Select country:
UK
India
Malaysia

Current research degree projects

A researcher at a desk with computers and electronic equipment

Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.

A researcher at a desk with computers and electronic equipment

270 research degree projects

Engineering | Physics and astronomy | Electronics and Computer Science | Mathematical sciences

Investigating surface textures to optimize flow dynamics using multi-fidelity surrogate modeling

This project will develop a multi-scale surrogate modeling framework to optimize passive surface textures (like dimples) for maximum fluid drag reduction. By enabling efficient shape optimization and identifying critical flow parameters, this research seeks to resolve conflicting results and advance the theoretical understanding and practical application of cost-effective flow control in transportation.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 31 December 2029
Engineering

Ultrasonic detection and monitoring of challenging defects in composite pipes

Pipelines are the gold standard of long-range resource transport. Their integrity is paramount to the health of the environment, while remote automated monitoring with minimal intervention is essential for sustainability. Sound is the most powerful sensing modality, which has found numerous applications in non-destructive evaluation. This project addresses small, challenging defects in composite pipes that are not detectable using currently available approaches. This research will develop practical, field-applicable local imaging and long-range monitoring solutions. 

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 30 June 2026
Engineering

Characterising complex materials using ultrasound

This project develops new methods for characterising materials using ultrasound. It focuses on modern manufacturing techniques (additive manufacturing) and classical challenging configurations (thick-section welds). The results of the project will provide invaluable information for component inspections, enabling interpretation and realistic remaining life prediction.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 31 May 2026
Engineering

AI-Driven Durability Design of Sustainable Concrete for Marine Infrastructure

This project develops AI-assisted models to predict the durability of sustainable, low-carbon concrete in marine environments. Combining advanced characterisation of alternative cementitious systems and carbonated concretes with interpretable machine learning, it enables faster, more reliable design of long-lasting marine structures, advancing the transition to Net Zero and circular construction.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 30 June 2026
Photonics and optoelectronics | Physics and astronomy

Quantum frequency conversion with alkali atoms: linking trapped ions to telecom networks

The future Quantum Internet requires coherent transfer of quantum states between disparate platforms. This project develops an alkali-atom-based quantum frequency converter to link trapped-ion quantum processors with telecommunication-wavelength networks. Enabling efficient interfacing between ions and long-distance fiber links is a critical step toward scalable, distributed quantum systems.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 1 August 2026
Engineering

Physics-Informed AI for Energy-Efficient Automotive Aerodynamics

The Aerodynamic Translator is a technology that you'll develop to efficiently predict the aerodynamic performance of a ground vehicle, whether the shape of that object.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 31 March 2026
Engineering

Transition and turbulence simulations for high-speed aerodynamics applications

New computer hardware is enabling us to carry out computer simulations of the most pressing problems in aerodynamics, relating to boundary layer transition and turbulence. On this project you will join a team of researchers exploiting new facilities and tackling challenging problems, both fundamental and applied.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 30 June 2026
Engineering

Crowd sourced traffic control strategies

This project will create a simulated road environment game, to understand how people prioritise different road users, and train the next generation of artificial intelligence based control algorithms to make traffic lights operate the way that people want them to.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 30 September 2026
Photonics and optoelectronics | Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Mathematical sciences

The “self-driving” laser

This PhD will help build the next revolution, the “self-driving” laser, a new class of intelligent light sources that think for themselves. These lasers will sense their environment, learn optimal parameters in real time, and autonomously deliver perfect results across diverse materials and geometries.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 31 July 2026
Engineering

Pedestrian and cyclist path prediction

This project will use artificial intelligence (machine learning) techniques to establish new models of pedestrian, cyclist and scooter rider path prediction for use in complex urban environments.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 30 September 2026