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How to apply for a STAND-UP Engineering Doctorate.

A fully funded four year EngD that combines a 12 month taught component, five three-week residentials and 24 to 36 months embedded with an industry partner. Find the project that fits your interests, then follow the four step application process below.

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Application process

Entry requirements

What you'll need to apply.

  • A first class or 2:1 honours degree, or a Master's degree, in a relevant engineering, physical sciences or computer science discipline. Specific subject areas vary by project, see the project page for detail.

  • Genuine interest in industry-engaged research on the design, manufacture, through-life operation and decommissioning of nuclear defence assets.

  • Eligibility for security clearance. STAND-UP projects work on the defence nuclear enterprise. Some projects require UK nationality and the ability to obtain security clearance. Detail to confirm per project

Application process

Four steps from interest to offer.

The application process is shared across all STAND-UP projects. Individual project advert close dates differ, so always check the project page.

01
Find your project

Browse current EngD opportunities and identify projects matching your background and interests. Note the lead supervisor, university and advert close date.

02
Contact the supervisor

Email the named lead supervisor to discuss the project informally. This is encouraged before submitting a formal application and helps ensure a strong fit.

02
Submit your application

Apply through the host university's postgraduate research application system, providing CV, qualifications, references, personal statement and project preference.

02
Interview & offer

Shortlisted applicants are interviewed by the supervisory team and industry partner. Successful applicants receive a formal offer with funding detail.

Key dates

Important dates for the inaugural cohort.

STAND-UP projects are advertised on a rolling basis. Individual project deadlines differ, so always check the project page.

Now open

Applications open for first wave of October 2026 projects

Open now

15 July 2026

Indicative close date for early advertised projects (Innovative Manufacturing of Nuclear Components)

Open now

August 2026

Indicative close date for Lancaster underwater inspection project

Open now

October 2026

Indicative cohort start date

Upcoming

Funding

Fully funded for four years.

STAND-UP studentships are funded by EPSRC and UKRI under the Doctoral Focal Award, with co-funding from industry partners. Each studentship covers tuition fees and a tax-free stipend, plus a substantial budget for project work, travel and training.

£26,000 per year, plus a significant project, travel and training budget.

Open to UK home students

Industry partners contribute to project costs and host the EngD placement. Some projects offer additional industry top-up funding.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions.

  • STAND-UP welcomes applicants with a first class or 2:1 honours degree (or a Master's degree) in a relevant engineering, physical sciences or computer science discipline. Each project lists its target subject background, so check the individual project page for detail.

    Some projects require UK nationality and the ability to obtain security clearance. Where this applies, it will be stated clearly on the project page.

  • STAND-UP studentships are open to UK home students. The programme is funded by EPSRC and UKRI, and standard UKRI eligibility rules apply.

  • Yes. We encourage applicants to identify the project(s) they are most interested in and contact each lead supervisor before applying. You may then submit applications to multiple projects across different host universities.

  • An Engineering Doctorate is a research degree of equivalent academic standing to a PhD, but with a substantial extended industry placement (24 to 36 months in the STAND-UP programme). EngD researchers are expected to deliver research that is publishable to PhD standard, with demonstrable industrial impact.

  • EngD@Work is a part-time route for industry employees who want to undertake a STAND-UP Engineering Doctorate while remaining in their existing role. STAND-UP supports up to 20 EngD@Work places across the consortium.

  • The inaugural STAND-UP cohort starts in October 2026. Most projects on this site target this start date. A small number of projects may start at alternative points in the year, see individual project pages.

  • For project specific questions, contact the named lead supervisor on the project page. For general questions about the programme, email anrc-enquiries@strath.ac.uk or use the contact form.

Ready to take the next step?

Browse the live STAND-UP projects and contact the lead supervisor to discuss your interest.

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