Making an application

Summary of the application process

• Please read the application criteria as outlined in the projects and below carefully before applying.
• Applications are made to the Metamaterials programme for a PhD in Physics/Engineering. We invite candidates to specify their project(s) of interest at the time of application.
• Following discussions at interview, projects will be allocated to successful candidates when the studentship offer is made.

Application documents

Applications are made to the Metamaterials programme for a PhD in Physics/Engineering through the University application system. Please select the project you are most interested in. You can list any other projects of interest offered by the Centre for Metamaterial Research and Innovation in priority order as part of your cover letter.

Please prepare the documents below before starting the application process. Please ensure to upload ALL items listed below through the application system. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

• Degree transcript(s) giving information about the qualification awarded, the modules taken during the study period, and the marks for each module taken.
• CV;
• A letter of Application, including a Personal Statement consisting of two parts*:
  • Describe a) why you would like to study for a PhD, b) why you would like to focus on this particular topic, c) any relevant expertise and d) your future career ambitions;
  • Describe the qualities that you believe will make you a great researcher (in particular as part of a team).
• Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to metamaterials@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.
• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.  Please see the entry requirements information above.

* We foster creativity and utilisation of individual strengths. Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence to support their statements. This might include conventional written documents (e.g. examples of work), but we also encourage alternatives such as audio or video recordings, websites, programming etc. Please ensure to include accessible links to such files in an appropriately named document as part of the upload process.

Application procedure

Eligible applicants

• Eligibility (UK, EU, international) is stated in the individual project advertisement and is subject to funding requirements.

Shortlisting

Applications will normally be reviewed within two weeks of receipt.
Candidates will be short-listed against a set of agreed criteria to ensure quality while maintaining diversity. Failure to include all the elements listed above may result in rejection.

The essential criteria:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (minimum 2:1);
• Vision and motivation (for research & professional development);
• Evidence of the ability to work collaboratively and to engage in a diverse community;
• Evidence of excellent written and oral skills in English.

The highest quality candidates will also be able to demonstrate one of more of the following:

• Specialist knowledge in one or more of the CMRI’s areas of expertise: scientific domains, materials classes;
• Training in research methodology (e.g. undergraduate research projects);
• Research outputs (e.g. papers) and/or other indicators of academic excellence (e.g. awards).

Interviews

You will be interviewed by a panel consisting of the project supervisor(s) and a CMRI Director of Postgraduate Research to assess fit to the Centre for Metamaterial Research and Innovation concept and academic ability.

If applicable, you will be invited for an interview within two weeks upon application receipt and we are always interested in hearing from interested, enthusiastic and able candidates.

Please email metamaterials@exeter.ac.uk if you have any queries about this process.

• Letter of Application, including a Personal Statement consisting of two parts*: