Close
Applications for the 2021 academic year will open Monday 9 November 2020
The EPSRC CDT in Cybersecurity accepts applications from:
- Those who wish to receive a funded scholarship;
- Those who already have a funded scholarship from another source;
Self-funded students.
Your application must be made online via the Cybersecurity PhD prospective page Your complete application must be received for the first round of recruitment by 5pm on Friday 29 January 2021. For the second round of recruitment, the application deadline is 5pm Friday 14 May 2021. If you are self-funding or you have applied for funding elsewhere the application deadline is 5pm Friday 9 July 2021. These deadlines include uploaded references. Referees do not get emailed until your application is submitted. You will need to submit before these dates, in order to give time for your referees to upload to complete the application. It is strongly recommended that you aim to submit two weeks before the 29/01 or 14/05 to afford your referees sufficient time.
Please note that we’re looking for exceptional people for this programme. Although we have two admissions cycles listed above, we may fill all available funded places in the first round. We do not hold back spaces for the second round – they will only be available if we have not found the right applicants earlier in the year. If you’re interested in joining us, apply early.
In order for your application to be considered, it must include the following information:
- 1. Names and email addresses of TWO potential supervisors who you would like to review your application
Please note that without this your application will be REJECTED immediately.
Identify two UCL academics conducting research in your areas of interest. The best way to do this is to visit the research section of the 3 departments the CDT spans, visit UCL's departmental websites or search for academics by research theme in IRIS. Read as much as you can about their research and the PhD projects they have supervised to ensure that they are suitable. N.B. academics must be based in the Department of Computer Science, Department of Security and Crime Science and Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy.
Send them an email (i) introducing yourself, (ii) outlining your research interests, (iii) explaining that you wish to apply to the "multi-departmental CDT Cybersecurity research programme", and (iv) would like to list them as potential supervisors in your application.
List their names under the "supervision" section of your application.- 2. Funding source
Interviews can only be organised once shortlisted applicants provide information about their funding plans. These must be outlined at the end of your personal statement, AND under the funding section of the application. You will need to write a short statement about what makes you eligible to apply for the EPSRC scholarship if you would like to be considered (see below).
- 3. Academic transcripts for each of your degree level qualifications
Transcripts should be uploaded to UCL Select. They should outline both the grades you achieved in individual modules and the overall grade you obtained in your degree programme, degree certificates are not sufficient. Transcripts must be translated into English.
- 4. The details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability
At least one of them must be an academic referee.
- 5. A personal statement with four parts
- A research proposal no longer than two sides of A4. This can include a brief description of the research fields and research questions you are most interested in studying during your PhD.
- The main skills and knowledge you could contribute to this programme.
- Your reasons for selecting this multidisciplinary doctoral programme.
- How you will fund your studies for the 4 years.
It is not expected that you send a full research proposal at this stage, as students have the opportunity to explore various disciplines before deciding on the title of their PhD thesis at the end of year 1. You can find guidance on writing a research proposal online.
General entry requirements
You must have achieved (or are predicted to achieve) a first class or upper second class honours undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent international qualifications or experience). An MSc is preferred, but not essential.
You must fulfil the UCL English language requirements. If your first language is not English then you will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. Further details can be found on the following UCL international students English language requirements web page. This programme requires a Good level of English proficiency.
Funding
EPSRC Funding (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council)
What’s included? 4 years of PhD funding including:
- UCL academic fees (UK/EU Fees)
- Full tax free stipend (including London weighting)
- Access to a Research Training Support Grant to cover expenses for research trips/conferences or workshops
Eligibility
To be eligible for an award of both fees and stipend (a full EPSRC award), you must have:
- Settled status in the UK, meaning that you have no restrictions on how long you can stay;
- Been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for three years prior to the start of the studentship. This means you must have been normally residing in the UK (apart from temporary or occasional absences);
- Not been residing in the UK wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education (this does not apply to UK or EU nationals).