La Trobe University - Sheffield Hallam University Joint PhD Program Scholarship 2027
United Kingdom
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Description
A joint PhD scholarship between La Trobe University and Sheffield Hallam University (UK), offering a $36,000 per annum stipend for …
Full Description
La Trobe University is offering a graduate research scholarship for students to undertake a joint PhD with Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
Applications for this scholarship are now open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents newly enrolling in a PhD.
Students undertaking the joint PhD program will be enrolled in a PhD at both institutions. Your supervisory team will comprise of academic staff from both institutions who will provide support and guidance throughout your research. As a student enrolled at both La Trobe and Sheffield Hallam, you will have access to services and support provided by both institutions, including a range of professional and personal development programs.
You will begin your studies at La Trobe University where you will spend the majority of your time, but with an expectation that you will spend typically 12 months at Sheffield Hallam University. Travel to and study at the host institution will be subject to the usual immigration requirements.
The joint PhD includes a tailored program of progress monitoring to fulfil the requirements of both institutions. All candidates will write and submit a thesis for defence by oral examination. On successful completion of the program requirements, you will be awarded a PhD jointly by both institutions.
The successful applicant can commence at any time with the support of your supervisor, at a La Trobe University campus, and willing to spend typically 12 months based in Sheffield, UK.
Projects will remain open until filled, and new opportunities will be posted below as they become available.
Currently Available Projects:
SHU-26023 — Neuromechanical Adaptations to Load Carriage Exposure
Primary supervisor: Dr Kane Middleton (Other supervisors: Dr Danielle Vickery-Howe [LTU], Dr Joseph Stone [SHU], Professor Jon Wheat [SHU])
This PhD explores how people learn to move safely and maintain stability while carrying heavy loads — a key challenge in military training where injuries remain common. Using advanced movement analysis, treadmill and real-world testing, and progressive training studies, the successful candidate will investigate how experienced and novice load carriers differ, how the body responds to unexpected challenges, and how movement control adapts with repeated exposure. The research progresses from short-term responses to a three-month training programme, aiming to identify practical ways to improve load carriage technique, reduce injury risk, and support more effective military training.
SHU-26024 — Crowdfunding Investment Decision Modeling in Green Energy-Powered Cold Supply Chains
Primary supervisor: Dr Ashkan Hafez Alkotob (Other supervisors: Dr Yasanur Kayikci [SHU], Dr Timothy Clune [LTU], Dr Caroline Millman [SHU])
Agricultural cold supply chains are vital to food security but highly energy-intensive, while SMEs struggle to finance renewable energy investments. This joint LTU–SHU PhD develops an advanced decision-support framework to guide crowdfunding investment toward renewable energy in cold supply chains. Adopting a mixed-methods design combining stakeholder engagement with quantitative decision modelling, the research evaluates trade-offs between financial returns, emissions reduction, and operational reliability under varying policy and market conditions. Industry validation ensures real-world relevance and pathways to broader adoption across the agri-food sector.
Special conditions: a strong quantitative background (operations research, engineering, applied mathematics, economics/finance, or related) with demonstrated mathematical modelling and data analysis ability; working proficiency in at least one modelling/programming environment (or capacity to develop this rapidly); willingness to conduct qualitative fieldwork and engage with industry/policy stakeholders.
Summary
- Application Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- Country to study: Australia, United Kingdom
- School to study: La Trobe University, Sheffield Hallam University
- Type: PhD
- Sponsor: La Trobe University
Amount
AUD 36,000 – 36,000
Funding Types
Apply
Application LinkDeadline
Dec 31, 2026
85 days remaining
Benefits
- a Research Training Program (RTP) stipend for up to three and a half (3.5) years for a doctoral degree, with a value of $36,000 per annum (2026 rate)
- a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset scholarship for up to four years for a doctoral degree
- a travel allowance to assist with travel between Melbourne and Sheffield, and personal expenses while residing in the UK
- an allowance to relocate to Melbourne to commence the degree and publication/ thesis allowance
- opportunities to work with outstanding researchers at La Trobe and Sheffield Hallam universities, and access to our suit of professional development programs
How to Apply
To apply for one of the joint PhD scholarships, follow these steps:
- Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the PhD.
- Select a Project: Choose a project from the available projects above.
- Review Project Requirements: Check the eligibility criteria and any additional conditions for the chosen project.
- Contact the Primary Supervisor: Email the primary supervisor for your preferred project to express your interest in applying. Include the following information to help them assess your eligibility:
- A statement outlining your interest in the project and your research goals
- A copy of your academic transcripts
- A copy of your research thesis or any relevant publications
- Your CV
Only eligible applicants will be invited by the primary supervisor to submit a full application for the PhD and scholarship. Please do not submit your application through our online portal without an invitation from the primary supervisor, as your application will not be accepted without their support.
Once invited to apply by the primary supervisor, please follow the instructions on the How to Apply page for the PhD. Remember to include the relevant project code (SHU-25---) in your application.
For Domestic Applicants: Select the 'Graduate Research - Specialist Research Scholarship' in your application.
For more information, kindly visit La Trobe University scholarship webpage.
Required Documents
- Statement of interest and research goals
- Academic transcripts
- Research thesis or relevant publications
- CV
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, applicants must:
- contact the primary supervisor listed against the project, and receive their invitation to submit a full application
- meet the entrance requirements for the PhD
In selecting successful applicants, we prioritise applications from candidates who:
- will be enrolled full-time and undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus
- have completed a Masters by Research or other significant body of research, such as an honours research thesis or lead authorship of a peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 75 or above
