Program Overview

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Introduction to the Fusion Power (EPSRC CDT) Program

The Fusion Power (EPSRC CDT) is a research-based course that combines training and research in fusion-relevant fields like plasma physics, materials science, and computational modeling. The program is provided by a collaboration between six UK universities and other research organizations, including the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy and industry partners such as Tokamak Energy and OxfordSigma.

About the Course

The course is designed to train students to doctoral level (DPhil) in disciplines related to fusion power. A significant number of fully-funded four-year full-time and eight-year part-time doctoral studentships are expected to be available each year. The program expects to train at least 80 students over five intakes from 2024 to 2028.

Course Structure

The course is normally carried out in four years of full-time study (or eight years of part-time study) under the supervision of an experienced member of staff. The first year (first two years for part-time students) will be focused on training, with students attending a number of intensive one-week or two-week technical fusion modules designed to provide the best possible platform for their substantial research project.

Attendance

The course can be studied full-time or part-time, with both modes requiring attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements, while part-time students are required to attend course-related activities in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year.

Resources to Support Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services. The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK, with over 13 million printed items and access to e-journals.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Materials. Typically, you will have the opportunity to meet with your supervisor approximately every two to three weeks.

Assessment

All students will be initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). Normally, after six terms as a full-time PRS student (and 12 terms as a part-time PRS student), you will be expected to apply for transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status.

Graduate Destinations

There are a number of careers open to Fusion Power graduates, and Oxford materials graduates are highly regarded by a wide range of employers, including universities, national laboratories, high-tech start-up companies, engineering consultancies, and industry.

Changes to the Course

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration.

Course Components

The course components include:

• Introduction to Fusion Plasmas
• Introduction to Materials
• Plasma Facing Technologies
• Irradiation Damage and Degradation
• Leadership and Research skills
• Tritium and the Fusion Fuel Cycle
• Plasma Surface Interactions Lab
• Functional and Superconducting Technologies
• Data Management and Software Skills
• Analytical Tools for Fusion Materials
• Manufacturing and Design Codes
• Multi-scale Computational Materials Engineering

Research Areas

You will have the opportunity to undertake research within the specialized themes of this course, which include:

• The characterization of materials, with an emphasis on electron microscopy and related techniques associated with radiation damage
• Processing and manufacturing of new materials for fusion
• Modeling of materials, with attention to both structures and processes
• Properties of materials needed to realize fusion
• Development and understanding of functional materials such as tritium breeding ceramics or superconducting materials

Entry Requirements

The requirements for this course include:

• A first-class or strong upper-second-class undergraduate degree with honors in a suitable science subject
• English language proficiency at the University's standard level
• GRE General Test scores are not required
• Other qualifications, evidence of excellence, and relevant experience will also be considered

Funding

We expect that the majority of applicants who are offered a place on this course will also be offered a fully-funded scholarship specific to this course, covering course fees for the duration of their course and a living stipend.

Costs

The annual course fees for the academic year at the University of Oxford are:

• Full-time study: Ł10,470 (Home), Ł34,700 (Overseas)
• Part-time study: Ł5,235 (Home), Ł17,350 (Overseas)

Colleges

The following colleges accept students for full-time study on this course:

• Balliol College
• Corpus Christi College
• Hertford College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Mansfield College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• Wolfson College
• Wycliffe Hall

The following colleges accept students for part-time study on this course:

• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Mansfield College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

You should refer to the information on the application form and the requirements for supporting documents. A detailed research proposal is not required, but you should provide a single document comprising both a list of up to four research projects and supervisors in which you are interested and an outline of your research interests.

Deadlines

The deadlines for applications are:

• Friday, 14 November 2025: Applications more likely to receive earlier decisions
• Thursday, 8 January 2026: Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships
• Tuesday, 3 March 2026: Applications may remain open after this deadline if places are still available

Further Information and Enquiries

This course is offered by the Department of Materials. For further information and enquiries, please contact the department.