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STFC Algorithmic Grant Doctoral Training Partnership

Pursue advanced PhD research in astrophysics, instrumentation, and gravitational waves through the STFC Doctoral Training Partnership.

Overview

Our Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) offers fully-funded PhD studentships in a variety of projects, across our Academic Schools and interdisciplinary Research Institutes. Students will benefit from an excellent local research environment as well as a comprehensive programme of research and professional skills development.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is a biennial accreditation programme supported by an algorithmic grant system. It primarily funds doctoral studentships in specialised areas of physics, such as astrophysics and mathematical sciences. The funding model ensures that participating institutions consistently receive support for eligible projects.

Cardiff University serves as the lead institution for the STFC DTP. Funding is allocated in two-year cycles, contingent on periodic accreditation processes that confirm institutional eligibility. For the academic years 2023/24 and 2024/25, Cardiff has been awarded 12 studentships (6 per year).

In PHYSX, three research groups are eligible for the studentships: Astronomy, Astronomy Instrumentation, and Gravitational Waves. Each group has an admissions tutor, and collectively, they oversee the selection process.

As this is an algorithmic grant Cardiff University leads and manages the DTP independently, without academic partners.

Studentships

The DTP was awarded funding for two intakes of students. The first cohort started in October 2026 and the final cohort will commence in 2027/28.

Each studentship is structured over three and a half years, providing financial support. Each year, nine studentships will be available, and the program will continue for two cohort intakes. Students can choose to do this studentship either full-time or part-time.

These studentships follow a Staff-led awards  application rout.  All UKRI funded studentships will receive a standard offering.

Partnerships

The STFC DTP is not explicitly tied to industrial or external partners. While individual projects may engage with external collaborators, the funding structure does not require such partnerships.

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