Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
288 research degree projects
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Engineering
Uncertainty quantification to improve the design of civil engineering infrastructure
This project combines ground engineering with statistical uncertainty quantification to support sustainable decision-making for infrastructure construction. Work with real-world data, expert teams, and cutting-edge techniques to reduce over-conservatism in design and construction. -
Engineering
Laboratory testing of weathered clays and mudstones to support transport and energy construction
This project investigates the engineering properties of weathered Jurassic and Triassic mudstones. Using samples obtained during the construction of the HS2 high-speed railway, it explores how these materials respond to construction loading. Results will inform more cost-effective design and construction of transport and energy infrastructure built on mudstone outcrops. -
Engineering | Electronics and Computer Science | Mathematical sciences
Seeing between the pores: data assimilation of mean flows through porous structures
This project combines cutting-edge data assimilation with experimental and computational fluid dynamics to uncover hidden flow properties in porous materials. By tuning RANS model parameters to experimental data, we infer permeability from geometry-based porosity alone—advancing our ability to predict, model, and understand complex flows through porous structures. -
Engineering
Best value public procurement models to deliver battery-electric bus fleet
Many governments who contract their bus services to the market have committed to zero emissions bus fleet. Existing procurement frameworks, however, are not well suited to zero-emission transitions. Research is needed to rectify this to secure best value outcomes and improved air quality within fiscal constraints. -
Engineering
Improving understanding of the inner ear using otoacoustic emissions
This project aims to test our theories of cochlea processes by measuring sounds generated within the cochlea and comparing the results with theoretical predictions. The cochlea generates low-level sounds (otoacoustic emissions) in response to sound stimulation. Novel stimuli will be used to assess the generation mechanisms. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Photonics and optoelectronics
Optoelectronic AI processors for cryogenic and space electronics
This PhD project aims to develop error-tolerant AI processors for cryogenic and space electronics using optomemristor technology, which mimics neural networks and offers ultra-fast, low-power computing. Collaboration with Von Ardenne GmbH provides industrial insights into material processing and photonic integration for advanced chip design. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Engineering | Physics and astronomy
Mid-infrared nonlinear effect and devices based on soft-glass optical fibers
Current nonlinear fiber optic devices mainly focus on the visible and near-infrared bands. The project focuses on the development of mid-infrared (MIR) nonlinear optics and integrated nonlinear devices using soft-glass optical fibers to achieve efficient light generation and manipulation in the 2–20 µm spectral region. -
Electronics and Computer Science
Symmetry-restricted quantum parameterised circuit generative models
Recognising patterns in data to simulate their distributions is a machine learning task that can be enhanced by generating measurement samples from quantum states that are suitably prepared by parameterised quantum circuits. By exploiting symmetry properties, the project will build efficient quantum generative models that have a wide range of applications. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Engineering | Physics and astronomy
Low-loss mid-infrared microstructured optical fibers
Mid-infrared (MIR) optical fibers are critical for applications such as environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics and chemical sensing. This project aims to develop low-loss MIR microstructured optical fibers (MOFs) for efficient light transmission in MIR spectral region (2–20 µm). -
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering
Smart sustainable E-Textile fitness and wellbeing monitoring system
We have an exciting opportunity for you to join us and study for your PhD where you will develop a novel textile-based wearable sensing system combining multiple sensor inputs. We are seeking 1 outstanding Doctoral Researcher (DR) candidate for a fully-funded studentship.