The NERC Centre for Doctoral Training in Resilient Flood Futures (NERC FLOOD-CDT), based at Newcastle University’s School of Engineering, is offering a fully funded PhD studentship. This highly specialised project, supervised by Prof. Hayley Fowler, addresses a critical gap in UK flood risk management: the need for accurate, fine-scale precipitation data. Climate change is increasing the severity of extreme rainfall, making high-resolution data essential for effective hydrological modelling and national resilience planning. The successful candidate will develop an innovative, 15-minute, quality-controlled precipitation dataset by integrating radar, rain gauge, and satellite observations. This fully funded award is open to both Home and International students and begins on 1 October 2026.
NERC FLOOD-CDT PhD Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Newcastle University, School of Engineering |
| Funding Body | NERC FLOOD-CDT (UKRI) |
| Degree Level | PhD |
| Field of Study | Civil Engineering (Water Resources), Data Science, Hydrology |
| Funding | Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Research Costs) |
| Monthly Stipend | Minimum annual stipend of £20,780 (tax-free) |
| Eligible Countries | Home and International Applicants |
| Key Criteria | Minimum 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant quantitative field |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled (Early application highly advised) |
NERC FLOOD-CDT PhD Details
This project is positioned at the intersection of climate science, data analytics, and environmental engineering. The current limitations in UK precipitation datasets—including radar biases, low spatial density of rain gauges, and satellite struggles at sub-hourly scales—necessitate this innovative approach.
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The outcome will be an openly accessible resource that directly supports UK national organizations, including the Environment Agency and the Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI), by enabling improved hydrological forecasting and infrastructure design. The researcher will join the Water and Climate Research Group, benefiting from world-class computational facilities and cross-disciplinary support.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Award Tiers
The PhD studentship offers a highly competitive financial package, robust research support, and excellent professional development opportunities through the NERC FLOOD-CDT.
Tier 1: Core Academic and Financial Support (Highest Stipend & Full Tuition)
This tier ensures complete financial coverage for the duration of the 3.5-year program.
- Value: 100% coverage of tuition fees (for both Home and International applicants).
- Criteria: Provided to the selected student for the entire 3.5-year duration of the award.
- Value: Minimum annual, tax-free living allowance of £20,780 (UKRI 2025/26 rate).
- Criteria: Paid as a maintenance grant to cover living costs.
Tier 2: Research and Training Facilities Access
This category focuses on providing the necessary resources for high-quality, impactful data science research.
- Additional project-related research costs are covered to support fieldwork, software, and conference travel.
- Access to world-class computational facilities at Newcastle University for handling high-resolution, multi-source datasets.
- A structured development programme provided through the FLOOD-CDT (Centre for Doctoral Training).
Tier 3: Programmatic and Professional Development
These benefits enhance the scholar’s expertise and professional readiness, offering pathways to influence national policy.
- Strong pathways to publish high-impact research in leading scientific journals.
- Opportunities to influence policy and support national organizations like the UK Environment Agency.
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration within the leading Water and Climate Research Group.
Eligibility Requirements for NERC FLOOD-CDT PhD Scholarship 2026
Applicants must possess a strong academic foundation in a quantitative or technical discipline relevant to the project’s data science and hydrological focus.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Must hold, or be expected to obtain, at minimum, a 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g., computing, engineering, environmental sciences, meteorology, hydrology, mathematics, or data science).
- Essential attributes include strong analytical and quantitative skills and the ability to work independently and creatively.
- Study Status:
- Must demonstrate a demonstrated interest in flooding, hydrology, or climate data.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
- Visa Status:
- Both Home and International applicants (including EU candidates) are eligible for the full award.
- International applicants may need to obtain ATAS clearance before obtaining a study visa.
- Program Admission:
- Non-native English speakers require IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component).
- The project title must be entered accurately during the application process.
How to Apply for NERC FLOOD-CDT PhD Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
Applications are submitted through the Newcastle University online portal, requiring specific codes and project details to ensure consideration for this studentship.
- Start Application: Access the Apply to Newcastle Portal and create a Postgraduate Application.
- Select Programme: Search for the programme using the code 8040F. Select PhD Civil Engineering (full time) under the Research Area: Civil Engineering (Water Resources).
- Complete Further Details: In the “Further Details” section of the application form:
- Provide a Personal Statement outlining your research interests and motivation for this specific project.
- Enter the unique reference code FLOOD262 in the Studentship/Partnership Reference field.
- Upload Documents: Select “Write Proposal” but only enter the project title (no upload required for the proposal). Instead, upload supporting documents: CV, Academic transcripts and certificates, Language certificate (if required), and Contact details for two academic referees.
Application Deadline: January 8th, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the annual tax-free stipend amount for this PhD studentship?
The annual, tax-free living allowance is a minimum of £20,780, based on the UKRI 2025/26 rate.
2. Is this scholarship open to both UK and international students?
Yes, the award is fully funded for both Home and International applicants (including EU candidates), covering 100% of the tuition fees and providing the full stipend.
3. What is the required minimum degree classification for eligibility?
Applicants must hold, or expect to obtain, at minimum, a 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant quantitative discipline.
4. What is the specific project goal of this PhD research?
The primary project goal is to develop a 15-minute, blended, quality-controlled UK precipitation dataset by integrating rain gauge, radar, and satellite data, to improve flood prediction.
5. What unique code must be included in the application for consideration?
Applicants must enter the studentship reference code FLOOD262 in the Studentship/Partnership Reference field of the application.
6. What is the start date and duration of the PhD program?
The PhD is set to begin on 1 October 2026 and has an award duration of 3.5 years (42 months).
7. What are the English language requirements for non-native speakers?
Non-native English speakers require an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component.
8. What are the three sources of data that will be blended in this project?
The project aims to blend observations from rain gauges, radar systems, and satellite platforms to create the final precipitation dataset.
9. Which national organizations will benefit directly from this research?
The research will support national organizations such as the UK Environment Agency and the Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI), aiding national resilience planning.
10. Do I need to upload a full research proposal during the application process?
No. You should select “Write Proposal” and only enter the project title. A full proposal document upload is not required for this specific advertised studentship.
