Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
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241 research degree projects
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Engineering
Recovering precipitation strengthening in additive friction stir deposition builds: heat-treatment design for microstructure control and property improvement
This project aims to unlock stronger 3D-printed metals. It pioneers new heat-treatment strategies to recover and even surpass the strength of additively manufactured light alloys. Using advanced microscopy, modelling and mechanical testing, you’ll design process–microstructure-properties maps that transform low-strength printed parts into high-performance components for aerospace, transport and hydrogen technologies. -
Engineering
The sentient hearing aid: engineering a symbiotic link between mind and machine
Millions struggle with "hidden hearing loss." Pilot data from our lab shows a disconnect between the brain's effort and listening success. This project will engineer a "sentient" hearing aid that reads the user's unique physiological signature of effort to intelligently adapt its sound processing in real-time. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Biological sciences
Using machine learning to model complex biological interactions
This project aims to build an AI-driven system that analyses live-cell microscopy videos showing how immune cells attack cancer cells. The videos are generated in a biology lab where each experiment can be precisely controlled. You will create machine-learning and computer-vision algorithms that can detect, track, and model these cell-to-cell interactions, revealing patterns that explain when and why immune cells succeed or fail. -
Electronics and Computer Science
Risk management for robust Machine Learning Operations (MLOps)
MLOps refers to the processes for developing and maintaining machine learning systems. Robust MLOps ensure reliability under uncertainty, adversarial conditions, and distributional shifts. Given the massive growth of ML-based projects across scientific fields, effectively managing risks to MLOps robustness has become non-negotiable. -
Electronics and Computer Science
Artificial Medical Intelligence for precision and preventive healthcare
This PhD project focuses on Artificial Medical Intelligence, creating AI tools that anticipate risks rather than respond after disease develops. By integrating real-world health data, you will develop digital twins and predictive models to guide prevention and personalised care, combining machine learning innovation with clinical collaboration to improve outcomes. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Computational physics of high‑power fibre lasers: from nonlinear dynamics to next‑generation applications
This project will use advanced theory and computer simulations to uncover the fundamental processes that restrict laser performance, helping design the next generation of lasers for science, industry, and healthcare. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Physics and astronomy | Mathematical sciences
Ultrafast lasers and high-harmonic generation: Developing compact X‑ray sources for next‑generation imaging
This PhD offers the chance to exploit advanced computer simulations to drive experiments, pushing the boundaries of ultrafast science and opening new frontiers in physics and biomedical applications. Join our interdisciplinary team of physicists, chemists, and engineers to develop a cutting-edge femtosecond laser-based source of X-ray pulses for next-generation imaging. -
Engineering
High-throughput 3D/4D microstructure analysis and feature tracking for alloy design
This project will develop high-throughput program scripts for 3D/4D microstructure analysis and feature tracking to accelerate alloy design based on our developed Track-Rex toolbox. Using advanced microstructure characterisation and deep learning, this project will create automated pipelines linking manufacturing, microstructure evolution, and materials performance, ultimately supporting impactful, interdisciplinary research. -
Physics and astronomy
Terahertz charge dynamics of nanometals in liquids
This research investigates the electronic behaviour of metal nanoparticles in liquid environments. Using advanced terahertz spectroscopy, you will reveal how particle size, shape, and surroundings govern charge transport. The results will advance fundamental understanding with direct relevance to light harvesting, photonics, and catalytic technologies. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering
Dynamic metasurfaces for advanced signal processing
This project aims to design and build software-controlled smart surfaces to shape wireless signals for advanced applications like analogue computation and next-generation communications. It will pioneer active metasurfaces that dynamically steer, process, and amplify electromagnetic waves, blending theoretical modelling, PCB design, and lab testing to create the foundation for future programmable radio environments.