University College London (UCL) is offering approximately 50 fully funded, four-year PhD studentships through the UCL EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (UELA), with programs starting in October 2027. Open to Home and international applicants, these studentships cover tuition fees, provide an enhanced annual stipend estimated at £26,022 for 2027/28, and include additional research training support. Applicants can select up to three projects from a catalogue of approximately 100 research opportunities across engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, artificial intelligence, energy, robotics, and healthcare technologies.
Important Dates / Deadline
- Application deadline: January 8, 2027
- Submission time: 12:00 noon UK time
- Expected start date: October 2027
Organization
- University: University College London (UCL)
- Funding program: UCL EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (UELA)
- Research funding body: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
- Number of studentships: Approximately 50
- Available research projects: Approximately 100
Location / Study Destination
London, United Kingdom. The studentships are based at University College London, with full-time study available and part-time study permitted at a minimum of 50% full-time equivalent.
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to:
- UK students.
- EU students.
- International students.
- Candidates interested in doctoral research across engineering, mathematics, and physical sciences.
- Applicants whose research interests align with the available projects in the UELA project catalogue.
- Candidates seeking full-time or eligible part-time doctoral study.
International applicant allocation: A maximum of 15 studentship offers can be made to international applicants. Home applications are therefore strongly encouraged.
Applicants may apply for up to three research projects from the available catalogue.
Key Benefits / Funding
- Number of awards: Approximately 50 fully funded PhD studentships.
- Funding duration: Four years.
- Tuition coverage: Full tuition fees covered for four years.
- Annual stipend: Estimated at £26,022 for the 2027/28 academic year.
- Stipend adjustment: Expected to increase annually.
- Research Training Support Grant: Additional financial support for research and professional development.
- Training opportunities: Funding support for relevant courses and specialized research training.
- Research expenses: Support for project-related costs.
- Conference and travel support: Funding for academic conferences and research travel.
- Industry collaboration: Opportunities to participate in research projects involving industry partners.
- Flexible study arrangements: Part-time study at a minimum of 50% full-time equivalent, with funding duration and stipend adjusted proportionally.
Main Requirements
Applicants must select research projects aligned with the scope of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
Research areas
The UELA project catalogue includes approximately 100 projects across fields such as:
- Energy and Decarbonization
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- Healthcare Technologies
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
The catalogue also includes collaborative research projects involving industry partners.
Application conditions
- Applicants may select up to three research projects.
- Applications must be submitted through the designated online application portal.
- Candidates must follow the application instructions for the UCL EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award.
- International applicants are eligible, subject to the maximum allocation of 15 offers.
- Applicants seeking part-time study must undertake at least 50% of a full-time study commitment.
How to Apply
Step 1: Explore the UELA project catalogue
Review the approximately 100 available research projects and identify those that match your academic background and research interests.
Step 2: Select your preferred projects
Choose up to three projects from the catalogue.
Step 3: Review the application instructions
Consult the UCL EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award application guidance for the requirements and submission procedures.
Step 4: Complete the online application
Apply through the designated UCL online application portal and follow the published instructions.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline
Complete your application by January 8, 2027, at 12:00 noon UK time.
Important Notes
- Approximately 50 fully funded PhD studentships are available for October 2027 entry.
- The studentships provide four years of tuition fee coverage and an enhanced stipend.
- The estimated stipend for 2027/28 is £26,022, with annual increases expected.
- Both Home and international students are eligible to apply.
- International offers are limited to a maximum of 15 places.
- Applicants can apply for up to three projects.
- The project catalogue contains approximately 100 opportunities across EPSRC research disciplines.
- Some research projects involve collaboration with industry partners.
- Part-time study is available at a minimum of 50% full-time equivalent, with proportional adjustments to the funding arrangements.
- Identifying personal information is hidden from selection panels during initial review and shortlisting to help reduce unconscious bias.
- UCL particularly encourages applications from Black and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are underrepresented at this level.
- Applications must be received by 12:00 noon UK time on January 8, 2027.