Bernard Afrifa
re you passionate about manufacturing and eager to lead the UK’s transition into the digital age? The University of Leicester Manufacturing Scholarships 2025 offer a rare chance to join the prestigious EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Digital Transformation in the Metals Industry — known as DigitalMetal CDT. With 14 fully funded PhD positions available, this programme equips future research leaders with the skills to drive innovation across the metals and manufacturing sectors.
Why the University of Leicester’s DigitalMetal CDT Stands Out
This exciting opportunity is delivered in partnership with top-tier UK institutions including:
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University of Birmingham
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Loughborough University
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University of Nottingham
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University of Warwick
Together, they aim to develop 80 highly skilled PhD candidates to revolutionise industrial processes through digital innovation in metals and alloys.
What the Scholarship Offers
Each 4-year PhD scholarship includes:
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✅ Full coverage of UK tuition fees
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✅ Annual stipend at UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25)
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✅ £4,000 Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) per year
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✅ Access to advanced labs and industry-led mentorship
Research Themes: Where Innovation Meets Industry
Students will collaborate with global industry leaders such as Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Tata Steel, and GKN Aerospace, across five transformative research areas:
1. Advanced Manufacturing
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Focus: Casting, welding, surface engineering, additive manufacturing, and robotics.
2. Metals and Alloys Engineering
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Focus: Developing high-performance nickel-based superalloys for industrial use.
3. Digital Twins in Manufacturing
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Focus: AI-powered simulations for production optimisation in casting, welding, and steelwork.
4. Right-First-Time Manufacturing
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Focus: Sustainable and efficient manufacturing for aerospace and high-performance sectors.
5. Engineering Management & Digital Supply Chains
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Focus: Applying Industry 4.0 technologies to improve transparency and decision-making.
Eligibility Criteria
Interested candidates must meet the following requirements:
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A First or Upper Second-Class (2:1) degree or international equivalent in engineering, materials science, physics, or computer science.
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Applicants with a Lower Second-Class (2:2) degree will be considered if they hold a relevant Master’s.
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Open to UK and international students, depending on the specific project and institutional funding.
Career Prospects & Benefits
This programme provides a gateway into:
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Academic and industrial research
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Policy-making roles in innovation and manufacturing
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Leadership positions within advanced manufacturing firms
You’ll also receive training in AI, leadership, and project management — skills essential for shaping the future of global manufacturing.
How to Apply for the University of Leicester Manufacturing Scholarships 2025
Apply online via the official University of Leicester page:
👉 https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/funded-opportunities/epsrc-cdt-digital-metal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can apply for the scholarship?
A: Applicants with relevant degrees in engineering, materials science, or physics, and both UK and international students are eligible.
Q: How long does the programme last?
A: Each PhD position is fully funded for 4 years.
Q: Is industrial experience necessary?
A: Not required, but experience or strong interest in digital technologies and manufacturing is beneficial.
Q: When is the application deadline?
A: Check the university’s page for the most up-to-date deadlines.
Take the Leap: Be a Leader in Digital Manufacturing
If you’re ready to redefine the future of metals and manufacturing through digital transformation, this scholarship is your launchpad. Apply today and be part of a dynamic cohort shaping the next industrial revolution.
