Application and funding

The centre has been successful in attracting significant (over £4M) funding from the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) to support our programme. All of our projects also receive funding from industry.

We welcome applications from graduates in relevant STEM or engineering disciplines and you will use your existing skills (and others that the degree will give you) to help us solve the problems facing our energy systems. You should have a first-class or upper second-class honours and/or a good Masters degree. We value the varied perspectives and experiences that a diverse cohort of students can bring to the programme. We nurture a culture in which everyone feels respected, comfortable, valued and included. 

Some subjects are suitable to candidates with a social sciences background. 

We are now recruiting for our final intake of students to start in February 2024. The CDT will stop recruiting after February 2024.

Current vacancies

Doctoral projects currently on offer:

Woman taking measurements on an oil rig

Funding

  • Studentships cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend and consumables for the duration of the four-year programme.
  • The stipend rate for the academic year 2023/24 is £18,622. The stipend will rise with inflation each academic year. The exact rate for 2023/24 subject to confirmation from EPSRC.
  • Students receive a stipend enhancement of £3,750 per year which amount to a total of £22,372 (non-taxable) per year in 2023/24.
  • Additional support is available for disabled students through  EPSRC’s Disabled Student Allowance .
  • Students receive £6,000 for consumables per year which is used for laboratory supplies, travel, and conference attendances.

Intake

Our intakes start in October and February each year. We take applications throughout the year. Most students start in October.

Destinations of our graduates

This Centre does not yet have graduates, as our first students will complete their programme in September 2023. However, graduates from our predecessor CDTs have proved to be very employable and are now in a multitude of roles ranging from positions within national and international governments, the energy industry or other industry in various roles such as research, data analysis, data modelling & management, have launched their own consultancy, or are pursuing academic research. 

We will build on your existing skillset and the training of this programme will ensure that you will be widely employable. Training with all other CDT students, industry sponsors and academics across three institutions will aid in creating a professional network for you that will be invaluable for your future career.

Candidate eligibility

To apply you will need a first or upper second-class honours degree or a good Masters in a relevant STEM or engineering subject.

You may also apply if you hold a similar qualification in a social sciences discipline with an established interest in relevant technological areas.  

International candidates

Some of our posts are open to international students, but the number is limited. UK legislation allows publicly funded educational institutions to charge 'international' fees to students unless they fulfil certain residence and immigration status requirements. All our students will have their home fees paid by the Centre.  There are a small number of bursaries available to cover the difference between home and international fees. 

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) can provide information on tuition fees to help you assess your fee status. The EPSRC also provides guidance on studentship eligibility here.

Application process and application form

The CDT in Resilient Decarbonised Fuel Energy Systems is committed to fair and transparent recruitment.

We ask candidates to apply through the application system of the University that is offering the PhD project: 

We will work with candidates with disabilities to provide a suitable alternative format where required.

Applications will be stored for a maximum of 12 months and deleted at the start of the next academic year. 

Shortlisting and interviews

Your supervisor will review applications based on academic ability, research experience and motivation to study with the CDT and their specific research project. 

Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview and can expect to meet the host industrial companies to discuss projects in more detail. You will receive an email invitation to interview.

Candidates can specify adjustments required at the interview arising from a disability. Every effort will be made to accommodate requests such as timing of interviews, a rest between questions, writing questions in the chat function, and other adjustments.

Computer servers with cables

Interview feedback and offers

Feedback will be provided to all interviewed candidates via the interviewer. A request to join the CDT will be made by email to the top performing candidate within one week of the interview. 

Unsuccessful candidates will be emailed within one month of the interview.

Any questions?

For informal enquiries, and to be added to our mailing list for recruitment announcements, please contact Dr Robin Irons (robin.irons1@nottingham.ac.uk), the director of the CDT.

Please contact PhD supervisors directly for more information on their PhD project.