Zero-Carbon Energy Research 2027 in UK | Fully Funded

Overview

The Zero-Carbon Energy Research programme supports study for a DPhil in Zero-Carbon Energy Research at the University of Oxford. Coordinated by the ZERO Institute, the course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, methods, and professional skills required to lead in the energy transition. It integrates expertise from the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences and Social Sciences Divisions through a structured training programme and cohort activities.

Benefits

Fully funded DPhil study at the University of Oxford.
An integrated understanding of zero-carbon energy generation, conversion, storage, distribution, and use.
Training in sustainability, environmental performance, and societal impact analysis.
Strong communication, leadership, and project-management skill development.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold, or expect to achieve, a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree or equivalent.
Eligible academic backgrounds include engineering-related fields, architecture, physics, chemistry, materials science, mathematics, computer science, earth or environmental sciences, or relevant social sciences like economics, geography, public policy, sociology, or anthropology.
A previous master's degree is not required.
Applicants whose first language is not English must meet Oxford's higher-level English language requirement.
Three references must be provided to assess academic ability and suitability.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply through the University of Oxford online graduate application system. Steps include:

Completing the online application form with personal, academic, and course details.
Entering the proposed research field, project title, and up to four potential supervisors in order of preference.
Uploading official university transcripts with certified English translations if necessary.
Preparing and uploading a 1,000–1,500 word research proposal in English.
Registering three referees, including at least one academic referee.
Paying the £20 application fee unless eligible for a waiver.

Deadline

The application deadline for 2027-28 entry scholarship consideration is 12:00 noon UK time on 2 December 2026.

Overview

Benefits

Fully funded DPhil study at the University of Oxford.

An integrated understanding of zero-carbon energy generation, conversion, storage, distribution, and use.

Training in sustainability, environmental performance, and societal impact analysis.

Strong communication, leadership, and project-management skill development.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold, or expect to achieve, a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree or equivalent.

Eligible academic backgrounds include engineering-related fields, architecture, physics, chemistry, materials science, mathematics, computer science, earth or environmental sciences, or relevant social sciences like economics, geography, public policy, sociology, or anthropology.

A previous master's degree is not required.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet Oxford's higher-level English language requirement.

Three references must be provided to assess academic ability and suitability.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply through the University of Oxford online graduate application system. Steps include:

Completing the online application form with personal, academic, and course details.

Entering the proposed research field, project title, and up to four potential supervisors in order of preference.

Uploading official university transcripts with certified English translations if necessary.

Preparing and uploading a 1,000–1,500 word research proposal in English.

Registering three referees, including at least one academic referee.

Paying the £20 application fee unless eligible for a waiver.