Candidate Resources

Please ensure that you familiarise yourself with the Aura CDT website before you apply to give you a good understanding of what a CDT is, our CDT’s research focus and the training and continuing professional development programme that runs alongside the CDT. 

The Scholarships, Frequently asked questions page and How to apply page are essential reading prior to applying.

As part of the recruitment process, we ask that you submit a short film of you delivering a presentation, of up to 5 minutes in length, on “How do your experiences and qualities provide a background to contribute to research and innovation for the project you have applied for”.

You will be assessed on the content of your presentation, not your film editing skills, but please be mindful of filming in an appropriate, quiet location. Please film the presentation in whatever way you feel most comfortable with. For example, it could be a slide presentation with voice over, or you may wish to present simply talking to the camera.  Please use the tools and technology that are accessible to you and that you feel comfortable with e.g. your mobile phone, or the built-in ‘Record Slide Show’ on Keynote (macOS, iOS, iPadOS) or Powerpoint etc.

We also ask that you complete a Supplementary Application Form (a download link is provided for this on all live project pages). This includes space for you to include a link where the shortlisting panel may view your film. When you apply, you upload this form, along with your CV and transcripts.

The recruitment panel will assess your application against the competency framework below to shortlist applicants to invite to interview and as the basis for candidate interviews.  As such it is important that you demonstrate a strong foundation in the defined areas in your written application and during your interview.

“During the interview and presentation process, the most important thing is to remember is to highlight, explain and give examples of your interest in offshore wind. When thinking about the PhD project, demonstrate the skills (technical and interpersonal), knowledge and interests you would be bringing to the PhD and to the offshore wind sector.”
Anna Weatherburn

“You may not have a perfect awareness of the specific technical area immediately, but you can demonstrate evidence about your ability to learn topics quickly and that you have made an effort to research specific topics that you have applied for.”
David Goodman

Here are some resources that are available for reading around applications and interviews. Please note that as a CDT team we have not reviewed these and we are not responsible for any of the content or advice. It is for you to determine and find any resources that are helpful to you.