Open Events 2025/26

Would you like to find out more about the ILESLA Programme and how you could be paid to carry out a PhD at Oxford University, Oxford Brookes or the Open University?

26th November 2025 Virtual Open Day from 13:00 to 16:00.

We are holding two information events for those interested in applying to the ILESLA.

The first will be a Virtual Open Day on 26th November from 13:00 to 16:00 (UK time) to explain more about the programme itself and provide advice on the application process. There will be the opportunity to speak with representatives from all three universities, as well as from Pirbright, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source and Diamond Light Source.  There will be the chance to talk to current students who can share the student experience from their perspective, and talk about life as a doctoral student. 

You can sign up for the Virtual Open Day at the link below and we will send you a zoom link to attend on the morning of the event.

We will record the main presentations and have put some FAQ documents together that are available via this website, so that people who can't attend can still find answers to their questions. You can also see last years open day on "Open Event Recordings" .

Open Day Recordings

We appreciate that not everyone is able to attend a daytime event because of other commitments. 

The main sessions in this event have therefore been recorded and are available to view for the remainder of the application cycle.

ILESLA Open Day Introduction SLIDES

What Assessors are looking for

The Application Process    SLIDES

Open Event FAQs

 

3rd December 2025 19:00 to 20:00 Evening Q&A

Offered for those who could not attend the daytime session.  This included advice for candidates who are interested in applying for doctoral study who have not recently been enrolled in full-time academic study. 

Do please watch the recorded Open Event sessions before attending this Q&A as it is not intended to replicate that event and information, but rather to offer the opportunity to ask questions on topics not covered during the afternoon event. 

15th May 2026 - RePOWER 1 day Workshop

Are you considering a return to postgraduate study after time away from higher education? Are you in employment and wondering if full or part-time postgraduate study might be the right next step for your career?

We know that a return to postgraduate study might be daunting. But if you're considering masters-level courses or research degrees in the life and environmental sciences, RePOWER is designed to help you take the next step.

Organised by the Interdisciplinary Life and Environment Science Landscape Award (ILESLA) Doctoral Training Programme, funded by the BBSRC and NERC and supported by EPSRC, this one-day hybrid workshop brings together speakers from the University of Oxford, The Open University, and Oxford Brookes University. It offers an introduction to postgraduate study for those who are considering a return to education— particularly those who completed their last degree three or more years ago, or who have recently returned to study and are considering progressing to a PhD.

What to Expect:

 Find out about the range of postgraduate opportunities: diplomas, taught masters, and research degrees

 Learn about flexible study options: full-time, part-time, distance learning, or on-site research

 Gain practical guidance on how to apply and prepare for postgraduate study

 Hear directly from academic staff and current students about their experiences

 Connect with others who are on a similar journey

Whether you're looking to advance your skills, knowledge or career prospects, RePOWER will provide information and support if you’re considering a return to postgraduate study in the life and environmental sciences.

The 2026 programme will be confirmed in due course, but you can View last year's programme here

Questions?

Visit our FAQs page here

Further events will be added to this page throughout the year.