ReNU+ is a fully funded PhD programme. 100% fees are covered for four years and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). An additional allowance will be provided to contribute towards consumables, equipment, and travel related to the project.
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. Find out more about this via the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion page.
Below are some of the exciting projects currently open for applications, with additional opportunities being added through December 2025 and January 2026.
Please note: Applications are open only to candidates eligible for Home fees. If you are unsure of your fee status, please refer to this UKCISA webpage to find out your fee status.
We are running an online pre-application workshop on Saturday 24th January 2026, 11am – 1pm where you can:
Find out more and register for the session. Alternatively please contact us with any questions you have.
This fully funded PhD Project is open to Home fee applicants only
Northumbria University, Faculty of Science and Environment
Application Deadline: Monday 2 February 2026, 11:59pm
PhD start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Project Reference: ReNU+26/SE/EPM/ZOPPI
About ReNU+
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to engage with added value training opportunities, for example in business, innovation and internationalisation through a 4-year full time (or longer on part-time) training programme that has been designed to enhance the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The anticipated start date is 1st October 2026.
About the Project
Why this research?
Photovoltaic technology is evolving beyond conventional light-harvesting paradigms to address emerging applications with unique spectral requirements1. Indoor photovoltaics demand enhanced UV sensitivity2, building-integrated systems require selective infrared rejection while maintaining visible transparency, and agrivoltaic installations must balance energy generation with crop photosynthesis needs (400-700nm)3. These applications necessitate precise spectral control, a fundamental departure from traditional maximum absorption approaches to improve power conversion efficiencies.
This research addresses critical materials challenges limiting transparent photovoltaic deployment while establishing fundamental design principles for spectrally selective energy harvesting systems.
Project aim
This project develops wavelength-selective transparent conductive films that decouple optical and electrical functionality. By engineering metal oxide/silver multilayer stacks via magnetron sputtering, you will create materials that simultaneously conduct electricity, transmit visible light, and selectively reflect ultraviolet and/or near-infrared radiation4.
What will you do?
The project integrates materials innovation with device demonstration. Indium zirconium oxide (IZO) transparent conductors will act as the starting point and be developed for traditional photovoltaics specifically for bifacial and tandem architectures, while engineered metal/oxide stacks will provide tunable spectral selectivity. Optical design (number of layers, thickness and material choice) will be guided by simulation (e.g. SCOUT from W. Theiss) in the early part of the project. The use of TF-FAB, the Advanced Thin Film Sputtering Fabrication Facility, our premium fabrication tool, https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/tf-fab) will allow for fast exploration of other indium and zinc based oxides. These advances will then be validated through integration into NiO, Sb₂S₃ or related transparent photovoltaic devices.
Key objectives:
1.Develop indium zirconium oxide and related thin films as a new transparent conductive oxide for the next generation of chalcogenide solar cell.
2.Design and fabricate metal oxide/silver stacks as wavelength-selective conductive and transparent layer.
3.Demonstrate performance in substrate, superstrate, and bifacial transparent photovoltaic architectures.
Who should apply?
This project suits graduates from physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or related fields. You don't need prior experience in photovoltaics – enthusiasm for materials innovation and renewable energy is what matters alongside a keen interest in laboratory-based research.
The project is primarily an experimental research project and you will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories for materials fabrication and characterisation which have recently been upgraded with £5M investment in equipment.
For additional information about the research environment, please check out the research group website, and those videos for an overview and principle of TF-FAB and Northumbria Materials Characterisation Laboratory overview.
References:
1https://doi.org/10.1038/s44359-025-00072-y
2https://doi.org/10.1038/s41428-022-00727-8
3https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2024.08.006
4https://doi.org/10.1002/solr.202300936
Academic Enquiries
This project is supervised by Professor Guillaume Zoppi. For informal queries, please contact guillaume.zoppi@northumbria.ac.uk. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please email Admissions (pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk).
Eligibility Requirements:
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
How to Apply
For further details on how to apply see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please complete the PhD application form in full, include the project reference (e.g. ReNU+26/…) and also:
Please note that up to six offers will be made for the ReNU+ CDT projects advertised by Northumbria University. This is a competitive process.
Deadline for applications: 2 February 2026
Start date of course: 1 October 2026
Funding Information
The studentship is available to Home only students and includes a full stipend at UKRI rates (for 2025/26 full-time study this is £20,780 per year) and full tuition fees. Studentships are also available for applicants who wish to study on a part-time basis (0.6 FTE - Stipend £12,468 per year and full tuition fees) in combination with work or personal responsibilities).
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.
This fully funded PhD Project is open to Home fee applicants only
Northumbria University, Faculty of Science and Environment
Application Deadline: Monday 2 February 2026, 11:59pm
PhD start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Project Reference: ReNU+26/SE/EPM/QU
About ReNU+
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to engage with added value training opportunities, for example in business, innovation and internationalisation through a 4-year full time (or longer on part-time) training programme that has been designed to enhance the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The anticipated start date is 1st October 2026.
Overview: Are you enthusiastic about renewable energy technology and interested in addressing the power and communication requirements facing the rapidly expanding Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem? This PhD opportunity offers the chance to work on innovative photovoltaic solutions that could transform how we power and connect distributed devices sustainably.
Project Details: The growth of distributed IoT devices - from smart home sensors to environmental monitors - has created a need for sustainable, maintenance-free power and communication solutions. This research project will explore novel applications of thin film photovoltaic technology using earth-abundant, low-toxicity materials to address these needs.
The project focuses on creating advanced solar cell systems with enhanced functionality beyond conventional energy harvesting. You will investigate innovative device architectures and material engineering approaches to develop photovoltaic systems tailored for IoT applications. Key research areas include:
1) advancing thin film solar cell performance through material and interface optimisation;
2) exploring multifunctional device concepts that leverage the optoelectronic properties of photovoltaic materials;
3) developing practical integration strategies for real-world IoT deployment scenarios.
Your Benefits: You will receive full tuition fee coverage and a generous UKRI stipend (£20,780 per year for 2025/26). Working with an experienced supervision team including experts in photovoltaics and communication engineering, you will develop cross-disciplinary skills that benefit your future career development spanning semiconductors, thin film and device fabrication, communication engineering and system integration. The project provides access to state-of-the-art deposition and characterisation facilities at Northumbria University and Newcastle University, enabling hands-on experience with research equipment. You will also benefit from support and collaboration with two industry partners, providing valuable insights into commercial applications and real-world implementation.
As a ReNU+ student, you will join a supportive cohort-based community with access to dedicated training covering research methodologies, innovation, commercialisation, and professional development. You will have opportunities to present your work at international conferences, publish in high-quality journals, and engage with industry partners through the ReNU+ network.
Interested in Learning More? We welcome applicants with backgrounds in physics, materials science, engineering, or chemistry. You don’t need prior experience in sputtering or photovoltaics - just curiosity, motivation, and a willingness to learn.
Academic Enquiries
This project is supervised by Dr Yongtao Qu. For informal queries, please contact y.qu@northumbria.ac.uk. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please email Admissions (pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk).
Eligibility Requirements:
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
How To Apply
For further details on how to apply see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please complete the PhD application form in full, include the advert reference (e.g. ReNU+26/…) and also:
Please note that up to six offers will be made for the ReNU+ CDT projects advertised by Northumbria University. This is a competitive process.
Deadline for applications: 2 February 2026
Start date of course: 1 October 2026
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.
This fully funded PhD Project is open to Home fee applicants only
Northumbria University, Faculty of Science and Environment
Application Deadline: Monday 2 February 2026, 11:59pm
PhD start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Project Reference: ReNU+26/SE/EPM/FAROKHI
About ReNU+
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to engage with added value training opportunities, for example in business, innovation and internationalisation through a 4-year full time (or longer on part-time) training programme that has been designed to enhance the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The anticipated start date is 1st October 2026.
About the Project
Offshore wind turbines are scaling rapidly towards higher power ratings with increasingly long blades, but testing infrastructure has not kept pace. Modern blades can exceed facility capacity, creating a critical bottleneck in certifying next-generation turbines essential for UK Net Zero targets. This project addresses two fundamental challenges facing blade testing facilities: firstly, ultra-long blades exhibit extremely low natural frequencies where conventional sensors suffer from drift and noise, making modal identification unreliable; secondly, when blades exceed facility length they must be sectioned and tested separately, yet no validated framework exists to reconstruct full-blade dynamics from these partial tests.
As blade lengths continue to increase, this challenge is inevitable for all testing facilities worldwide. Facility expansion costs tens of millions with no future-proofing guarantee, making robust segmented testing methodology a fundamental requirement for sustainable blade certification. This project will develop a comprehensive framework that solves both challenges, establishing vision-based full-field displacement measurement as the enabling technology combined with advanced computational modelling for accurate dynamic reconstruction.
Research Approach:
The project is structured around three core components:
1. Vision-Based Full-Field Measurement: Develop and validate computer vision algorithms to extract precise displacements across entire blade surfaces during static and dynamic testing. This approach captures ultra-low frequency motion and provides spatially continuous measurements impossible to obtain with discrete sensors, overcoming the fundamental limitations of conventional sensors.
2. Nonlinear Reduced-Order Modelling and Property Identification: Create computationally efficient models for each tested blade segment, using full-field displacement data to solve inverse problems that identify distributed structural properties. The spatial richness of full-field measurements provides hundreds of constraint points, making this identification problem well-conditioned and robust compared to sparse sensor approaches.
3. Dynamic Reconstruction Framework: Develop methods to reconstruct full-blade dynamic characteristics by enforcing mechanical continuity at segment interfaces, enabling prediction of complete blade natural frequencies, mode shapes, and nonlinear responses from segmented tests. This provides validated tools for certification of blades that cannot be tested intact.
Methodology and Validation:
The research combines experimental and computational approaches. You will develop computer vision techniques for displacement extraction, formulate geometrically nonlinear beam models and finite element-based nonlinear reduced-order models for structural analysis, and implement reconstruction algorithms based on continuity enforcement. The methodology will be validated through controlled laboratory experiments on scaled prototype blades, where intact blades are first tested to establish ground truth, then sectioned and retested to verify reconstruction accuracy. Additional validation will use high-fidelity finite element simulations and potential collaboration with industrial testing facilities.
Impact and Significance:
This research removes a critical technology readiness barrier for next-generation offshore wind deployment. The framework enables testing facilities to certify advanced turbines without costly infrastructure expansion, with strong potential for commercialisation through technology licensing and testing protocol development for blade manufacturers and certification bodies.
Training and Skills Development:
You will develop expertise in computer vision and image processing for engineering applications, nonlinear structural dynamics and reduced-order modelling techniques, experimental mechanics combining laboratory testing with computational validation, and inverse problems and model identification methods. You will publish in high-impact journals, present at leading international conferences, and receive training in responsible innovation and technology transfer, preparing you for careers in renewable energy, structural engineering, or research sectors.
Candidate Profile:
We welcome applicants with backgrounds in mechanical/civil/aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, or related disciplines. Strong analytical skills and interest in computational modelling are valuable. Familiarity with programming (Python or MATLAB) is beneficial. Prior experience with computer vision or advanced structural dynamics is not required; enthusiasm, rigorous thinking, and motivation to tackle real-world engineering challenges are what matter most.
Academic Enquiries
This project is supervised by Dr Hamed Farokhi. For informal queries, please contact hamed.farokhi@northumbria.ac.uk. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please email Admissions (pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk).
Eligibility Requirements:
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
How To Apply
For further details on how to apply see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please complete the PhD application form in full, include the advert reference (e.g. ReNU+26/…) and also:
Please note that up to six offers will be made for the ReNU+ CDT projects advertised by Northumbria University. This is a competitive process.
Deadline for applications: 2 February 2026
Start date of course: 1 October 2026
Funding Information
The studentship is available to Home only students and includes a full stipend at UKRI rates (for 2025/26 full-time study this is £20,780 per year) and full tuition fees. Studentships are also available for applicants who wish to study on a part-time basis (0.6 FTE - Stipend £12,468 per year and full tuition fees) in combination with work or personal responsibilities).
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.
This fully funded PhD Project is open to Home fee applicants only
Northumbria University, Faculty of Science and Environment
Application Deadline: Monday 2 February 2026, 11:59pm
PhD start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Project Reference: ReNU+26/SE/EPM/THUMMAVICHAI
About ReNU+
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to engage with added value training opportunities, for example in business, innovation and internationalisation through a 4-year full time (or longer on part-time) training programme that has been designed to enhance the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The anticipated start date is 1st October 2026.
About the Project
Electrochromic (EC) glazing is a promising technology for improving energy efficiency in buildings and vehicles. By regulating the transmission of light and heat, EC coatings reduce the energy required for heating, cooling and lighting systems that account for around 40% of a building’s total energy use. Reducing this demand is key to meeting net-zero targets, especially in modern structures with large-glazed areas. EC glazing also enhances visual comfort, reduces glare and helps maintain stable indoor temperatures.
For glazing applications, inorganic EC materials are preferred due to their durability under outdoor conditions. Tungsten oxide (WO₃) is the most widely used inorganic EC material, but its colour modulation is limited to blue, restricting design flexibility and limiting its ability to tailor visible and infrared light. Vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) offers a more versatile alternative. Its layered structure enables intercalation of ions such as H⁺, Li⁺ and Na⁺, producing reversible colour changes between yellow, orange, green and blue. V₂O₅ also absorbs strongly in the near-infrared, making it useful for reducing solar heat gain. However, low conductivity, slow ion diffusion and structural instability limit its switching speed, optical contrast and long-term durability. Addressing these limitations is vital for its practical use in smart glazing. [1,2]
This PhD project focuses on using thin-film engineering to overcome these limitations. You will develop V₂O₅-based EC coatings through reactive magnetron sputtering, an industrially relevant technique capable of producing high-quality films with excellent uniformity. The work will involve systematically optimising deposition parameters such as oxygen content, plasma power, substrate temperature and post-deposition treatments to tune crystallinity, microstructure, defect density and thickness. These factors strongly influence ion transport, optical response and cycling stability. In addition, the project will explore metal doping (e.g., W, Nb, Mo) to enhance conductivity and protective interlayers (e.g., ZnO, TiO₂) to improve adhesion and suppress degradation. [3,4]
A comprehensive suite of characterisation techniques will be used to understand how these modifications influence performance including X-ray diffraction (XRD) will be used to monitor phase formation and crystallinity, while Raman spectroscopy and, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) will provide insight into bonding environments and oxidation states. Surface morphology and film quality will be assessed using Scanning and atomic force microscopy (SEM and AFM). In-situ spectroelectrochemistry will enable real-time correlation between electrochemical state and optical contrast, providing insight into switching mechanisms and limiting factors. Alongside experimental optimisation, you will use computational and data-driven approaches, including small-scale modelling, to interpret structure–property relationships, identify diffusion pathways and guide the design of improved EC films.
The project connects materials science, electrochemistry, thin-film engineering, optical physics and light computational modelling, offering strong cross-disciplinary training. We welcome applicants from physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering or related disciplines. You do not need prior experience in EC, sputtering or modelling just curiosity, motivation and a willingness to learn. Through this PhD and the ReNU+ training programme, you will gain skills in thin-film deposition, optical and electrochemical characterisation, computational analysis, data processing and interdisciplinary research, providing an excellent foundation for careers in energy materials, thin-film technologies, advanced manufacturing or academic research.
References:
Academic Enquiries
This project is supervised by Dr Kunyapat Thummavichai. For informal queries, please contact kunyapat.thummavichai@northumbria.ac.uk. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please email Admissions (pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk).
Eligibility Requirements:
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
How To Apply
For further details on how to apply see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please complete the PhD application form in full, include the advert reference (e.g. ReNU+26/…) and also:
Please note that up to six offers will be made for the ReNU+ CDT projects advertised by Northumbria University. This is a competitive process.
Deadline for applications: 2 February 2026
Start date of course: 1 October 2026
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.
This fully funded PhD Project is open to Home fee applicants only.
Northumbria University, Faculty of Science and Environment
Application Deadline: Monday 2 February 2026, 11:59pm
PhD start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Project Reference: ReNU+26/SE/EPM/XING
About ReNU+
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to engage with added value training opportunities, for example in business, innovation and internationalisation through a 4-year full time (or longer on part-time) training programme that has been designed to enhance the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The anticipated start date is 1st October 2026.
About the Project
If you are excited about using AI technology to develop energy materials for a sustainable future, we encourage you to apply!
Overview
Clean hydrogen is expected to play a major role in the UK’s journey to net-zero, offering a way to store renewable energy, decarbonise industry, and improve energy security. Proton-exchange membrane water electrolysers are central to producing green hydrogen, but the polymer membranes inside them, most commonly PFAS-based materials like Nafion, are expensive and environmentally problematic. Developing PFAS-free membranes that are efficient, durable, scalable, and affordable is a major technical barrier.
This project uses AI-enabled materials discovery and advanced computational modelling to design the next generation of sustainable membranes made from renewable materials such as cellulose-derived and hydrocarbon polymers. By uncovering the molecular features that enable fast and stable proton transport, the project aims to accelerate the development of environmentally safe, high-performance membranes for commercial electrolysers.
A predictive approach for linking polymer structure to proton-transport performance could reduce PFAS reliance, enable greener manufacturing, and enable the growth of the UK’s hydrogen industry.
Industrial & International Partnership
What We Offer
Training & Cross-Disciplinary Development
This project sits at the intersection of AI and computational chemistry, materials science, engineering. Training will be provided in polymer modelling, molecular dynamics simulations, and laboratory characterisation.
Who Should Apply?
Project Goals
Academic Enquiries
This project is supervised by Dr Lu Xing. For informal queries, please contact lu.xing@northumbria.ac.uk. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please email Admissions (pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk).
Eligibility Requirements:
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
How To Apply
For further details on how to apply see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please complete the PhD application form in full, include the advert reference (e.g. ReNU+26/…) and also:
Please note that up to six offers will be made for the ReNU+ CDT projects advertised by Northumbria University. This is a competitive process.
Deadline for applications: 2 February 2026
Start date of course: 1 October 2026
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.
This fully funded PhD Project is open to Home fee applicants only
Northumbria University, Faculty of Science and Environment
Application Deadline: Monday 2 February 2026, 11:59pm
PhD start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Project Reference: ReNU+26/SE/EPM/WHALLEY
About ReNU+
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to engage with added value training opportunities, for example in business, innovation and internationalisation through a 4-year full time (or longer on part-time) training programme that has been designed to enhance the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The anticipated start date is 1st October 2026.
About the Project
More than 50% of input energy worldwide is wasted as heat. Thermoelectric generators can capture, convert and reuse the heat energy that would otherwise be lost from, for example, engines or industrial processes. This improves overall energy efficiency and reduces fuel consumption, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
One promising research direction for high-performance thermoelectrics are chalcogenide perovskites [1]. Early research indicates that this class of materials could exhibit an excellent thermoelectric figure of merit (“zT-value”), but the role of defects—one of the most effective levers for tuning thermoelectric performance—remains largely unexplored. This PhD project will build on our previous work modelling the pristine (defect-free) material to understand how atomic-scale defects can be engineered to optimise performance [2-4].
This is a computational project, combining state-of-the-art quantum chemical simulations, machine learning and high-performance computing to optimise chalcogenide perovskite-based materials for thermoelectric applications [5]. You will develop a deep understanding of materials modelling and modern ML tools, and will apply best practices in open science, research software engineering and data management to ensure that the resulting tools, methods and datasets can be reused and extended by the wider research community.
You will be supported and guided by a supervisory team with expertise in atomistic simulations (Dr Lucy Whalley, Northumbria University) and perovskite-based materials (Dr Emma McCabe, Durham University). You will join a vibrant community of computational and renewable-energy researchers in the North East of England, including the ReNU+ CDT programme (https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/studentships/renewable-energy-northeast-universities/), the Energy Futures Network (https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/idrts/energy-futures/), and the “Higgs” supercomputer user community (https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/news-events/news/supercomputer-investment-will-power-world-leading-research-and-innovation/).
We welcome applicants with backgrounds in physics, engineering, chemistry, materials science or computational science. No prior experience in materials modelling or machine-learning is required—we are looking for creative problem-solvers with effective communication, strong analytical skills and a willingness to learn.
Academic Enquiries
This project is supervised by Dr Lucy Whalley. For informal queries, please contact l.whalley@northumbria.ac.uk. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please email Admissions (pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk).
Eligibility Requirements:
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
How To Apply
For further details on how to apply see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please complete the PhD application form in full, include the advert reference (e.g. ReNU+26/…) and also:
Please note that up to six offers will be made for the ReNU+ CDT projects advertised by Northumbria University. This is a competitive process.
Deadline for applications: 2 February 2026
Start date of course: 1 October 2026
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.
This fully funded PhD Project is open to Home fee applicants only
Northumbria University, Faculty of Science and Environment
Application Deadline: Monday 2 February 2026, 11:59pm
PhD start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Project Reference: ReNU+26/SE/EPM/HUTTER
About ReNU+
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to engage with added value training opportunities, for example in business, innovation and internationalisation through a 4-year full time (or longer on part-time) training programme that has been designed to enhance the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The anticipated start date is 1st October 2026.
About the Project
Discover the Next Generation of Solar Materials with a PhD in Photovoltaics
Within the context of a global shift in favour of renewable energy sources, new solutions for sustainable, non-toxic solar cells are required. This project is an exciting opportunity to develop such semiconducting materials for use in solar cells devices using Germanium Selenide (GeSe). This material is attracting growing interest as a promising new absorber material for thin-film solar cells due to the possibility of creating solar cells that are non-toxic from earth abundant materials.
GeSe offers several exciting advantages that could make it a leading candidate for future, low-cost solar technologies:
This project will utilise the inorganic semiconductor GeSe with a variety of thin film deposition and characterisation processes to fabricate small scale photovoltaic devices and optimise them to increase their efficiency.
For GeSe solar cells, the gap between potential and performance is wide—and that makes this an exciting time to join the field. Overcoming the barriers limiting the current efficiency could unlock a new class of efficient, environmentally friendly solar cells.
This PhD project aims to do exactly that. You will develop high-performance GeSe thin-film solar cells using two scalable fabrication routes: rapid thermal evaporation, and sputtering of Ge films followed by controlled selenisation.
If you’re excited by innovative materials, clean-energy technologies, and research with real-world significance, this PhD offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the future of solar power.
We are therefore looking for a PhD candidate to join our team of world-class experts in the field of solar technologies as part of the Renewable Energies for North East Universities Centre for Doctoral Training (ReNU+ CDT). The PhD will be undertaken in state-of-the-art research laboratories at Northumbria University, with advanced fabrication and characterisation facilities and a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Our research interests lie in emerging materials for thin films solar cells and solar fuel applications, and the investigation of the properties of these fascinating materials.
Previous experience of photovoltaics and thin films is NOT required as full training will be provided through ReNU+ CDT.
As the research is interdisciplinary, we welcome students with a background in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Materials science or similar to apply. The project is fully funded (i.e. full tuition fees and stipend are covered) and will be supervised by Dr Oliver Hutter and Prof. Guillaume Zoppi.
Academic Enquiries
If unsure, or you’d like further details then email Oliver (oliver.hutter@northumbria.ac.uk) with any questions or for an informal chat. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please email Admissions (pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk).
Eligibility Requirements:
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
How To Apply
For further details on how to apply see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please complete the PhD application form in full, include the advert reference (e.g. ReNU+26/…) and also:
Please note that up to six offers will be made for the ReNU+ CDT projects advertised by Northumbria University. This is a competitive process.
Deadline for applications: 2 February 2026
Start date of course: 1 October 2026
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.
This fully funded PhD Project is open to Home fee applicants only
Northumbria University, Faculty of Science and Environment
Application Deadline: Monday 2 February 2026, 11:59pm
PhD start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Project Reference: ReNU+26/SE/EPM/HO
About ReNU+
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to engage with added value training opportunities, for example in business, innovation and internationalisation through a 4-year full time (or longer on part-time) training programme that has been designed to enhance the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The anticipated start date is 1st October 2026.
Project Overview:
Hydrogen represents a critical component of future clean energy systems, offering zero-emission power with water as the only byproduct. As a key element of the hydrogen ecosystem, alongside production, purification, transportation, and utilisation, hydrogen storage remains a fundamental bottleneck. Current physical storage methods, including high-pressure compression (350–700 bar), cryogenic liquefaction (below −253°C), and cryo-compression, dominate industrial applications but face major limitations: excessive energy consumption, low volumetric energy density, and significant safety risks. Material-based storage, where hydrogen interacts directly with host materials through physisorption or chemisorption mechanisms, offers a promising alternative. However, existing materials (such as active carbon, MOF, and COF) fail to achieve the US Department of Energy target of 6.5 wt.% hydrogen storage capacity under ambient conditions due to limited surface area, suboptimal hydrogen binding energies, and poor mechanical stability hindering long-term cycling performance. This project addresses these fundamental challenges by developing novel nano-engineered materials capable of storing and releasing hydrogen at ambient temperatures and moderate pressures, thereby enabling practical implementation of hydrogen energy infrastructure.
Research Programme: The successful candidate will design and optimise nano-architected carbon materials with precisely controlled pore geometries. Through advanced computational methods, how nanoscale architecture and atomic-scale modifications enhance hydrogen storage performance will be investigated.
This research integrates fundamental materials science principles with applied engineering objectives, bridging atomistic understanding with practical storage requirements. We aim to achieve optimal binding energies between hydrogen molecules and the material of 0.2 to 0.7 eV with specific surface areas of 2,000 to 4,000 m²/g, targeting hydrogen storage capacities exceeding 6.5 wt.% at practical temperatures and pressures. The computational workflow will employ hierarchical modelling: density functional theory calculations will determine binding energies and electronic structures at the atomic scale; Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations will predict storage capacities under various thermodynamic conditions; and molecular dynamics simulations will elucidate adsorption/desorption kinetics, diffusion mechanisms, and material stability under cycling. Additionally, machine learning algorithms will be developed to accelerate materials discovery by identifying structure-property relationships across vast design spaces.
Technical Skills Development: Through this project, the candidate will acquire expertise in:
Impact and Applications: This research directly supports international decarbonisation objectives and the UK's net-zero commitments by advancing hydrogen storage technology. Potential applications span hydrogen-powered transportation (fuel cell vehicles, aviation), grid-scale renewable energy storage, and industrial hydrogen supply chains. Success in this project could revolutionise hydrogen infrastructure deployment, making hydrogen economically viable as a clean energy carrier.
Candidate Profile: We welcome candidates with backgrounds in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or computational sciences. While prior experience in hydrogen storage or computational materials modelling is advantageous, it is not essential. Key requirements include strong analytical capabilities and commitment to sustainable technology development, and readiness to acquire advanced computational skills.
Research Environment: The project is based within Northumbria University's School of Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics, providing access to extensive computational resources including high-performance computing clusters. You will join a vibrant research community with established collaborations with simulation and experimental research groups across the UK and internationally, including partners in South Korea, Australia, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. Comprehensive training, mentorship support, and professional development opportunities are provided throughout the programme.
Academic Enquiries
This project is supervised by Dr Tam Ho. For informal queries, please contact ductam.ho@northumbria.ac.uk. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please email Admissions (pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk).
Eligibility Requirements:
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
How To Apply
For further details on how to apply see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please complete the PhD application form in full, include the advert reference (e.g. ReNU+26/…) and also:
Please note that up to six offers will be made for the ReNU+ CDT projects advertised by Northumbria University. This is a competitive process.
Deadline for applications: 2 February 2026
Start date of course: 1 October 2026
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.
This fully funded PhD Project is open to Home fee applicants only
Northumbria University, Faculty of Science and Environment
Application Deadline: Monday 2 February 2026, 11:59pm
PhD start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Project Reference: ReNU+26/SE/EPM/BARRIOZ
About ReNU+
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to engage with added value training opportunities, for example in business, innovation and internationalisation through a 4-year full time (or longer on part-time) training programme that has been designed to enhance the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The anticipated start date is 1st October 2026.
About the Project
The Challenge: A Growing Mountain of Solar Panel Waste
Solar energy is transforming how we power our world. Global photovoltaic installations will exceed 7 terawatts by 2030, helping communities and nations transition away from fossil fuels. But there's a problem on the horizon: solar panels don't last forever. With lifespans of 25-30 years, the first wave of mass-installed panels is now reaching end-of-life. By 2030, global solar panel waste will reach 8 million tonnes annually, rising to 78 million tonnes by 2050.
Current recycling approaches—mechanical crushing, high-temperature processing, or harsh chemical treatments—are expensive, energy-intensive, and often create their own environmental problems. We need a better way. This is where you come in.
Your Research: Nature-Inspired Solutions
This PhD project will develop bioleaching techniques—harnessing the natural abilities of bacteria to extract valuable materials from end-of-life solar panels. Bioleaching is already used in mining to recover metals from low-grade ores, but applying it to photovoltaic recycling is a frontier area with enormous potential.
You will work at the intersection of microbiology and materials science to:
Identify and optimise bacterial strains capable of recovering silicon and precious metals from solar panel materials
Your research will directly contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals on clean energy, responsible consumption, and sustainable innovation.
Skills and Training
As part of the ReNU+ Centre for Doctoral Training, you'll receive comprehensive research training alongside your project work. You will develop expertise in microbial cultivation and characterisation, materials analysis techniques, process design, and sustainability assessment. The CDT's cohort-based model means you'll learn alongside fellow researchers tackling complementary Net Zero challenges, building a professional network that will serve you throughout your career.
Who Should Apply?
We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in:
You don't need prior experience with photovoltaics or bioleaching—what matters most is your enthusiasm for sustainable solutions, your willingness to work across disciplinary boundaries, and your motivation to tackle one of the defining challenges of our time. We actively encourage applications from individuals currently underrepresented in research, and from those who may be returning to study or changing career direction.
Join us in building a circular economy for solar energy. Apply today.
Academic Enquiries
This project is supervised by Professor Vincent Barrioz. For informal queries, please contact vincent.barrioz@northumbria.ac.uk . For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please email Admissions(pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk)
Eligibility Requirements:
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
How to Apply
For further details on how to apply see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please complete the PhD application form in full, include the project reference (e.g. ReNU+26/…) and also:
Please note that up to six offers will be made for the ReNU+ CDT projects advertised by Northumbria University. This is a competitive process.
Deadline for applications: 2 February 2026
Start date of course: 1 October 2026
Funding Information
The studentship is available to Home only students and includes a full stipend at UKRI rates (for 2025/26 full-time study this is £20,780 per year) and full tuition fees. Studentships are also available for applicants who wish to study on a part-time basis (0.6 FTE - Stipend £12,468 per year and full tuition fees) in combination with work or personal responsibilities).
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.
This fully funded PhD Project is open to Home fee applicants only
Northumbria University, Faculty of Science and Environment
Application Deadline: Monday 2 February 2026, 11:59pm
PhD start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Project Reference: ReNU+26/SE/EPM/LIU
About ReNU+
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to engage with added value training opportunities, for example in business, innovation and internationalisation through a 4-year full time (or longer on part-time) training programme that has been designed to enhance the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The anticipated start date is 1st October 2026.
About The Project
Are you interested in helping accelerate the UK government’s ambition to reaching Net Zero by 2050? Here is an excellent opportunity to explore potential microgrid control strategies for increasing the connection of renewable energy within local distribution grids, as well as enhancing network resilience.
This project aims to develop a comprehensive microgrid system that integrates multiple renewable energy resources such as solar photovoltaics (PV), wind turbines and energy storage systems to enhance energy sustainability and reliability.
Project Objectives:
1. Develop an advanced power coordination control and management system to optimize the power flow within the microgrid.
2. Maximize the utilization of renewable energy sources while maintaining the microgrid stability.
3. Ensure the microgrid to operate autonomously and seamlessly transition between grid-connected and islanded modes during power disturbances.
4. Investigate the economic and environmental benefits of the microgrid system with high penetration of renewable energy system compared with the traditional grid system.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Novel control strategies for microgrids to increase renewable energy utilisation.
2. Optimisation of microgrid with high penetration of renewable energy.
3. Voltage and frequency stability during islanded mode.
4. Improve the microgrid reliability and resilience.
What will you gain from this doctoral programme?
You will enhance your scientific research and analytical capabilities, learn the theory of microgrids, renewable energy, power electronics and their control. Also, you can develop advanced skills in microgrid simulation (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink) and emulation verification (e.g. Opal RT). In addition, we offer opportunities to participate in specialised trainings in the field of electric power engineering and present your research outcomes at international conferences and workshops. Through this doctoral programme, you will get all the support you need to learn and grow.
Which research group will you be working in?
You will join the Electrical Power and Control Systems Research Group. It is an internationally recognised multidisciplinary research group which undertakes cutting edge research in renewable energy (wind/wave/PV), power electronics, electric vehicles, battery charging, electric machine and drive, power system management and optimisation, advanced control theory and methods, autonomous driving, robotic systems, and artificial intelligence for engineering applications. You will benefit from joining a vibrant and diverse environment, working with world leading experts at the forefront of electrical and electronic engineering.
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community.
Academic Enquiries
This project is supervised by Dr Yuchao Liu. For informal queries, please contact yuchao.liu@northumbria.ac.uk. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please email Admissions (pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk).
Eligibility Requirements:
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
How To Apply
For further details on how to apply see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please complete the PhD application form in full, include the advert reference (e.g. ReNU+26/…) and also:
Please note that up to six offers will be made for the ReNU+ CDT projects advertised by Northumbria University. This is a competitive process.
Deadline for applications: 2 February 2026
Start date of course: 1 October 2026
Funding Information
The studentship is available to Home only students and includes a full stipend at UKRI rates (for 2025/26 full-time study this is £20,780 per year) and full tuition fees. Studentships are also available for applicants who wish to study on a part-time basis (0.6 FTE - Stipend £12,468 per year and full tuition fees) in combination with work or personal responsibilities).
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.
Learn more about completing a PhD by listening to our academics, students and industry partners discuss the benefits of a PhD qualification via some short videos on our Programmes page.
We need a supply of talented next-generation leaders who will drive getting towards Net Zero. Programs like ReNU and ReNU Plus really focus on making sure those people understand the wider context for energy, not just their individual research project, but also things like the energy system, energy policy, and also finance and economics associated with getting towards Net Zero.
Why did you choose to pursue a PhD?
"I'm a PhD scholar in Northumbria University funded by ReNU. I chose to pursue my PhD because of my passion in material science and engineering and to contribute towards the digital sustainable technologies. "
"I decided to pursue a PhD was because I really enjoyed my master's project and I realized that doing more research would probably be very interesting to me. The long answer is that I've always thought of research as one of the things I wanted to do so it made sense in terms of my future path."
Why did you choose to apply for the ReNU program specifically?
"I chose to apply in the ReNU program specifically because it focuses on the interdisciplinary research and the renewable energy. ReNU is actually part of three universities that is Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham University. So this gives us more support from various experts in the field and the state of art that we are working on."
"The ReNU training program brings in a lot of support so there's to begin with very wide lectures on what kind of problems we're facing in terms of reaching net zero or just the energy problem. There's also a lot of help with careers advice and stuff like progression."
What would you say are the benefits of being part of a cohort of students?
"The benefits for being part of the cohort of students is that it creates a collaborative environment for everyone and we all can interact with each other and this creates a good support network and exchange of ideas and research which actually helps us in our research. And secondly, with the help of this, we can have access to various labs, be it Northumbria University, be it Durham University or Newcastle University, for example, in my research I need TEM for morphological studies of the films. And it's not in Northumbria University and I'm planning to use the one that is in Durham. So it actually helps to overcome the barriers."
"Being part of a cohort is really motivating for me because I can talk about what I'm facing and find someone with similar problems or find solace in the fact that we're all stuck in the same problems but also it's more than that it's sharing experiences and ways to deal with certain problems that a normal PhD student might not be able to have."
In terms of the ReNU Plus program specifically, what would your advice be to future students who might be interested in that?
"I would highly recommend that they join the ReNU Plus program. They're going to find access to a lot of different resources within the program spanning from biology, physics, electrical engineering and chemistry and they're going to have crossovers with industry partners to find job opportunities as they go further afield."
ReNU+ welcomes and encourages applications from candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences such as:
Find out further information at the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion page.
Programme Duration: 4 years (Full Time). Studentships are also available for applicants who wish to study on a part-time basis (please check individual adverts for further details).
Funding: Each studentship supports a full stipend, paid for four years at UKRI rates (for 2025/26 full-time study this is £20,780 per year) and full tuition fees and a Research Training Support Grant (for travel, consumables, and further training). UK and international (including EU) candidates may apply.
If you do not hold the entry requirements but you feel you have evidence of relevant skills and expertise that is equivalent, please get in touch with both the project contact and relevant institution director.
Please note: to be classed as a Home student, candidates must meet the following criteria:
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student. Applicants will need to be in the UK and fully enrolled before stipend payments can commence, and be aware of the following additional costs that may be incurred, as these are not covered by the studentship.
Immigration Health Surcharge https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
If you need to apply for a Student Visa to enter the UK, please refer to the information on https://www.gov.uk/student-visa. It is important that you read this information very carefully as it is your responsibility to ensure that you hold the correct funds required for your visa application otherwise your visa may be refused.
Costs associated with English Language requirements which may be required for students not having completed a first degree in English, will not be borne by the university. Please see individual adverts for further details of the English Language requirements for the university you are applying to.
Link to a readable pdf version
1. Find a Project
Each advertised position already includes a project proposal. Check the project adverts on our website’s “Apply Now” page
2. Check the University
Each project is based at one of the three partner universities (Northumbria, Durham and Newcastle Universities).
3. Steps Before Applying
4. Submit Your Application Through the Right Portal
Send your application and supporting documents through application system of the university hosting your chosen project.
Want to Apply for More Than One Project?
Repeat the same process for each application.
If shortlisted, you will be invited to interview by the host university.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
