The CDE is an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded initiative with three main strategic purposes

• to dissolve the barriers between academic and industry collaboration
• to support the growth of R&D in the digital media industries
• to create the technology leaders of tomorrow by giving talented researchers a sound academic grounding in research skills, within the context of the real drives and pressures of industry.

It is a 4 year programme which embeds a Research Engineer (RE) in a company, who, supported by an academic supervisor, will work on projects of immediate industrial relevance. 75% of the RE’s time will be spent in industry.

These projects will form the basis of a Doctoral submission by portfolio thesis for either the award of an Engineering or Professional Doctorate in Digital Media.

For an idea of the kinds of projects we currently support please ensure you read our newsletter and our Current Students page.

Please note this is a high-level research degree in collaboration with industry, it is not a work placement or an entry-level employment scheme.

If successful, you will receive a generous package which pays your tuition fees and provides a tax-free annual stipend of £15,090. Companies pay a yearly top-up to that stipend. There is also dedicated funding for resources and conference attendance.

Over the first two years of the programme you can be supported by access to options from a suite of Master programmes from both universities. The taught program will be negotiated by you, your academic supervisors and the host company so it can be tailored to your particular research needs.

You need to collect a minimum of 48 and up to 60 credits during your study.

You can apply for a specific project or make a general application.

As projects become available we will post them on our Current Opportunities page.

We are also especially interested in applicants with research interests and skills in these areas: Procedural generation, metadata and archiving, 3D scanning and modelling, pipeline integration, augmented reality, mobile technologies and character rigging.

Please indicate clearly if you are applying for a specific project or research area and make sure you include a link to any online portfolios or examples of your work in your personal statement.

You are welcome to include additional material but please answer all the questions on the form provided. For example in the question on your employment history it is not acceptable to write ‘See CV’ and attach a separate document.

When we receive your application we will assess it to decide if we wish to take it forward.

We will then send your application to our industry partners for their consideration.
Please note: The company will decide if it wishes to interview you for their project and if they wish to appoint you. The CDE cannot guarantee you will be successful in securing a placement.

However, we realise there are many different reasons why you may not secure a position and if we feel you are a strong candidate we will continue to promote you to our partners.

Complete the application form here

This form uses Bath’s online application system and you will need to create a ‘New User’ account before accessing. If you wish, you can save your partly completed application and log-in later to complete it.
The database gets updated as part of its maintenance every day around midnight, so please do not attempt to submit your application between 23:45 and 00:15 each day. Thank you.

If you have any questions during the application process please contact us on cde@cs.bath.ac.uk and we will respond as soon as possible.

Applicants should hold a first degree, or equivalent, of at least an Upper Second (2.1) in a relevant subject, such as, but not limited to, Computer Science, Maths, Physics, Software Engineering, Computer Arts, Animation, Digital Effects, Design or Interactive Media.

Many of our applicants already hold a Postgraduate qualification in a related field or have some work experience.

Knowledge of programming languages, such as C++, or industry standard software, such as, Maya is a distinct advantage.

Non-UK applicants are asked to provide evidence of their English language skills, equivalent to IELTS score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in each element. The equivalent required TOEFL score is 650 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based with no less than 5.0 in TWE. No section less than 22), 100 (Internet-based with no component less than 24).

The programme is open to all and we welcome international applicants. Access to the fees and the maintenance stipend does not depend on nationality but it does depend on residency. Please read the following carefully.

1. UK residents (including non-citizens who have lived in the UK for three years, not for educational purposes) will receive fees and stipend.
2. EU nationals who have been in full-time education in the UK for three years before the start of their Doctorate will receive fees and stipend.
3. EU nationals who have lived in an EU country (not the UK) for three years prior to applying will receive fees only.
4. Overseas students from countries outside of the EU are eligible for neither fees nor stipend. You must be able to show in advance that you can support yourself and pay your own fees throughout. However, we can accept a small number of exceptional international applicants each year who do not have resident status. They will receive a maintenance grant and fees at the Home student level but will need to pay the difference.

Fees EngD in Digital Media, Bath

Please note that the residency rules are determined by HM Government in the light of EU law. The concept of establishing a "relevant connection" with the country is the main determinant of residency. In the event of any ambiguity, it is the Government’s interpretation which determines in which category you fall. We may not vary the rules or negotiate alternative arrangements.

We are now able to fully fund one exceptional overseas candidate per cohort. Please contact us for more details.

This is the first initiative of this kind for the animation, games and effects industries and we hope you share our excitement at its potential. If we haven’t answered your question please contact us cde@cs.bath.ac.uk and best of luck.