Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
280 research degree projects
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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. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Assessing regional economic impact of technology adoption and diffusion
The project will investigate how technology adoption and diffusion shape regional economic growth and inequality. It will integrate econometric modelling, spatial analysis, and case studies to assess productivity, employment, and innovation effects. The research will aim to inform policies that enhance inclusive regional development and sustainable technological transformation across diverse economies. -
Engineering
Integrating novel ground investigation techniques for efficient wind farm foundation design
Recent advances in geophysical site surveying and machine learning have enabled the generation of synthetic Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data at arbitrary locations in a potential wind farm. In this project, you will gain skills and undertake research to unlock the potential of these valuable tools for efficient foundation design. -
Ocean and earth science
Exploring the impact of climate change on flooding and new hazards to assets of the General Lighthouse Authorities of the UK and Ireland
This project assesses climate change risks to assets operated by the General Lighthouse Authority of the UK and Ireland. Using GIS mapping, historical datasets, and hydrodynamic modelling, the impacts of sea-level rise, storm surges, and coastal erosion will be evaluated for supporting the resilience of these crucial and charismatic assets. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Amorphous nonlinear photonics for scalable next-generation optical and quantum devices
This project advances amorphous nonlinear photonics by inducing second order optical nonlinearity in amorphous thin films for broadband, on-chip modulators and quantum devices. Combining design, simulation, thermal poling, microfabrication, and characterization, it develops scalable photonic platforms for communication, sensing, and quantum technologies such as on-chip photon pair generation. -
Geography and environmental science | Ocean and earth science
Stories from the shore: employing oral histories for just decision making in estuarine flood and coastal risk management
Development of sustainable outcomes that also build resilience to increasing flood risk in estuaries requires better understanding of the relationships between people, nature and place. This project examines how place-specific knowledge can be embedded in estuarine flood and coastal risk management, to support just decision making. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Physics and astronomy | Mathematical sciences
Energy-efficient multicore fibre amplifiers for future submarine networks
This PhD project develops next-generation multicore fibre amplifiers for sustainable submarine networks. The research combines simulation and experiment to create energy-efficient, high-capacity amplification technologies that reduce power consumption, cost per bit, and enhance future global communication infrastructure. -
Geography and environmental science | Ocean and earth science
Flood-driven habitat change and the spread of aquatic invasive species
This PhD explores how floods reshape river habitats and drive the spread of invasive species. Using hydrological modelling, experimental ecology and individual-based modelling, the project links flood dynamics with invasion pathways in UK and South African rivers, generating evidence to inform climate-resilient flood and invasive species management. -
Engineering | Electronics and Computer Science | Physics and astronomy
Leveraging machine learning for design optimisation of mechanical metamaterials
The main aim of this PhD is to design advanced and novel mechanical metamaterials that can achieve high levels of noise and vibration isolation. This will be achieved through the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence methodologies to enable optimal design of these emerging noise and vibration control treatments.