Applications are now open for October 2026 entry

Please fill out the form through the ‘apply now’ button below to apply to the CDT-GIF. Please do NOT submit more than one form in any specific time period. In the form you will be given a choice to EITHER:

• Apply to up to two specific projects OR

• Apply to the CDT-GIF programme, indicating up to two universities at which you would be interested to study

Project specific applications – please ensure you find and select the correct project number. All project applications will be processed using the PROJECT NUMBER such as ‘TS-2-1’. These can be found on our project page next to the project title. It is not possible to submit a project application unless you select a project number. There is no default or other category in this case. Please take care in selecting the correct project number. The form will ask you to also enter the project title(s) to ensure that you have selected the correct project (if this is wrong, there could be a delay in processing).

You will be asked to upload a 2 page CV as well as entering two brief statements (up to 2000 characters each) into the form outlining a) your current activities and b) why you are interested in undertaking a PhD within the CDT-GIF and how your experience is relevant.

All applicants must also submit an EDI Application Tracking Form (link below). This information will not form part of the application process and is for tracking purposes only. Whilst you have the right to indicate ‘prefer not to say’ for each question we do require the form to be submitted with your name, to enable us to further process your application. We will be checking that this has been submitted before your application can progress.

EDI Application Tracking Form Link

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We warmly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our programme values diversity as a cornerstone of innovation and collaboration, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive. The CDT-GIF are committed to ensuring flexibility throughout our programme to support student’s needs and personal circumstances, for example those with medical conditions, caring responsibilities and other considerations. For example, we are open to exploring part-time options if appropriate for the nature of the research.

Entry requirements

As a minimum we require candidates to have a First-class or 2:1 MEng or and MSc with merit (over 60%) in a relevant area i.e. Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Geoscience etc.  Candidates for socio-politico-economic research topics will also be considered with a relevant MA.  Applicants who have a First-class BSc/BEng (Hons) and can demonstrate significant relevant industry/research experience may also be considered.

Candidates should be aware of and meet the entry requirements for the university hosting the PhD studentship.

Who is eligible for funding?

Home students

Full funding (fees and stipend) is available for home students. Home students must meet the following criteria and the associated residency requirements:

• Be a UK National
• Have settled status
• Have pre-settled status
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter
• Be an Irish National (Irish Nationals eligibility is derived from the UK Ireland Common Travel Area Agreement)

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.

International Students

We only have a limited number of spaces for international students. For international applicants, any offers made to international students will be conditional on fees being waived at the host university for the project and a successful visa application process.

Non-native English speakers must ensure they meet the English language requirements.

English Language Requirements

Non-native English speakers need to provide evidence of a SELT (Secure English Language Test) at CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) Level B2 taken within two years of the date of application. 

There are several types of SELT, but IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most common. The minimum requirement is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, no individual component can be less than 6.0 in a single sitting.  

A degree from an English speaking university can also be accepted.