PhD in Advanced Composites

Our CDT develops highly talented science and engineering graduates by giving them the technical toolsets and the multidisciplinary research and professional skills required to become the next generation of technology leaders in the science, engineering and manufacture of advanced composite materials. 

Why study with us

Imagine structures that can morph their shape or have self-repair functionality embedded within their materials. Smart biomaterials that can be designed to adapt their chemical and mechanical properties in response to changes in physiological parameters.  A sustainable, waste free world.  This could be your future, achieved through the application of high performance advanced composites.

By joining the Centre for Doctoral Training in Composites Science, Engineering and Manufacturing (CoSEM  CDT) you will undertake cohort-driven training and cutting-edge research making these technological visions a reality.

On completion of the programme you will leave with far more than just a PhD; you will have the skills, knowledge and acumen to become the future technical leaders in advanced composites, be it in academia or industry.

What you’ll be doing

You will participate in a four-year, fully-funded programme. The rewarding first year includes a stimulating series of seminars and lectures, a unique Group Project to design, build, and test a composite structure and an individual three-month research project. This experience will enable you to broaden and deepen your engineering and scientific skills and explore research areas that interest you most, influencing your choice of PhD project towards the end of your first year.

The Centre covers a wide range of composites research and technical challenges you might explore, which include:

• computational structural mechanics and the development of novel numerical methods for the study of the mechanical performance of composite structures, supported by data-rich experimentation;
• advanced composites for extreme engineering environments and new and exciting multifunctional smart materials inspired by nature;
• novel and innovative manufacturing approaches, to deliver improvements in cost, quality, sustainability, and functionality across a range of industries.

What you’ll get out of it

The CoSEM CDT has exceptional industrial links, with many of the three-month and PhD projects offered by industrial partners, giving you valuable experience of working with technical industry experts and through international placements.

You will work in a collaborative and stimulating environment, strengthened by a series of cohort-driven activities, where knowledge-sharing and joint problem solving is the norm. The interdisciplinary nature of the Centre will make you think about problems from a whole new perspective and explore really innovative ideas.

What we are looking for

We’re looking for exceptional students, with at least a high 2:1 Honours degree, from across engineering, science, and computational subjects.

More about the Bristol Composites Institute

The first ACCIS CDT was established in 2009 and is based in the Bristol Composites Institute, a world-leading research centre at the heart of the UK Government Composites Strategy. Since then EPSRC has funded two further CDTs within the BCI – the CoSEM CDT being the most recent, with the first intake arriving in September 2019. BCI has over 150 researchers, many working on industrially relevant projects within the aerospace, wind, marine, and automotive industries. BCI works closely with the National Composites Centre (NCC), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University, to explore fully all composites opportunities for the UK. BCI and the NCC work together to engage students, researchers, industry and funders to provide a seamless route for the exploitation of our research.

Information on the COSEM CDT: www.bristol.ac.uk/composites/cdt

Watch our webinar from the Engineering Postgraduate Virtual Open Day

Details of our composites research: www.bristol.ac.uk/composites/research/

Funding:

Enhanced EPSRC studentships are currently available for UK / home fees students, covering tuition fees and a tax-free stipend.

For eligibility and residence requirements please check the UKRI Funding for postgraduate training and development webpage: https://www.ukri.org/what-we-offer/developing-people-and-skills/esrc/funding-for-postgraduate-training-and-development/eligibility-for-studentship-funding/

Start date: September 2023

Location: Bristol

Number of researchers: c.12 per cohort

Positions recently recruited for:

We have recruited four cohorts so far, since 2019.

Desired degree disciplines/class

All engineering and science subjects: 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent).

Pre-requisites

Eligible to study in the UK

How to apply

For information on how to apply please visit our website: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2022/doctoral/phd-advanced-composites.

Closing date: 15th of September 2023

Contact

E-mail: composites-cdt@bristol.ac.uk

www.bristol.ac.uk/composites/cdt