ReNU Plus Open Day

ReNU⁺ CDT Open Day - Friday 20 November 2026

Curious about research? Not sure what a PhD actually involves?

Join us for the ReNU⁺ CDT Open Day to find out what doctoral training looks like in practice and what the ReNU⁺ programme offers.

You don't need to have it all figured out. If you care about climate change, renewable energy, or building a sustainable future, come and ask the questions you haven't had the chance to ask yet. Whether you're actively planning a PhD or just exploring what's possible, you'll leave knowing more than you arrived with.

Eligibility: Entry requirements vary by project — for some, an undergraduate degree is enough; a Masters is not always required. This event is open to Home fee students only, as applications for the ReNU⁺ CDT PhD programme will be open only to Home fee students. If you're unsure of your fee status, please check the eligibility criteria at UKCISA – Categories for Home Fees in England.

Venue: Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST  (Room and arrival details will be sent by email once your place is confirmed.)

What you'll get out of the day

Meet real researchers doing meaningful work

Hear from our PhD students tackling climate challenges — from renewable energy systems to sustainable technologies. Find out how they got started - many weren't certain a PhD was for them either.

Get straight answers about funding 

A funded ReNU⁺ studentship pays the doctoral researcher £21,805 a year, tax-free (the UKRI rate for 2026–27), plus UK home-fee tuition and a research budget for training, consumables, and travel. The studentship is four years full-time, with part-time available on a pro rata basis. 

Find out what a PhD actually involves 

What do you do day-to-day? Chat informally with PhD researchers and academic staff over lunch.

This is for you if...

• You're finishing your undergrad or master's degree, have graduated, or are exploring your next step while working
• You're passionate about sustainability, engineering, or climate solutions
• You're curious about research but don't know where to start
• You want to make a real impact but aren't sure how
• You've never seriously considered a PhD (perfect — come learn what it's about!)

Programme (subject to change)

09.30am – 12.00pm: Short talks from our current PhD researchers on their work, and a Q&A panel where you can put your questions to the cohort.

12.00pm –  1.30pm: Lunch with topic tables you can move between: life in Newcastle and Durham, experimental versus computational research, and example projects you could apply for.

1.30 pm onwards :  Lab/campus tour (Optional)

A full agenda with rooms, named speakers, and arrival details will be sent by email once your place is confirmed.

Travel Support

We know Open Day involves real costs, so we're offering a contribution of up to £50 towards travel and accommodation for prospective home students attending. Just keep your receipts as reimbursement is against proof of expenditure.

Expression of interest

Please complete the form below to indicate your interest in attending this Open Day. Form will close on 13 November 2026 at 12pm and we will send out an email confirming your place. If you have questions before the day, email renu@northumbria.ac.uk.