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Current research degree projects

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Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.

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176 research degree projects

Engineering | Electronics and Computer Science | Mathematical sciences

Seeing between the pores: data assimilation of mean flows through porous structures

This project combines cutting-edge data assimilation with experimental and computational fluid dynamics to uncover hidden flow properties in porous materials. By tuning RANS model parameters to experimental data, we infer permeability from geometry-based porosity alone—advancing our ability to predict, model, and understand complex flows through porous structures.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 30 January 2026
Engineering

Best value public procurement models to deliver battery-electric bus fleet

Many governments who contract their bus services to the market have committed to zero emissions bus fleet. Existing procurement frameworks, however, are not well suited to zero-emission transitions. Research is needed to rectify this to secure best value outcomes and improved air quality within fiscal constraints.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 30 June 2026
Engineering

Improving understanding of the inner ear using otoacoustic emissions

This project aims to test our theories of cochlea processes by measuring sounds generated within the cochlea and comparing the results with theoretical predictions. The cochlea generates low-level sounds (otoacoustic emissions) in response to sound stimulation. Novel stimuli will be used to assess the generation mechanisms.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 31 July 2026
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Photonics and optoelectronics

Optoelectronic AI processors for cryogenic and space electronics

This PhD project aims to develop error-tolerant AI processors for cryogenic and space electronics using optomemristor technology, which mimics neural networks and offers ultra-fast, low-power computing. Collaboration with Von Ardenne GmbH provides industrial insights into material processing and photonic integration for advanced chip design.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 31 December 2026
Photonics and optoelectronics | Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Engineering | Physics and astronomy

Mid-infrared nonlinear effect and devices based on soft-glass optical fibers

Current nonlinear fiber optic devices mainly focus on the visible and near-infrared bands. The project focuses on the development of mid-infrared (MIR) nonlinear optics and integrated nonlinear devices using soft-glass optical fibers to achieve efficient light generation and manipulation in the 2–20 µm spectral region.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 31 August 2026
Electronics and Computer Science

Symmetry-restricted quantum parameterised circuit generative models

Recognising patterns in data to simulate their distributions is a machine learning task that can be enhanced by generating measurement samples from quantum states that are suitably prepared by parameterised quantum circuits. By exploiting symmetry properties, the project will build efficient quantum generative models that have a wide range of applications.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 30 September 2026
Photonics and optoelectronics | Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Engineering | Physics and astronomy

Low-loss mid-infrared microstructured optical fibers

Mid-infrared (MIR) optical fibers are critical for applications such as environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics and chemical sensing. This project aims to develop low-loss MIR microstructured optical fibers (MOFs) for efficient light transmission in MIR spectral region (2–20 µm).

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 31 August 2026
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering

Smart sustainable E-Textile fitness and wellbeing monitoring system

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join us and study for your PhD where you will develop a novel textile-based wearable sensing system combining multiple sensor inputs. We are seeking 1 outstanding Doctoral Researcher (DR) candidate for a fully-funded studentship.

Funding: Fully funded (UK only)

Closing date: 28 November 2025
Electronics and Computer Science

Scalable and explainable time-series machine learning

This project advances time-series machine learning, including classification, clustering, and regression, by scaling and extending state-of-the-art methods, designing novel deep and ensemble models that exploit temporal structure, and improving usability and explainability. Research is driven by real-world case studies and delivered via the open-source aeon toolkit, with extensive international collaboration.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 12 December 2025
Photonics and optoelectronics

Grating waveguide structures for high-power lasers

Novel dispersive photonic devices are opening up incredible possibilities for efficient lasers and light manipulation. We’re looking for a passionate PhD student to join a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action doctoral training network and push the boundaries of what’s possible with nanofabrication technology.

Funding: Fully funded (UK and international)

Closing date: 31 March 2026