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Home / How to Apply
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.
Entry requirements
What you'll need to apply.
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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.
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Genuine interest in industry-engaged research on the design, manufacture, through-life operation and decommissioning of nuclear defence assets.
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English language proficiency. For non-native speakers, the standard expectation is IELTS 6.5 overall with no element below 6.0, or an equivalent recognised qualification. Final requirements to confirm
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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
Final entry requirements wording to follow
The programme team will publish the final published version of entry requirements, residency rules and security clearance criteria here. The list above represents the working position drawn from individual project specifications.
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.
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.
Submit your application
Apply through the host university's postgraduate research application system, providing CV, qualifications, references, personal statement and project preference.
Interview & offer
Shortlisted applicants are interviewed by the supervisory team and industry partner. Successful applicants receive a formal offer with funding detail.
Application portal links to follow
Direct links to each partner university's postgraduate research application portal will be added once finalised by the programme team.
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
Final published deadlines from the programme team to follow
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. Final residency / clearance wording to confirm
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. Final EngD@Work eligibility and process to confirm
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.