Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) scholarships

Find out more about EPSRC scholarships and how to apply.

A PhD student working in a lab

Apply for EPSRC scholarships

Find out how to apply for:

EPSRC Junior Research Associate Undergraduate Programme 

Undergraduate students (in the middle year of degrees) interested in engineering and physical sciences research are invited to apply for a paid eight-week summer research placement at Sussex. 

These placements are funded by the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award and designed to nurture and empower the next generation of UK research and innovation leaders. 

The placements will take place over an eight-week period convenient to both student and supervisor between 1 July and 31 September 2026 (30 hours per week).

The salary is set at the living wage (currently £12.71) with an extra £300 for lab consumables. 

Participants will join other Junior Research Associates (JRAs) at Sussex for training and social events. You will learn how to produce an effective research poster and take part in the JRA poster competition. 

Browse EPSRC projects you can join [PDF 194KB].

Most projects will be based on our campus in Falmer but some may be conducted remotely or partly remotely. You should check with your proposed supervisor if this is possible. 

  • Who can apply

    Applicants to the EPSRC Junior Research Associate Undergraduate Programme must be:

    • registered for an undergraduate degree in an engineering or physical sciences-related subject

    • in the middle years of your degree; either second year of study for three-year degrees or second or third year for four-year degrees 

    • a resident of the UK at time of application and eligible for UK fees.  

  • How we review applications 

    The EPSRC Management Board will select students based on the information in your application form, CV and reference. 

    Applicants will be assessed on:

    • your preparedness for research

    • your academic record, acknowledging any challenges you have had to overcome (as outlined in the optional widening participation statement). 

  • How to apply

    The deadline for applications is the 25 April 2026 at 5pm GMT.

    You will need to be connected to the internet while completing the online form. The form cannot be updated once submitted.

    Complete the form by following the link below. 

Apply now

Complete this form to apply for the EPSRC Junior Research Associate Undergraduate Programme. 

EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 

You may be eligible to apply for projects funded by the Sussex EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award grant if you’re conducting research in the following subject areas:

  • engineering
  • informatics
  • chemistry
  • mathematics
  • materials physics.

You'll receive support with fees, living costs and have access to further funds for research expenses and specialist research training opportunities.

More information on the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award will be available in Autumn 2026. 

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