Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
313 research degree projects
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Photonics and optoelectronics
Surface chemistry and gas reactions in hollow-core optical fibres
Hollow core fibres are transforming applications in communications, sensing, and high-power laser delivery. The aim of this project is to study the fundamental reactions that control the stability and lifetime of these novel fibres which guide light through a gas-filled core instead of solid glass. -
Electronics and Computer Science
Spatiotemporal superconducting metasurfaces for next-generation quantum technologies
The aim of this project is to design and pioneer groundbreaking space-time-modulated superconducting metasurfaces to overcome critical quantum computing limitations. This experimental-theoretical PhD will develop dynamic metasurfaces that enable all-to-all qubit connectivity, significantly enhance coherence, and suppress decoherence in next-generation quantum processors, working at the frontier of quantum technologies, quantum computing and electromagnetic engineering. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Nonlinear photonics for quantum technologies
Nonlinear parametric photonics creates an interface between light and the atoms/ions and detectors used in quantum systems. This project combines novel fabrication approaches for nonlinear waveguides with established commercial materials to expand their operation into the ultra-violet and mid-infrared wavelength regions for use in practical quantum systems. -
Engineering | Electronics and Computer Science | Physics and astronomy
Secure wireless communications enabled by intelligent dynamic metasurfaces
Pioneer invisible communications technology for defence and security. This PhD will design software-controlled metasurfaces that manipulate signals without radiating energy, creating undetectable, secure data links. You'll develop cutting-edge electromagnetic systems blending theory, simulation, and experimentation to protect critical communications from interception. -
Engineering
Design and characterisation of advanced composite materials for liquid hydrogen storage at cryogenic temperatures
This project investigates the fracture behaviour and structural integrity of composite cryogenic vessels for liquid hydrogen storage in aerospace applications. Combining low-temperature experimental testing with multiscale numerical modelling, the project aims to develop predictive tools for damage evolution and residual strength, supporting the design of lightweight, safe, and efficient zero-emission aircraft structures. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Picophotonics: the science of light-matter interactions at sub-nanometre scale
Optical imaging and metrology techniques now routinely break the classical diffraction limit on resolution. This project will reach further still: leveraging recent advances in the subwavelength structure of light fields, metamaterials, information theory and artificial intelligence to achieve sub-nanometric (atomic scale!) optical measurement precision. -
Engineering
Large-scale active noise and vibration control system design
The main aim of this research project is to develop novel methods that enable active noise and vibration control systems to be applied more efficiently and effectively to large-scale industrial installations. This research will overcome challenges related to the practical system integration through intelligent algorithm design. -
Engineering
AI-based modelling of perforated surfaces in complex flows for noise control
This project uses physics-informed machine learning to model how perforated surfaces contribute to noise reduction in complex flows. You’ll develop a fundamental understanding and predictive tools to advance noise-control design for transport and HAVC systems, translating advanced AI modelling into practical engineering solutions. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Miniaturised mid-infrared photonic systems for gas detection and mapping
This project explores compact mid-infrared (mid-IR) LiDAR systems for gas sensing. You’ll design and prototype photonic devices that detect and map trace gases using their unique infrared fingerprints. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Optoelectronic topological metasurfaces for light control
Recent developments in quantum materials and topological design principles are transforming the way we control the flow of light and charges. This project will develop nanostructured metasurfaces where optical and electronic functionalities build upon the fields’ vectorial nature and are codesigned, for a new generation of light-emitting and detecting optoelectronic (meta)devices.