Explore EngD projects that combine academic challenge with real-world industry collaboration. All projects offer generous funding, expert supervision, and a clear route to professional and technical leadership in the UK’s fusion energy sector.

EngD cohort applications

Applications for the 2025 cohort are now closed.

We will begin advertising projects for 2026 cohort entry from November 2025, so please check back here regularly for updates.

Our EngD programme offers industry-focused research opportunities developed in collaboration with leading partners. Each project includes:

• 4 years of funding
  • Tax-free stipend at the UKRI PGR rate (currently £20,780 for 2025–26)
  • UKRI ‘Home’ tuition fees
  • Generous research budget for training, placements, and conferences.
• Industrial collaboration
  • Co-developed with an industrial partner
  • Regular supervision from both academic and industry experts
  • London-weighting stipend supplement available on eligible projects (clearly stated in the project description).

Entry requirements

We welcome applicants from a broad range of STEM backgrounds with strong practical engineering potential.

Our standard requirements to apply for an advertised project are:

• Graduates with a 2.1 undergraduate degree including (preferably) an integrated Masters qualification, from any STEM discipline, with an aptitude for practical engineering.
• Non-native UK language applicants will be required to provide an IELTS certificate in English at the level required by the host university, and ATAS clearance.
• Applications must be submitted to the project host university via their PGR Application system, we do not accept speculative applications or CVs via email.
• Projects that are open to applications from non UK residents are clearly stated. Please do not apply for a project that is only open to UK residents if you do not meet the criteria, as your application will be rejected.

Research themes

Our projects span 10 key research areas:

• Advanced Manufacturing for Fusion Components
• Blanket and First Wall Engineering
• Design for Assembly and Maintenance in Fusion Environments
• Digital Engineering and AI for Fusion Systems
• Divertor and Exhaust Systems, Instrumentation
• Sensing, and Diagnostics Engineering
• Remote Handling and Robotics
• Superconducting Magnet Technology
• System Integration and Reactor Design
• Tritium Breeding and Fuel Cycle Engineering.

New projects for 2026 cohort entry will be advertised here and on FindAPhD from November 2025. Projects will be based at many UK universities on a part-time and full-time basis, with a tax-free stipend and ‘Home’ tuition fees scholarship.