Engineering and Physical Sciences Thematic Studentships

Applications are now open for up to 18 PhD studentships at the University of Nottingham, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Starting in October 2019, the studentships are offered through cohort-based doctoral training programmes. They span six distinct themes, with each theme led by an academic expert and offering up to three fully funded opportunities.

Successful applicants will receive a stipend (£14,777 per annum for 2018/19) for up to three-and-a-half years, tuition fees and a Research Training Support Grant.

Discover our world

Choosing the University of Nottingham will give you access to a world-leading research environment, with expert academics and impressive facilities to develop your potential.

Ranked 8th in the UK in the latest Research Excellence Framework for impact power, we have a track record of producing high-quality research that makes a real difference to the world. Our work tackles some of the major challenges facing society, the economy and the environment.

We are connected locally, nationally and globally — by completing a research programme with us, you will become part of an international network and will work with passionate academics from around the world.

Research themes

• Astromedicine and astro-pharmacy – How will man colonise Mars? At a time when the world’s space agencies have formed the Global Exploration Roadmap for the long-term human habitation of the planet, we are focusing on addressing this problem.
• Computational neuroscience – Understanding the brain is one of today’s biggest scientific challenges. This programme focuses on computational understanding and analysis of the brain, including how it processes information.
• Imaging technologies for vulnerable subjects – Many patients aren’t benefitting from the full power of modern medical imaging technology. We are developing and making the best use of medical imaging technology to ensure access for these vulnerable subject groups.
• Low-dimensional materials and interfaces – The functional properties of materials are determined at the atomic level. This programme incorporates research in one of the most exciting and topical areas of science.
• Mathematics and statistics for modelling and prediction – This programme encompasses intra-disciplinary collaboration between applied mathematics and statistics, and inter-disciplinary collaboration between mathematical sciences and researchers.
• New generation of sustainable foods: the protein case – The sustainable supply of affordable and nutritious foods is recognised as a major global challenge. We aim to enable the development of novel, sustainable and nutritious protein foods.

Entry requirements

Fully funded studentships are available for UK applicants. EU applicants who are able to confirm that they have been resident in the UK for at least three years before October 2019 may also be eligible for a full award. EU students who are not able to prove that they meet the residency criteria may apply for a fees only award.

All candidates should have, or expect to obtain, a First or 2:1 in a relevant discipline. Specific subject areas are specified on our website.

How to apply

Find out more about the research themes and application process on our website. The deadline for completed applications, funding forms, references and transcripts is 11pm on Tuesday 30 April 2019.