Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
450 research degree projects
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Ocean and earth science
A closer look at the submesoscale: Leveraging shipboard velocity measurements
Submesoscale motions are difficult to directly observe in the ocean. This project will leverage specialised processing of existing Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements to enable a more detailed observational picture of the submesoscale. Using this novel perspective, the student will help refine our understanding of submesoscale currents and waves. -
Ocean and earth science
Coupling of seismic and electromagnetic signals at ocean floor sensors
We can obtain complementary information about the composition of Earth’s mantle and crust from seismic and electromagnetic signals. The project will explore the detection of seismic signals by seafloor electromagnetic sensors and vice versa, using several datasets including new data collected in September 2023 with co-located seismic and electromagnetic sensors. -
Ocean and earth science
Understanding the sensitivity of ecological metrics to subsea imaging conditions
Photography is a key tool in monitoring remote marine habitats, but determining real ecological change is hampered by a lack of comparability between rapidly improving camera systems. This project will maximise comparability in image-derived ecological metrics by evaluating and minimizing sources of method bias, considering human- and AI-generated data. -
Ocean and earth science
Pump it down - Tracking Carbon in the Labrador Sea’s Climate-Critical Ecosystem
You will investigate sinking particles key role in ocean carbon storage –– in a region identified as climate-system tipping point: The Labrador Sea. You will use state-of-the-art in situ images of plankton and particles collected autonomously over an entire year to understand and quantify this critical ecosystem. -
Ocean and earth science
Unravelling the mystery of mesopelagic carbon cycling by microbes
Marine microbes are key drivers of biogeochemical cycling. Assessment of their activities, so-far mostly done by shipboard incubations, are prone to artefacts from inevitable changes in incubation conditions. This project utilizes a novel technology to capture microbial activities in situ to tackle critical questions on carbon-cycling in the mesopelagic ocean. -
Ocean and earth science
Smart integration of geotechnical and geophysical parameters across kilometre-scale offshore wind farms
Geoscience plays a pivotal role in delivering offshore wind power. The aim of this project is to optimise the characterisation of the seabed over kilometre-scale offshore wind farms at the accuracy required. To do this, the student will investigate novel techniques to correlate geotechnical engineering properties and geophysical parameters. -
Ocean and earth science
Progressive serpentinization for carbon capture and gold hydrogen generation
Unusual reactions occur when Earth mantle rocks react with surface waters. Dense, reduced anhydrous rocks are transformed into easily deformed serpentinites with the generation of abiotic “gold” hydrogen and high pH fluids that can capture atmospheric CO2. This project will investigate on-going serpentinization fluids and minerals produced by these reactions. -
Ocean and earth science
How does the North Atlantic respond to changing Mediterranean water?
While palaeoclimate records suggest that Mediterranean Overflow Water (MOW) dramatically impacted the Atlantic Meridional Overturning (AMOC) circulation, its role in the modern ocean remains uncertain. In situ observations and numerical models will be used to explore impacts on the AMOC of recent and future changes in MOW properties and circulation. -
Ocean and earth science
Eddies in the Southern Ocean: interactions and feedback with sea ice
Reduced Antarctic sea-ice since 2016 may have promoted the growth of eddies, enhancing heat transport to polar seas. This project investigates whether these changes have warmed the upper-ocean, contributing to persistently low sea-ice extent in recent years. The hypothesis explores the relationships between diminished sea-ice cover, increased eddy activity, and shifts in ocean dynamics. -
Ocean and earth science
Antarctic biogeochemical changes in response to mixing by internal tsunamis
Calving glaciers generate internal tsunamis in the surface ocean mixed layer, a phenomenon accelerating with climate change. However, the impacts on biogeochemistry are completely unknown. This project will measure how internal tsunamis impact the biogeochemistry of coastal Antarctic ecosystems relative to other aspects of our changing climate.