The University of Bristol is offering a further 6 projects for doctoral studies, one of which is in collaboration with the National Composites Centre (NCC) starting in September 2025 with a focus on the creation of sustainable and efficient solutions for the design of composite structures. The projects will be part of the new Centre in Doctoral Training (CDT) launched in 2024 following on from five previous successful centres in Bristol Composites Institute (BCI). The purpose of the CDT is to train future leaders to doctoral level with the skills and expertise to address the design, manufacture and assurance of composite products. Alongside conducting your research project you will follow a taught programme that provides an in depth knowledge of composite materials and their use, with a focus on sustainability and the circular economy. You will also follow a structured professional development programme, alongside the research and taught programme, to prepare you for a future career in industry or academia.
We are seeking highly motivated and committed individuals with an eye on the future, who are interested in conducting stimulating and essential, industrially relevant, research and have a passion for finding sustainable solutions. There are many challenges in understanding the behaviour of composite materials and structures, so the projects seek to develop new manufacturing routes, design concepts, analysis procedures and development of new solutions.
To support applications and raise awareness of the activities of the CDT we are hosting an open day at University of Bristol on 29th April 2025. You will have an opportunity to meet current students, discuss projects with the Director and supervisors, as well as an opportunity to see the facilities in Bristol Composites Institute. If you wish to attend our open day please complete this expression of interest form.
Type of award: Engineering Doctorate
Research focus areas: Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Design Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Research group Bristol Composites Institute.
Scholarship details: A tax-free enhanced stipend of £24,917 (based on 2024/25 UKRI rates.The UKRI rate will increase each year), a fee waiver and generous financial support for research and training for the successful candidates.
Duration: 4 years
Eligibility: Home/permanent UK residents only subject to security clearance
Start Date: September 2025
Candidate Requirements: Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum a 2:1 MEng or merit at Masters level or equivalent in engineering, physics or chemistry, depending on the project. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree and performance at interview.
Closing Date 16th May 2025
At the NCC there is 1 EngD studentship project where the student will spend 75% of their studies located in industry here at the NCC:
Project 1: De-fossilisation of Carbon Fibre sponsored by National Composites Centre (NCC) (Supervisor: Professor Steve Eichhorn)
To apply
To apply please submit a personal statement, outlining your experience, which project you are applying for and why you are interested in the EngD project, your CV and transcript of results to https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/. Please do not submit a project description; this is unnecessary as the project is already defined and select EngD in Composites Manufacture. Please enter Professor Janice Barton the Director of the CDT as the 2nd supervisor ([email protected]) and indicate that the funding is provided by the CDT in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering.
For more information on other EngD and PhD projects with the University of Bristol please visit: FindAPhD : Opportunities in the EPSRC Centre in Doctoral Training (CDT) in Innovation for Sustainable Composites Engineering at University of Bristol