The University of Leeds is using its Doctoral Training Partnership allocation to fund PhD studentships across engineering, physical sciences, and environment, with a new £96 million building housing a 'mini-CDT' in materials research. This matters because the UK needs a steady pipeline of researchers trained in cutting-edge facilities to maintain its position in science and technology. The DTP addresses the gap between undergraduate education and independent research careers by providing structured training, industry co-sponsored projects through CASE conversions, and interdisciplinary supervision that crosses traditional school boundaries. If successful, this programme will produce hundreds of postgraduate researchers equipped to work in fields from nanotechnology and computing to transport studies and food science. The new Bragg Centre facilities—including cleanrooms, microscopy suites, and bio-nanotechnology labs—will enable fundamental research that could eventually improve manufacturing processes, medical diagnostics, or communications infrastructure. The University’s dedicated Doctoral College coordinates skills training, careers advice, and networking, ensuring researchers develop transferable expertise alongside their technical knowledge. This is primarily a training programme rather than a single research project, but the fundamental science conducted by these students will form the foundation for future applied breakthroughs.
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The University of Leeds is one of the largest research-intensive universities in the UK, engaging in world-class research across a diverse range of disciplines. We have over 2,500 registered postgraduate researchers supported by our dedicated Leeds Doctoral College https://www.leeds.ac.uk/doctoralcollege. Postgraduate researchers form a vital part of our vibrant research culture and enjoy the benefits of our outstanding resources including state-of-the-art laboratories, high performance computer facilities and one of the UK's major academic libraries. The University uses its DTP allocation to fund research studentships in its areas of research strength in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (comprising the Schools of Chemistry, Chemical & Process Engineering, Computing, Civil Engineering, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics & Astronomy) and in the Faculty of Environment (comprising the Institute of Transport Studies, and Schools of Earth & Environment, Geography, and Food Science & Nutrition). In support of the University's strategy to promote interdisciplinary research projects that cut across traditional discipline boundaries, we will be offering some projects with joint supervision between different schools. In particular, we are creating a 'mini-CDT' in materials research, based in the Bragg Centre, which will be housed in a new £96M building alongside new facilities for the Schools of Physics & Astronomy and Computing, and will provide state-of-the-art laboratory, cleanroom, (bio)nanotechnology and microscopy facilities. The University also offers a number of industrially co-sponsored studentships through CASE conversion. These are allocated through internal competitions in December and March of each year. Projects for which DTP (and other) funding is available will be listed on the central directory of PhD research projects at https://phd.leeds.ac.uk in November. Postgraduate researcher vacancies will also be advertised on nationwide web platforms (e.g. FindAPhD.com, jobs.ac.uk). The timetable for applications and decisions varies between Schools and will be stated in the advertisement. Details on how to apply for a place of study and links to the online application form are given at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees Each School or research group provides a programme of subject-specific training and enrichment, including seminar series, workshops and taught courses specifically designed for postgraduate researchers. In addition the University's Organisational Development and Professional Learning team provides a comprehensive rolling programme of skills training courses, conferences and workshops articulated to the National Researcher Development Framework. Postgraduate researcher training and support activities are coordinated by the Leeds Doctoral College, which also provides two online induction modules providing an overview of the PhD candidature with introductory advice on all key areas of activity and information on where to go for further information if needed. The Doctoral College also coordinates advice on careers for postgraduate researchers, networking opportunities, and an online 'community' via its Virtual Learning Environment.
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