Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
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239 research degree projects
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Chemistry | Engineering
Achieving net zero with combined electrochemical and bio-electrochemical systems
This interdisciplinary project will develop technology integrated and scalable bio-electrochemical processes to convert CO2, N2 and waste organics into high value compounds for fuels, chemicals, food and fertilisers using renewable electricity and microorganisms.
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Photonics and optoelectronics
Photonic fibres for renewable energy
This project focuses on designing and fabricating next-generation photonic fibre technologies using our advanced cleanroom facilities. While traditionally central to global telecommunications, these optical fibre platforms will be repurposed to develop renewable energy solutions, including solar power generation and low-cost energy storage, contributing to net-zero carbon goals.
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Photonics and optoelectronics
Mid infrared metaoptics and diffractive optical computing
This project focuses on designing and fabricating novel photonic computing devices using chalcogenide glass materials such as sulfur (S), selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te). These materials enable the creation of micro and nanoscale structures known as meta-optics, that precisely control light over a broad spectral range.
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Photonics and optoelectronics
AI directed materials discovery and atomistic modelling
This project focuses on developing chalcogenide glass materials using group VI elements such as sulfur (S), selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te), for advanced optical, photonic, and electronic applications.
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Engineering
Ultrasonic drilling for minimally invasive assessment of inhomogeneous damage in degraded concrete
This project aims to develop a robot-integrated ultrasonic drilling system for minimally invasive, high-resolution assessment of inhomogeneous damage in degraded concrete. By combining ultrasonic sensing and force measurement during drilling, the system enables real-time subsurface characterization in extreme environments such as underwater or post-fire, supporting safer infrastructure inspection and maintenance.
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Electronics and computer science | Engineering
AI-assisted design of intelligent antimicrobials for gastrointestinal disease treatment
This project aims to develop AI-driven, metal-based smart antimicrobials targeting gastrointestinal infections and antimicrobial resistance. You will use cutting-edge AI drug design and microfluidic organ-on-a-chip technology for rapid, animal-free drug screening.
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Engineering
Intelligent electrical impedance matching for ultrasonic surgical devices under varying load conditions
This project aims to investigate the effect of varying excitation and loading on the change of electrical impedance of the ultrasonic surgical devices during tissue cutting. It also seeks to implement intelligent and self-adaptive control algorithm. The goal is to achieve a state of autonomously matched impedance between the load and the ultrasonic resonance tracking system. This will help maximise the ultrasonic energy transmission efficiency.
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Engineering
Numerical simulation of the aerodynamic effects of ice build up with Airbus
The primary goal of this project is to model the impact of ice build up using computational fluid dynamics.
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Geography and environmental science
??The ancient DNA and palaeoenvironments of classical ports?
??Port harbours were the umbilical cords of Classical (Greek and Roman) civilisations providing unique windows on population, diet/health, technology and environmental change. Silted-up harbours also provide an archive of pollen and sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA). PortGEN will explore this potential using sediments already collected from some of the largest ancient harbours and smaller sites in the UK.?
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Medicine
Application of pluripotent stem cells for cartilage repair
Articular cartilage (AC) is a shock absorber facilitating free movement of joints. AC is susceptible to damage due to trauma and daily wear and tear. Currently, there are no therapeutic drugs that promote the healing of damaged AC. If left untreated, progressive AC damage leads to osteoarthritis, which affects ~630 million people worldwide. Joint replacements of the knee and hip offer a new lease of life to patients with severe osteoarthritis. However, these surgeries are not without risks and not always successful, thereby necessitating expensive revision surgeries with less effective outcomes.