Step 1: Initial application to the Centre for Experimental Fuel Technologies (CEFT) is via this form, where you indicate an interest in your preferred research group. Please do not apply via Warwick Universal Application system at this stage; an application should only be made on that system following personal invitation from a Group Lead.

Step 2: Our target is to provide a response to your application as soon as possible, normally within 4 weeks, as to whether your application is progressing to the next stage of the application process. (Where response times are stated here, they correspond to the University of Warwick's term dates. Response times may be longer outside of term time due to staff availability).

Step 3: The next stage of the application process is an online interview of approximately 30 minutes duration with a Group Lead and another member of academic staff associated with the Centre. The timing of this online interview may vary for the different advertised positions (as a function of the applications received). You are encouraged to apply early since popular projects may be allocated before the close of the application window.

Step 4: You will be notified of the outcome of the online interview as soon as possible, normally within 4 weeks. In the final stage of the process, successful applicants will be invited to make a formal application on the Warwick Universal Application system.

Eligibility Criteria

Academic criteria

Eligible applicants must have or be expected to gain a minimum of a 2:1 class undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant Science subject (e.g. Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or Physics). We welcome applications from candidates offering many different international qualifications. You can see how your current degree score or GPA equates to the British system on the International Office equivalent scores table.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following: Band A IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.

Making a formal application on the Warwick Universal Application system 

Once you have had a first interview, and only upon invitation from the Group Lead, please apply via the online application formLink opens in a new window selecting the appropriate department (Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering or WMG) on screen 1.

a) For Julie Macpherson, Pat Unwin or Richard Walton Group applications select Chemistry (PhD) F1P0

b) For Louis Piper or Mel Loveridge Group applications select Engineering (WMG) (PhD) H7A2

c) For Shanwen Tao Group applications select Engineering (PhD) H1Q2

For all departments, the start date will be October 2025.

Filling out the online form

You will be asked to upload a research proposal as part of your application; this is not a CEFT requirement so write "n/a".

In the funding section of the form please enter CEFT and the email address ceft@warwick.ac.uk

Please also notify CEFT of your application by email to ceft@warwick.ac.uk