PhD Projects | Study | University of Southampton

Search PhD projects

211 research degree projects

Ocean and earth science

Earth System Tipping Points and Instability in Past Oceans and Climates

This PhD combines Earth system modelling and geologic records to investigate past climate instability: how the climate-ocean system responds to geologic disruption, like massive CO2 release or removal events. You’ll develop climate models and link these with data to understand how the ocean and climate have responded to disruptions – essential for understanding climate tipping points. 

Funding: Fully funded (UK only)

Closing date: 8 June 2026
Electronics and Computer Science

Feasibility of wearable neuroimaging for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease using navigation and naturalistic tasks

Dementia severely impairs cognition, and presently, with no cure, making early diagnosis is crucial to mitigate symptoms and slow progression. This project will develop wearable neuroimaging tools to identify haemodynamic biomarkers associated with dementia onset, using naturalistic tasks.

Funding: Fully funded (UK only)

Closing date: 17 July 2026
Art, design, media and fashion

Portsmouth 1980s underground nightclubs as sites for long term identity formation

This research project considers the Impact and legacy of Portsmouth’s underground nightclub scene in the 1980s and the formation of identity through dress. It will involve developing oral history and wardrobe projects, and working closely with Portsmouth Museums’ local and social history collections. The project will be jointly supervised by Rebecca Wallis (Collections Manager) and Grace Scott (programming and engagement Manager) Portsmouth City Museums, and Prof. Jo Turney and Dr Shaun Cole, department of Fashion and Textiles, Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton. The student will be expected to spend time at both Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, and Portsmouth City Council and Museums as well as becoming part of the wider cohort of CDP funded students across the UK. The student will be embedded with the activities of the Intersectionality: Politics, Identities, Cultures, (iPIC) Research Group (Research | Intersectionality: Politics - Identities - Cultures Research Group | University of Southampton). 

Funding: Fully funded (UK only)

Closing date: 10 June 2026
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Simulations for the new generation of batteries: optimising sodium-ion battery performance via atomistic, AI, and continuum modelling

This project examines how sodium‑ion batteries can overcome limitations in capacity and cycling lifetime to rival lithium‑ion batteries. It will parameterize the Faraday Institution multiscale modelling project’s atomistic-to-continuum simulations specifically for sodium-ion systems, discovering materials for next-generation sodium-ion batteries. 

Funding: Fully funded (UK only)

Closing date: 31 July 2026
Engineering

Predicting fluid-borne noise from fluid-filled pipes

This project, funded by Rolls-Royce, will investigate and improve methods for predicting fluid-borne noise generated by fluid flow through pipe systems. You'll design and build an experimental noise test rig to study fluid–structure interactions and advance noise prediction capability across both broadband and narrowband regimes. 

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 30 June 2026
Engineering

AI-enhanced X-ray CT for defect detection in advanced manufacturing

This project develops advanced AI tools to detect hidden defects in advanced manufactured components using X-ray CT imaging. It combines machine learning, 3D imaging, and manufacturing science to create automated inspection systems that improve product reliability, reduce human error, and support the future of intelligent, high-value manufacturing industries.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 31 August 2026
Engineering

Bio‑inspired multi‑modal perception for dynamic adaptation in robotic formation flight

Flying robots must work together reliably even when vision, GPS, or communications fail. This project explores bio‑inspired robotics, based in our new Aerospace Robotics Control & Simulation (ARCS) facility, where You'll use a KUKA KR10 robot arm to collect data, build intelligent sensing models, and develop control and simulation tools for autonomous aircraft.

Funding: Fully funded (UK only)

Closing date: 2 August 2026
Electronics and Computer Science

Metasurface technologies for physical AI: machine learning-enabled nanophotonics for medical applications and consumer electronics

This project will develop next-generation metasurfaces for physical artificial intelligence (Physical AI), where sensing, computation, and decision-making are directly embedded into the physical hardware. 

Funding: Fully funded (UK only)

Closing date: 31 July 2026
Engineering

Autonomous close-proximity spacecraft operations: hardware-in-the-loop validation of neuromorphic event cameras

This project aims to overcome the challenges of testing spacecraft control algorithms on real hardware in Earth-based environments. Using our new Aerospace Robotics Control & Simulation (ARCS) facility, we will investigate specifically how bio-inspired neuromorphic event cameras enable resilient, low-compute, autonomous spacecraft proximity operation, and we will experimentally validate the system under realistic space-like conditions using our KUKA KR10 robot arm.

Funding: Fully funded (UK only)

Closing date: 2 August 2026
Engineering

Multimodal modelling of personalised haemodynamics in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)

Heart failure affects millions, yet personalised treatments remain limited. This project develops advanced computational models to simulate the progression of patient-specific heart function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). It combines image-based fluid–structure interaction modelling and statistical emulation to improve diagnosis and enable more precise treatments.

Funding: Fully funded (UK only)

Closing date: 1 October 2026