Selection Process

Supervisors will select candidate(s) from the applicants to their project to be interviewed for the programme. Following the programme interview day, the successful candidate will be offered an NRPDTP studentship for their chosen project.

Our partners support diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. We particularly encourage black, Asian and other minority ethnic people and mature candidates (this is classed as 30+ years) to apply.

We welcome applications from individuals who are wanting to return to scientific research after career breaks or careers outside academia.

Please note that the programme has filled all available international places in accordance with UKRI’s 30% cap. We will therefore only accept applications from candidates assessed as ‘Home’ fee status in this second recruitment round. We may ask for evidence of immigration status from non-UK applicants with indefinite leave to enter and remain or settled status.

Project Selection Process Key Dates

Supervisors of DTP projects can normally select and nominate one preferred candidate to go forward for interview for the programme.
Supervisors of CASE projects can select and nominate up to two preferred candidates to go forward for interview for the programme.

Deadline for Applications

The deadline to apply for projects for October 2024 entry is 9th May 2024 at 23:59pm. Applications are now open.
Applications submitted after this deadline will not normally be accepted unless there are valid reasons the application could not be submitted on time.

Interviews

Shortlisted candidates can expect to be interviewed on one of the following dates: 4th, 5th or 6th June 2024.

Shortlisted candidates will be notified of their interview date and times via email by no later than the week beginning 20th May 2024.

Candidates who have not heard by this date should assume their application has been unsuccessful. Due to the volume of applications received, it is not normally possible to provide feedback on applications not shortlisted for interview.

We expect to be conducting interviews for shortlisted candidates via video conference.  Further information will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Interviews will assess a candidate’s academic ability, achievement and potential, relevant research experience, initiative and innovation, motivation and commitment to the research project and recognition of development opportunities of the NRPDTP programme.

Interview Outcomes 

The NRPDTP Management Board approves entry to the programme and studentship offers.

Successful candidates can expect to receive a formal offer letter via email by  28th June 2024.

Unsuccessful candidates can expect to be notified of their outcome via email by no later than week commencing 21st June 2024. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity for feedback on their interview.