The international PhD studentship offers scholars the opportunity to study in both Germany and the United Kingdom while working alongside globally recognized researchers in population and health sciences.

About the St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship

The joint PhD programme is funded by the University of St Andrews and the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research. The studentship focuses on understanding how social and environmental conditions during adolescence influence long-term socio-economic and health outcomes in adulthood.

Using a life-course research approach, the project will examine how inequalities accumulate over time and affect key areas of life, including:

• • Health outcomes

• Education attainment
• Family formation
• Housing conditions
• Socio-economic mobility

The research also aims to explore regional and structural inequalities using advanced quantitative and statistical modelling techniques.

Research Focus and Academic Environment

The selected PhD candidate will join several internationally respected research initiatives, including:

• • The International Max Planck Research School for Population, Health and Data Science (IMPRS-PHDS)

• The Centre for Population Change & Connecting Generations
• The Max Planck – University of Helsinki Center for Social Inequalities in Population Health

The project places strong emphasis on:

• Longitudinal analysis
• Demographic research
• Spatial analysis
• Quantitative methods
• Population health studies
• Statistical modelling

This multidisciplinary environment provides students with access to world-class expertise in demographic and population research.

Study Structure and Location

The PhD programme will be divided between Germany and Scotland.

Phase One: Germany

During the first 21 months, the successful applicant will work at the Laboratory of Population Health at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Rostock.

During this period, the student will:

• • Enroll in the IMPRS-PHDS programme
  • Participate in advanced research training

• Collaborate with international scholars
• Conduct quantitative demographic research

The institute is globally recognized as one of the leading centres for demographic research.

Phase Two: United Kingdom

For the remainder of the programme, the student will relocate to the University of St Andrews in St Andrews.

The student will become part of the Population and Health Research Group within the School of Geography and Sustainable Development.

• Preparing journal-style research articles
• Completing a doctoral thesis
• Conducting demographic and spatial analysis
• Engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration

Financial Benefits and Funding Coverage

The St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship provides substantial financial support throughout the programme.

Funding During the Germany Phase

While based in Germany, the student will receive:

• A gross annual salary of approximately €40,000
• Annual bonus payments
• Financial support for:
  • Research training
  • Travel
  • Data acquisition

Funding During the UK Phase

While studying at St Andrews, the funding package includes:

• A maintenance stipend currently valued at £19,775 annually
• A research training support grant worth £750 per year
• Full tuition fee waiver

The funding package allows students to focus fully on research and academic development without financial burden.

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is seeking applicants with strong academic backgrounds and quantitative research interests.

Eligible candidates should possess:

• An excellent Master’s degree
• Distinction or merit-level academic performance
• Backgrounds in:
  • Social sciences
  • Statistics
  • Applied mathematics
  • Population studies
  • Health sciences
  • Data science

Applicants should also demonstrate a strong interest in applying quantitative methods to population and health research.

Required Application Documents

Interested applicants are expected to submit:

• An online application to the “PhD Geography (Science)” programme
• A personal statement
• An academic writing sample
• Academic transcripts and qualifications

The personal statement should specifically explain the applicant’s interest in advanced quantitative methods and population research.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a chapter from their Master’s dissertation as part of the writing sample requirement.

Important Application Deadline

Applications for the St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship must be submitted by:

• Monday, 8 June 2026

Shortlisted candidates are expected to participate in interviews during the second half of June 2026.

Commitment to Equal Opportunities

Both the University of St Andrews and the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research promote equal opportunities and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

The institutions continue to strengthen diversity and inclusion within global research and higher  education spaces.

Why This PhD Opportunity Stands Out

The St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship offers more than financial support. It provides access to:

• International research collaborations
• Leading demographic research institutes
• Advanced quantitative training
• Global academic networks
• Cross-country academic experience
• High-impact policy and population research