Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
266 research degree projects
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Engineering
System identification of nonlinear space structures via physics-informed machine learning
Modern lightweight space structures face harsh environments and often exhibit nonlinear dynamics due to contacts, friction, and geometric nonlinearities. This project combines numerical, analytical, and experimental methods to develop physics-informed machine learning tools for efficient nonlinear system identification, enabling accurate modelling and validation of the next-generation space technologies. -
Engineering
Advanced active thermography inspection for aerospace composites
The Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at the University of Southampton is offering PhD scholarships focused on using active thermography to inspect aerospace composites. The project aims to improve how defects are detected and analysed in aircraft materials, helping ensure safer and more efficient maintenance. -
Engineering
Transport symbolism and mode choice across cultures
Transport symbolism, which refers to what a user perceives their travel mode says about them, is an important influencer of modal choice. This project builds upon qualitative work, by quantitatively examining how different transport users across varying cultures rate symbolic considerations relative to instrumental measures when choosing a travel mode. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Engineering | Physics and astronomy
Photonic fibres for renewable energy
This project repurposes photonic fibre technologies—central to global telecoms—for renewable energy applications, including solar generation and low-cost storage. Combining cleanroom fabrication, optical characterization, and simulation, it supports net-zero goals through scalable photonic platforms, guided by a multidisciplinary team in photonics, manufacturing, and decarbonisation. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Electronics and Computer Science | Physics and astronomy
Mid infrared metaoptics and diffractive optical computing
This project focuses on designing and fabricating novel photonic computing devices using chalcogenide glass materials such as sulfur (S), selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te). These materials enable the creation of micro and nanoscale structures known as meta-optics, that precisely control light over a broad spectral range. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Physics and astronomy | Electronics and Computer Science
AI directed materials discovery and atomistic modelling
This project develops chalcogenide glass materials for optical and electronic applications using cleanroom fabrication and AI-driven simulations. It aims to replace rare elements with earth-abundant alternatives, combining experimental and computational methods to create advanced materials with broad industrial potential and train researchers in cutting-edge, transferable skills. -
Engineering
Ultrasonic drilling for minimally invasive assessment of inhomogeneous damage in degraded concrete
This project aims to develop a robot-integrated ultrasonic drilling system for minimally invasive, high-resolution assessment of inhomogeneous damage in degraded concrete. By combining ultrasonic sensing and force measurement during drilling, the system enables real-time subsurface characterization in extreme environments such as underwater or post-fire, supporting safer infrastructure inspection and maintenance. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering
AI-assisted design of intelligent antimicrobials for gastrointestinal disease treatment
This project aims to develop AI-driven, metal-based smart antimicrobials targeting gastrointestinal infections and antimicrobial resistance. You will use cutting-edge AI drug design and microfluidic organ-on-a-chip technology for rapid, animal-free drug screening. -
Engineering
Intelligent electrical impedance matching for ultrasonic surgical devices under varying load conditions
This project aims to investigate the effect of varying excitation and loading on the change of electrical impedance of the ultrasonic surgical devices during tissue cutting. It also seeks to implement intelligent and self-adaptive control algorithm. The goal is to achieve a state of autonomously matched impedance between the load and the ultrasonic resonance tracking system. This will help maximise the ultrasonic energy transmission efficiency. -
Engineering
Aero-engine and aircraft noise research: multiple opportunities from multi-fidelity modelling to community impact
The projects offered span from fast, empirical tools for aero-engine noise prediction, based on high-fidelity CFD or experiments, to full-aircraft and fleet-level noise modelling. These projects will be conducted within the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Propulsion Systems Noise.