What is a CDT?

A CDT (Centre for Doctoral Training) is formed by a group of research organisations (universities and industry partners) combining research and expertise to support and train students at doctoral level. CDT-trained students receive high-quality training in practical skills as well as acquiring academic knowledge and confidence for their future career. The training is usually cohort-based which is different from non-CDT PhDs and aims to provide a supportive environment with plenty of opportunities for collaboration. There’s more information on CDTs here.

What is an EngD?

An EngD is a doctoral level postgraduate degree undertaken over 4 years. Research engineers conduct PhD-equivalent research and undertake taught business and technical courses while working closely with an industrial sponsor. EngD students typically spend most of their research time at their industrial sponsor whereas PhD students are primarily based in Universities.

**2025/6 entry: Please note that the EngD programme is currently under University of Edinburgh approval. Applications for this programme will only be available once the programme has been approved.

The EngD is only available to employees of our industry partners. If you would like to apply for this programme please apply through the PhD programme code and email spads@ed.ac.uk. Once the new programme code is available we will switch you onto the correct programme.

How will I know if my application has been successful?

If you have been successful, you will receive an invitation to interview from the SPADS administration team. Equally if you have not been successful, you will receive a notification via EUCLID (our online application system).

Please be aware that if you require ATAS clearance, your application will be rejected as we cannot accept applications from those who require ATAS clearance.

Can I apply with my own project proposal?

It is preferred that you apply to one of the advertised positions on the website as these have already gone through an approval process. However we are open to project proposals and if you feel that none of the projects advertised best fit your research aims, customised projects can be discussed.

I didn’t apply for a specific project, how does the project allocation process work?

Projects will be allocated after an offer of admission is made. We will ask you to rank your top three preferred projects from the list of approved projects online. Please note that we cannot guarantee you will be allocated your first choice project but we will make every effort to ensure you have a project that meets your research aims for your PhD.

Are all the projects listed on the website available?

All projects listed on the open projects page should be available but are subject to change. Those listed under “Active Projects” have already been allocated.

I already work in industry but the company isn’t listed as an existing partner. Can my employer be a partner on the CDT?

Possibly. Due to the nature of the programme and the research involved each industry partner must go through an approvals process in order to join our list of partners. Your employer can contact spads@ed.ac.uk directly if they are interested in joining the CDT as a partner.

What is involved in the BPSS security check?

All staff and students involved in the CDT must go through a government security check process. The BPSS is an enhanced identity check, more information can be found here. Only those applicants who are offered a place and accept the offer will need to go through this screening process and the SPADS administration team will help you in this process, you do not need to organise this yourself. A successful BPSS is needed in order to commence your studies.

This is not required at the application stage

Which institution will I be based at?

During the first 18 months of your studies you will be co-located across both Heriot-Watt University and University of Edinburgh but will also have a dedicated research space at the institution of your lead supervisor. After your initial 18 months the institution of your lead supervisor will be your main workplace.

 Where will I graduate from?

The SPADS programme is a joint degree so you will graduate from both Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh. You will receive one certificate with both Institutions’ logos on it. On successful completion of the programme you will be awarded either a PhD or EngD in Sensing, Processing and AI for Defence and Security (UoE Lead with Heriot-Watt) (PhD with Integrated Study).

I’ve just completed my undergraduate degree, can I apply to the programme without a postgraduate qualification e.g MSc?

Yes, you can. You don’t need to have already completed a research-based degree to apply for this programme. You do need to have a minimum of a UK equivalent 2:1 at undergraduate level to be eligible.

How does the funding work - will all my costs be covered for the duration of the project and do I need to apply separately for funding?

Successful applicants will be awarded funding. You do not need to apply separately for funding. The CDT funding package includes your fees for the full four years, an enhanced stipend for 4 years (for 2024/25 this was £21,400), and additional funds to cover some other study related expenses.

We have a limited number of funded places for international students. If you are an international student, do not require ATAS and are made an offer to study with us on the SPADS CDT then the above funding package would be awarded to you. You would not need to apply separately for funding. 

Do I have to attend an interview in-person?

No, you don’t have to attend an in-person interview. We can arrange a Teams interview for you if you prefer.

I have a question that isn’t answered here, who do I contact?

For any further queries please contact spads@ed.ac.uk