Course summary
Join the University of Southampton, a global top 100* research-intensive university, and enhance your skills with INSPIRE - the Interdisciplinary Southampton Partnership for Investigators Researching the Environment. INSPIRE aims to equip environmental scientists to excel in their chosen field, to thrive in interdisciplinary research teams, to apply cutting edge technology to environmental research, and to act as ambassadors of global environmental issues to industry and society. It will train students in research, professional and transferable skills within world-leading research teams to enable them to develop as future leaders. The main scientific themes of INSPIRE are: 1. Oceans and climate 2. The dynamic Earth 3. Interaction of organisms with the global environment. *QS World University Rankings 2025
Modules
In addition to developing their own research project addressing a key current environmental problem, INSPIRE students benefit from a range of development opportunities throughout the programme, commencing with the induction programme which will be undertaken by the whole cohort at the National Oceanography Centre campus in Southampton. See website for more details.
Assessment method
You'll need to demonstrate satisfactory progress at the end of each year. Your supervisor will complete an annual report that takes into account how you have progressed against your agreed targets, which include training and development activities.
How to apply
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you'll need an IELTS minimum level of 6.5 with a 6.0 in writing, reading, speaking and listening. Your awarded certificate needs to be dated within the last 2 years. If you need further English language tuition before starting your degree, you can apply for one of our pre-sessional English language courses.
Entry requirements
A UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher in one of: biological sciences (or a closely related discipline), marine biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental sciences, geography, geology, geophysics, mathematics, natural sciences, oceanography or physics
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
INSPIRE studentships are funded by the Natural and Environmental Research Council (NERC). The stipend is in line with UKRI stipend levels. All studentships are fully funded for 3.5 years. Both UK and non-UK candidates are eligible to apply.
Provider information
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ