50 WATER-WISER PhD Scholarships Available

WEDC is delighted to be working with Leeds and Cranfield Universities on WATER-WISER, the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water and Waste Infrastructure Systems Engineered for Resilience.

50 funded studentships are available over the next 5 years for UK and EU students.

A WATER-WISER PhD offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the generation of new knowledge about sustainable water, sanitation and waste management services to improve infrastructure and services for the poorest and most marginalised members of our global community.

‌What are the unique features and benefits of a WATER-WISER studentship?

• A carefully crafted 4 year MSc and PhD programme of trans-disciplinary training will develop the requisite skills to solve complex problems and engineer solutions to infrastructure and service delivery challenges in the global south;
• Studentship funding includes provision for up to 6 months in country fieldwork or placement opportunity;
• Whilst hosted at a specific centre, you will also engage in a programme of stimulating technical and professional training with cohort peers in partner institutions;
• Research will be co-designed with and supported by industry partners and implementing agencies to ensure relevance and impact;
• Coordination and management provided by water@leeds, one of the biggest inter-disciplinary water research initiatives in the world.

Hosted by three world leading water sanitation and waste management UK research centres, each with a pedigree of more than 40 years of relevant research and teaching experience namely:

Water, Public Health and Environmental Engineering group at the University of Leeds

Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC) at Loughborough University

Water Science Institute at Cranfield University (CWSI)

Student eligibility

1. UK citizens, and EU citizens who have been resident for education or employment purposes in the UK for 3 years prior to taking up the award, are eligible to receive the full funding package (including fees, maintenance and research funding support).
2. EU citizens who have not been resident for education or employment purposes in the UK for 3 years prior to taking up the award may apply to the centre and if successful, will automatically be eligible to receive funding which covers fees and research support. In such cases a maintenance grant will NOT be paid and candidates would have to explore alternative sources of funding. You are advised to contact the CDT team to discuss this option prior to applying.
3. In exceptional cases and at the discretion of the participating Universities non-resident EU and international candidates may be considered for the award of full UK/EU fees, maintenance and research funding support. There is a cap on such awards and candidates are advised that they should make a strong case in their application for their inclusion in the grant on the basis of their potential to make a significant contribution to the cohort. In successful cases the University will be responsible for covering any difference between UK/EU and International fees which MAY NOT be paid by the student.

Entry requirements

Applications are invited from candidates with a minimum of a UK upper second class honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, and/or a Masters degree in a relevant subject. We also recognise relevant industrial and academic experience.

Funding

A full standard studentship, consisting of academic fees and a £15,009 maintenance grant for 2019/2020. Additional funding for 6 month industry placement or in country field work opportunity, subject to approval by supervisors. See website for details.

Deadline

Application deadline: 15 April 2019, to be made through the University of Leeds website here.

Invitations to interviews and assessment will be made by 28 April 2019.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in Loughborough on 13 or 14 May 2019.

Further information

Visit the website at: engineering.leeds.ac.uk/CDT

Interested applicants can join an introductory webinar which will take place on 14th March 10am – 12.00noon (GMT) at

http://lboro.adobeconnect.com/waterwiser/