PhD Studentship: Mechanistic Studies of Pasta 2026

This PhD investigates the digestion and structural behaviour of Durum wheat semolina pasta using microscopy and in vitro gut modeling. The project explores how much plant fiber and starch from pasta reach the colon and how structural properties and mastication influence digestion. Candidates will gain multidisciplinary training in nutrition, digestive physiology, microscopy (confocal, light, TEM, SEM), enzymology, and food structure. Collaboration with King's College London is included.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 09 November 2025
2. Value: Fully funded for Home (UK) students—includes a £20,780 stipend, £5,006 tuition fees, and research/travel funding
3. Study Level: PhD, Postgraduate
4. Sponsor: Barilla Pasta
5. School of Study: University of Brighton
6. Course to Study: PhD – Mechanistic Studies of Pasta (Nutrition, Food Structure, Microscopy)
7. Eligible Country: All Countries

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Studentship: Mechanistic Studies of Pasta 2026

Academic entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree and desirably hold or expect to achieve excellent grades in a masters degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or comparable qualifications from another recognized university.

Applicants are also required to submit a research proposal of no more than 1,000 words. The proposal should be shaped by a reflection on the project brief, and outline your motivation for conducting this research, the key skills that you can bring to this project, and how you would approach and shape the research.

Residential eligibility criteria

Home students for full funding.

Other students are welcome; however, they will need to pay the balance of fees as outlined in the Funding section below.

English language entry requirements

All applicants must have successfully completed a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in the last two years unless they are from one of the UKVI-defined list of Majority English-Speaking Countries.

Applicants who are studying for, or have obtained in the last three years, a degree from an institution in the UK or one of the UKVI-approved countries may apply without a SELT. However, the university may request an SELT be taken as part of any award made.

English language IELTS requirements are 7.0 overall, with 7.0 for writing and no component below 6.5.

We accept a number of English language qualifications including IELTS. Please contact us if you have any queries arising from this. Further details can be found here:

Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Benefits of PhD Studentship: Mechanistic Studies of Pasta 2026

1. This studentship is funded for three years (or part time equivalent) by Barilla Pasta. The funding will cover the full cost of the UKRI-rate annual stipend (£20,780 in 2025-26) and the Home fee (£5,006 FT in 2025-26). There is additional funding to cover research costs, including travel.
2. Candidates applying who would be assessed as eligible for International fee (£16,390 in 2025-26) would need to meet the balance of the fee requirement and are not eligible for part-time study.

How to Apply

We will only consider complete applications - the application is complete once you have submitted all of the following:

1. Your research proposal (max 1000 words).
2. Copies of your bachelor's and master's certificates, including transcripts (or interim transcripts if not yet completed).
3. Copy of your IELTS (or equivalent) certificate (if applicable).
4. Copy of your passport.
5. Two references uploaded or requested—one must be an academic reference from your most recent period of study. Both must have been written within the last year.

Read our research proposal guide

To submit your application, please follow these steps:

1. Click the 'apply online now' button, on the right.
2. Select 'register and start a new application', to create your user account.
3. Once you are logged in, select 'apply to a new course'.
4. Select the type of course 'research degree'.
5. Select the mode of study 'full-time' or 'part-time'.
6. Select 'Doctoral College'.
7. Select 'Mechanistic Studies of Pasta’
8. Click 'apply.'

You will now be able to complete the online application form.

Application Deadline

November 9, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for PhD Studentship: Mechanistic Studies of Pasta 2026