Available studentships for entry in October 2025

Studentship: EPSRC FIBE3 CDT PhD studentship with AtkinsRéalis: Enabling a natural capital approach to Infrastructure Transitions

This is a four-year (1+3 MRes/PhD) studentship funded through the Cambridge EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3 CDT). The FIBE3 CDT aims to lead a transformation to net zero infrastructure through industry partner co-creation and co-delivery of an inspirational doctoral training programme for cohorts of emerging talents from diverse academic and social backgrounds. We will transform their potential by equipping them with the understanding, skills and qualities to collaboratively engineer the infrastructure that will unlock net zero through conducting world-class, cutting-edge and user-need focused cohort-based training and research to lead the design and implementation of the infrastructure net zero agenda in the UK. Further details can be found at https://www.net-zero-fibe-cdt.eng.cam.ac.uk/

The project is funded in collaboration with AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization who connects people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems.

This project develops a methodology to incorporate services from natural capital in infrastructure delivery strategies. The project identifies infrastructure services (e.g., climate resilience, mobility, carbon storage) and the potential for natural capital to provide these services alongside built infrastructure. The project will bridge existing approaches to identify and value services from natural capital with methodologies for national infrastructure assessment and delivery. The project combines a focus on systems thinking with a data-driven approach to quantify natural capital services and integrate them in infrastructure modelling platforms. These can support actions by stakeholders in the infrastructure systems to effect change and improved outcomes.

Project objectives are:

i) Develop a quantitative methodology to incorporate natural capital services in infrastructure delivery strategies

ii) Apply methodology to capture the potential for natural capital to contribute to net-zero and resilient infrastructure services as well as economic growth in the UK

iii) Relate that to the needs and motivations of stakeholders to coordinate action for interventions that change their infrastructure systems to deliver better outcomes

iv) Undertake case studies in how individuals and communities can be engaged in the process of transforming the built and natural capital that provides services to them, wider society and natural partners.

For project-specific enquiries please e-mail Dr Edoardo Borgomeo eb973@cam.ac.uk For general enquiries, please email cdtcivil-courseadmin@eng.cam.ac.uk.

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree in a Bachelors or Masters in engineering, physics, mathematics or related field. Experience with computer programming languages (e.g., MatLab, Phyton), familiarity with geographic information systems and systems thinking methodologies and an interest in environmental management, infrastructure and biodiversity conservation is preferable.

The FIBE3 CDT fully-funded studentships (fees and maintenance) are available for eligible home students and a limited number of international students. Further details about eligibility and funding can be found at: https://www.ukri.org/councils/esrc/career-and-skills-development/funding-for-postgraduate-training/eligibility-for-studentship-funding/ https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees https://www.cambridgetrust.org/scholarships/

Applications should be made online on https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegpdfib stating course code EGEGR3 with Project: Enabling a natural capital approach to infrastructure transitions with Dr Edoardo Borgomeo.

The closing date is 16th May 2025.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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Studentship: EPSRC FIBE3 CDT MRes+PhD in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero

We have funding for a number of 1+3 MRes/PHD studentships, in collaboration with industry, as part of our EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3 CDT), under the four following themes:

-Current and disruptive technologies

-Circularity and whole life approach

-Al-driven digitalisation and data

-Risk-based systems thinking and connectivity

Further details are available on the FIBE3 CDT website at: https://www.net-zero-fibe-cdt.eng.cam.ac.uk

Fully-funded studentships (fees and maintenance) are available for eligible home students and a limited number of international students.

For technical enquires please e-mail Professor Abir Al-Tabbaa (aa22@cam.ac.uk). For general enquiries, please email Ella Harding-Rolls (cdtcivil-courseadmin@cam.ac.uk) Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) a good 2.1 degree, preferably at masters level, in a relevant engineering or science discipline.

Applications should be made online via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegpdfib The closing date is 16th May 2025.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

How to apply

Step 1: Applying

Applications for October 2025 are now open. Please submit an application following the link to the University of Cambridge Graduate Admissions portal below, ensuring that your research proposal articulates how your research interest aligns with the FIBE3 themes (see Roadmap and Research Enablers), and identifies the FIBE3 CDT industry partners to whom your research would be relevant.

All applications for this course are made online through the University of Cambridge Graduate Admissions portal: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/how-do-i-apply

The Graduate Admissions website also provides useful information on entry requirements and funding: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/

The closing date for applications is 16th May 2025.

Step 2: Interview for a place on the programme

Following initial discussions with the interested candidates and the receipt of complete online applications, a number of candidates will be invited to a formal interview with the head of FIBE3 and other representatives from the centre and potential supervisor(s). The interview will consider both the technical suitability for the proposed field of research as well as suitability for the FIBE3 CDT programme. Interviews will take place either in Cambridge or over Zoom.

Step 3: Receiving an offer

Decisions for candidates eligible for FIBE3 studentships will be made as soon as reasonably possible after the interviews.

Who are we looking for?

Successful applicants require high level engineering or science skills. We welcome candidates with a background in any engineering discipline (civil, mechanical, chemical, manufacturing, electrical, information and others) or relevant science discipline (including materials science, earth science, environmental science, computer science, mathematics, chemistry) as well as other relevant disciplines including architecture and project management. Some applicants may have industrial experience.

Students are expected to have a good upper second class (2.1) or first class honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent standard from an overseas university.

Candidates must have completed at least a three-year degree.

Entrance is competitive and successful applicants are likely to have high academic achievements.

EPSRC funding (home fees+stipend) is available to eligible home students. While UKRI funding will not cover international fees, the University may be able to meet the fee difference through other sources, for a limited number of outstanding international applicants. Applicants will also be considered for funding through the University funding competition.

The University of Cambridge is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach to equality, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture, and values diversity.

Why should you apply?

You will be exposed to the broad field of unlocking net zero infrastructure and built environment.

You will learn from and work with leading industry figures.

You will become part of an active and diverse community of academics, post-docs and graduate students within the University.

The MRes year and its associated modules provide context for a range of professional, commercial and personal skills training while the MRes research project forms the start of the PhD study.
The 4-year MRes + PhD course promotes technical, personal and professional net zero attributes and leverage significant input and involvement with academic, research and industry staff with a wide range of expertise.

On completion you will have expert knowledge in the area of unlocking net zero infrastructure and built environment, relevant to your research project.

Eligibility and funding

The EPSRC FIBE3 CDT studentships are fully-funded (fees and maintenance) for eligible home students and a limited number of international students. While UKRI funding will not cover international fees, the University may be able to meet the fee difference through other sources for a limited number of outstanding applicants. Applicants will also be considered for funding through the University funding competition. However, it should be noted that the admissions and funding application process is highly competitive.

Further details about eligibility and funding can be found at:

https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/esrc/funding-for-postgraduate-training-and-development/eligibility-for-studentship-funding/

https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees

https://www.cambridgetrust.org/scholarships/

Unsure of your fee status?

If you are unsure of your fee status, we advise that you consult the UKCISA Guidance in the first instance: UKCISA- England Fee Status: Higher Education.

For further information, you can also find details on fee status criteria here:
https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status
https://www.fee-status.admin.cam.ac.uk/

Unfortunately, we are not able to confirm fee status before the point of offer. If you are made an offer of admission to the University, your offer will state what we believe your fee status to be. This will be based on the information you have provided in your application form, and according to the relevant UK legislation, regulations and guidance published by the UK Government.

Industry + MRes + PhD (I+) Scheme

The CDT runs an Industry+MRes+PhD (I+) Scheme, where successful applicants to the scheme will spend a year employed by an industry partner prior to starting the MRes.

Students who wish to apply for the I+Scheme must be eligible to work in the UK. Please read the Home Office's website for further information.

The I+Scheme will be considered on a case-by-case basis and availability will be dependent on the individual project and sponsoring industry partner.

Applicants should apply through the normal process but indicate on their application form that they would be interested in the I+Scheme as an option.

All applications will be assessed to identify whether the experience and qualifications meet the entry requirements and objectives of the Centre. If there is a potential match, applicants will be invited to attend an interview.

There may also be an interview with the appropriate industry partner. Please note that each industry partner will run the I+Scheme in a way that best suits their requirements.

Admissions