PhD Opportunities

CDT-ACM Background

The CDT-ACM programme trains new scientists to become experts in the application of Advanced Analytical Techniques for Materials Development. It offers training in the application of state-of-the-art characterisation techniques for materials challenges in five thematic key areas of societal importance:

1. Energy Materials
2. Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine
3. Engineering Materials
4. Electronic and Magnetic Materials
5. Instrumentation & Technique Development

The CDT is a collaborative endeavour between Imperial College London, University College London and Trinity College Dublin. In turn, for many of our projects, we partner with industry experts to deliver world leading training for our students. For more about the CDT see the ‘About the Centre‘ section of the website.

Application Process

*We are now accepting applications on a rolling basis, for London entry only. If you applied in the 3rd round (which closed April 24th) and haven’t heard anything by May 24th, your application has not been successful. Unfortunately we will not be able to give feedback on applications due to the volume of applications received.

We welcome applications from candidates for Autumn 2023 entry. Ideally, you will hold, or be expected to achieve, a Master’s degree or a 4 year undergraduate degree at 2:1 level (or above) in a relevant subject, e.g. Material Science, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering. 

A list of London projects can be found here.

Application process:

1. Click the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of this page to complete part one of the application process
2. Prepare 1 PDF file containing; a cover letter, your CV and academic transcripts. The file name should be in the format surname_firstname_CDTACM2023.pdf
3. Email your PDF file to team@cdt-acm.org.
4. In addition, you will need to request 2 referees to send references to team@cdt-acm.org. The references should be dated within the last six months and address your capability for PhD study. At least one should be an academic referee. References should be sent by the application deadline.

Funding & Eligibility

The CDT is funded by the EPSRC (UK) and the SFI (Ireland) respectively. 

• The EPSRC funding covers the stipend and fees at Home-student rate as well as a research budget. As British citizen, Irish citizen or EU student with settled or pre-settled status, who has resided in the UK for the past 3 years, you are eligible for the Home-student rate. For more information on settled status go to the gov.uk website.
• For EU and UK students SFI funding covers fees and a stipend of €18,500 per annum together with a research budget for travel and consumables.  Applicants must have been resident in an EU member state for 3 out of the last 5 years to be eligible for full funding through this programme.

You can still apply if you do not fall under these categories but you will need to cover the difference in fees. We require evidence of ability to cover these costs at the application stage. For up to date information on postgraduate research fees go to the university websites: UCL, Imperial College London or Trinity College Dublin

Interviews

Successful candidates will choose a project after discussions with supervisors. Once we confirmed your project choice, you will need to apply to the university of your lead supervisor. We will help you with this process.

Jennifer Hack

The CDT gave me the opportunity to meet people working in different fields and gain experience in a wide range of characterisation techniques that I could apply to my research.