Swansea University is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship for 2026 under the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in collaboration with its Faculty of Science and Engineering. This prestigious opportunity is centered on an innovative research project titled “Patchy Sweet Bullets Against Bacteria,” combining advanced chemistry with biomedical applications, Swansea University PhD Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded).
This PhD programme is ideal for candidates interested in cutting-edge research at the intersection of polymer science, biomaterials, and antimicrobial technologies.
Scholarship Overview
The Swansea University PhD Scholarship provides full financial support to outstanding students pursuing doctoral research in a highly interdisciplinary environment. The selected candidate will work alongside leading scientists and gain hands-on experience in world-class laboratories.
Subject Areas
Applicants should have a background or strong interest in the following fields:
- Polymer and Glyco Chemistry
- Biomaterials
- Antimicrobials
Research Project Description
The project addresses a critical global health challenge: bacterial adhesion to surfaces, which plays a major role in infections—even in bacteria that lack traditional adhesion mechanisms. Hence the research aims to design and develop heterogeneous glycosystems with “patchy” structures that can selectively target and disrupt various bacterial populations.
Key Research Components
- Engineering Patchy Glycosystems
Using advanced polymer and glycochemistry techniques to develop materials with selective antibacterial properties. - Material Characterization
Utilizing cutting-edge imaging and analytical tools such as SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy), and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) within Swansea’s advanced research facilities. - Efficacy Testing
Evaluating the antibacterial performance of the developed materials against different bacterial strains at the Institute of Life Sciences.
Supervisory Team
The successful candidate will be guided by an experienced and interdisciplinary team:
- Dr. Bhatia – Chemistry expert
- Dr. Loveridge – Specialist in natural products
- Professor Wilkinson – Authority in microbiology
This diverse supervision ensures comprehensive academic and practical training across multiple scientific disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
- A UK Bachelor’s degree with at least Upper Second Class (2:1) honours in chemistry or a related field
OR - A Master’s degree with a minimum overall grade of Merit in a relevant subject
Equivalent international qualifications are accepted and assessed via UK ENIC (formerly UK ECCTIS).
English Language Requirements
- Applicants may need to provide proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or equivalent).
Residency and Fee Status
- Open to applicants eligible for UK tuition fee status, in line with UKCISA regulations.
Funding Benefits
The scholarship is fully funded and includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Annual stipend of £19,237 and
- Additional funding for research-related expenses
Application Process
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official Swansea University scholarship application page.
- Complete and submit the online application form.
- Prepare and upload required documents, including:
- Academic transcripts
- Updated CV
- Proof of English proficiency (if required)
Application Deadline
Applicants are advised to apply before:
19 June 2026 (confirm exact deadline on the official website as dates may vary)
Why Apply?
This PhD scholarship offers more than funding—it provides an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research tackling antimicrobial resistance, a major global health concern. With access to advanced facilities and expert supervision, students will gain valuable skills for careers in academia, industry, or healthcare innovation.
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