EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Fusion Power

Subraxo.com features the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Fusion Power, a fully funded PhD programme run jointly by six UK universities - Durham, Liverpool, Manchester, Oxford, Sheffield, and York in partnership with the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy and fusion industry players such as Tokamak Energy and First Light Fusion. The programme trains doctoral researchers across Materials Science, Plasma Physics, Magnetic Confinement Fusion, Inertial Fusion Energy, Instrumentation & Diagnostics, and Computational and Theoretical Physics, aiming to build the next generation of fusion scientists and engineers as the field accelerates globally. Studentships run for four years full-time (or up to eight years part-time), with a significant number of places offered each year across five intakes running from 2024 to 2028.

Application deadlines are set independently by each partner university and vary by intake - Subraxo recommends confirming the current date directly on the Fusion CDT website or your target university's page rather than relying on a single fixed date, as some intakes (e.g., 2026–27) have already closed at certain universities.

Subraxo.com summarizes the entry criteria as follows:

• A first-class or strong upper-second-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering subject such as physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering, or mathematics - other backgrounds may be considered depending on the specific research project.
• Openness to applicants from diverse academic and personal backgrounds; the programme actively encourages participation from groups underrepresented in fusion research.
• Flexible and part-time study routes are available where needed.
• On nationality: while the CDT accepts applications regardless of citizenship, funding follows standard UKRI/EPSRC rules - home (UK) fee-status students generally receive automatic priority for full studentships, while a limited, capped number of places (funding at UK fee rates, sometimes topped up by the university) are available for international applicants each year. Subraxo advises international applicants to confirm current quota and fee arrangements with their chosen partner university before applying.

Applications are submitted through the official Fusion CDT website, with project-specific supervisors and institutions to select from.

Full Funding , Fully funded 4-year PhD research studentships

Per Subraxo's review of the official programme details, the studentship includes:

• Full funding for four years of full-time doctoral study (or the part-time equivalent)
• Coverage of tuition fees
• An annual stipend at the standard UKRI rate
• Access to a structured cohort environment, specialist fusion research facilities, and funded opportunities for international collaboration and travel