Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 48 months
- Part-time: 96 months
Start dates & application deadlines
Starting September 2026
Apply anytime.
Applicants are advised to apply by 8th January, however, the CDT will remain open to applications after that date if places are still available.
Language
English
English language requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 83
- PTE Academic: 64
- IELTS: 6
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Bristol, United Kingdom
Disciplines
Environmental Engineering
Overview
The subject area is at the forefront of efforts to reduce use of fossil fuels, improve healthcare and develop novel quantum technologies. The training aspects of the CDT will give students holistic knowledge of the various aspects of superconductivity, ranging from the fundamental science, through the development of new materials and the optimisation of existing ones, and to the use of superconductors for applications ranging from magnets for nuclear fusion reactors and magnetic resonance imaging machines, power transmission, and quantum devices such as those uses for quantum computing applications. The Superconductivity course at University of Bristol will draw on knowledge from Physics, Chemistry, Materials science and Engineering. The programme includes training in transferrable skills such as writing and presentations skills, outreach and public engagements, and business and entrepreneurship.
A key aspect of the programme is that it has an emphasis on encouraging students to work together both as a cohort and between different year groups. It contains several specific mechanisms to promote cohort development. These include three cohort-wide residential training weeks distributed over the academic year, an annual conference, cross-cohort group projects and seminars, and shared mentoring. Students will benefit from each other's knowledge and insights, understanding and taking interest in problems outside of their specialism and contributing to each other's progress and training through peer-to-peer learning. Visit programme website
Career prospects
Graduates completing a PhD in this subject area go on to a wide range of different careers including: research scientist in industry or international research laboratory, software development, patent attorney and academic research.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Core Lectures
- Practical Techniques
- Group Project and Colloquia
- Partner Placement Project
- Research Project
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 83. TOEFL iBT is accepted by more than 13,000 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries. The test can be taken at a test center or at home. The test measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The score refers to the total score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading), each subject has a range of 0 - 30.
- PTE Academic: 64. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. The score refers to a total score which ranges between 10 and 90.
- IELTS: 6. The International English Language Test System (IELTS) tests your English-language proficiency on a scale of 1 – 9. The score refers to the combined average score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading).
Other requirements
General requirements
A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 51,756 AUD / year (approximately 27,500 GBP / year)
- Domestic: 9,610 AUD / year (approximately 5,106 GBP / year)
Additional Details: Home part-time: £2,553 per year
Living costs
Bristol, United Kingdom
1,412-2,371 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.