Overview
EPSRCs Vacation Internships scheme gives undergraduate students a taster of what it is like to do research. Students are given practical, first-hand experience of working on and carrying out research in a UK university.
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has offered the Royal College of Art additional funding to deliver undergraduate vacation internships in Summer 2026. We are aiming to recruit five internships to work with us for 10 weeks during summer 2026.
Student eligibility
* Registered for a first degree at a UK institution in a subject that falls within the remit of EPSRC
* In the middle years of their undergraduate course
* Able to fulfil EPSRCs doctoral training grant eligibility requirement at the end of their undergraduate degree.
* The scheme may not be used as a bridge between the undergraduate degree and PhD or other work
* Students currently in their final year who will have completed their degree by the summer and are due to graduate in July 2026 are not eligible for this scheme
* Students must be eligible for home fee status at the end of their undergraduate degree.
Successful applicants will be employed as interns and receive a minimum payment rate equivalent to the National Living Wage for a period of up to ten weeks. Please note accommodation is not provided. Students are responsible for making the arrangements and covering the costs for accommodation.
Students who are currently in their final year, and who will have completed their degree by the summer, are not eligible.
If your application is successful, you will undertake a paid, independent research project supervised by academics at the Royal College of Art.
Indicative timeline
* May 2026: recruitment call for applications opens
* End of May: deadline for applications and interviews
* June-August 2026: projects will take place
About the role
* Planning and conducting research investigations and methods
* Scientific review and data analysis
* Presenting outcomes of research to different audiences
* Involvements in meetings and discussions about the research you are working with
Skills and experience
Essential:
* Studying towards a degree in an EPSRC remit related subject
* Evidence of ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
* High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
* Good level of digital literacy and proficiency in the use of productivity suites (email, calendar documents, spreadsheets, databases) such as Microsoft Office or Google for work.
* Good understanding of standards around managing, protecting and re‑using information, including information security best practice and data protection principles.
* Excellent communication skills with people at all levels.
* Evidence of the ability to adapt, use initiative, multi‑task and work as part of a team.
Desirable:
* An enthusiasm to work for EPSRC projects
* Experience of research methods and data analysis
How to apply
Please apply using the short application form and submit a CV and a personal statement (500 words maximum) indicating what you see your contribution to the project would be, along with an interim academic transcript in the uploads section. Please also supply an academic reference in the referees section.
Please see Information Pack for more details.
Closing for applications 11:59 pm on 17 May 2026
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