Cambridge University PhD Program 2026: Fully Funded Research Opportunities

Cambridge University PhD Program 2026: The University of Cambridge is offering a fully-funded PhD program starting in October 2026, focusing on the interdisciplinary study of entomology, life writing, and archival research. This unique Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) studentship explores the relationship between recording nature and writing the self within the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, using rich insect collections and documentary archives primarily from the East of England. The program is designed to enable groundbreaking research at the intersection of textual studies and the history of science, with a strong emphasis on environmental change and temporalities in scientific collections. It offers students access to world-class archives, museums, and libraries, including the University Museum of Zoology and Cambridge University Library.

Also read: IIT Delhi Admissions 2026: Apply Now for Postgraduate,PhD Programs

About the University of Cambridge Collaborative Doctoral Partnership Scheme

This Cambridge University PhD Program 2026 is offered under the AHRC’s Collaborative Doctoral Partnership Scheme and is a joint initiative between the University of Cambridge Faculty of English, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, Cambridge University Library, and the University Museum of Zoology. The partnership provides students with opportunities to carry out research across various world-renowned collections and engage with a wider network of cultural heritage institutions and academic departments. The scheme emphasizes work-based skills and professional development, offering placements and training alongside the research project.

Vacancy Details / Course Offered

Salary/ Benefits

The salary benefits under Cambridge University PhD Program 2026 is given in details:

• Full tuition fees paid up to the UKRI full-time home rate (£5,238 for 2026/2027)
• Full doctoral maintenance stipend (£21,805 for 2026/2027)
• Annual Research Training and Support Grant of £750 (pro-rata for part-time)
• Annual CDP maintenance payment of £600
• Additional travel and related expenses grant up to £2,000 per year
• Fee gap covered by University for international students with co-funding
• Potential Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) for students requiring additional support

Eligibility Criteria

General Eligibility

• The candidates applying under Cambridge University PhD Program 2026 are open to both Home and International applicants
• Home students must be UK or Irish nationals meeting residency requirements, or have settled/ pre-settled status or indefinite leave to remain/enter
• Applicants should ideally hold, or expect to hold, a relevant Masters-level qualification with a first-class/ distinction result or equivalent professional research experience
• Relevant disciplines include English, History of Science, History, or equivalent backgrounds including museum, library, or heritage sector experience
• Passion, dedication, and enthusiasm for archives, entomology, and life writing research is essential

Selection Process

Candidates applying under Cambridge University PhD Program 2026 will be shortlisted based on their submitted application documents including research proposal and academic record. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews, expected to take place on 12 June 2026. The selection will consider academic excellence, research potential, and suitability for collaborative work across the University and partner institutions.

Exam Pattern/Admission Test Details

Not applicable for this Cambridge University PhD Program 2026. Admission is based on evaluation of application documents and interview performance.

Documents Required

• One-page covering letter highlighting skills, experience, and research interests
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts from all previous degrees
• Research proposal of 800 words outlining project plan and approach to collections
• A sample of recent academic writing (5,000–7,000 words)
• Names and contact details of two academic or professional referees with references submitted by deadline

Steps to Apply

• Prepare a one-page covering letter explaining your interest, skills, and experience relevant to the project.
• Prepare a short academic CV.
• Collect all academic transcripts from previous/current institutions.
• Write an 800-word research proposal aligned with the project collections and themes.
• Prepare a writing sample (5000–7000 words) such as a dissertation or academic paper.
• Arrange two referees and request them to send reference letters before the deadline.
• Combine all required documents into a single PDF file.
• Email the application to University of Cambridge Faculty of English at degcomm@english.cam.ac.uk. Use the subject line: “Recording Nature CDP studentship”.
• Submit the application before 3 May 2026 deadline and ensure referees also send their letters on time.

Fee Structure or Application Fees

There is no fee for applying for this Cambridge University PhD Program 2026.

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