Energy demand in buildings is a complex socio-technical problem which must be better understood if we are to deliver UK CO2 targets. However, the sector faces a skills shortage and we need more highly qualified graduates to work in government, industry, NGOs and academia.

The London – Loughborough EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Energy Demand (LoLo CDT) brings together two leading energy demand research universities, UCL and Loughborough University. Both are “Centres of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design”, awarded by the Royal Academy of Engineering. LoLo is funded to train a large student cohort to address the skills shortage. Graduates are expected to take senior roles throughout the economy.

We provide a highly regarded PhD training programme: including opportunities to work with leading researchers, placements with industry and a comprehensive skills and development programme. Applicants will have good degrees from diverse backgrounds, reflecting our multidisciplinary research; previous experience of energy and buildings is not required.

For project topics at Loughborough University please go to our LoLo website.

As a LoLo student you will join active research groups, supporting a wide range of projects, in a student-focused environment with ample opportunities to engage with leading researchers, industry and policy makers.

Our four-year funded PhD programme combines a one-year Master of Research (MRes) and a three-year doctorate (PhD). This structure builds a firm foundation of skills, knowledge and research experience, steadily progressing into world-leading research.

The MRes covers thermodynamics, energy systems in the built environment, energy modelling and analysis, social sciences, policy, and energy economics. PhDs will be individually tailored to match your strengths and interests to those at Loughborough and UCL. As part of your studies, you will gain business and innovation skills; project and programme management skills; teamwork, communication and leadership skills; and the ability to seek solutions to complex, multi-faceted problems.

You will undertake your Master’s degree and PhD at either UCL or Loughborough. Teaching is primarily delivered by the home institution, with some shared teaching, workshops, site-visits, seminars and other activities.

Information about the UCL MRes

Information about the Loughborough MRes

Who we are looking for

Applications are invited from UK graduates with a good first degree* (1st or 2:1) in one of the following areas: physics, mathematics, engineering, chemistry, natural sciences, materials science, geographical sciences, social sciences, psychology, architecture or other building-related disciplines.

EU and overseas students with these or equivalent qualifications may also apply. Applicants with other relevant qualifications or extensive relevant industry experience who can show evidence of a scientific and engineering research capability may also apply. Please visit the website for funding eligibility requirements.

How and when to apply

Applications are NOW CLOSED. We are offering fully funded studentships for entry into the 2018/19 academic year. You will receive a stipend which is tax free, plus UK/EU fees for four years (conditions apply). The stipend for UCL will be approx. £18,000 (to reflect London weighting) while the stipend for Loughborough University will exceed the National Minimum Doctoral Stipend set by RCUK (total stipend approximately £16,500); stipends will be confirmed in early 2018.

We also accept applications from students who wish to self-fund, are in receipt of scholarships or who are industry-funded; this must be clearly indicated on your pre-application form.

LoLo provides an inclusive and stimulating environment to pursue research, we welcome applications from all, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity and social background. We encourage those from groups that are traditionally not well represented in buildings research to apply.

Please follow us on twitter @LoLoCDT or on our website to get an update on recruitment for 2019 or any related news.

Join us and help make a difference!

www.lolo.ac.uk

*or be expected to complete their studies before the start of academic year i.e. September 2018.