Materials Engineering: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Advancing Sustainable Solar Solutions to[...]

Swansea University; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned academic institution in the United Kingdom is offering a PhD opportunity in Sustainable Energy Technologies. The role involves working on innovative solar energy solutions and requires an undergraduate degree in Engineering or a related discipline. Applicants must demonstrate competence in research and have relevant English qualifications (IELTS 6.5 minimum). This scholarship covers tuition fees and offers an annual stipend, along with research expenses. International applicants are welcomed, with no additional fees for international students.

Benefits

Full tuition coverage

Annual stipend at UKRI rate

Research expenses support

Qualifications

• Strong background in materials engineering or related scientific discipline.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of innovative solar energy solutions.
• Engage with community-driven approaches to perovskite solar module manufacturing.

Skills

Sustainable energy solutions

Engineering knowledge

Research skills

Team collaboration

Education

Undergraduate degree at 2.1 level in Engineering or relevant discipline

Job description

Organisation/Company Swansea University Department Central Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 2 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Apr 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Working as part of Swansea University’s UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Energy Technologies and the REACH-PSM project (Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing), this PhD offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative, sustainable solar energy solutions.

The UNESCO Chair addresses the urgent need for equitable and sustainable energy access, fostering global partnerships to develop renewable energy technologies that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The REACH-PSM project complements this mission by focusing on community-driven approaches to perovskite solar module (PSM) manufacturing, ensuring energy independence and resilience in underserved regions, particularly across the continent of Africa. Together, these initiatives aim to revolutionise renewable energy access by integrating cutting-edge technology with social and environmental sustainability.

IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

Note for international and European applicants: details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on our Country Specific Entry Requirements page.

Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance, further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website.

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process. Successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with a scholarship course offer.

Eligibility criteria

PSRC DLA studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.

We are still accepting applications from international applicants.

International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

PhD: Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline.

Additional Information

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2025/26).

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

Selection process

Please see our website for further information.