Students planning to pursue doctoral research in engineering and the physical sciences should consider the UCL EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (UELA). University College London expects to offer approximately 50 fully funded PhD studentships for the 2027/28 academic year, with opportunities for both Home and international applicants.
The four-year funding package includes tuition fees, a living allowance and support for research training. For applicants, the starting point should be finding a project that connects with their academic background, research experience and longer-term interests.
Author: Dr Niaz Chowdhury (LinkedIn)
Designation: Lecturer (Computer Science)
Affiliation: Ulster University (Birmingham), UK
PhD studentship programme
UCL EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (UELA), 2027/28
The programme brings together a catalogue of individual research projects. Applicants should examine the available projects and the requirements of their host departments before deciding where to apply.
What are these PhDs about?
These studentships support research within engineering and the physical sciences. The specific research questions, methods and skills required will depend on the chosen project.
When reviewing a project, consider:
- What problem does the research aim to solve?
- Which methods or technical skills will it involve?
- How does your previous study or research prepare you for it?
- What would you like to learn during the PhD?
A strong application should explain your interest in the particular research problem. Use examples from your dissertation, laboratory work, programming, professional experience or other relevant activities to demonstrate that connection.
Research environment and support
UCL is also developing collaborative studentships with external organisations. These projects can provide an opportunity to connect doctoral research with questions arising beyond the university. The collaboration arrangements will depend on the individual project.
When comparing opportunities, look closely at the research group, available facilities, training and expectations for the student. These details will help you judge whether a project offers the environment you need to develop as a researcher.
Supervisors
Supervisory arrangements are specific to each project. Consult the project catalogue for the relevant academics and contact information.
Before contacting a potential supervisor, read the project description and some of their recent work. A useful enquiry should briefly introduce your background and ask a focused question about the research.
Funding package
Successful applicants will receive:
- Tuition fees for four years, including an additional UCL award covering the difference between Home and international fees for overseas students.
- An annual stipend estimated at £26,022 for 2027/28, with annual increases.
- A Research Training Support Grant, supporting costs such as training, conferences, travel and project activities.
Students are expected to submit their thesis within the four-year funded period.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet:
- UCL’s academic entry requirements.
- Any additional requirements set by the department hosting their chosen project.
Both Home and international applicants can be considered. Check the relevant department’s requirements before assuming that a particular degree classification, qualification or English language score will be sufficient.
Number of scholarships available
Approximately 50 studentships are planned. International recruitment is capped at 30%, meaning a maximum of 15 international students can receive awards.
How to apply
Begin by reviewing the project catalogue and identifying opportunities that fit your interests and experience. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your motivation, research skills and readiness for doctoral study.
The application process involves:
- Submitting an application through the UELA application portal.
- Attending an interview if shortlisted.
- Completing a separate application through UCL’s admissions portal if selected for an informal studentship offer.
A formal offer of admission is required before UCL can issue the formal funding offer.
Contact your referees early and give them enough time to prepare their references. Keep your academic records organised, and follow the application portal’s instructions carefully.
Key dates
- Expected catalogue and application opening: 26 October 2026.
- Recommended submission date, including references: 16 December 2026.
- Final application deadline: 8 January 2027, at noon UK time.
- Expected interviews: February 2027.
- Expected offers: Around mid-March 2027.
- Expected start date: 1 October 2027.
Aim to complete your application before the recommended December date so that you have time to address missing information or reference delays.
Sponsors
The programme is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and UCL. Some collaborative studentships also receive funding from external partner organisations.
Contact details
For general information about the scheme, UCL lists:
Email: epsrc.dtp@ucl.ac.uk.
For questions about an individual research project, use the academic contact listed in its catalogue entry.
Official programme information: UCL EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award studentships
Why these PhDs are worth considering
This programme is worth exploring if you want to develop the ability to investigate complex problems, evaluate evidence and carry out independent research.
Funding is an important part of that decision, but the project and supervisory relationship deserve equal attention. Ask whether the research questions interest you enough to sustain several years of work, and whether the skills you would develop support your future plans.
Final thoughts
Start with the research. Identify projects that connect with your experience, read around their central questions and prepare clear examples of what you could contribute.
A convincing application will show both readiness to begin doctoral work and a thoughtful understanding of what you still need to learn.
