1. Am I expected to secure a supervisor before submitting my application?
No, applicants are not expected to secure a supervisor before applying. There are 2 routes to applying:
For all available studentships visit: Available studentships | EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3 CDT)
2. What academic requirements are you looking for in an applicant?
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.
Entrance is competitive and successful applicants are likely to have high academic achievements. Students are expected to have a high 2.1 or 1st 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.
3. Do I need to apply separately for funding?
There is no need to apply for funding separately. EPSRC FIBE3 CDT studentships are fully-funded (home fees and maintenance) for eligible home students and a limited number of international students.
4. Is funding available for international students?
Fully funded studentships (home fees + stipend) are primarily available for eligible home students. Unfilled places can be allocated to a very small number of outstanding international applicants. Funding to those international students will include home fees and stipend from the CDT in addition to potential funding from the University to cover the international fee shortfall via an International Fee Bursary.
We therefore recommend international applicants consider applying for a direct entry PhD wihtin the Engineering Department (not via the CDT) in the first instance. For direct entry, applicants need to contact an appropriate supervisor directly and agree a project. Applying before early December means applicants can be considered for available university scholarships. In the meantime, the supervisor can approach one of the FIBE3 CDT industry partners to discuss if they are interested in formally sponsoring the project, which is a CDT requirement.
If there is formal interest from one of our industry partners and the application is very strong (bearing in mind the strong competition for these places), the CDT can consider the applicant at a later stage, and put them through the CDT recruitment process, including a formal interview involving the CDT, academic supervisor and industry sponsor.
5. What are the English Language requirements for international applicants?
Please visit the Postgraduate Admissions Office page on Language Requirements for full details.
6. When is the application deadline?
Applications will close on 15th April 2026 or when all places are filled, whichever is the earlier. So it is important to apply as early as possible (whether you are making a general application or applying for a specific studentship) to give yourself the best chance to be considered for this opportunity.
7. How does the I+Scheme work?
The I+Scheme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. It will up to the academic supervisor and industry partner to decide whether they would be happy to consider an I+student, as well as the suitability of the research project. So if this is something you are interested in, you should apply as normal (either a generic or project specific application), and on your application indicate your interest in the I+Scheme as an option. Your application will then be assessed to identify if your experience and qualifications meet the entry requirements and objectives of the Centre. If there is a potential match, you will be invited to interview, where you can discuss the option of the I+Scheme further. You may also have an interview with the appropriate industry partner.
8. Can the programme be studied on a part-time basis?
It is possible to study the course on a part-time basis, but this will depend on the suitability of the project, and agreement from the supervisor.
On a full-time basis it is a 1 + 3-year course; for part-time the MRes year is completed over 2 years, and the PhD over 5 years.
The part-time course has to align with the required core module teaching, that is scheduled weekly during Michaelmas and Lent Terms. The work undertaken in the Easter and Summer Terms, which is often more project based, could potentially be done remotely, unless there were requirements for lab work. Therefore it would be necessary to attend regularly throughout Michaelmas and Lent terms during the first 2 years. On average this will require approximately 2 days' attendance a week, but the commiment may vary week to week. So it would be necessary to have good flexibility in your work if you were planning to work alongside studying, and to live within easy-commuting distance from Cambridge.
Part-time places are still fully funded, but on a pro-rata basis, so at 50% of the full award for the first 2 years, and then 60% for the PhD years.
Please note there is a separate application form to apply for the Part-Time course, see: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegpdfie
9. Is it possible to apply for a place on EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Resilience in a Changing World (FIBE2)?
We are no longer recruiting for this programme; the 5th and final intake for the course was in 2023.
