Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
288 research degree projects
-
Photonics and optoelectronics | Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Mathematical sciences
The “self-driving” laser
This PhD will help build the next revolution, the “self-driving” laser, a new class of intelligent light sources that think for themselves. These lasers will sense their environment, learn optimal parameters in real time, and autonomously deliver perfect results across diverse materials and geometries. -
Engineering
Pedestrian and cyclist path prediction
This project will use artificial intelligence (machine learning) techniques to establish new models of pedestrian, cyclist and scooter rider path prediction for use in complex urban environments. -
Engineering
Cryogenic mechanical behaviour and hydrogen compatibility of stainless steels for next-generation hydrogen infrastructure
This project explores advanced stainless steels for safe and efficient liquid hydrogen (LH₂) storage in future zero-emission maritime transport. Focusing on their behaviour under extreme cryogenic and hydrogen environments, the research will uncover mechanisms controlling strength, ductility, and degradation, guiding the development of durable materials for next-generation hydrogen energy infrastructure. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Therapeutic drug monitoring using silicon photonics circuits
Help transform how medicines are monitored and delivered.This project develops silicon photonic sensors that use mid-infrared light to measure drug levels instantly at the point of care. Working with NHS clinicians and experts at Southampton’s world-leading Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), you’ll gain cutting-edge skills in photonics, fabrication, and healthcare innovation. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Manufacture of photonic and quantum technologies via ultra-precision diamond machining
This project will develop the core components of superconducting, photonic and atom/ion trap quantum systems using ultra-precision diamond machining. The project will work with leaders in the field (academia and industry) to create vacuum systems with integrated photonics and electrical functionality. -
Electronics and Computer Science
Privacy and security risks in large language models
Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT-4 are transforming how we use information but also exposing new privacy and security risks. This project explores how sensitive data can leak from deployed LLMs and their applications, developing auditing and mitigation methods to make LLMs-based systems safer, more transparent, and accountable across domains. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Mid-infrared hollow-core fibre and laser development
Are you interested in photonics and technologies that can truly impact our world? Then why not join the world-leading research team at the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) to develop cutting-edge mid-infrared hollow-core optical fibres (HCFs) and laser systems that could transform medicine, manufacturing, and sensing technologies. -
Engineering
Next-Generation UV-Visible Guiding Hollow-Core Fibres
Are you passionate about photonics, optical fibres, and materials science? Join the Hollow-Core Fibre Group at the University of Southampton to help shape the future of optical fibres through the development of ultra-low loss hollow-core optical fibres (HCFs) for the UV-visible spectrum. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
A Quantum Leap for Quantum Technology
Take a Quantum Leap into the Future of PhotonicsAre you passionate about quantum technologies and cutting-edge photonics? Join the Hollow Core Fibre Group at the University of Southampton, in collaboration with Microsoft Azure Fiber, to help shape the future of quantum computing and communication. -
Engineering | Mathematical sciences | Geography and environmental science
High-fidelity simulations of wind and dispersion over a city-scale urban area
We live in a rapidly changing world. It is crucial that we understand such a complex system and build reliable predictive tools in time. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model includes buildings and abrupt terrains in a city-scale environment. It aims to understand across-scale physical processes with a focus on metre to kilometre scales and develop a fast CFD tool.