Last verified: 18 October 2026. We checked these University of Derby PhD studentship details against the University of Derby’s official pages.
Update: the Philosophies of Education studentship this page used to cover has closed and Derby no longer lists it. This guide now covers the University of Derby PhD studentship currently open, plus the fees and discounts that apply to all MPhil/PhD students.
University of Derby PhD studentship open now
Important for international readers: this studentship is open to Home applicants only and covers Home fees of £5,238 plus the stipend. International applicants should look at the other studentships listed below and check each project’s eligibility.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Exploring the impact of wildlife gardening for wellbeing |
| Closing date | 28 October 2026 |
| Stipend shown on the listing | £21,805 (twenty-one thousand eight hundred and five pounds) a year, at the 2026/27 rate |
Another Derby page quotes £21,805 (twenty-one thousand eight hundred and five pounds). Because the two figures differ, ask the research team which rate applies before you accept an offer.

Fees and discounts for Derby MPhil/PhD students
- International fees are £17,500 (seventeen thousand five hundred pounds) a year.
- International students pay an £8,000 (eight thousand pounds) deposit before Derby issues a CAS.
- Your fees drop by 25% once you submit your Intention to Submit.
- Derby graduates get a 10% alumni discount.
Worked example
Ngozi is an international applicant who pays her own fees. In year one she owes £17,500, and she pays the £8,000 deposit first so Derby can issue her CAS. Later, after she files her Intention to Submit, a 25% cut brings that year’s fee to £13,125 (thirteen thousand one hundred and twenty-five pounds). This is our own calculation, so check the exact figure with Derby.
Checklist before you apply
- Read the full project listing and contact the named supervisor.
- Apply before 28 October 2026.
- Confirm the stipend rate in writing.
- Also budget for visa costs; see our UK student visa fee guide.
Other University of Derby PhD studentship openings
Derby lists 12 more studentships that close on 8 November 2026. Each project sets its own eligibility, so open each listing and check whether international applicants can apply before you write your proposal.
Fees and English for international researchers
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| International MPhil/PhD fee (2026/27) | £17,500 full-time, £8,750 part-time |
| Stipend on the wildlife gardening project | £21,805 a year (2026/27) |
| PhD English requirement | IELTS 7.0, with 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in each other part |
Taught Masters awards at Derby
If a PhD isn’t your next step, Derby’s Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship takes £2,000 off the first year of a taught Masters for self-funded overseas students, automatically. January 2027 is the latest intake listed. Derby also lists regional awards for Europe (£6,000) and South-East Asia (£5,000), but no Africa-specific award.
Checklist for international PhD applicants at Derby
- Open each studentship listing and confirm it accepts international applicants.
- Note the 8 November 2026 closing date for the 12 open projects.
- Prepare IELTS 7.0, with 7.0 in writing.
- Budget for the £17,500 international fee if the studentship covers Home fees only.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Philosophies of Education studentship still open?
No. Derby no longer lists it.
Does Derby offer other PhD funding?
Yes. Check the studentship opportunities page often, as new projects appear during the year.
Can international students apply for the wildlife gardening studentship?
No. It’s for Home applicants only. Check Derby’s other listings for projects open to international students.
Official sources
- Official page – Derby studentship opportunities
- Official page – Derby MPhil/PhD fees and funding
- Official page – University of Derby research degree applicants
- Official page – University of Derby scholarships
Funding terms change. Always confirm with the University of Derby before you apply.
