image with a laptop, a notepad with PhD written on it and some pencils in a jar

Postgraduate Research Opportunities

Where to search for projects and opportunities

Looking for postgraduate research opportunities in energy? You’re in the right place — let’s get started!

Main Search Tool

Most advertised energy-related projects in the UK pop up on FindAPhD.com — and we’ve already filtered the search tool below to show you energy-specific options. Use keywords like renewable, net zero, or energy systems to narrow things down and find your perfect match.

Understanding Project Types

Many funded projects in the UK are offered through structured programmes supported by UK Research Councils (UKRI). These often come with predesigned research topics and full funding, and some include an integrated Master’s for those entering with a Bachelor's degree. While competitive, they save time and offer clear research pathways.

Here are the main formats:

  • Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT): Cohort-based research with extra training and industry links.  Typically awarded across a range of Universities.
    Explore CDTs in Energy in the sectiom below.
  • Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP): Similar to CDTs but  typically less industry-focused and awarded at University level
  • Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA): Formerly iCASE, these projects combine academic research with hands-on industry experience.

 

Other Places to Explore

If you don’t find what you’re looking for:

  • Doctoral Training Centres (CDTs): Explore specialist centres offering structured training and collaborative research. [see EPSRC CDTs section below]
  • University Websites: Many institutions post opportunities directly on their postgraduate research pages.  [see list of UK Universities]
  • Propose your own research: If you have a strong idea, some universities allow self-designed projects—often requiring you to secure funding.

 


💡Top Tip: Check deadlines early—funded projects often have strict timelines.

Find A PhD

FindaPhD will routinely carry advertisements for funded secured PhD studentships (typically covering tuition fees, and a stipend), led by supervisory teams.

Current Energy-related PGR opportunities on FindaPhD

 
Tips and Advice

Our applicant support pages are packed with smart tips, insider advice, and everything you need to navigate the wild world of postgraduate research — from finding the right project to nailing your application. Dive in and give your future self a high five! 

EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)

[see more at Centres for Doctoral Training – EPSRC – UKRI]
 

EPSRC Engineering Centres for Doctoral Training (Energy specific)

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience
Led by: Professor Robert Dorrell, University of Hull

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in SATURN (Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear)
Led by: Professor Scott Heath, The University of Manchester

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Fusion Power
Led by: Professor Roderick Vann, University of York

EPSRC Industrial Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE)
Led by: Professor David Ingram, University of Edinburgh

EPSRC and BBSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Negative Emission Technologies for Net Zero (NET2ZERO)
Led by: Professor Patricia Thornley, Aston University

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero
Led by: Professor Dani Strickland, Loughborough University

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Maritime Energy Solutions
Led by: Professor John Bridgeman, University of Liverpool

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures
Led by: Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Heriot-Watt University

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+)
Led by: Professor Neil Beattie, Northumbria University


EPSRC Engineering Centres for Doctoral Training (not Energy specific)

DiveIn – Centre for Doctoral Training in Diversity led, mission-driven research
Led by: Dr Marie Muellenbroich, University of Glasgow