DAMC CDT FAQs
This FAQ explains how the DAMC CDT PhD works, including the structure of the programme, funding arrangements, eligibility, the application process, training, student life and support.
About the CDT and PhD
What is a PhD?
PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. It is a doctoral research degree and is usually the highest level of academic qualification awarded by UK universities.
A PhD is different from an undergraduate or taught Master’s degree because it is based on an independent research project, rather than set modules and assessed coursework. You will work with one or more academic supervisors, but you will take the lead in shaping, planning and managing your research.
The aim of a PhD is to make an original contribution to knowledge in your field. Your research is usually presented through a thesis or equivalent doctoral submission, and examined through an oral examination known as a viva. For more detail, see the University’s guide to research degrees.
What is a Centre for Doctoral Training?
A Centre for Doctoral Training, or CDT, is a structured doctoral training programme funded to develop researchers in a particular area of need. CDTs bring together universities, supervisors, partners and cohorts of PhD students around a shared research theme.
Alongside their individual PhD projects, CDT students take part in a wider programme of training and development. This may include specialist research training, transferable skills, cohort activities, placements, public engagement, entrepreneurship, and opportunities to work with academic, industry or external partners.
How is the DAMC CDT funded?
The CDT is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). EPSRC is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), supports research and doctoral training across the UK.
EPSRC funding helps support the CDT’s studentships, training activities and wider research community. Some studentships may also include support from university, industry or external partners, depending on the project. Whatever the funding route, students are part of the same CDT and have access to its core training, supervision and cohort activities.
Who is involved in running the DAMC CDT?
The DAMC CDT is run by an academic leadership team, with support from colleagues across the University and input from students, supervisors and industry partners.
The CDT is also supported by an External Advisory Board, which includes representatives from academia, industry and funders. The Board provides advice and external perspectives on areas such as strategy, training, partnerships and student experience.
How is the DAMC CDT PhD different from a standard PhD?
In a standard PhD, your work is usually centred on your individual research project and supervisory team. In the DAMC CDT, you begin developing your research project from the start, while also taking part in training, cohort activities and collaboration linked to the CDT’s wider research themes.
You will join a cohort of students working on different research projects within the area of digital and automated materials chemistry. This means you can build depth in your own project while also learning with and from students working on related topics, sharing ideas across disciplines, and developing networks beyond your immediate supervisory team.
Funding and costs
What does the studentship cover?
Funded studentships in the DAMC CDT cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance grant for four years. They also include access to a Research Training Support Grant, which can be used for research-related costs such as consumables, conference attendance and other approved activities.
Studentships may be funded by EPSRC, by industry partners, by the University, or through a combination of these sources. The source of funding may vary by project, but funded students are part of the same CDT community and take part in the programme’s core training, cohort activities and research environment.
Funding starts at the UKRI minimum. For the 2026–27 academic year, this is £5,238 per year for tuition fees and £21,805 per year for the maintenance grant. Applicants should check the current studentship information for the year they apply, as funding levels and arrangements may change.
Can international students apply for EPSRC-funded studentships?
Yes, the DAMC CDT is open to both home and international applicants. However, EPSRC funding covers tuition fees at the home fee rate only and does not cover the higher international fee rate. A limited number of scholarships will be available to cover the difference between the home and international fee rates for outstanding international students. International applicants should check the current funding information carefully before applying, including any costs that are not covered by the studentship.
What does “fully funded” mean?
“Fully funded” does not necessarily mean that every possible cost is covered. A fully funded studentship means that your tuition fees are paid and that you receive a stipend to help with living costs. A stipend is a regular payment intended to help with living costs during your PhD and is exempt from income tax. It is usually paid in instalments across the academic year. The stipend is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.
Applicants should check the current studentship details before applying, especially if they may need to plan for relocation, visa costs, accommodation deposits or other personal costs. You can find more information on this on the University's Living Costs page.
Eligibility and applications
Who can apply?
Applicants should have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification related to the physical sciences, engineering or computational sciences. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.
We also welcome applicants who have developed relevant knowledge and skills through professional, industrial or other non-academic experience. If you have professional experience and are unsure whether your qualifications or background meet the requirements, you should contact the CDT team before applying.
How do I apply?
When recruitment is open, applicants should review the available project adverts and read the DAMC CDT “How to Apply” guide before submitting an online application through the University of Liverpool Admissions portal.
The guide explains each stage of the application process, including how to review projects, contact potential supervisors, select up to three project preferences, prepare supporting documents, complete the online application form and understand the expected recruitment timeline.
You should apply by the deadline stated in the relevant project advert. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the CDT team.
Do I need to have a background in a specific area?
The background needed will depend on the individual PhD project. DAMC CDT projects may suit applicants with experience in physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, computer science or related areas.
When recruitment is open, each project advert will set out the relevant background, skills and experience for that studentship. You should use the project information to decide whether your background is a good fit, and explain in your application how your previous study, research, work or practical experience has prepared you for the project.
Can I apply if I am currently studying another degree?
Yes, but you would normally need to complete your current programme before starting your PhD studies with the DAMC CDT. You should make sure that your expected completion date allows you to take up the studentship at the advertised start date.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International students can apply for funded studentships in the DAMC CDT. International applicants should check the project advert, funding information, fee status guidance and English language requirements before applying.
How do I know whether I am a home or international applicant?
Fee status is determined by residency and immigration rules, not only by nationality. For example, some applicants who are not UK nationals may still be classed as home-fee students if they meet the relevant residency or immigration criteria. The University will usually make the formal fee-status assessment. If you are unsure, you should review the University’s guidance and raise the question early.
What are the English language requirements?
International candidates must meet the University’s minimum English language requirements. For the DAMC CDT, this is IELTS 6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent qualification. Further information about English language requirements is available from the University.
How competitive is the application process?
CDT studentships are usually competitive. Strong applications show a clear interest in the CDT’s research area, evidence of relevant skills or potential, and a good understanding of what doctoral study involves.
You do not need to know everything before you apply. However, you should be able to explain why the CDT is a good fit for you and how your background has prepared you for the project.
Who should I contact if I am unsure whether to apply?
If you are interested in the CDT but unsure about your eligibility, background, fee status, project fit or funding options, please contact the named supervisors or CDT team before the application deadline.
Study structure and research
Is part-time study available?
Part-time study may be possible, but availability depends on the structure of the CDT, funder rules, supervisory arrangements and the needs of the research project.
Applicants interested in part-time study should contact the CDT before applying. This is especially important if you are hoping to combine doctoral study with employment, caring responsibilities or other commitments.
When do I choose my research project or supervisor?
DAMC CDT studentships are recruited to specific advertised projects. When recruitment is open, you should review the available project adverts and identify the project or projects that best match your interests, background and skills.
Each advert will include information about the project, the supervisory team and any relevant requirements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the project with the potential supervisor before applying. See the current project adverts for available projects and supervisor contact details.
What training will I receive?
DAMC CDT students receive training across the disciplines that contribute to digital and automated materials chemistry. Training begins alongside your doctoral project, which starts immediately after induction week.
The programme includes technical training in areas such as robotics and automation, data science and artificial intelligence, computational materials science, sustainability, materials characterisation, leadership and value creation. You will also have access to professional and transferable skills training through the University of Liverpool’s PGR Development Hub. Further details, including the structure of the taught component, are available on the DAMC CDT training page.
How will I be part of the CDT student community?
As a DAMC CDT student, you will have your own doctoral project while also being part of a wider group of PhD students working in related areas. You will take part in shared training, group activities and CDT events throughout the programme.
Life as a CDT student
Can I work while doing the PhD?
A PhD is a substantial commitment, especially during the first year of a CDT when training and cohort activities may be more intensive. Some students take on limited paid work, such as demonstrating, tutoring or teaching support, where this is permitted by the University and the funder.
Any paid work should be manageable alongside your research and should not interfere with your progress. International students should check the University’s visa guidance before taking on paid work.
Will I be able to teach?
There may be opportunities to teach, demonstrate or support tutorials during the PhD. These opportunities are usually paid separately and training is provided.
Teaching can help you develop confidence, communication skills and academic experience. However, it is important to balance teaching with your research workload, particularly in the early stages of the programme.
Where will I be based?
DAMC CDT students will be based at the University of Liverpool, with access to the CDT research environment, supervisory support and relevant facilities. Depending on the project, students may also spend time working with partner organisations, industry collaborators or other research groups.
Students are expected to engage fully with the CDT, including in-person activities where required. If you expect to live at a distance, travel frequently or spend long periods away from the University, you should discuss this with the CDT before applying.
What support is available during the PhD?
You will have academic support from your supervisory team and wider support from the CDT, department and University. This may include pastoral support, disability support, wellbeing services, careers advice, international student support, researcher development and financial guidance. The University’s student support pages provide more information on these topics.