TechExpert - Centre for Doctoral Training in Sensing, Processing and AI for Defence and Security (CDT SPADS)

FAQs  

What is the TechExpert Pilot?  

The aim of the TechExpert pilot is to strengthen the UK’s innovation pipeline and build a more inclusive, resilient and high-impact research ecosystem. It will test whether a higher stipend makes doctoral study a more competitive and financially viable alternative to entry-level industry roles, retaining talented graduates in research roles at doctoral level to upskill for future tech careers as well as providing a viable way back into these roles for those who are employed. 

Will I be paid the increased stipend for all four years of my PhD?  

Yes, if you are a home-fees student, starting the SPADS programme in 2026, you will receive the increased tax-free stipend for all four years (eight for part-time).  

Will students on partner-funded studentships be eligible for the £31,000 stipend?  

Yes, if you are a home-fees student, starting the SPADS programme in 2026, you will receive the increased tax-free stipend.  

I am an international-fees applicant, will I receive the £31,000 stipend?  

International-fee students will receive the standard SPADS tax-free stipend, which in 2025/6 was £23,112, and represents an uplift to by the UKRI standard. This is because the eligibility requirements for the TechExpert increased level are set by UKRI and EPSRC with DSIT, to grow the UK’s national capability in digital and technologies for defence and security as part of the UK’s modern industrial strategy.  

We appreciate that this is a difficult situation for international-fee students, who already have higher costs than UK students for PhD study. We stress that international students are very important to the CDT, which does not have the additional funding available to raise their stipend.  

Will future cohorts starting in the years after 2026 receive the £31,000 stipend?  

This uplift is part of the TechExpert pilot scheme, aimed at growing the UK’s national capability in digital and technologies for defence and security as part of the UK’s modern industrial strategy. There is no guarantee that it will be available for future cohorts.  

Will TechExpert students have the same training experience as non-TechExpert students?   

All SPADS students gain their places with us on merit and will have the same taught and research experience, and the same networking and internship opportunities with our industrial and government partners. This is of critical importance to us all at CDT SPADS.  

In return for the funding uplift, TechExpert students will have to take part in up to 10 days each year of additional activities, e.g. outreach to promote tech careers and widening participation. Further information will be added here when it is available.  

Where does the funding for the TechExpert uplift come from?  

The funding comes from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and is delivered by UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), working with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), on behalf of DSIT.  

Which CDT programmes will receive TechExpert funding?  

The TechExpert pilot, part of the TechFirst skills programme, will support 500 doctoral students in participating UKRI Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) and Doctoral Focal Awards (DFAs) in the six frontier industries under the digital and technologies sector in the UK’s modern industrial strategy, plus a small number prioritised for digital and technologies in the Financial Services sector agreed between DSIT and HM Treasury.