Ulster University offers a range of fully funded, collaborative Doctoral Programmes, often in partnership with other universities where UU may serve as the lead or consortium partner. These programmes can also be delivered in collaboration with external organisations, including industry, business, government, and charities. Funding for these programmes is provided by Research Councils under UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), Horizon Europe, and other collaborative partnerships.
In addition to accessing all the benefits that registration on a research degree programme at Ulster has to offer, these collaborative awards offer the additional benefits of working with an Industry partner or spending time with researchers at partner institutions via placement options.
- Study at the University of the Year (THE, 2024), with a 4th place ranking for postgraduate researcher satisfaction (PRES 2023)
- Competitive financial support with stipends/living grants
- Comprehensive Researcher Development Programme (RDP), offering over 200 courses annually
- Dedicated Doctoral College support throughout the duration of your studies
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
- Access to leading experts in your field
- Collaboration in both research and professional development
- A dynamic, engaging experience within a supportive and collaborative research community across a number of UK Universities
- Opportunities to spend time overseas
Prospective students should read the eligibility requirements for funding carefully before applying.
Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships (CDP) Awards
The CDP Awards offer a unique opportunity to research real-life questions in a partnership with a collaborative partner, such as industry, business, government or charity. As a part of the programmes, the researchers are expected to spend up to 3 months at the partner’s institution. On top of the standard stipend, the researchers are rewarded with additional, tax-free top-up payments for the duration of the programme.
These awards are only eligible to HOME/ROI candidates only.
| Research Area | Project Title/Link | Stipend top-up |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Sciences | Development of an docetaxel-loaded implantable device for the localised treatment of prostate cancer | £1,000 |
| Intelligent Systems | Collaborative Robotics for Product Handling | £1,000 |
| Engineering | Development of a biomedical sensor platform as a health monitoring tool to improve the quality of life of ostomates | £3000(yr1); £4000(yr2); £5000(yr3) |
| Intelligent Systems | Applying Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence to Identify and Measure the Social Impact of Youth Services on Children and Young People in Northern Ireland | £5,500 |
| Computing | Data-Knowledge Integrated AI Decision Framework for Optimizing loT Connected Building Assets | £1,500 |
| Computing | LIAISE: Lifeline Information Analysis for Improved Service Experience | £4,000 |
| Intelligent Systems | Explainable and Interpretable AI (XAI) | £10,000 |
| Architecture, Built Environment and Planning | Single Electricity Market under net-zero energy system | £1,000 |
Ongoing Collaborations
Northern Bridge Consortium in the Arts and Humanities
Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training Partnership (NINE DTP) – Social Sciences
Horizon Europe
Ulster University actively partners with peer universities in the UK and the Marie Sklodowska Curie Action (MSCA) scheme to offer fully funded PhD opportunties. MSCA doctoral opportunities at UU are available on the EURAXESS portal.