University of Ulster
4 days ago
Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship
PhD in Positive Energy Rural Community Centres (PERCCs) Ulster University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
PhD scholarships cover tuition fees, a maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance), and a Research Training Support Grant of approximately £900 per annum. Part-time scholarships may be available at 0.5 pro rata rate for a six-year registration period. Funding may be awarded under Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships or Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships depending on availability.
Deadline
Jan 8, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Ulster
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About this position
PhD opportunity at Ulster University: Positive Energy Rural Community Centres (PERCCs)
This funded PhD sits within Architecture, Built Environment and Planning at Ulster University and explores how rural community centres can be transformed into positive energy buildings through deep retrofit and intelligent energy management. The project is especially relevant to students interested in building performance simulation, energy systems, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, solar PV, heat pumps, energy storage, and net zero transitions.
The research will combine real-world community-centre case studies with advanced modelling, monitoring, and/or data analysis. Possible directions include optimizing insulation, ventilation, heating and controls; detecting energy-system faults; improving comfort and air quality; and studying how community centres can support grid flexibility and energy services. The student will also engage with community organisations and stakeholders, with links to Ulster University and Derry City and Strabane District Council initiatives such as the Smart Villages Network Project and Strabane Positive Energy District.
Funding: tuition fees plus a maintenance stipend of about £22,000 per year for three years, and an RTSG of about £900 per year. Part-time funding may be available at 0.5 pro rata. Funding may come via the Department for the Economy (DfE) or the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarship (VCRS).
Eligibility: applicants should normally have a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant subject, or a Lower Second plus a Master’s with Distinction, or equivalent professional experience in exceptional cases. Scholarship eligibility is restricted to UK/Irish nationals or those with eligible immigration status and residency criteria.
Deadline: 8 January 2027 at 4:00 PM. Preferred start date: 13 September 2027.
Supervisor contact: Dr Adrian Pugsley ([email protected]), with Dr Nikhil Shah and Professor Jayanta Mondol also listed as supervisors.
Funding details
PhD scholarships cover tuition fees, a maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance), and a Research Training Support Grant of approximately £900 per annum. Part-time scholarships may be available at 0.5 pro rata rate for a six-year registration period. Funding may be awarded under Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships or Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships depending on availability.
What's required
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study. The university may also consider a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction, or in exceptional cases equivalent professional experience in lieu of academic qualifications. Applicants must submit a research proposal of no more than 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology. Scholarship eligibility requires a UK or Irish national, or pre-settled/settled status, or indefinite leave to remain or enter, plus residency in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least three years before the September 2027 start date. Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree, have been registered on a doctoral research programme for more than one year full-time (or part-time equivalent), or are in full-time employment are not eligible.
How to apply
Apply online through Ulster University’s PhD application process. Prepare the required research proposal and submit before the deadline. Contact the listed supervisor if you need project-specific guidance.
More information can be found here
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