Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)
There are eight Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) associated with the Department of Engineering. Students on these programmes follow a four year course - one foundation year and then three years of research towards the PhD degree. During the first year, students follow a taught programme designed to prepare them for further study and research. In most cases, this foundation year leads to the award of a Masters degree (MRes or MPhil). Students that have successfully passed the first year will continue on to the PhD degree, either within the department of Engineering, or with a collaborating department or institution. A key feature of the CDTs is the financial support available. If eligible, students may be provided with funding to cover their fees and maintenance for the duration of the course.
Our CDTs were developed in collaboration with other research institutions and/or industry partners, and are funded by the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council). Centres run with interdisciplinary themes, fostering collaborations across departments, institutions and with industry, enabling students to develop both their cross-discipline skillset and their PhD project research themes in a novel and innovative way. For many students, they will have the chance to develop connections within the academic and work environments that will shape their future careers.
CDTs based within the Department of Engineering
Connected Electronic and Photonic Systems
A four-year PhD course in collaboration with University College London. The course comprises an initial year undertaking the MRes in Connected Electronic & Photonic Systems, followed by a three-year PhD programme. The programme is designed to produce engineering leaders with a high level of understanding and skills in photonic and electronic systems, in particular, the fundamentals of the field together with the necessary research expertise, and technology, systems and applications knowledge.
Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3)
This four-year course comprises an initial MRes year, followed by a three-year PHD programme. The FIBE3 CDT, in close partnership with its industry partners, aims to develop the next generation of PhD graduates to champion the urgent, complex, inter-connected and cross-disciplinary transition to net zero infrastructure. The following inter-linked 'net zero enablers' form the focus of the FIBE3 CDT's training and research activities: existing and disruptive/new technologies; radical circularity and whole life approach; AI-driven digitalisation and data and risk-based systems thinking and connectivity.
Future Propulsion and Power
A four-year PhD course in collaboration with the Universities of Oxford and Loughborough; at the end of the first year, successful students are awarded an MRes degree in Future Propulsion and Power before proceeding to the doctoral programme. The course benefits from the team of universities (Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Loughborough) and companies (Rolls-Royce, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Siemens, Dyson) that are collaborating to deliver the CDT. This team enables the course to provide students with an advanced course in the aero-thermal engineering of propulsion and power devices, particularly the gas turbine (compressors, combustors, and turbines), as well as the skills (experimental, computational, and transferable) required to become an expert practitioner and future leader in the field.
CDTs associated with the Department of Engineering
Students on these courses may undertake the PhD element of the programme within the Department of Engineering, however applicants for these courses do not apply directly to the Engineering Department for admission. Further information can be found via the links below, and any queries should be directed to the contact details found on the websites.
Computational Methods for Materials Science
Sensor Technologies and Applications
2D Materials of Tomorrow (2DMoT)
Decision-making for Complex Systems
Developing National Capacity for Materials 4.0
Superconductivity: Enabling Transformative Technologies