Study at the forefront of energy demand research

About the programme

Please visit the “Programme Summary” and “Projects” pages of the website for more information about the programme and the current work being carried out by our students.

If you are unable to find the information you are looking for please fill out the Prospective Student Interest Form on the “Contact Us” page and we will respond to your query as soon as possible.

Why apply

• As one of our students you will join a vibrant and diverse community of academics and graduate students.
• We aim to deliver a broadly based, multi-disciplinary and demanding PhD training programme which will prepare you for your future career.
• On completion of the programme you will have expert knowledge in the area of energy research relevant to your research project; project and programme management skills; teamwork, communication and leadership skills and the ability to seek optimal solutions to complex or multifaceted problems.
• You will be placed at either Loughborough or UCL where the Centre is led by world-leading academics assisted by industry partners and stakeholders providing a route into future employment in the rapidly expanding field of energy demand research.
• You will receive an enhanced stipend of approx £17,000 per annum tax free plus UK/EU fees for four years (conditions apply).

Who we are looking for

Applications are invited from UK graduates with a good first degree (1st or 2:1) in a relevant science, engineering or related subject. Eligible 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.

How and when to apply

For the 2011/12 academic year there are currently -

• Up to 9 full (fees and stipend) studentships for eligible applicants (UK/EU/overseas)*.
• Up to 8 fees only studentships for eligible EU applicants.
• There may also be up to 2 overseas fees only studentships available for exceptional overseas candidates.

*The studentships are split equally between UCL and Loughborough. Applicants must check their eligibility for EPSRC funding. We also accept applications from students who wish to self fund - this must be indicated clearly on your pre-application form.

Recruitment for 2011/2012 is now open!

Application process

• Applicants must complete an online CDT pre-application form (http://www.lolo.ac.uk/joinus/application). If you are unable to submit an online form or have technical difficulties please contact Alison Parker at [email protected]. Please do not use the form on the Contact Us page - this is for queries only.
• The pre-application will include the submission of a first proposal for your PhD research (2000 words) - see attached guidance.
• It is advisable to prepare all elements of the pre-application form in a separate document (academic qualifications, CV, personal statement, research proposal) before starting to complete the online form. This is because the form cannot be saved and you may lose data if you experience technical difficulties.
• The selection process will include an interview with members of the Centre management team following which, if there is a good match between your background and qualifications and the objectives of the Centre, you will be invited to make a formal application to UCL or Loughborough University.
• We do not accept applications outside of the main recruitment phases or by CV only.

The closing date for the receipt of completed applications is Friday 15 April 2011 at 17.00. Interviews will be held the week commencing the 9 May 2011. Please note there may be additional recruitment rounds if studentships are not filled.

Funding

Fully-funded EPSRC CDT studentships for candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will cover UK/EU fees and provide an enhanced stipend (approximately £17,000 per annum tax free). Funding will normally be for four years but will be dependent upon the successful completion of the MRes programme, identifying suitable PhD supervision and upgrade from MPhil to PhD.

UCL and Loughborough University may also have other opportunities for PhD research within the energy area. For opportunities and further information please see the UCL Energy Institute website and the Research Opportunities pages on the Loughborough University website.

Eligibility for funding

• UK Nationals - UK applicants that have settled status* in the UK and have studied or worked in the UK for the past 3 years are eligible for full fees and stipend.
• EU Nationals - Non-UK EU applicants that have settled status* in the UK and have studied or worked in the UK for the past 3 years are eligible for full fees and stipend.**
• Non-EU Nationals - Non-EU applicants that have settled status* in the UK and have worked in the UK (this does not include full time education) for the past 3 years are eligible for full fees and stipend.***

* this means you have no restrictions on how long you can stay in the UK.
** applicants that do not meet the 3 year residency criteria are eligible for fees only support.
*** applicants that do not have settled status may in some cases apply for general UCL/Loughborough overseas scholarships or self fund their PhD.

Please note we are unable to answer queries on academic suitability or funding eligibility prior to application due to the high volume of queries we receive. For further information on eligibility please see the EPSRC website.