Co-operative Awards in Science and Technology

If you would like to do research-based study and would also like to work with industry on a project that will be product and / or process orientated, you should find out more about the Co-operative Awards in Science and Technology (CAST) studentship.

CAST awards

CAST awards support research students and encourage partnerships between academic institutions and private sector industries, which jointly develop the projects.

You will have the chance to work on a good scientific problem that the collaborating body really wants to be solved, as well as gain the experience of studying and working in an industrial setting.

Student eligibility requirements and basic rates of grant and allowances are the same as other Department for the Economy Studentship awards.

Suitable projects

CAST awards can be made for a wide variety of project work in Science and Technology, ranging from research to design and manufacturing problems. Support for three years may be available if your research project is either product or process orientated.

Previous projects

A previously funded project analysed welded aircraft structure. The successful research student played an important role in Bombardier Aerospace Shorts’ contribution to an ongoing UK based joint aerospace project and was directly involved in developing new designs, stress and analysis techniques for welded components and in expanding structural test programmes.

Another project researched the rotational moulding of plastics that examined and resolved specific manufacturing problems that led to the development of a new line for the company involved.

How the scheme operates

CAST awards, if available, will be advertised by the universities each year. Candidates should apply online for admission and funding to the university at which the particular project is offered by the published closing date.

Your application should include the title of the project applied for and should clearly state that it is for a CAST award. The selection of applicants is based on the university’s published procedures.

Further information

For further details, contact:

The Graduate School
Queen’s University Belfast
University Road
Belfast
BT7 1NN

Telephone: 028 9097 2585
Email: graduateschool@qub.ac.uk

Department for Research and Impact
Ulster University
Cromore Road
Coleraine
Co. Londonderry
BT52 1SA

Telephone: 028 7012 4729
Email: researchstudent@ulster.ac.uk

Department for the Economy
Student Finance branch
Adelaide House
Adelaide Street
Belfast
BT2 8FD

Email: studentsupport@economy-ni.gov.uk

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