Nuclear Fission DTC PhD – (Ph.D.)

Nuclear FiRST is a flagship programme, run jointly by the Universities of Manchester and Sheffield, which provides the opportunity for outstanding scientists to gain a doctorate level qualification with high level nuclear skills. This programme aims to underpin UK Energy and Defence strategy by addressing a growing doctoral skills gap in nuclear fission science and engineering. We will provide graduates with the necessary skills and practical experience to support cleanup of the historical nuclear legacy, geological disposal of radioactive wastes, a new generation of nuclear power stations, and military nuclear applications. The course will lasts four years (including writing up time) and is built around a research proposal which is developed by the student in conjunction with University and Industrial partners.

The Nuclear FiRST DTC PhD takes four years because we want to give you the opportunity to learn about many other aspects of nuclear fission research, and because we give you the chance to develop your own PhD project. This takes time, which is why we have a four year programme. However, the preparatory year also gives you a head start, so you should be able to make progress rapidly with your PhD, and it should be possible to complete a DTC PhD within the four year period. We have therefore allowed a full four years funding for each student. We also have funding to cover the relatively high running and travel costs of our DTC studentships, including support for secondments to overseas laboratories and presenting your results at international conferences.