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

Image courtesy of the UKAEA.

We are now open to applications for the 2026 cohort. Please apply to a project by direct application to the host university by 31 January. You may apply to more than one project, as each supervisor selects the preferred candidate for their project. The host university link is provided in the project's FindAPhD advert.

Projects are continuously released. Please check back here regularly for updates, or go to our central advert on FindAPhD.

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.

Explore the programme

Discover our hybrid core training, specialist workshops and bespoke project support.

Explore the programme

Interested in joining the Fusion Engineering CDT?

Applications must be submitted through the host university’s PGR admissions system. We do not accept CVs or speculative applications by email.

See full details on how to apply

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.

Our projects

New projects for 2027 cohort entry will be advertised here and on FindAPhD from November 2026. 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.