FAQs
We get lots of questions about studying with us, so hopefully you can find the answer to your question here. If you're still unsure, send us an email!
Applications
How do I apply?
Take a look at our how to apply page, and start your application here.
Are there part-time positions available?
Part-time study will be considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure the requirements of the project can be met alongside your other commitments. If you're interested in joining a project part time, please get in touch with us so that we can discuss this with you.
Can I start in February/a different month?
Our students all start together as a cohort in September, so unfortunately cross-sessional starts are not possible.
Do my referees need to send their references before the deadline?
No, but they will need to submit their references before we can make you an offer.
If I've previously been educated in English, do I still need to provide an IELTS certificate?
No, previous English education will suffice. If you're not sure, take a look at the English language requirements. Our admissions team will also let you know if there are any additional requirements.
I don't know anything about doing research!
That's ok! There wouldn't be any point in doing a doctorate if you already knew everything. You probably know more about research than you think, from your final year project or dissertation. We'll help you get to grips with undertaking research when you join us, starting with a bespoke training session on being an effective researcher.
What qualifications do I need?
Each project lists the degree background we're looking for, but broadly, you should be expecting to achieve (or have achieved) at least a high 2:1 in your first degree. We accept applicants from BEng, MEng and MSc degrees (among others), and will always take personal circumstances into account, just get in touch with us.
Do I need to be an engineer/know about engineering?
No, not necessarily. Our projects cover a broad spectrum of subjects, and we are therefore open to applicants with a diverse range of backgrounds. Each of our projects will list the suggested degree background, but if you think you fit the bill, then make an application.
Funding & Scholarships
Are scholarships open to international students?
Some of our projects are open to international applicants, please check the individual project for further details. We are restricted in the number of international students we can recruit due to funding restrictions, but we will have international places available in each cohort.
Do I have to pay the difference between home and international tuition fees?
No, if you accept your offer to study with us, and you're an international student, we cover all your tuition fees.
What should I enter in the funding section of the application?
We have created some application guidance that helps you through each part of your application.
Do I need to complete a scholarship application?
No, you do not need to complete a separate scholarship application. An offer to study with us automatically comes with a studentship, comprising all tuition fees, £28,000 tax-free stipend paid quarterly, and £35,000 researcher support & training grant that you can use for experiments, consumables and conference attendance.
Can my current employer sponsor me to do a PhD/EngD?
We are open to exploring opportunities with new industry sponsors. Please send us an email at made4manufacturing@sheffield.ac.uk and we can discuss the details with you and your employer.
Choosing a project
Can I apply for more than one project?
Yes, you can apply for up to three projects.
When will the project start?
All of our projects start in September.
If I've already applied for 3 projects, what happens if I want to apply for a new project that's just been advertised?
Send us an email and we'll work something out. In some circumstances, we may refer you to a different project anyway, if we think your skills and experience would be a better fit. If you've already been made an offer for a project, then you are unable to switch to a different project.
Supporting Documents
What should I include in my supporting statement?
We want to know why you're enthusiastic about the project you're applying to, and how your skills and experience will make you a good doctoral student. We've written some prompts that you can use to help you structure your personal statement.
What supporting documents do I need to include?
You can find a list of all the supporting documents you need on this page.
Do I need to write a research proposal?
No, you don't need to write a research proposal. All our projects have already been scoped before advertising.
Selection & Interview Process
What is the interview process?
Read all about it on our selection & interview process page.
What are you looking for and how do I demonstrate that in the selection process?
We are looking for students that are enthusiastic about their research, and are keen to make important links with industry. We are committed to supporting students who have potential to become future engineering leaders. Your application will be assessed against our core competencies framework, and you can use that to help you prepare both your application and for an interview.
Core competencies framework (pdf)
What if I'm not successful after the interview?
We'll contact you after the interview if you're not successful, and if possible we will direct you to an alternative project that you might be interested in.
Your doctorate
What's the difference between an EngD and a PhD?
Engineering Doctorates (EngDs) is an alternative to the traditional PhD, where students spend a significant part of their time working with their industrial sponsor. Our EngD projects are sponsored by engineering companies that have identified a specific research need within industry. PhDs tend to be more academic focussed, though still driven by industrial research need. PhDs are not sponsored by a company.
Do I have to do teaching / can I do teaching?
You do not have to do teaching, but if you want to, there are paid opportunities available to work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), with structured support from our Elevate team.
Is there a team of people working on the project?
You'll be the only researcher on your particular project, but you'll join us as part of a cohort of ten, and will benefit from the experience of our current students. You'll also have plenty of guidance and support from your supervisory team and the CDT team.
Location
Where will the project be based?
Our projects are all based on the main University of Sheffield campus for the first year. For years 2-4 our EngD students are primarily based at AMRC, with visits to their industry sponsor's site, and our PhD students tend to stay on campus.
Do I need to travel to the industry sponsor's site?
If you're studying on the EngD programme, and are sponsored by an industrial company, then you should expect some travel to their site. Your travel (and accommodation if necessary) is covered by your researcher support and training grant, so you're not out of pocket.
Industrial Sponsors
Do I have to work for the sponsor company at the end of the project?
No, there is no obligation to work for your sponsor company at the end of the project. That being said, many students do end up working for their sponsor company, because they've built a strong relationship with them.
Do I have to pay the money back if I don't work for the sponsor company?
Not at all, the funding we provide does not require you to work for your sponsor company when you finish your doctorate.
How can I find out more?
If you'd like to speak to us about the CDT, or if you have any general questions about the programme and the available projects, please email us on made4manufacturing@sheffield.ac.uk. If you want to find out more about a specific project, please contact the named contact on the project details page.
Kick-start your career in 2026!
Our PhD and EngD projects are now open for applications, for a September 2026 start.