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Ulster University offers a range of fully funded, collaborative Doctoral Programmes, often in partnership with other universities where UU may serve as the lead or consortium partner. These programmes can also be delivered in collaboration with external organisations, including industry, business, government, and the third sector. Funding for these programmes is provided by Research Councils under UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), Horizon Europe, and other collaborative arrangements.
In addition to accessing all the benefits that registration on a research degree programme at Ulster has to offer, these collaborative awards offer the additional benefits of working with an Industry partner or spending time with researchers at partner institutions via placement options.
Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships (CDP) Awards
The CDP Awards offer a unique opportunity to research real-life questions in a partnership with a collaborative partner, such as industry, business, government or charity. As a part of the programmes, the researchers are expected to spend up to 3 months at the partner’s institution. On top of the standard stipend, the researchers are rewarded with additional, tax-free top-up payments for the duration of the programme.
These awards are only eligible to HOME/ROI candidates only.
Currently advertised projects are available to view on our PhD Finder.
UKRI Doctoral Focal Awards and Doctoral Landscape Awards (formerly Doctoral Training Partnerships and Centres for Doctoral Training)
Ulster University hosts a variety of UKRI-funded Doctoral Landscape and Doctoral Focal Awards that support ambitious, interdisciplinary PhD research addressing major societal and global challenges. These prestigious awards offer fully funded studentships, access to world-class training, and opportunities to collaborate with leading academic, industry, and civic partners.
As a UKRI-funded doctoral researcher, you’ll be part of a vibrant cohort of like-minded students, fostering a strong sense of community, peer support, and shared learning. This cohort-based approach enhances your doctoral experience through collaborative events, cross-disciplinary engagement, and tailored development activities.
HORIZON Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA Doctoral Networks)
Ulster University is a proud partner in Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks—prestigious, EU-funded programmes that support high-quality doctoral training across Europe and beyond. These networks bring together leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners to train a new generation of researchers through international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral collaboration.
MSCA doctoral candidates work on cutting-edge projects that address global challenges. You’ll benefit from excellent supervision, mobility opportunities, and a comprehensive programme of training in both academic and transferable skills.
MSCA Doctoral Networks provide a unique platform to build your research career in a dynamic, supportive environment—equipping you with the skills, experience, and global connections to thrive in academia, industry, or beyond.
UU PhD Hub @Shelton
Ulster University, in collaboration with Shelton College International, offers PhD programmes in Creative Arts and related areas for PhD Researchers based in East Asia. Combining research and supervisory excellence of Ulster University, with state-of-the-art facilities and pastoral care in Shelton College in Singapore, the UU PhD Hub @Shelton offers a unique opportunity of flexible, rigorous, distance research PhD programme, with a world-class physical space and student support from Shelton College. PhD Researchers on the Shelton programmes can also choose to spend part of their PhD Programme at UU campuses in Northern Ireland.
