University of Exeter GW4 BioMed PhD Studentship: How Sights Become Signals for Learning (2027)
University of Exeter
A competitive, four-year MRC GW4 BioMed3 PhD project at the University of Exeter investigating how visual cues drive dopamine signals and learning. UK and international applicants are eligible; the funding application closes 21 October 2026 at 5 pm UK time.
The University of Exeter is offering the project “How sights become signals for learning” within the GW4 BioMed3 doctoral programme, led by Dr Yanfeng Zhang. The research will examine the neural circuits that turn visual information into dopamine signals relevant to motivation, decisions and learning, using experimental and computational approaches. This project competes with other GW4 BioMed3 projects for one of up to 18 MRC-funded studentships across Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. Select this project, code NMH27Ex YZhang, in the single GW4 funding application. You may select up to two projects. Successful candidates later apply separately for admission to the host university.
Source and verification
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Recorded source check: October 12, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
Four years of tuition coverage and a UKRI-rate doctoral stipend. The 2026/27 minimum is £21,805 per year and is updated annually. Research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per year is also available. The GW4 partner universities cover the difference between home and overseas tuition for international awardees. Visa, immigration health surcharge and relocation expenses are not covered for international students.
Eligibility summary
Open to UK and international candidates. Applicants need, or should be about to obtain, a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate area of medical sciences, computing, mathematics or physical sciences. A lower second-class degree may be considered with a master’s. Relevant non-academic experience is also considered. Exeter requires English proficiency equivalent to at least IELTS 6.5 if English is not the applicant’s first language.
Requirements
Apply to GW4 BioMed3 for funding before applying to Exeter for an offer of study. Choose project NMH27Ex YZhang, and no more than two projects in total. Only one GW4 application per candidate is allowed. The competition may close early if application volumes are unusually high. International students must cover their own visa, health surcharge and relocation costs.
Documents required
Use the programme’s application checklist and template to prepare the online funding form. Consult the GW4 BioMed3 guidance for the exact required information and documents; requirements are not separately listed on Exeter’s project page.
Language/test requirements
How to submit applications
Apply through the GW4 BioMed3 funding form, selecting project NMH27Ex YZhang. Submit one application for up to two projects by 5 pm UK time on 21 October 2026. A later Exeter offer-of-study application is required if selected. Official project is also listed at https://gw4biomed.ac.uk/how-sights-become-signals-for-learning/.
Listing-board disclaimer
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