Summary
University College London (UCL) is offering approximately 50 fully funded doctoral studentships through the UCL EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (UELA) 2027/28. The programme supports high-achieving prospective PhD researchers undertaking research within the EPSRC remit, including engineering, physical sciences, mathematical sciences, computing, and related interdisciplinary areas.
UCL EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (UELA) Studentships 2027/28 – Fully Funded 4-Year PhD
The studentships are available to both Home and International students, although International awards are capped at 30% of the total studentships (maximum 15 places). The studentships are expected to begin on 1 October 2027 and provide funding for up to four years.
Successful students will receive tuition fee coverage, an enhanced annual maintenance stipend estimated at £26,022 for 2027/28, and a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) to support expenses such as conferences, training, workshops, and other research-related costs.
Designation
PhD / Doctoral Research Student (UELA-funded)
Research Area
Research projects will cover areas within the EPSRC remit, potentially including:
- Engineering and advanced materials
- Physical sciences
- Computing and artificial intelligence
- Mathematical sciences
- Electronics and electrical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Energy and sustainability
- Nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing
- Interdisciplinary EPSRC research
Specific projects will be listed in the UELA project catalogue when it opens.
Location
University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
Some collaborative projects may also involve research placements at external partner organisations.
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must:
- Meet the academic entry requirements of UCL.
- Meet any additional academic requirements of the relevant UCL department.
- Be prospective doctoral students.
- Be eligible for either Home or International fee status under UKRI/EPSRC regulations.
- Demonstrate strong academic merit and relevant research experience.
- Have the appropriate academic background and skills for their selected doctoral project.
International applicants are eligible, but competition is expected to be particularly strong because EPSRC limits International recruitment to 30% of the available studentships, meaning a maximum of approximately 15 International students may be recruited.
Applicants should note that UCL will formally determine fee status for successful candidates.
Funding / Scholarship Benefits
The UELA studentship is fully funded for up to four years and includes:
- Full tuition fees at the Home fee rate for four years.
- International students receive a UCL award covering the difference between Home and International tuition fees.
- Enhanced maintenance stipend of approximately £26,022 per year in 2027/28, subject to annual increases.
- Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) for eligible research expenses, including conferences, workshops, training and additional project costs.
- Full-time and part-time study options are available.
- Part-time students may study at 50%, 60% or 80% FTE, with funding adjusted proportionally.
- International students cannot apply for the part-time option.
Job Description / Research Responsibilities
Successful doctoral researchers will undertake an independent PhD research project under the supervision of UCL academic researchers.
Typical responsibilities will include:
- Conducting original doctoral research within the selected project.
- Developing research questions, methodologies and experimental or theoretical approaches.
- Reviewing and analysing relevant scientific literature.
- Collecting, analysing and interpreting research data where applicable.
- Developing technical and research skills relevant to the project.
- Presenting research findings through conferences, workshops and academic publications where appropriate.
- Working collaboratively with supervisors, research groups and external partners where applicable.
- Completing and submitting the doctoral thesis within the funded four-year period.
Application Process
The UELA 2027/28 project catalogue and application portal are expected to open on 26 October 2026.
Applicants should:
- Review the available UELA doctoral projects once the project catalogue opens.
- Select a suitable project and check the specific departmental eligibility requirements.
- Prepare the required application materials and research experience information.
- Submit the application through the UELA online Application Portal.
- Prepare answers addressing motivation for doctoral research, suitability, knowledge and skills, and previous research experience.
- Provide details of relevant research projects and their outcomes.
- Arrange and submit references before the deadline.
- Successful candidates will subsequently need to complete the formal UCL admissions process.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications and references by 16 December 2026, because UCL will be closed over the Christmas period and email support will not be available.
The selection process consists of:
- Stage 1 – Shortlisting: Expected to finish by the end of January 2027.
- Stage 2 – Interviews: Expected during February 2027.
- Stage 3 – Central Panel Selection: Final nominations reviewed by the UELA Central Panel.
- Offers: Expected around mid-March 2027.
Last Date for Apply
8 January 2027 at 12:00 noon (UK time)
Recommended early submission: 16 December 2026, before the UCL Christmas closure.
Expected Start Date
1 October 2027
Application Link
The UELA 2027/28 application portal is expected to become available on 26 October 2026 through the UCL EPSRC Doctoral Training website.
