EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Photonics
(Use-Inspired Photonic Sensing and Metrology)

Join our collaborative Centre for Doctoral Training – Stipends up to £31,000!

The CDT in Applied Photonics has been funded by EPSRC and Industry since 2001 and we are the longest running Centre for Doctoral Training in Photonics in the UK. Our CDT is a partnership between the Universities of Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heriot-Watt (lead), Huddersfield, Strathclyde, St Andrews and NPL.

Our CDT is unique as each of our exciting research projects is sponsored by industry, providing industrially-informed doctoral projects in Photonic Sensing and Metrology.

The programme

Our programme is cohort based with a duration of four years. Core technical courses delivered in two 60-credit residential blocks, the first from September to December at the University of St Andrews and the second from January to May at the University of Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt. Each block comprises a set of mandatory courses, but elective modules are available from our partner universities.

Our student’s progress to their research project in June, with EngD projects located at the company’s site and PhD projects being based in one of our eight academic partners. The remaining taught courses are delivered by the Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University in intensive blocks in years two and three.

Forming a strong cohort is an important part of the programme and our students meet regularly for professional and computational skills workshops throughout the duration of the programme. Our students take part in Responsible Research and Innovation workshops and attend Outreach Training.

Doctor of Engineering (EngD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Our CDT students either study for an EngD (Doctor of Engineering) qualification or a conventional PhD.

The Engineering Doctorate (EngD) scheme was established by the EPSRC in 1992, as ‘their flagship postgraduate qualification’. It is a 4-year doctoral degree, with an emphasis on research in a business context, with the aim of delivering the senior research managers of the future.

Available projects

Funding Package

The CDT in Applied Photonics is pleased to have been selected to participate in the UK Government’s TechExpert pilot scheme https://www.gov.uk/guidance/techexpert. As part of this initiative, students entering EngD and PhD programmes in 2026 who are eligible for home fee status will receive a generous stipend of £31,000.

TechExpert funded students also engage in up to 10 days per year of enriching additional activities, such as outreach to inspire future talent and initiatives that support widening participation in technology careers.

In addition to this, students have access to a conference budget of up to £4,000 and tuition fees paid for the for the duration of the programme.

Applicants who have International fee status are still welcome to apply for relevant projects, however will not receive the TechExpert funding, receiving a stipend for EngD & PhD students of £22,280 in the first year and rising to £28,280 in years 2, 3 & 4 for EngD students. The rate for PhD students remains at £22,280 for the four years of study.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on their academic qualifications and any relevant work experience. As a minimum we require candidates to have a First-Class or 2:1 MPhysics or MEng degree or an MSc with merit (over 60%) in a relevant area, i.e. Electronic Engineering/Mechanical Engineering. Applicants who have a First-Class BSc/BEng (Hons) and can demonstrate significant relevant industry/research experience may also be considered.

For more information and how to apply:

Website: http://cdtphotonics.hw.ac.uk/apply/

For enquiries please contact: CDTphotonics@hw.ac.uk