Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
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271 research degree projects
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Engineering | Sociology, social policy and criminology | Psychology
Evaluating the environmental, health, and equity impacts of mobility hubs
Mobility hubs integrate transport and community services to promote active, sustainable travel. Despite growing UK adoption, evidence on their impacts is limited. This PhD will combine data analysis and community engagement to evaluate current hubs and develop guidance on optimising them to equitably maximise social, health, and environmental benefits. -
Physics and astronomy
Quantum sensing with levitated nanodiamonds
This project develops a gyroscope using a levitated nanodiamond with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers. These systems enable coupling between the mechanical angular momentum of a levitated nanoparticle and its internal electronic spins, opening pathways for quantum control and precision sensing. -
Engineering
Development of advanced intelligent systems for enhancing reliability and mission assurance of small satellites
This project will address the systems engineering challenge of enhancing mission assurance for small satellites by developing an AI-powered risk assessment framework. -
Engineering
Molecular ion beams: from spacecraft propulsion to ion beam etching
Ready to revolutionize microfabrication? Traditional gallium ion sources limit ion beam flexibility, but Ionic Liquid Ion Sources (ILIS) unleash a vast variety of ions for precision etching. Southampton’s cutting-edge PhD project, in partnership with Thermo Fisher, explores ILIS fundamentals—pioneering next-gen focused ion beam technology for unmatched etching control. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Engineering | Electronics and Computer Science | Mathematical sciences | Physics and astronomy
Silicon photonic sensors for early detection of paediatric sepsis
This PhD project focuses on developing silicon photonic sensors that can detect early biomarkers of sepsis in children - quickly, accurately, and at the point of care. -
Engineering
Optical Diagnostics for Condition Monitoring of Next-Generation Batteries
Help shape the future of safe, high-performance batteries. This PhD will develop new optical diagnostic tools to monitor strain, pressure, and temperature inside batteries in real time. You will combine photonics, materials innovation, and sensing technology to create scalable solutions improving reliability and lifetime across energy and transport sectors. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Pushing the boundaries of light: fabricating the next generation of hollow core fibres
This project focuses on developing novel Hollow core fibres designs using cutting-edge fabrication techniques. Applications range from quantum communications and computing to radiation-immune sensors for fusion reactors and particle accelerators. -
Engineering
Novel composite materials in non-ambient environmental conditions
This PhD project explores the behaviour and design of advanced composite materials for use under extreme and non-ambient environmental conditions, particularly at cryogenic temperatures relevant to hydrogen storage. The research aims to develop new composite systems with enhanced toughness, reduced cracking, and improved durability and design margin, enabling safe, efficient, and sustainable hydrogen storage solutions for the clean-energy transition. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Engineering | Electronics and Computer Science | Mathematical sciences | Physics and astronomy
AI-driven silicon photonics circuits design
This PhD applies AI to inverse design, a method that works backwards from desired performance to generate efficient photonic circuits. You'll develop algorithms that intelligently explore vast design spaces, enabling compact, manufacturable light-based chips. -
Engineering
Sounds of healthy soil – foundations of acoustic monitoring of soil bioturbation and soil health
Soil health underpins numerous processes critical to food security. Current methods for evaluating soil health are local, lab-based, and not scalable. This project develops acoustic techniques for monitoring biological activity in soil (e.g., earthworms) that can transform management practices. What does healthy soil sound like?