1. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

Please see the infographic to the right, representing our EDI achievements so far.

• IDCORE welcomes applicants from all STEM backgrounds.
• Around 100 applicants compete each year for 10 places.
• Steps taken to ensure fairness:
  • Clear selection guidelines
  • Transparent application process
  • Mixed interview panels with standard questions
  • Broad range of projects and supervisors (chosen after joining the programme)

Our ambition: gender-balanced cohorts and an ethnically diverse community that reflects the UK population.

Introduced in 2025:

• Pre-application Mentoring Scheme (Oct–Dec 2025) introduced - See point 4
• Interview questions are now published in advance (available to the right)

2. Eligibility & Funding

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Enthusiasm, creativity, and resourcefulness
• A mature approach to learning
• A strong foundation in science/engineering
• One or more of the following:
  • First Class honours degree
  • Distinctive MSc
  • OR significant, relevant industrial experience

Funding: All successful applicants (UK & Overseas/EU) will receive a full scholarship (enhanced stipend + tuition fees) automatically.   A separate funding application is not required.

3. Overseas/EU Applicants

• Up to 3 places per year available.
• If accepted, a full scholarship is awarded.
• Due to high demand, a separate Overseas/EU interview day will be held in January 2026.
• Deadline: 30 November 2025 (late applications will not be considered)

Please see Point 8 below, regarding the Academic Tehnology Approval Scheme (ATAS) for Overseas applicants.

4. Pre-Application Mentoring Scheme - running 1st October to 15th December 2025

Please see here​

5. How to Apply

• Applications open: around 7th October 2025 (via University of Edinburgh Degree Finder).
• Select September 2026 entry, then click Apply.

Documents required (upload with clear filenames):

1. Degree certificates & transcripts (with English translations if needed)
2. Cover Letter (max 1 page, titled Cover Letter) – why you want to join IDCORE
3. CV
4. Two references (ideally academic + employer, signed, dated within 12 months, on letterhead)

Application notes:

• Your CV and Cover letter can be uploaded to any field (as long as you clearly name your uploads).
• Leave Personal Statement blank (this will be included in your Cover Letter).
• Leave Relevant Knowledge/Training blank (covered in CV).
• Do not submit a research proposal or nominate a supervisor name.
• Funding section: leave blank.
• If your browser does not allow blank fields, type “n/a”.
• Chrome is the recommended browser.

6. Closing Dates

• Overseas/EU: 30 November 2025 (interviews in January).
• Home/UK: Applications accepted until all places are filled (expected by April 2026, or earlier).
  • Interviews held in December, February, March, and April.
  • Apply early — links may close early if places fill quickly.

7. Interview Process (online via Teams)

If your application meets the quality threshold, you’ll be invited to an interview day.

The IDCORE Interview process is designed to assess if a candidate is suitable for IDCORE, but, just as importantly, it is designed to help candidates decide if IDCORE is right for them.

Format:

1. Introductory session (45 min) with Prof. David Ingram (overview of IDCORE, not assessed).
2. Individual interview (max 45 min):
   • 8-minute oral talk: “State of the art in offshore renewable energy” (no media/slides/screensharing).
   • Standardised interview questions (non-technical, published in advance).
   • 4 panel members - one from each of the 4 partner institutions plus an industrialist
   • Assessment focuses on passion, enthusiasm, and suitability for IDCORE.
3. Q&A with current students (45 min, not assessed, panel members not present).  An opportunity to freely ask questions about the programme.

Decisions: usually made on the day and communicated within 1 week.

8. ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) - Overseas Students Only

• ATAS is not required to join the IDCORE Programme
• ATAS is required for some research projects in sensitive technology areas (e.g. electrical networks) and some nationalities
• Process:
  • Start IDCORE programme in September
  • Research projects are allocated in February
  • ATAS application made, if required (can take up to 3 months)
  • Project starts in June
• If an ATAS certificate is denied, the project will be redesigned or an alternative project assigned.
• More info here, including the nationalities that are exempt from requiring ATAS: GOV.UK Guidance

Need help?

Please contact Katrina at idcore.admin@ed.ac.uk.