (CV)

• a 2-page (max) research proposal

• a 2-page (max) personal statement outlining their experiences, interests, and aptitudes for research on waste and its communication to multiple audiences

• letters of reference from two referees, at least one of which should be an academic referee. 

Application form 

Applications are to be made on the admissions portal. To apply follow this link and select the relevant research area.

You must make clear in your application that you wish to be considered for a Leverhulme Living with Waste Scholarship and identify whether you are applying through Route A or Route B.

To do this add “Leverhulme Living with Waste” when prompted to complete the funding source question of the application form. Failure to do this may result in your application not being considered for this scheme. 

Proposal 

Tips for writing a strong research proposal include: 

• First, develop your proposal in consultation with your proposed supervisor.
• Formulate a precise, interesting research question; this may take the form of a hypothesis to be tested, or a more open-ended inquiry. 

• Establish the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking. Is there a knowledge gap? 

• Outline a clear and practical methodology which enables you to answer the research question, and to describe and evaluate any data or source material you will draw upon. 

• Suggest what you hope to discover at the end of your research and what new areas it might open up. 

• Demonstrate that your research will not take longer than 4 years.
• Check the specific requirements on the School/Department/Institute webpages. 

Timeline

Application timeline 

October 2026 - Applications open 

January 15, 2027, 17:00pm BST - Application deadline 

Early February 2027 – Applications reviewed by a cross disciplinary panel

Mid-February 2027 - Notification to candidates of outcomes 

Assessment Criteria 

The application assessment criteria will be published here by November 6, 2027.

Contact Information

If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please first check our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have additional queries about the application process, you contact the LWW Programme Administrator.