Application Process
Before you apply
We are looking for open-minded candidates who want to develop and use Franklin technologies in novel, interdisciplinary research spanning our different scientific themes. We welcome candidates from any scientific, maths, computing or engineering backgrounds.
To be considered for this programme, each applicant must have (or be on track to obtain):
A First Class or 2:1 degree in a relevant subject or
Any equivalent qualification to the above from a UK or international higher education institution in a relevant subject.
If English is not your first language, please note that you must be able to demonstrate a proficiency in English which is equivalent to a 7.0 score in an IELTS test, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each individual component. (We will request this from successful candidates after interview.)
We offer a fully funded studentship to nine Home UK students and one International student per year.
If you are uncertain as to whether you are a home or international student, please see the definitions below.
- UK Nationals (meeting residency requirements),
- Individuals with settled status,
- Individuals who have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
- Individuals who have indefinite leave to remain or enter.
All successful candidates (Home or International) will benefit from paid tuition fees and stipend support.
Application deadlines
Applications are considered in two separate groupings. You can apply to any deadline given below, but you should try to apply to the earliest deadline available as the positions are limited and can be filled early. You will usually receive a decision in about 4-6 weeks after the deadline to which you have applied.
Application deadlines are in January and March with interviews a few weeks after (please check for exact dates below). Please note that if you apply after the January deadline, you will grouped into the following round of interviews.
Interviews for international candidates will only be considered for the March deadline (please check for exact dates below).
We strongly recommend that you aim to submit your application form and all of your supporting documents at least two weeks before your chosen deadline. Don’t wait until the day of the deadline! We may not always be able to answer your questions or help you to resolve any problems in time, particularly around our busiest application deadlines.
Application deadlines for home candidates:
5 January 2026, 12.00 midday UK time. (January interviews)
2 March 2026, 12.00 midday UK time. (March interviews)
Application deadline for international candidates:
2 March 2026, 12.00 midday UK time. (March interviews)
How to apply
You must complete the application form using our online portal.
To complete and submit a PhD application, you will require the following information:
- Your contact details
- The contact details of two academic referees
- Education and relevant employment experience
- Degree transcripts and degree certificate (if applicable)
- Research experience
Applicants must apply to a single Franklin Challenge.
You are not required to submit a research proposal but will need to detail why you would like a studentship in the chosen Franklin Challenge.
“I found the application process refreshingly unique, as it challenges me to think critically and apply myself to unfamiliar, interdisciplinary scientific problems.”
After you apply
Application updates
Applicants who have been selected for interview will be notified directly by email. Interviews will take place in January for the first group of applications. All further applications will be on hold during this time and will not be progressed further during this period.
Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide unsuccessful applicants with feedback. Decisions for unsuccessful applicants will be communicated via email once the recruitment process is complete, approximately one month after the application deadline.
Interview requirements
During the interview, candidates will be expected to briefly present a topic related to the scientific area (Franklin Challenge) they have applied to by describing:
- a paper of their choice
- their own research
This would be followed by subsequent related questions and a technical interview round. The interview will also include questions around motivation, research ethics, past research experience and interest in interdisciplinary projects.