❌ This scholarship is now CLOSED.
The UCL Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance (CDT AMR) is opening its doors again for the 2026/27 academic year, offering a fully funded PhD package for outstanding researchers from both the UK and abroad. As antimicrobial resistance continues to pose one of the most pressing global health threats, UCL’s CDT AMR provides an exceptional pathway for ambitious scientists to join multidisciplinary research efforts aimed at developing breakthrough technology and solutions. With full tuition coverage, a generous tax-free stipend, enhanced allowances, and access to world-leading laboratories, the programme offers everything a researcher needs to excel. Located in the heart of London, UCL provides a vibrant, intellectually stimulating, and highly collaborative environment for research students seeking real-world impact in engineering, healthcare, materials science, synthetic biology, computational science, and related fields.
Scholarship Overview
- Funding Type: Fully Funded PhD (4 years)
- Tuition Fees: Fully covered for UK students; a limited number of fully funded international places
- Maintenance Stipend: Annual UKRI-rate stipend paid monthly
- London Allowance: Additional financial support for students in London
- Stipend Enhancement: Extra £1,000 per year for all CDT AMR students
- Leave Entitlement: 27 days annual leave + closure days + public holidays
- Eligible Students: UK and International
- Application Deadline: 16 January 2026
About the CDT AMR Programme
The UCL Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance is a flagship doctoral programme created to train future leaders in tackling AMR through innovative engineering and interdisciplinary research. Hosted within UCL’s Faculty of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, the programme unites experts from engineering, materials science, microbiology, chemistry, computational modelling, and healthcare. The CDT is designed to produce researchers capable of bridging fundamental science with applied solutions, advancing everything from diagnostic tools and smart materials to sustainable antimicrobials and engineered biological systems.
With access to UCL’s state-of-the-art laboratories, high-impact research networks, industrial partnerships, and interdisciplinary training, CDT AMR students gain unique opportunities to contribute directly to global AMR strategy. The programme’s structure fosters innovation, collaboration, responsible research practices, and leadership development, ensuring graduates are fully prepared for academic, clinical, or industry-based research careers.
Why Study at UCL in London?
Choosing UCL for doctoral research means joining one of the world’s most influential universities, consistently ranked among the top institutions globally for science, health, and technology. London itself is a powerhouse for biotechnology, engineering, clinical research, pharmaceutical development, and innovation-driven startups. With an incredibly diverse scientific community, world-class research infrastructure, and access to leading hospitals, laboratories, and industry partners, the city offers unmatched opportunities for scholarly and professional growth.
UCL’s engineering and physical sciences departments are known for pioneering interdisciplinary work that shapes global scientific agendas. The university promotes a collaborative culture where ideas flow across traditional boundaries, enabling CDT students to work with specialists in medicine, nanoscience, AI, chemical engineering, and biophysics. Beyond academics, London offers a vibrant cultural environment, extensive public research resources, and a global network of scholars and professionals. For ambitious researchers aiming to make real impact in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, UCL provides an exceptional ecosystem of support, innovation, and opportunity.
Scholarship Benefits
The CDT AMR PhD package is designed to fully support students academically, financially, and professionally throughout their four-year doctoral journey.
Full Tuition Fee Coverage
All UK students receive full tuition coverage for the entire duration of the programme. International students may also receive full tuition support, as UCL is able to waive overseas tuition fees for up to 30% of the cohort. These fully funded international places are awarded competitively to exceptional candidates.
Monthly Tax-Free Stipend
Students receive an annual stipend aligned with the UKRI standard rate. This financial support is disbursed in monthly instalments to ensure stable and predictable living expenses throughout London-based study.
London Weighting Allowance
To reflect the higher cost of living in London, all CDT AMR students receive a London allowance on top of their standard stipend, enhancing overall financial support.
Annual Stipend Enhancement
Each student in the programme receives an additional £1,000 per year as part of their stipend package. This enhancement supports extra research, skill development, and overall financial wellbeing.
Generous Leave Entitlements
Doctoral students are entitled to 27 days of annual leave, six closure days, and all public holidays. UCL also supports students requiring time off for personal circumstances through family leave, sick leave, and other flexible options, ensuring a healthy balance between academic progress and personal wellbeing.
Academic and Professional Support
The CDT provides training workshops, research seminars, industry networking, conference opportunities, interdisciplinary supervision, and access to advanced research equipment. Students also receive support for shaping their career paths, preparing manuscripts, attending global conferences, and engaging in outreach activities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet UCL’s standard academic entry requirements and demonstrate strong potential for interdisciplinary research within the field of antimicrobial resistance.
Academic Requirements
- A minimum Upper Second-Class Honours degree (2:1) or equivalent
- OR a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
Relevant backgrounds include engineering, physical sciences, materials science, chemistry, microbiology, synthetic biology, computational science, or related fields.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are not nationals of countries recognized as majority English-speaking by the UK Home Office must provide recent proof of English proficiency. Accepted tests and minimum scores are listed on UCL’s official English language requirements page.
Additional Requirements
- Strong motivation to pursue interdisciplinary research
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Two academic references submitted by the application deadline
- Alignment with CDT research themes and project offerings
The CDT cannot provide individual eligibility assessments before application, but candidates meeting the general requirements are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
The application process for the CDT AMR PhD programme is straightforward but must be completed carefully to be considered.
Step 1: Review Available Projects
The CDT recruits students directly to pre-defined projects. Applicants must review the available research themes and project descriptions before applying.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Applicants typically need:
- Updated CV
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Details of academic referees
- Academic transcripts (if requested)
Reference letters must be submitted before the application deadline.
Step 3: Submit the Online Application
Applications must be submitted through the official form on the CDT website. The deadline for submission is 16 January 2026. Only applications submitted via the official portal are considered.
Step 4: Shortlisting and Interview Invitations
After the deadline, the CDT reviews applications. Shortlisted candidates are contacted in early February and invited to participate in interviews.
Step 5: Two-Stage Interview Process
The interview assessment typically includes:
Interview 1
- A short presentation on a chosen research topic
- Discussion on experience, skills, and motivation
Interview 2
- Review of a research article provided in advance
- Preparation of a summary and a short pitch
- Analytical and problem-solving discussion
Interviews are conducted by expert panels, and adjustments are available for applicants with disabilities.
Step 6: Final Decisions
Successful candidates receive offers by mid-March 2026. Supervisor matching is completed after offer acceptance based on project fit and student preferences.
Who can I contact for enquiries?
Email: cdt-amr@ucl.ac.uk
Conclusion
The UCL CDT in Engineering Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance provides one of the most comprehensive and competitive fully funded PhD opportunities in the UK. Offering full tuition coverage, a generous London-adjusted stipend, specialist training, interdisciplinary supervision, and access to world-leading research facilities, the programme equips researchers with the tools and experience necessary to contribute meaningfully to global AMR challenges. With London’s scientific ecosystem as a backdrop and UCL’s global reputation for innovation, this PhD route creates a powerful foundation for future leaders in engineering, health sciences, and technology. Applicants who are passionate about tackling one of the world’s most urgent scientific problems will find the CDT AMR programme a transformative and impactful academic pathway.
