Apply for the programme

We are currently accepting applications for entry to this programme in September 2026.

Deadlines for 2026 entry
Step 1: Pre-applications November to May
Step 2: Interviews November to May
Step 3: Full application direct to university:
              Cambridge deadline - May 2026
              UCL deadline - June 2026

About the programme: MRes plus PhD (1+3)

We offer a 4-year post-graduate training programme in Photonic and Electronic Systems which comprises a 1-year Master of Research (MRes) followed by a 3-year doctorate (PhD).

We welcome applications for the MRes only* and the 1+3 MRes+PhD track.

Students on the MRes-only track may opt to apply for the 3-year PhD during their MRes year. 

We do not offer a stand alone PhD. Students must complete the MRes before progressing to PhD on this programme.

Visit the Programme page for more information about the programme. 

*Funding restrictions apply to MRes only. International students should apply for the MRes only due to visa requirements.

Why apply to this programme?

  • You will join a vibrant and diverse community of academics and graduate students.
  • Prepare for a career in photonics though this challenging, multi-disciplinary PhD training programme.
  • Gain expert knowledge in the area of photonic and electronic systems and the ability to seek optimal solutions to complex or multifaceted problems.
  • Develop project management, teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
  • Work with world-leading academics and industry partners in a rapidly expanding field of photonics research.
  • Diverse study, research and training opportunities including: industry networking events, outreach,  conferences, seminars and cross-departmental and cross-institutional research projects.
  • Funded students: receive a generous stipend, tax free, plus UK/EU fees paid for up to four years (conditions apply).

Who we are looking for

  • UK graduates who hold a first (1st) or upper-second class (good 2:1) Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science (e.g. physics, mathematics, natural sciences, materials science) and/or engineering (e.g. chemical, civil, electronic, electrical, mechanical).
  • EU and international applicants holding equivalent qualifications from a recognised higher education institution and a proven record of academic excellence.
  • Professionals with relevant qualifications or experience, including industry or applied research settings, who can demonstrate the capability and potential to undertake high‑level scientific or engineering research.

English language requirements

All students who are not nationals of a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration, must be able to provide recent evidence that their spoken and written command of the English language is adequate for the programme.

How to apply

Step 1: Pre-application

Pre-application closing date: May each year

We recommend all candidates complete the Pre-Application Screening Form before submitting a full application. This enables us to assess your suitability early in the recruitment process, before making a formal, full application. Candidates may express a preference for either university at this stage. 

Pre-applications are processed on an ongoing basis between November and the closing date.

Applicants who make a full application without first submitting a pre-application may not be considered for the programme.

APPLY HERE: Pre-Application Form

Step 2: Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, either at pre-application or formal application stage. If successful at interview, your full application will then be processed by the Graduate Admissions Team at either UCL or University of Cambridge.

Step 3: Full formal application

Candidates who are successful at pre-application will be invited to make a full application, before or after interview, to either UCL or University of Cambridge.

Consideration is given to the candidate's preferred university but the decision on which institution issues the invitation is decided by the Centre Directors. The course is identical at both institutions.

An application fee may be charged for formal applications.

FORMAL APPLICATION: 

UCL - formal application - all students

University of Cambridge - formal application MRes only

University of Cambridge - formal application MRes+PhD

The recruitment panel will advise shortlisted candidates which track to apply for: MRes only or MRes+PhD. At UCL all applicants apply for MRes only and are made an offer for either MRes only or MRes+PhD accordingly.

Step 4: formal offer & enrolment

Full applications from shortlisted candidates will go through the formal graduate admissions process at their university of choice. Note, full applications that did not go through the pre-application may take longer to process.

A formal offer decision and formal offer letter will be sent by the university. Candidates should accept their offer as soon as possible to secure their place on the course.

Students who have been awarded an EPSRC funded studentship will receive a funding offer letter once they have accepted their place on the course.

The enrolment process usually begins at the end of September.

The programme starts with an induction week in late September or early October, held in both London and Cambridge.

Funded studentships

We offer 4‑year, fully funded EPSRC studentships for applicants on the MRes + PhD pathway who meet UKRI residency requirements. Each EPSRC studentship includes:

  • A tax‑free stipend
  • Full tuition fees
  • A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) to cover essential project and training costs

A limited number of funded studentships are available each year, so students are advised to apply to the programme as early as possible.

Eligible candidates are automatically considered for EPSRC studentships and no additional application is required.

If not successful in gaining an EPSRC funded studentship you will need to seek alternative funding, scholarship or be self-funded.

Enhanced stipends for the 2026-27 Cohort

As part of the UK Government’s TechExpert pilot scheme, EPSRC funded studentships starting in October 2026 will provide a generously enhanced annual stipend of £31,000, which is £10,000 above the standard UKRI rate.

Additional TechExpert activities

Students funded through the TechExpert pilot will also take part in up to 10 days of additional enrichment activities in each year of the student’s funded period. This may include:

  • Engagement with tech industry partners.
  • Outreach and public engagement activities.
  • Networking and professional development events with the TechFirst community.
  • Widening participation activities to encourage and support the next generation.

Eligibility and restrictions

Due to changes in UK Government funding policy, international students are not eligible for EPSRC TechExpert studentships for the 2026–27 intake.

EPSRC TechExpert funded studentships are only available to candidates with home fee status, applying for the four year MRes + PhD programme. Applicants for the stand alone MRes are not eligible.

To be classed as a UK home student, candidates must be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or have settled status, or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or have indefinite leave to remain. Candidates who do not meet this criteria would be classed as an International student.

International applicants

We are unable to offer EPSRC TechExpert funded studentships for international students starting in October 2026. This is due to a change in the UK government TechExpert funding provision for a single cohort starting in 2026/27,  supporting only students with home fee status.

International applicants shuold secure alternative funding, a scholarship or be able to self-fund before accepting a place on this programme.

Check the university websites for information relating to alternative funding sources and scholarships:

Funding for Overseas students - UCL

Funding for Overseas students - University of Cambridge

More about the TechExpert pilot scheme

TechExpert is a new UK Government initiative, launched in June 2025 as part of the wider TechFirst programme. The scheme is designed to strengthen doctoral training in strategically important technology areas and to ensure that doctoral study remains a competitive and financially sustainable option for talented graduates who might otherwise move directly into industry roles.

The pilot responds to several national priorities:

  • addressing skills shortages in digital and technology fields central to the UK’s Industrial Strategy.
  • reversing the decline in doctoral applications from students eligible for home fee status.
  • improving socioeconomic inclusion within engineering and physical sciences doctoral training.

Through TechExpert, eligible doctoral students will receive an uplift to their stipend. This support is available only to students with home fee status studying in digital and other priority technology areas, over the next four years. Funding is provided by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and delivered by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Photonic and Electronic Systems (PES CDT) has been selected to participate in this pilot because of its strong alignment with the priority frontier industries identified within the Digital and Technologies sector of the UK’s Industrial Strategy.

As this is a limited pilot, TechExpert funding will support only one cohort, starting in 2026/27, and is restricted to students who qualify for UK home fees. This ensures the investment is targeted at developing long‑term UK capability in these key industrial strategy areas.

Learn more about the initiative: 

TechExpert: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/techexpert 
TechFirst: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/techfirst