Information for Applicants

Please see the infographic to the right, describing a represention of the diversity in our student body.

• IDCORE welcomes applicants from all STEM backgrounds.
• Around 100 applicants compete each year for 10 places.
• Steps taken to ensure fairness:
  • Clear selection guidelines
  • Transparent application process
  • Mixed interview panels with standard questions
  • Broad range of projects and supervisors (chosen after joining the programme)

Our ambition: gender-balanced cohorts and an ethnically diverse community that reflects the UK population.

Please be assured that IDCORE will take all reasonable steps to support students with disabilities, learning differences, neurodiverse conditions, or health issues, to ensure equitable access to study.  Please see the University's Disability and Learning Support Service.

Introduced in 2025:

• Pre-application Mentoring Scheme (Oct–Dec) introduced - See point 4
• Interview questions are now published in advance (available to the right)

IGNITE Network+

IDCORE is delighted to recommend the IGNITE Network+ [Innovation and Growth Needs Inclusion and engagement of all Talent in Energy] and in particular the IGNITE Network+ Inclusive Energy Postgraduate Research Hub which provides guidance, support and opportunities for PGR applicants, with the aim of creating a more diverse research community.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Enthusiasm, creativity, and resourcefulness
• A mature approach to learning
• A strong foundation in science/engineering
• One or more of the following:
  • First Class honours degree
  • Distinctive MSc
  • OR significant, relevant industrial experience

Funding: All successful applicants (UK & Overseas/EU) will receive a full scholarship (enhanced stipend + tuition fees) automatically.   A separate funding application is not required.

• Up to 3 places per year available.
• If accepted, a full scholarship is awarded (enhanced stipend + tuition fees).
• Due to high demand, a dedicated Overseas/EU interview day will be held in January 2027.
• Deadline: 30 November 2026 (late applications will not be considered).

Important: Please see Point 9 below, regarding the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) for Overseas applicants.

Running 6th October to 30th November 2026

IDCORE pre-application mentoring scheme

Applications open from from 6th October 2026 for 2027 entry.

Documents required (upload with relevant and descriptive filenames):

• Degree certificates & transcripts - with English translations if needed
• Traditional CV - a chronological list of your qualifications and employment history.
• Narrative CV - this replaces the traditional Cover Letter - see below for a description of what we need.
• Two references - ideally one academic and one employer reference, signed, dated within 12 months, and on letterhead.

Narrative CVs

A Narrative CV presents your academic and professional experience as a story, rather than a traditional chronological CV. It should highlight your development, achievements, skills and experience.

Please include:

1. Academic & Technical Foundation1–2 sentences only, summarising your academic background, professional experience and technical expertise.
2. Research Experience
3. Teamwork & Leadership
4. Professional Experience
5. Skills & Tools
6. Conclusion

Sections 2–6 should each be no more than 200 words, written in prose rather than bullet points. For Sections 2-5, where possible, use different examples across each section. Examples can come from university, work, school, hobbies or other experiences. We want to hear your personal story.  Your Section 6 should describe why you have the attributes needed to undertake industry-based research towards an Engineering Doctorate. 

You may also include an Additional Information section if you have special circumstances you would like the panel to consider, such as caring responsibilities, disability/additional needs, or a significant career change. No word limit, but please be concise. Leave it blank if not applicable.

Please write the Narrative CV yourself. AI tools should not be used to polish your text or summarise your traditional CV. Spelling, grammar and English usage will not be marked; we are primarily interested in your experiences and story.

Online Application notes

• Chrome is the recommended browser.
• Leave Personal Statement blank (your uploaded Narrative CV replaces this requirement).
• Leave Employment History/Relevant Knowledge/Training blank (your uploaded Traditional CV replaces this requirement).
• Leave Funding section blank (funding is provided)
• Do not submit a Research Proposal or nominate a supervisor name.
• Some browsers may not permit multiple uploads to the same field.  In this case, you can upload documents to any field (as long as you clearly name your uploads).
• English language certificates are not required at time of application - this requirement can be addressed after applying, if you are accepted, after interview.
• If your browser does not allow blank fields, type “n/a”.

Overseas/EU

• 30 November 2026
• Interviews held in January 2027

Home/UK

• March/April 2027 (exact date TBC)
• Home applications accepted until all places are filled.
• Interviews held in December 2026, February, March, and April 2027
• Apply early — links will close early if places fill quickly.

If your application meets the quality threshold, you’ll be invited to an interview day.

The IDCORE Interview process is designed to assess if a candidate is suitable for IDCORE, but, just as importantly, it is designed to help candidates decide if IDCORE is right for them.

Format:

1. Introductory session (45 min) with Prof. David Ingram (overview of IDCORE, not assessed, all candidates).
2. Individual interview (max 45 min):
   • 8-minute oral talk: “State of the art in offshore renewable energy” (no media/slides/screensharing).
   • Standardised interview questions (non-technical, published in advance - see below).
   • 4 panel members - three from the 4 partner institutions plus an industrialist
   • Assessment focuses on passion, enthusiasm, and suitability for IDCORE.
3. Q&A with current students (45 min, all candidates, not assessed, panel members not present).  An opportunity for candidates to freely ask questions about the programme.

Decisions: usually made on the day and communicated within 1 week.

For some guidance and advice on interviews, please see some example links below, that refer to traditional PhD interviews.  Please bear in mind the specific IDCORE EngD interview format described above.

• https://www.findaphd.com/guides/phd-interview
• https://www.postgraduatestudentships.co.uk/advice/5-steps-to-nailing-your-phd-interview/12463
• https://www.postgrad.com/advice/phd/interview_dos_and_donts/
• https://www.findaphd.com/guides/phd-interview-questions

• ATAS is not required to join the IDCORE Programme
• ATAS is required for some research projects in sensitive technology areas (e.g. electrical networks) and some nationalities
• Process:
  • Start IDCORE programme in September
  • Research projects are allocated in February
  • ATAS application made, if required (can take up to 3 months)
  • Project starts in June
• If an ATAS certificate is denied, the project will be redesigned or an alternative project assigned.
• More info here, including the nationalities that are exempt from requiring ATAS: GOV.UK Guidance

IDCORE Applicant FAQs