50 Fully Funded EPSRC PhD Studentships in Science and Engineering at University College London (UCL)

University College London (UCL) invites applications for 50 fully funded 4-year PhD studentships under the UCL EPSRC Landscape Award (UELA).

Qualification Type: PhD
Location: London, United Kingdom
Funding For: UK, EU, and International Students
Start Date: October 2026
Application Deadline: 13:00 (UK time), January 5, 2026
Posted On: October 29, 2025

Overview

University College London (UCL) invites applications for 50 fully funded 4-year PhD studentships under the UCL EPSRC Landscape Award (UELA).

These prestigious awards provide an opportunity for outstanding students to pursue cutting-edge research within the broad fields of Science and Engineering. The UELA initiative aims to support innovative research projects across all Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) themes, including areas critical to sustainable and technological advancement.

The programme offers students the chance to work with leading researchers and to contribute to pioneering developments that address global challenges such as climate change, healthcare innovation, and artificial intelligence.

Areas of Research

Applicants can choose from over 100 research projects listed in the UELA project catalogue. These projects span multiple EPSRC research themes, including but not limited to:

• Energy and Decarbonisation – Renewable energy systems, sustainable technologies, and climate resilience.
• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics – Machine learning, automation, and intelligent systems.
• Healthcare Technologies – Biomedical engineering, digital health, and medical imaging.
• Advanced Manufacturing and Materials – Nanotechnology, smart materials, and industrial design.
• Mathematical and Physical Sciences – Computational modelling, quantum science, and applied mathematics.

Applicants may apply for up to five projects from the catalogue, ensuring alignment between their academic background, research interests, and career aspirations.

Why Choose UCL?

UCL is one of the world’s leading universities, known for its academic excellence, global impact, and interdisciplinary research culture. Ranked consistently among the top institutions globally, UCL fosters an environment where creativity, collaboration, and innovation thrive.

Key reasons to study at UCL include:

• A strong international reputation for research and teaching in science, technology, and engineering.
• Access to world-class facilities and laboratories, supporting both theoretical and applied research.
• Opportunities to collaborate with global industry partners and research networks.
• A commitment to developing researchers with the skills, knowledge, and leadership qualities needed for academic, industrial, and societal impact.

What the Studentships Offer

Successful candidates will receive comprehensive funding and support to pursue their doctoral studies. The UELA studentships include:

• Full Tuition Fees for 4 Years
  • Covers the full cost of study for both Home and International students.
  • International students receive a UCL award to cover the additional overseas fee.
• Annual Stipend
  • Minimum of £23,466 for the academic year 2026/27, rising annually in line with UCL policy.
• Research Training Support Grant (RTSG)
  • £5,000 per student to cover additional costs such as specialized training, research materials, fieldwork, conferences, or travel.
• Flexible Study Options
  • Both full-time and part-time study options are available.
  • Part-time students (minimum 50% of full-time) will have the duration and stipend adjusted on a pro-rata basis.
• Diverse Project Catalogue
  • Access to over 100 projects across UCL’s Faculties of Engineering, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and Built Environment.

Up to 15 of the 50 studentships will be awarded to international candidates, reflecting UCL’s strong commitment to global collaboration and academic diversity.

Eligibility and Selection

The UELA studentships are open to both Home and International applicants with strong academic backgrounds in relevant disciplines. Candidates should demonstrate:

• Academic excellence in a related undergraduate or master’s degree.
• Research potential and alignment with one or more EPSRC research themes.
• Motivation to engage in high-impact scientific or engineering research.

Applications are reviewed anonymously to ensure fairness and impartiality. The selection process is based on academic merit, research potential, and the fit between the applicant’s interests and the chosen project.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

UCL and the UELA programme are committed to promoting equality of opportunity in higher education. Applications are strongly encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, who are currently under-represented in doctoral research across the UK.

UCL upholds an inclusive academic environment where diversity in perspectives and experiences enhances the quality and relevance of scientific research.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their applications through the online application forms available on the UCL EPSRC Landscape Award website.

Application Steps:

1. Review the UELA Project Catalogue to identify up to five projects of interest.
2. Prepare the required application materials, including academic transcripts, a personal statement, and reference letters.
3. Submit the application before the deadline of 13:00 (UK time) on January 5, 2026.
4. Ensure all required documents are uploaded in the specified format; incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Further details, including project listings, supervisor profiles, and eligibility information, are available on the official UCL UELA webpage.

Summary

The UCL EPSRC Landscape Award (UELA) provides an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers to pursue a fully funded PhD in Science and Engineering at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. With 50 scholarships available and a wide range of innovative projects, the programme equips students to address global challenges through scientific excellence and technological innovation.

By joining UCL’s vibrant research community, students will benefit from world-class supervision, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the resources needed to launch successful research careers that make a lasting impact on society.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.