Recruitment for the PLANET programme is now closed for 2026/27.
PLANET aims to recruit from a wide pool of UK-based applicants with a background in physics and related disciplines. We value diversity and inclusion. We will recruit postgraduate researchers who are at various career stages. Reskilling and upskilling existing members of the nuclear workforce will be essential in developing subject-matter experts.
The application process will be a two-stage process consisting of an application form, followed by an interview for candidates shortlisted at the application stage. Candidates will apply directly to PLANET, rather than to the individual partner universities, in the first instance.
PLANET will be attractive to those with a strong numerate, problem-solving background in education or prior employment. PLANET would be a natural home for those with a physics degree or, indeed, engineering, natural sciences and chemistry. We are also keen to reach those with a background in data science and AI who wish to reskill.
Eligibility
To be able to apply for PLANET you must be eligible for home-fee status.
Your fee status is decided based on your nationality or immigration status, and where you usually live ('ordinary residence'). There are some exceptions for refugees and frontier workers. Each university and authority makes its own decision about fee statuses. The governments of the four countries of the UK set out guidelines, which we refer to when making our assessments.
Are you eligible for home fee status?
You normally need to be a British Citizen or have indefinite leave to remain in the UK, and to have been ordinarily resident here for some years to be classified as a home student. Time spent in the UK for educational purposes is not counted as ordinary residence.
Students living in the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey are usually charged the same fee as UK students. EU citizens with settled or pre-settled UK status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, are eligible for a UK rate if the usual residency requirements are met.
If you are unsure whether you might qualify foe home-fee status, please email PLANET-dfa-centre@york.ac.uk.