Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
344 research degree projects
-
Electronics and Computer Science
Artificial intelligence techniques for illness detection by using MRI
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) affects babies' brains during the childbirth due to shortages of oxygen. Using Artificial Intelligence techniques, HIE disease is diagnosed much earlier than two years which is the current normal practice in hospitals. As a result of HIE early detection, then early interventions can be applied to improve the babies health. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Low-noise fibre lasers for next-generation quantum systems
This project will pioneer ultra-stable, low-noise fibre lasers engineering for next-generation quantum technologies. By combining innovative cavity design, thermal control, and frequency stabilization, you'll develop compact, high-performance laser systems crucial for quantum sensing, secure communications, and advanced photonic computing platforms. -
Physics and astronomy
The evolution of compact binary stars: next generation population synthesis
Binaries containing white dwarfs, neutron stars or black holes produce many key astrophysical systems, from supernovae to merging black holes. However, their long-term evolution remains poorly understood. In this project, you will develop a next-generation framework for determining the evolution compact binaries using the latest theoretical, observational and computational developments. -
Physics and astronomy
The forgotten population of gravitational wave sources
The detection of gravitational waves (GWs) has been a huge breakthrough in physics. Today's GW detectors are located on Earth, but the next big milestone will be a space-based GW observatory called "LISA". In this project, we will study a crucial, but overlooked, GW source population for LISA: contact binaries. -
Physics and astronomy
Accretion disk winds in quasars
Supermassive black holes in quasars control the growth of their host galaxies by driving powerful outflows from the disks that surround them. Despite their importance, we know almost nothing about these disk winds. In this project, You will construct a physical picture of quasar outflows by modelling their observational signatures. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering
Designing low-power digital integrated circuits for machine learning based signal processing
There is a growing demand for high-throughput and low-power signal processing in implantable devices. Traditional DSP engines struggle with this need, while compact AI models can offer better accuracy with smaller code sizes. Efficient implementation on silicon can allow small components to run effective machine learning algorithms with minimal power use. -
Engineering
Turbulent boundary layers in realistic conditions
This project aims to carry out state-of-the-art experiments to generate new data that will transform our understanding and predictive approaches for turbulent boundary layers in realistic conditions. Understanding and modelling these flows are increasingly important for innovative technologies in transportation, energy, and environmental sectors. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Optoelectronic backplane for computing and quantum applications
The aim of this project is to build the next generation of optical backbone for artificial intelligence (AI) hardware, computing and quantum technologies. You’ll design, fabricate and test silicon photonic circuits for ultra-fast data-links, gaining hands-on experience in cleanroom processes, simulation and characterisation within a world-leading silicon photonics group and in collaboration with industry partners. -
Engineering
Using vibration to explore human balance function
A well functioning balance (vestibular) system is essential for everyday life. When illnesses affect vestibular function it can be very disabling. This project aims to use world leading vibration test facilities to apply controlled motions to humans with the aim to test and improving understanding of the human balance system. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Photonics and optoelectronics | Engineering | Physics and astronomy
Nanolaser–to–silicon coupling for high-bandwidth optical switching
Join a PhD at the University of Southampton to build optoelectronic neural-networks and hardware for neuromorphic computing. You’ll design, fabricate and test III–V-on-silicon photonic circuits for AI inference and ultra-fast data-links. Learn cleanroom, simulation and characterisation skills in a supportive, world-leading silicon photonics group with industry and international collaborators.