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
Distributed acoustic sensing for complex environments
This project investigates the fundamental physics of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) using optical fibres. DAS is an exciting technology enabling large-scale acoustic monitoring. Although it is commercially available, numerous fundamental aspects of how it works remain to be explained. This research will lay the groundwork for physics-based analysis of various DAS configurations and evaluate the performance of array signal processing algorithms applied to DAS signals from complex environments. -
Engineering | Physics and astronomy | Electronics and Computer Science | Mathematical sciences
Investigating surface textures to optimize flow dynamics using multi-fidelity surrogate modeling
This project will develop a multi-scale surrogate modeling framework to optimize passive surface textures (like dimples) for maximum fluid drag reduction. By enabling efficient shape optimization and identifying critical flow parameters, this research seeks to resolve conflicting results and advance the theoretical understanding and practical application of cost-effective flow control in transportation. -
Engineering
Ultrasonic detection and monitoring of challenging defects in composite pipes
Pipelines are the gold standard of long-range resource transport. Their integrity is paramount to the health of the environment, while remote automated monitoring with minimal intervention is essential for sustainability. Sound is the most powerful sensing modality, which has found numerous applications in non-destructive evaluation. This project addresses small, challenging defects in composite pipes that are not detectable using currently available approaches. This research will develop practical, field-applicable local imaging and long-range monitoring solutions. -
Engineering
Characterising complex materials using ultrasound
This project develops new methods for characterising materials using ultrasound. It focuses on modern manufacturing techniques (additive manufacturing) and classical challenging configurations (thick-section welds). The results of the project will provide invaluable information for component inspections, enabling interpretation and realistic remaining life prediction. -
Engineering
AI-Driven Durability Design of Sustainable Concrete for Marine Infrastructure
This project develops AI-assisted models to predict the durability of sustainable, low-carbon concrete in marine environments. Combining advanced characterisation of alternative cementitious systems and carbonated concretes with interpretable machine learning, it enables faster, more reliable design of long-lasting marine structures, advancing the transition to Net Zero and circular construction. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Physics and astronomy
Quantum frequency conversion with alkali atoms: linking trapped ions to telecom networks
The future Quantum Internet requires coherent transfer of quantum states between disparate platforms. This project develops an alkali-atom-based quantum frequency converter to link trapped-ion quantum processors with telecommunication-wavelength networks. Enabling efficient interfacing between ions and long-distance fiber links is a critical step toward scalable, distributed quantum systems. -
Engineering
Physics-Informed AI for Energy-Efficient Automotive Aerodynamics
The Aerodynamic Translator is a technology that you'll develop to efficiently predict the aerodynamic performance of a ground vehicle, whether the shape of that object. -
Engineering
Transition and turbulence simulations for high-speed aerodynamics applications
New computer hardware is enabling us to carry out computer simulations of the most pressing problems in aerodynamics, relating to boundary layer transition and turbulence. On this project you will join a team of researchers exploiting new facilities and tackling challenging problems, both fundamental and applied. -
Engineering
Crowd sourced traffic control strategies
This project will create a simulated road environment game, to understand how people prioritise different road users, and train the next generation of artificial intelligence based control algorithms to make traffic lights operate the way that people want them to. -
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.