FAQ

  • How are PhD projects selected?

    PhD projects are generated during a “Project Generation” event in the winter of the first year.  This event brings together academics, industry researchers, and students to discuss unmet needs in drug delivery and devise potential projects.  After the event, projects are detailed and reviewed by the CDT Management Board.  Industry partners then select projects they wish to support.  The project list is shared with students, who choose their preferred projects.  If multiple students select the same project, interviews are conducted to allocate the project, though this is rarely an issue.

  • Can I see a list of available PhD projects?

    Our programme does not have a fixed list of projects at the application stage. Instead, projects are developed in collaboration with our students, academic supervisors, industrial and clinical partners and are tailored to the interests and skills of our students. This flexible approach ensures that your research is both innovative and relevant.

  • How long will the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Accelerated Medicines Design & Development in its current form run for?

    The last year we will be recruiting will be 2027 for positions starting in Oct 2028.

  • When does the application process start?

    November/December of each recruitment year.

  • Is this opportunity open for only UK students or for students worldwide?

    The studentships are open to UK, EU and International students.  The awards cover tuition fees and a tax-free stipend for the duration of the PhD. To check your fee status, consult the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

  • What additional scholarships are there beyond the stipend and fees, if any, and how do we apply for these?

    Stipend and university fees are covered with the award. No other funding is offered through the CDT.

  • Can you choose the university you want to be based in for the duration of your PhD program?

    You choose your preferred university at the time of application and can apply to one or both locations.

  • How many candidates will be selected?

    There are up to 13 studentships each year. 8 at the University College London and 5 at the University of Nottingham.

  • Is there any advantage to apply early or do the applications only get assessed once the deadline passes?

    All applications get assessed after the deadline.  If places remain unfilled, additional rounds of interview may be conducted.

  • Do you look at the overall grade for your degree/postgraduate degree or the individual module breakdown?

    We look at the overall grade.

  • Do you need a referee for both undergraduate and postgraduate degree, or just your most recent degree?

    References are required at the time of offer.  Ideally, have referees for both your undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

  • Does the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) award cover the tuition fees and stipends for EU students when they have pre-settled status?

    Yes

  • Do we have to prove our English proficiency?

    If you did not undertake your undergraduate education in English then IELTS or some other standard ESL test scores are required.  Details may be found on the webpages of the various universities.

    University College London

    University of Nottingham

  • When do we need to provide the IELTS scores?

    If you are offered a place on the programme - you will need to provide as soon as possible after being offered a place on the CDT, and by end of August in the year of enrolment at the latest. You will not be allowed to register without this being in place.

  • How can I prepare for the interview?

    Practice your presentation, review your research projects, and stay updated on current scientific news. 

  • Do students look for their own place once they know which university they are at? Or do they move into postgrad halls, or do they move into shared accommodation together?

    Any of these options can be chosen depending on what you are most comfortable with and what you would prefer.  Students are eligible to live at post graduate student accommodation supplied by the university.

  • I already have a supervisor and a project, could a supervisor initiate funding or apply for funding for a student from the CDT?

    We do not fund supervisors and their projects.  You need to apply as a PhD student with our Centre and you may end up with a different supervisor.  All EPSRC-funded studentship PhD projects are overseen by the Management Team to ensure they fit within the EPSRC and CDT remit.

  • How is the selection process for industry partner/ research themes handled?

    Industry placements are offered in the first year before you start your PhD. Our industry partners internally determine which projects they can offer and write a short summary of each.  A brochure of projects is then shared with students, and students asked to select their top three choices.  We then allocate students to projects, doing our best to ensure each student gets a top choice.

  • What happens if more than one student picks the same PhD project?

    The supervisors who are leading the project will interview all students interested in their project.

  • How are supervisors assigned?

    Our programme is designed to provide you with a broad training experience. During the initial training period, you will have the opportunity to meet and work with various faculty members. PhD projects are generated during a process called the PhD Project Generation Event, where students, academic supervisors, industry, and clinical partners all contribute to producing these projects. The academic supervisor writes up the project proposal, and students then choose from the list of these projects. Supervisors are specifically assigned based on the project chosen, ensuring that you have the guidance and expertise needed for your research.