Studying for a PhD with the EPSRC CDT in Aerosol Science:

Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQs below are designed to clarify the application process and provide answers to some commonly-asked questions, but if you wish to ask anything further, please do not hesitate to contact us at aerosol-science@bristol.ac.uk 

General Application Information

1. What are the entry requirements for the PhD program?

Please refer to the entry for PhD in Aerosol Science in the University of Bristol prospectus. Entry requirements may vary slightly between institutions, but please use this information as a guide.  

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of an upper second-class MSci honours degree in a relevant discipline spanning physical, biological and environmental sciences and engineering, or a postgraduate MSc or international equivalent. We may consider applicants with a lower second-class MSci honours degree or an upper second-class BSc honours degree who can demonstrate good potential for research.

2. When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines are listed on the ‘How to apply’ page.

Shortlisting will take place at regular intervals, by these deadlines, from December to February. Recruitment will continue until the available studentship funding has been allocated.

We encourage you to apply early in the application cycle, to maximise your chances of securing one of your preferred available studentships.

 

 

3. How do I apply?

Apply via the CDT in Aerosol Science online application form. Download a copy of the application form questions using the link on the ‘How to apply’ page.

A formal application via an official university admissions system will only be required by candidates who are successful at first progressing their application with the CDT in Aerosol Science.

 

4. What documents are required for the application?
  • To submit your application to the CDT you will need:
    • Application form – Details on the ‘How to apply’ page
  • Candidates shotlisted for interview will also be asked to provide:
    • Name and organisational email addresses of two or three academic or professional referees whom we can contact to support your application
  • Successful candidates who progress to the offer stage will be asked to apply via the PhD-awarding university’s official offer system, and as part of this will need to provide formal documentation to allow the issue of their official offer. This includes:
    • Copies of degree certificates / transcripts
    • Two academic or professional referees
    • Current CV
  • Applications placed by international candidates will have additional requirements including:
    • (If English is not your first language) Evidence of English Language qualifications
    • Student Visa
    • ATAS certification

Additional Information for international candidates

5. What are the entry requirements for the PhD program for international candidates?

Please refer to the entry for PhD in Aerosol Science in the University of Bristol prospectus. Entry requirements may vary slightly between institutions, but please use this information as a guide. 

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of the equivalent of an upper second-class MSci honours degree in a relevant discipline spanning physical, biological and environmental sciences and engineering, or a postgraduate MSc or international equivalent. We may consider applicants with a lower second-class MSci honours degree or an upper second-class BSc honours degree who can demonstrate good potential for research.

 Please see international equivalent qualifications on the University of Bristol International Office website.

 If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in the University of Bristol profile level F.

 Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

 We ask that you hold your English language qualification at the appropriate level before we can make your offer.

6. How many places are available for international candidates?

Our funder (the EPSRC) allows us to offer up to 30% of our UKRI studentship awards to overseas students (usually around 3 or 4 studentships per year). For this to happen, the University offering the PhD needs to agree to waive the international portion of the fee down to the same level as a home fee. Some of our CDT partner universities have a clearer route for this than others, and we will work individually with international candidates to identify suitable studentships.

7. What costs do I need to bear in mind as an international applicant?

International applicants will need to plan for certain additional costs:

  • Student visa (currently £490)
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (currently £4140 for a 4-year visa)
  • Flights
  • Sufficient savings to cover your living costs until the first stipend payment (October)
  • Accommodation deposits
8. What studentship funding is available for international candidates?

International applicants who are successfully awarded an Aerosol CDT studentship will be funded at the same level as home candidates (see below).

Interviews and Admissions

9. What are the criteria the CDT use in shortlisting applications for interview?

After ensuring candidates meet academic entry requirements, applications are shortlisted based on the 250-word description of their past experience and how that has prepared them for a PhD in Aerosol Science.

You should describe in 250 words or less, the ways in which you feel that your academic, scientific, paid employment, voluntary and/or other experience have prepared you to conduct research in your preferred area(s) with the CDT.

Shortlisting academics do not see any personal information such as candidate name or previous institutions.

10. What should I expect during CDT interview (including Assessments A&B)?

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the online recruitment and interview process, where you will meet members of the CDT, learn a little more about aerosols and have opportunities to ask questions. You will also take part in a team-based activity to enable you to try out the innovative team-based learning methods used in training.

During the CDT recruitment process, you will be invited to join two online assessment discussions with CDT academics, each 20 minutes long.

In Assessment A, you will meet online with two supervisors from your preferred projects. You will be invited to prepare a short presentation on a research project you have participated in. This may be for example a final-year undergraduate project. The academics will listen and have a conversation with you around your presentation.

For Assessment B, we will usually first invite you to join an online team-based exercise. Depending on the stage of the recruitment cycle, we may instead ask you to complete the exercise individually. Shortly afterwards, you will meet online with two CDT academics for Assessment B. They will ask you to reflect on your experiences of the exercise. They will also explore with you your broader perspectives on studying for a PhD.

11. Will I have the opportunity to meet with potential supervisors?

Yes! Available studentship projects are listed on the CDT projects page. During the application process you will have the opportunity to meet with several potential supervisors to discuss PhD projects.

12. When will I know if my application is successful?

Shortlisting will take place every 3-4 weeks between December and April, or until a full cohort of students has been recruited. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the recruitment and assessment process. This includes completing CDT Assessments A & B, discussions with potential supervisors, and a chance to re-confirm your preferred projects.  After this we will write to you to let you know if we can offer you a studentship. You then formally apply via the application system of the home institution of the supervisor of the recruiting project, so that a formal offer can be made. We aim to match all candidates with supervisors for final recruitment by the end of March/April although some recruitment may inevitably carry on into early summer.

13. What EDI considerations are in place during the recruitment process?

The CDT is committed to furthering issues of equality, diversity and inclusion and we are keen to attract individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds. We recognise the benefits of recruiting a diverse group of students to the Aerosol Science CDT and strive to avoid any conscious or unconscious bias in our recruitment. 

We invite all shortlisted candidates to tell us if they have any individual needs to participate in the recruitment process and we commit to act inclusively in accommodating these, by making reasonable adjustments to the interview process.

15. Are there opportunities for part-time study?

Yes, please discuss this with us during your application.

Funding and Studentships

16. What PhD funding is available?

Successful applicants to the EPSRC CDT in Aerosol Science will be awarded a 4-year PhD studentship. Studentships are funded from a variety of sources including the EPSRC, university funds, or industry sponsorship.

Each studentship is funded for 4 years, which includes tuition fees, an £18k Research and Training Support Grant (RTSG) and a stipend to cover your living costs while you complete your PhD. The stipend is paid at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024-25) and is usually tax-free. See further details at: https://www.ukri.org/skills/funding-for-research-training/

We also welcome applications from international students with government scholarships, and from professional applicants whose employer is interested in sponsoring them to complete a PhD.

17. How will I receive my stipend payments?

Stipend payments will be paid in monthly instalments to the studentship holder, directly by the degree-awarding university. The first stipend payment is generally made in October.

18. What are the terms and conditions of a UKRI CDT studentship?

The first year of your PhD

19. How can I find a PhD project and supervisor?

Available studentship projects are listed on the CDT projects page. During the application process you will have the opportunity to meet with multiple potential supervisors to discuss PhD projects. You will have the opportunity to re-confirm your preferred projects again after these discussions.

 

20. Where do I live in the first year?

All of the training in the first two teaching blocks (early September to end of April) will be hosted at the CDT hub at the University of Bristol. During this time, you will have the opportunity if you wish to live in postgraduate accommodation at the University of Bristol paying only for the period you are in residence (not the full academic year). After this (late April or early May), you will choose a TBS project in a location of your choice. This means you can stay in Bristol or move to your home institution, finding accommodation for the rest of your PhD study.

21. What training do I complete in the first year?

Aerosol science is unlikely to be something you have any training in from your undergraduate study. You will bring your particular specialist knowledge (for example from your undergraduate degree) to your study and train in a multidisciplinary team, benefiting from the breadth of expertise across the team. You will receive training in core aerosol science, (1/3 of first-year training), giving you all of the background you need for your PhD and to be an agile researcher in the future. You will also receive training in Computational & Data Tools, Environment & Communication (e.g. in responsible innovation, environmental sustainability and public engagement) and Impact & Translation (e.g. in innovation and enterprise, and regulation and policy). The Thematic Broadening Sabbatical makes up the final component of the third year.

22. What if my Thematic Broadening Sabbatical is not in my home institution or at University of Bristol?

You may undertake a Thematic Broadening Sabbatical (TBS) during May-July of the first year at an institution that is not your home institution. In many instances, this may be in a neighbouring institution allowing you to commute (The CDT will pay your travel costs). In some instances, you may choose to undertake this short project in Bristol or Bath, in which case you can remain in your accommodation in Bristol. For a small number of projects, you may choose to undertake your TBS in a third institution far removed from Bristol or your home institution (e.g. if your home institution is Manchester and your TBS is in Cambridge). In these instances, we will help you find short-term accommodation near the institution hosting your TBS.

23. When do I start my PhD research?

The Thematic Broadening Sabbatical will represent the first steps in your PhD journey, giving you an opportunity to learn techniques and get some publishable results in an area of aerosol science complementing your main PhD project. After formally progressing to the PhD in about month 11 of your first year, you will be working fully on your PhD project.

Years 2-4 of your PhD

24. How will I keep in touch with my cohort during my PhD?

You will continue to participate in the CDT’s network throughout your PhD, hopefully forming a network that will be of benefit in your future career. Throughout your PhD, you will have a weekly opportunity to listen to a webinar (a research seminar broadcast online) presented by leading researchers from around the world. You will also continue to work with your peers, supporting each other’s progress through thematic research groups and contributing to a journal club. You will attend the annual CDT conference and summer schools each year in specialist areas of aerosol science.

25. What mentoring will I receive?

You will receive mentoring from your PhD project supervisor, the academic co-supervisor who will host your Thematic Broadening Sabbatical, and an industrial partner, giving you a perspective on aerosol science outside academia. During the year 1 training at the University of Bristol you will also have regular meetings with your Bristol personal tutor. During Year 2 or 3, you will have the opportunity to go on placement to work with an industrial partner or to work in an overseas academic research laboratory.

26. Will I get an opportunity to meet with industry and potential employers?

Yes! The CDT is working with around 90 partners ranging from large multinational companies to small spin outs, and public sector bodies to national research labs. You will have an opportunity to meet these partners at CDT events and through your placement, and will hear about career opportunities and vacancies.

27. Will I be able to meet and network with researchers outside the CDT?

Yes! You will participate in a broad range of activities organised by the Aerosol Society of the UK and Ireland each year, including their annual conference and focus meetings on specific topics. See: https://aerosol-soc.com/

You will also have the opportunity to attend international conferences and training events.