21 Fully Funded PhD Positions at University of Nottingham, United Kingdom

Explore 21 fully funded PhD scholarships at the University of Nottingham, UK, offering cutting-edge research opportunities in engineering and health sciences. Partnered with industry leaders like Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, ITP Aero, Haleon, and Build Test Solutions, these programs provide access to world-class facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful projects in aerospace, additive manufacturing, healthcare, and sustainable technologies, preparing you for careers in academia or industry. Find more PhD positions here.

Benefits

• Funding: Fully funded tuition fees at UK rates and tax-free stipends ranging from £19,237 to £26,780 per annum, depending on the project.
• Industry Collaboration: Opportunities for industrial placements, co-supervision, and training with world-leading companies, enhancing career prospects in both academia and industry.
• Career Development: Training in technical and transferable skills, including opportunities for teaching, conference participation, and international secondments.
• Eligibility Note: Due to funding restrictions, most positions are open only to UK applicants, with some allowing EU applicants with UK residency or requiring international students to cover fee differences.

Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Scholarship – Micromechanics and In-Depth Materials Analysis of Advanced Aerospace Materials

The project involves micromechanics and in-depth materials analysis to support the robust manufacture of safety-critical aero-engine components.

Candidates will conduct manufacturing trials, analyze workpiece surface quality (metallurgy, integrity, residual stresses), and perform advanced investigations using techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and in-situ micromechanics.

The project includes collaboration with Rolls-Royce specialists and offers training within the company to enhance technical understanding and industry partnerships.

Eligibility Criteria

• First or upper second-class degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, materials science, physics, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing and material science.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.
• Graduates completing their degrees by July 2025 are encouraged to apply.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: October 31, 2025

Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Scholarship – Design and Simulation of Stiffness-Adjustable Robotic Systems

This fully funded three-year PhD, hosted at the Rolls-Royce UTC at the University of Nottingham, aims to develop stiffness-adjustable robotic systems for on-wing repair and maintenance of aero-engines. The project focuses on designing hybrid robotic systems combining hexapod and continuum arm sub-systems to navigate confined spaces and perform precision tasks like machining.

Candidates will build on existing UTC advancements in robotic navigation and inspection, developing control solutions for automated systems with intuitive human-machine interfaces. The project involves kinematic/dynamic analysis, finite element modeling, and hardware-in-the-loop control, offering a blend of academic and industrial challenges in mechatronics and manufacturing.

Eligibility Criteria

• First or upper second-class degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, cybernetics, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Experience in developing precision mechanical devices or mechatronics.
• Proficiency in kinematic/dynamic analysis and simulation tools (e.g., CREO/SOLIDWORKS, ANSYS/ABAQUS, MATLAB).
• Industry experience is advantageous but not required.
• Ability to produce high-quality presentations and reports.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: October 31, 2025

Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Scholarship – Intelligent Sensing and Robot Control for On-Wing Inspection and Repair

The project builds on the UTC’s expertise in continuum robots, designed to navigate cramped and hazardous environments for tasks like machining without disassembling engines. Candidates will work on smart human-machine interfaces for tele-operated robotic systems, leveraging computer vision, robotics, and control algorithms. The project combines academic rigor with industrial applications, enhancing skills in mechatronics and intelligent system development.

Eligibility Criteria

• First or upper second-class degree in robotics, computer science, cybernetics, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Experience in developing precision mechatronics systems and algorithms.
• Proficiency in kinematic/dynamic analysis and relevant software (e.g., MATLAB, ROS, OpenCV, Python, LabVIEW, or C).
• Industry experience is advantageous but not required.
• Ability to produce high-quality presentations and reports.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

See also: 5 Fully Funded PhD Positions at University of Zurich, Switzerland

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: October 31, 2025

Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Scholarship – Laser Beam Processing of Aerospace Materials

Developing advanced laser beam processing methods for surface treatment and repair of aero-engine components. The project involves designing specialized process setups, testing their performance, and assessing part quality through surface analysis techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) for residual stress, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Candidates will develop a model to identify optimal operating conditions and understand the correlation between surface quality, metallurgical characteristics, and functional performance. The project includes training at Rolls-Royce and collaboration with industry specialists, leveraging state-of-the-art laser processing and metrology facilities.

Eligibility Criteria

• First or upper second-class degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, materials science, physics, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing and material science.
• Previous experience in modeling or experimental methods for laser beam processes is advantageous.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: October 31, 2025

Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Scholarship – Mechatronics System for Hybrid Manufacturing Processing

The project aims to create scalable robotic end-effectors capable of accessing complex workspaces, smart control algorithms for coordination with central systems, and advanced sensing solutions (e.g., tactile, sound-based, shape detection) to enhance automation in manufacturing and maintenance tasks. Candidates will work on kinematic/dynamic analysis, hardware-in-the-loop control, and integration of sensing technologies, benefiting from industrial training and joint academic-industrial supervision to address real-world manufacturing challenges.

Eligibility Criteria

• First or upper second-class degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, cybernetics, mechatronics, computer science, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Experience in developing precision mechatronics or robotics systems and algorithms.
• Proficiency in kinematic/dynamic analysis and relevant software (e.g., MATLAB, SolidWorks/Creo, ROS, OpenCV, Python, LabVIEW, C).
• Industry experience is advantageous but not required.
• Ability to produce high-quality presentations and reports.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

See also: 15 Fully Funded PhD Scholarship Opportunities at University of Bergen, Norway

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: October 31, 2025

Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Scholarship – Design and Manufacturing of Soft Robots for On-Wing Inspection

This fully funded three-year PhD, based at the Rolls-Royce UTC at the University of Nottingham, focuses on designing soft robotic systems for on-wing inspection and repair of aero-engines. The project leverages the UTC’s expertise in soft and continuum robots to develop systems capable of fast locomotion in confined spaces and operating end effectors for non-destructive testing (NDT) or laser ablation.

Candidates will work on kinematic/dynamic analysis, finite element modeling, and hardware-in-the-loop control to create innovative soft robotic solutions, with opportunities for industrial training and collaboration with Rolls-Royce specialists to address real-world challenges in aero-engine maintenance.

Eligibility Criteria

• First or upper second-class degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, cybernetics, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Experience in developing precision mechanical devices or mechatronics.
• Proficiency in kinematic/dynamic analysis and simulation tools (e.g., CREO/SOLIDWORKS, ANSYS/ABAQUS, MATLAB).
• Industry experience is advantageous but not required.
• Ability to produce high-quality presentations and reports.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: October 31, 2025

Scaling-Up Functional 3D Printing of Devices and Structures

This project is focused on advancing multi-material 3D printing for functional devices. The project explores material interactions to create devices with variable mechanical/chemical properties, fully 3D-printed electronics, and encoded mechanical/electrical responses.

Candidates will develop new functional materials and engineering solutions using advanced 3D-printing equipment, working within the “Dialling up Performance for on Demand Manufacturing” Programme Grant alongside a team of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, academics, and industry leaders in pharmaceutical and additive manufacturing.

Eligibility Criteria

• First or upper second-class degree in engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related physical sciences discipline.
• Willingness to learn new disciplines and innovate.
• Interest in 3D printing, materials science, or programming is advantageous.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: October 13, 2025

Development of Advanced Barrier Coatings for Extreme Environments

This four-year PhD, part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Digital Metal at the University of Nottingham, in partnership with Rolls-Royce, focuses on developing advanced thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) for aero-engine components. The project aims to create novel protective chemistries to mitigate degradation from environmental contaminants (e.g., CMAS) using advanced thermal spray deposition and continuum robotic systems for in-situ application.

Candidates will use plasma spray, mini-combustion flame spray, SEM/EBSD, and thermal cycling tests, contributing to sustainable aerospace solutions. The CDT offers tailored courses, mentoring, and conference opportunities, with an enhanced stipend of up to £26,780 per annum.

Eligibility Criteria

• MEng 2:1 or higher (minimum 70% in project element) in materials, mechanical, manufacturing, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Strong experimental research skills.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Check also: CERN Doctoral Student Programme

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: October 13, 2025

3D-Printed Drug Delivery “Microbots” for Personalised Healthcare

This position focuses on developing 3D-printed micro-robots for targeted drug delivery in personalized healthcare. The project involves creating materials, methods, and designs for micro-robots that respond to environmental cues (e.g., temperature, pH, light, magnetic fields, ultrasound).

Candidates will work with advanced 3D-printing equipment and collaborate within the “Dialling up Performance for on Demand Manufacturing” Programme Grant, alongside a team of PhD students, researchers, academics, and industry leaders in pharmaceutical and additive manufacturing.

Eligibility Criteria

• First or upper second-class degree in engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related physical sciences discipline.
• Willingness to learn new disciplines and innovate.
• Interest in 3D printing, materials science, or programming is advantageous.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: October 13, 2025

3D-Printing Devices with Responsive Structural Colour

This PhD focuses on developing 3D-printed devices with actively controlled structural colours that respond to stimuli. The project explores small-scale structures to create vibrant colours for applications like anti-counterfeit markings, sensors, and optical filters. Candidates will develop new materials, methods, and designs, integrating optically and electronically active 0D and 2D nanomaterials. The project is part of the “Dialling up Performance for on Demand Manufacturing” Programme Grant, offering collaboration with a team of PhD students, researchers, academics, and industry leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

• First or upper second-class degree in engineering, materials science, physics, or chemistry.
• Willingness to learn new disciplines and innovate.
• Interest in 3D printing, materials science, or physics and electronics is advantageous.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: October 13, 2025

Read this: Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2026

3D-Printing Next-Generation Electro-Actuators for Soft Robots and Devices

This position focuses on developing 3D-printed electro-responsive soft actuators for soft robotics and devices. The project aims to create high-efficiency actuators with large, fast responses comparable to living muscles, addressing limitations in current actuators’ energy efficiency and operating conditions.

Candidates will develop new materials, methods, and designs, leveraging advanced 3D-printing equipment. The project is part of the “Dialling up Performance for on Demand Manufacturing” Programme Grant, offering collaboration with a team of PhD students, researchers, academics, and industry leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

• First or upper second-class degree in engineering, materials science, or chemistry.
• Willingness to learn new disciplines and innovate.
• Interest in 3D printing, materials science, or programming is advantageous.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: October 13, 2025

Advanced 3D/4D-Printing of Responsive Biomaterial Devices

This position focuses on developing 3D/4D-printed responsive biomaterial devices for drug delivery or regenerative medicine. The project involves formulating new 3D-printable materials and design methods for devices that respond to stimuli (e.g., temperature, light) or change shape over time.

Applications include biomedical, micromechanical, or optoelectronic devices. The project is part of the “Dialling up Performance for on Demand Manufacturing” Programme Grant, offering collaboration with a team of PhD students, researchers, academics, and industry leaders.

See also: 10 Fully-Funded PhD Scholarship Opportunities at the University of Oslo

Eligibility Criteria

• First or upper second-class degree in engineering, materials science, or chemistry.
• Willingness to learn new disciplines and innovate.
• Interest in 3D printing, materials science, or programming is advantageous.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: October 13, 2025

Failure Analysis of Composite Sleeves for Surface Permanent Magnet Electrical Machines

This PhD focuses on analyzing failure mechanisms in carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) sleeves used in high-speed electrical machines for electrified transportation and power generation.

The project involves building high-fidelity process simulations and conducting experimental validation, including spin-burst experiments and finite element analysis (FEA), to assess structural performance under centrifugal forces, bending, and thermal stress. Candidates will collaborate with industrial partners to enhance system reliability and support net-zero emissions goals in aerospace engineering.

Eligibility Criteria

• First or upper second-class degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Interest or background in composite materials, modeling, or testing.
• Familiarity with finite element methods (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) or willingness to learn.
• General knowledge of structural analysis and material failure mechanisms.
• Experience with coding (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is advantageous.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: October 6, 2025

ITP Aero Funded PhD – Characterisation of Thin Sheet and Foil Material Behaviour for Aerospace Forming Applications

This PhD, hosted at the University of Nottingham’s Institute for Aerospace Technology in collaboration with ITP Aero UK, focuses on characterizing the mechanical behavior of thin titanium and nickel alloy foils (0.1–0.5 mm) for aerospace forming applications. The project aims to study tensile, shear, and creep effects at high temperatures to optimize forming and joining processes. Candidates will conduct experimental tests in vacuum/inert environments and develop a constitutive material model incorporating time, temperature, and load dependencies. The project includes co-supervision by ITP Aero and time at their Hucknall site, with a stipend of £20,480 per annum.

More PhD positions: TU Delft 10 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Different Fields

Eligibility Criteria

• First or upper second-class honours degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• Interest in material behavior and high-temperature forming processes.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: August 31, 2025

Artificial Intelligence for Building Performance – Optimising Low-Pressure Airtightness Testing

This fully funded PhD, based at the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering and School of Computer Science in collaboration with Build Test Solutions Ltd (BTS), focuses on enhancing the Pulse low-pressure airtightness testing technology using AI. The project involves descriptive analytics to analyze Pulse datasets, developing data-driven surrogate models for air leakage estimation, and implementing generative AI for next-generation Pulse design.

Candidates will work on improving test accuracy and adaptability across building types, with industrial placement at BTS. The stipend is £20,780 per annum with a £2,500 industry top-up.

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum 2:1 degree in data science, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong foundation in data analysis, modeling, or AI.
• Interest in building physics and sustainable construction.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Check: 18 Fully Funded PhD Vacancies at the Technical University of Denmark

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: August 31, 2025

Solid-state Additive Manufacturing of Nickel Aluminium Bronze Alloys

This PhD is a part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Digital Metal at the University of Nottingham, in partnership with BAE Systems. It focuses on solid-state additive manufacturing of Nickel Aluminium Bronze (NAB) alloys using cold spray technology. The project aims to understand microstructural evolution and post-processing requirements to match or exceed properties of traditionally cast/heat-treated NAB.

Candidates will develop a digital manufacturing process with AI, operate additive manufacturing equipment, and characterize materials using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and tensile testing. The CDT provides tailored courses, mentoring, and conference opportunities, with a stipend of up to £26,780 per annum and a £4,000 research training support grant.

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum 2:1 degree in materials, mechanical, manufacturing, physics, or a related discipline.
• Strong experimental research skills.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: August 1, 2025

AI-Driven Zero Carbon Energy Systems – Solar Forecasting, Grid Intelligence, and Community Integration

This four-year PhD focuses on advancing solar energy integration using AI. Candidates will choose one of four themes: AI-driven solar forecasting, photovoltaic modeling, renewable energy coordination, or social acceptance of large-scale solar deployment.

The project involves training in solar energy technologies, modeling, and experimental techniques, with opportunities for industrial secondments and international collaborations, such as the Joint Nottingham and Adelaide PhD Programme. The stipend is £20,780 per annum, supporting research in sustainable power systems.

See also: 15 Research Associate Positions (Doctoral Candidates) at MARUM

Eligibility Criteria

• First or high upper second-class degree in mathematics, physics, computer science, electrical/electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, or social sciences.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research in solar energy and zero-carbon technologies.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: August 1, 2025

Synthesis and Processing of Novel Biomaterials, in Partnership with Haleon

This 42-month PhD, hosted at the University of Nottingham’s Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering and School of Pharmacy, in collaboration with Haleon, focuses on synthesizing polymers that resist biofilm formation for health/consumer care products (e.g., oral/skin health).

The project extends patented polymer technologies to prevent antimicrobial resistance, scaling synthesis to hundreds of grams for formulation into demonstrator products. Candidates will collaborate with Haleon, with potential research placements, and develop skills in polymer synthesis and industrial formulation. The stipend is £22,237 per annum, with international students responsible for the fee difference.

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum 2:1 Honours degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related subject.
• MChem/MSci, BSc + MSc, or substantial research experience is advantageous.
• Experience in organic/polymer synthesis or material analysis is beneficial.
• EU applicants with three years of UK residency before October 2025 may be eligible.
• IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each element) if English is not the first language.

See more positions: ICGEB SMART Fellowships

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: July 31, 2025

Improving Reliability of Medical Processes Using System Modelling and Artificial Intelligence Techniques

This PhD focuses on improving the reliability and efficiency of medical processes using system modeling and AI, specifically computer vision. The project investigates deviations in healthcare service delivery, such as in operating theatres, using computer vision for object identification and action recognition to detect technical and non-technical skill deviations. Candidates will develop simulation models to evaluate deviation impacts, support real-time decision-making, and assess patient/staff acceptance of these technologies, enhancing healthcare service performance.

Eligibility Criteria

• First-class degree in engineering, mathematics, or a relevant discipline (2:1 considered in exceptional cases).
• Preferably a Master’s degree in a related field.
• Interest in healthcare process modeling and computer vision.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: Open until filled (early application encouraged).

Health Economic Evaluation of Community Acquired Pneumonia in the UK

This PhD focuses on evaluating the economic burden and quality-of-life impact of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the UK. Candidates will analyze large datasets (e.g., CPRD, Hospital Episode Statistics) to estimate healthcare costs, linking treatments to NHS Reference Costs and primary care activity to Unit Costs of Health and Social Care. The project includes analyzing EQ-5D-5L data from a patient cohort and designing a generic economic model to evaluate new CAP interventions, with sub-group analyses by age, ethnicity, and deprivation.

Eligibility Criteria

• Master’s in Epidemiology, Public Health, or Health Economics with experience in medical statistical analysis.
• Understanding of health economics and scientific research strengths/weaknesses.
• Excellent computer literacy and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience in cost-effectiveness analysis is desirable.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: August 5, 2025

Improving Recovery from Pneumonia After Hospitalisation

This PhD position is funded by the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre at the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine, aims to improve recovery for patients post-hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia. The project involves setting up a pilot interventional clinical trial at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, comparing standard care (patient information leaflet) with standard care plus nurse-led phone support.

Objectives include assessing patient perspectives on information leaflets, evaluating reductions in primary care consultations, and measuring quality of life to inform future trial design. Candidates will also establish a national Acute Respiratory Infections patient and public interest group.

More positions: 20 Fully-Funded PhD Scholarships at Uppsala University

Eligibility Criteria

• BSc degree or equivalent, ideally in a health-related field.
• Excellent computer literacy and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience in medical statistical analysis or qualitative research is desirable.
• Strong understanding of scientific research strengths/weaknesses is desirable.
• Due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible.

Application Details

Apply here.
Deadline: August 5, 2025