EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Photonics
Industry Inspired Photonic Imaging Sensing & Analysis

Our CDT

Our CDT 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, Strathclyde and St Andrews and is led by Heriot-Watt University.

Our CDT is unique as each of our exciting research projects is sponsored by industry, providing industrially-informed doctoral projects related to photonics and industry.

UK photonics has consistently outperformed overall UK manufacturing growth over the last 6 years. Based on manufacturing Industry growth data from the Office of National Statistics, UK photonics has grown four times faster than overall UK manufacturing over the same time period, reflecting the ever increasing importance of photonics in modern society.

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 six university 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.

We are part of the AEngD (Association of Engineering Doctorates), a community of EngD providers, researchers, sponsors, EngD alumni and other stakeholders in the EngD ‘brand’, ensuring the qualification is widely recognised in industry and academia.

Equality and Diversity

Funding Package

Our students have their fees paid for the duration of the programme and also receive an annual stipend of at least £20,777 (EngD), £16, 277 (PhD). In addition to this they have access to a conference budget of up to £4000 for the duration of the course.

For more information and how to apply:

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

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