EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Machining, Assembly, and Digital Engineering for Manufacturing 2026
About this scholarship
A doctoral training programme at the University of Sheffield supporting EngD and PhD research in advanced manufacturing, machining, assembly and digital engineering, often with industrial sponsorship.
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Machining, Assembly, and Digital Engineering for Manufacturing is a UK doctoral training programme based at the University of Sheffield. It supports research degrees in advanced manufacturing, with projects spanning machining, assembly, automation, digital engineering, machine learning, process planning, materials, and sustainable manufacturing. Many projects are delivered with major industrial partners such as Rolls-Royce, Boeing, Kennametal, Seco Tools, Hangsterfer's Laboratories, and Nikken.
The programme funds doctoral study at PhD and EngD level. Reference postings show that advertised projects are typically fully funded, though the exact package may vary by project. Support commonly covers core doctoral funding, and individual projects may include additional research or industrial collaboration benefits. The CDT is aimed at applicants with strong backgrounds in relevant science or engineering disciplines.
Projects are hosted in the United Kingdom at the University of Sheffield and focus on real manufacturing challenges. Examples include generative AI for inspection in aerospace manufacturing, automation in computer-aided process planning, tool coatings and lubricants for machining, cryogenic and CO2-assisted drilling, and predictive machine learning for manufacturing ecosystems. This makes the programme especially attractive for candidates interested in industry-linked doctoral research with strong practical impact.
Applicants generally need a first-class or strong 2:1 degree in a relevant subject such as Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Robotics, or Mechatronics. Some projects also expect programming, machine learning, or other specialist research experience. Where English is not the applicant's first language, evidence of English proficiency may be required.
Applications are usually made through the University of Sheffield admissions system by selecting the doctoral training route for the MADE4 Manufacturing CDT and choosing the relevant project or pathway. Candidates should normally prepare academic transcripts, degree certificates, a CV, a personal statement, and English-language evidence if applicable.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Open to strong applicants in relevant science and engineering disciplines. Reference postings indicate applicants typically need a first-class or strong 2:1 degree in subjects such as Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Robotics, or Mechatronics. Some projects are advertised to students worldwide, and project-specific technical experience may be required.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Language requirements
If English is not the applicant's first language, an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each section is required for at least some projects.
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Machining, Assembly, and Digital Engineering for Manufacturing.
