How to apply

Applications must be submitted via our EPSRC DLA online application form. 

Only applications submitted via this form will be accepted. Standard PhD applications or applications submitted to other schemes will not be eligible for consideration for the EPSRC DLA competition. If you have existing applications that you have previously submitted to the University of Sheffield, these cannot be considered for an EPSRC DLA place and you must ensure that you start a new application for the EPSRC DLA. 

Completing the EPSRC DLA application form

The EPSRC DLA application form is unique to this competition and contains a specific set of questions that we wish you to respond to. 

Why are you interested in applying for an EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA)?

Include details of why you want to study for a research degree, your suitability for the research areas/topics selected, and what you would gain from being part of the EPSRC DLA. How would undertaking a PhD help you in achieving your aspirations? Our panel is looking to see that you have understood what PhD study involves, have a proactive approach, are passionate about the research area and motivated to succeed.

(300 words maximum)

How will your knowledge and skills help you in doctoral research in this area?

Explain how your previous experiences, from academic study, work, hobbies, outside interests or volunteering, have provided you with the background and skills that will allow you to succeed in this research area. 

(300 words maximum)

Describe an example of when you used your skills to address a research question.

Describe a research or academic project you have done to date, and what you investigated and discovered/achieved. What challenges did you encounter and how did you overcome these? This may have been part of a current or previous degree course, an internship, volunteering, or employment.

(300 words maximum)

The application form lists all the projects available and you should select up to two projects, in order of preference. Each project has a code that is included in the project title in the project directory.  

You are strongly advised to make use of the opportunity to select two projects to maximise your chances of being considered for a studentship. However, please ensure the projects that you select are relevant to your background and interests.

You are strongly encouraged to discuss your application with the relevant project supervisor(s) before submitting your application. This will help you to determine whether your research background and interests are suitable for the project.

You should select a start date of 1 October 2027.

All sections of the application form will need to be completed in order to be considered for a DLA place. 

If you apply for a collaborative project, your application may be shared with the collaborating partner to assist with the selection process.

Please ensure that you have read and understood the EPSRC DLA Use of AI in Recruitment Statement, which outlines the permitted and prohibited use of AI in the application process. To ensure the integrity of the EPSRC DLA competition, the application form contains a question that asks you to disclose and explain any use of AI in the application process. Failure to do so could result in the rejection of your application or in a studentship offer being withdrawn.

EPSRC DLA Use of AI in Recruitment Statement

The competition is now open and will close for applications at 5pm UK time on  Wednesday 13 January 2027.

Additional information for international applicants

Please note that the EPSRC only allows a maximum of 30% of all available studentships to be awarded to international applicants. The EPSRC only funds tuition fees to the Home fee level. The university will fund the difference between Home and International fees for successful International candidates. 

We anticipate a maximum of 10 places being awarded to outstanding International candidates. The competition for these places will therefore be extremely high. Only Home candidates will be considered in the first phase of selection. Following this, International applicants may be considered for a place, subject to the number of places and projects remaining available, while keeping within the 30% upper limit stipulated by EPSRC. 

Interviews for shortlisted Home candidates are expected to take place in mid-February 2027. Interviews for shortlisted International candidates are expected to take place in late-March 2027. 

The University of Sheffield is committed to diversifying the recruitment process by considering your research potential alongside your prior academic attainment, regardless of your background or future trajectory.

If you have the potential to carry out research, we want to hear from you.

The selection process will be undertaken using a common set of core competencies.

Contact us

Got a question not answered here?

Email: pgr-scholarship@sheffield.ac.uk