Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
275 research degree projects
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Physics and astronomy | Engineering | Photonics and optoelectronics
Terahertz beam modulation and steering
This project will focus on designing and testing terahertz (THz) light modulators and manipulators using microstructured materials combined with liquid crystals. It will explore how such systems can resonantly amplify THz field, causing the adjacent layer of liquid crystals to locally reorient thus changing the optical transmission and beam path. -
Physics and astronomy | Engineering | Photonics and optoelectronics
Silicon-liquid crystal systems for dynamic wavefront control and light modulation
The project will focus on developing a new, adaptive meta-optical platform, combining micro-structured silicon with the tuneable layer made of liquid crystals for effective manipulation of near- and mid-infrared beams. -
Physics and astronomy | Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering
Development of large-area infrared metaoptics technologies
The project will explore the design and fabrication of metasurface-based optical components using advanced full-wafer fabrication tools available in the University of Southampton cleanrooms and use advanced nanophotonics laboratories for testing. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Antiresonant hollow core optical fibre precision coils
A miles-long glass tube thinner than a human hair enshrouds delicate glass capillaries with sub-micron thickness; this is Antiresonant hollow-core optical fibre, the next generation of fibre technology already creating new fields in data, quantum, sensing and healthcare. This project explores deploying these novel fibres in compact coils for sensing. -
Engineering | Biological sciences | Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Microbial electrochemical process-based flue gas CO2 sequestration
The work aims to develop a modular system for simultaneous CO2 sequestration and platform chemical production from O2 containing flue gas. Optimisation of the central microbial electrochemical process is one of the focuses of this project in order to maximise the performance of the system. -
Engineering | Biological sciences
Anaerobic fermentation for medium chain carboxylic acid production
This project builds on Southampton’s extensive expertise in anaerobic biotechnology for bio-based circular economy. Currently most fatty acid production is from a petrochemical basis, however anaerobic fermentation allows the use of low value feedstocks to co-produce fatty acids and other platform chemicals in a single system. -
Engineering | Physics and astronomy | Electronics and Computer Science
Optimisation of mid-voltage DC switches /circuit breakers with a snubber capacitor and an air blast
A research project within the Doctoral Centre for Advanced Electrical Power Engineering will consider a complex set of plasma phenomena and physical processes taking place during contact opening in DC switches as well as an optimisation of the devices design to extend its applicability for higher currents and voltages. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Physics and astronomy | Mathematical sciences
Polarization effects in antiresonant hollow core optical fibres
Dive into the mysterious world of polarization in antiresonant hollow core fibres, where conventional wisdom is turned on its head, and unexpected phenomena emerge every day. Through your insights and innovation, you will shape the future of this cutting-edge technology from data centres, to high-power lasers, to space systems. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering
Piezoelectric Nano-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NOEMS) resonators for neuromorphic computing
Physical reservoir computing is attracting much attention as a simple and energy-efficient option of neuromorphic computing and our focus is to use Micro or Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS/NEMS) technologies to meet the system requirements of low-power consumption, high device density for high speed processing, and suitable nonlinearity and memory capacity at the same time. -
Engineering
Modelling of gust-propeller interaction noise
This project investigates gust–propeller interaction noise for eVTOL aircraft. Using time-domain modelling, CFD, and experiments validations, it will characterize unsteady aerodynamic loads and validate classical gust-response models. The project aims to predict and mitigate noise in urban environments, supporting quieter, safer, and more efficient eVTOL designs.