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Take your place in the next generation of nuclear experts by joining our fully funded four year Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) PhD in SATURN (Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear).
This growing sector has an acute need for skilled nuclear scientists and engineers. Working alongside our industry partners and in partnership with five of the country’s leading nuclear universities, you will gain a deep theoretical and practical knowledge of nuclear fission and fusion for energy.
This collaborative CDT involving the Universities of Manchester, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Strathclyde will work towards building the skills base needed to support the UK’s energy and Net Zero targets.
Your training begins with the Nuclear Boot Camp, an intensive 3 month taught programme designed to provide a grounding in the nuclear fuel cycle and other knowledge needed to support your research in nuclear science and engineering. The Boot Camp is mostly taught in Manchester, with teaching from subject matter experts from all six partner institutions and industry partners.
Following this, you will engage in a tailored skills training programme in months 4-6, preparing you for independent research. Throughout the year, regular cohort and CDT-wide events provide a community and facilitate networking opportunities across academia, industry, and other CDTs.
After your tailored skills training, you’ll progress onto your doctoral research and start your project (months 6-48). You’ll benefit from a dual-supervision model, combining guidance from both an academic supervisory team and an industrial partner. This collaborative mentorship will provide you with academic insights and the practical applications of your research, preparing you to contribute effectively to the future of nuclear energy.
Our standard entry requirements are: An Upper-Second class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any Upper-Second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).
The majority of our projects are only available for Home students due to the nature of the research and clearance checks required from industry partners. Projects that are open to international applicants* will be specified in the FindAPhD project advert. *Please note we can only accept international applicants that are exempt from ATAS Clearance.
Please complete the enquiry form to express your interest. We strongly recommend you contact the project supervisor after completing the form to speak to them about your suitability for the project. You can find their details on the project listing, or if you’re unsure, email our CDT team.
If your qualifications meet the standard entry requirements, the CDT Team will send your enquiry form and CV to the named project supervisor.
Suitable candidates will be invited to interview, and if successful encouraged to make a full application to the relevant institution.
If you have any queries, please contact saturn@manchester.ac.uk.
The university will respond to you directly. You will have a FindAPhD account to view your sent enquiries and receive email alerts with new PhD opportunities and guidance to help you choose the right programme.
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