The Faculty has seven Research Divisions each of which hosts a range of world-leading research centres, groups and institutes.
Research students generally work within one of these groupings, depending on their specialism, but may be involved in cross disciplinary teams with researchers from across the University.
We offer three types of research opportunities in the Faculty of Engineering:
PhD
Below are commonly used PhD titles that we offer within the faculty. If you have another title you would like to use for your PhD, please let us know.
This programme provides candidates an opportunity to develop an architectural thesis using design as a key component of the methodology exploring and approved topic of their own selection and definition. Whilst the design-based component of the project may be drawn, modelled, filmed, built etc., candidates will be required to incorporate this research as an integral component of an accompanying written thesis.
Duration: 3 F/T (guide only)
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
PhD in Architectural History & Theory
Research in architectural humanities at Nottingham covers a diverse multidisiplinary field including: architectural history, theory and criticism; philosophy of technology; critical and cultural theory; architectire and the body; architecture and language; museums and national identity.
Duration: 3 F/T (guide only)
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
PhD in Architecture & Tectonics
This PhD addresses the core of architecture including design as research that supports and stimulates design. Research is undertaken collaboratively on a multi-national basis with industry, engineers and other research groups.
Duration: 3 F/T (guide only)
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
PhD in Chemical Engineering
Duration: 3 years Full-time (guide only)
Chemical Engineering is the application of physical and life sciences. Research involved in Chemical Engineering can be based around fuel cells, multiphase flows of gas/liquid, biofuels and carbon capture, nanotechnology and green energy, as well as many other aspects.
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
Duration: 3 years Full-time (guide only)
Civil Engineering covers a wide range of subjects and the University of Nottingham is recognised for its world class learning environment and excellent facilities. Research involved within Civil Engineering can be based around structures/Geotechnics/fluid mechanics/transportation/GPS surveying/road materials and many other aspects.
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
The PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering brings innovation in science and technology to applications ranging from the generation and use of electrical energy (including renewable energy) to high speed information processing and pervasive computing. Areas of research strength include biophysics, imaging and optical science, photonic engineering, power electronics, ultrasonics and electromagnetic simulation.
Duration: 3 years Full-time (guide only)
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research groups/divisions:
PhD in Engineering Surveying and Space Geodesy
Duration: 3 years Full-time (guide only)
Engineering Surveying and Space Geodesy is the application of science and technology. Research involved can cover a range of disciplines including geospatial engineering and monitoring; photogrammetry and remote sensing; the technology and applications of satellite navigation systems, such as GPS and Galileo; integrated positioning technology; environmental and atmospheric monitoring; physical and space geodesy.
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
PhD in Environmental Design
Good architecture embraces a holistic approach to design and as a consequence the environmental strategies embodied within buildings present considerable challenges. They need to reconcile the often conflicting considerations of climate, building function and user expectation, while at the same time being mindful of energy related carbon emmissions. Projects in Environmental Design typically reflect the integral nature of these strategies and explore areas such as natural ventilation, passive heating and cooling, solar protection, fabric thermal storage, daylight and solar strategies and architectural acoustics. These are initrinsically linked to the tectonics of architecture and considerable potential exists to explore the opportunities offered where these overlaps occur, eg the environmental performance of facades, natural ventilation of high rise buildings etc.
Duration: 3 F/T (guide only)
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
PhD in Environmental Engineering
Duration: 3 years Full-time (guide only)
Environmental Engineering is the application of science and engineering to help improve the environment, such as improvement to our air and water.
Research can be based around microwave processing, wastewater treatment, greenhouse gases, removal of pollutants in water and soils as well as many other aspects.
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
Duration: 3 years Full-time (guide only)
Research focusing on the multidisciplinary research spanning studies of the interaction between humans, machines and technology to develop the products and systems that we use every day.
MPhil/PhD projects are specialised research projects defined in conjunction with supervisors and can cover many different fields within this discipline, for example design, manufacturing, assembly, measurement, testing and modelling.
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
PhD in Location-aware Ubiquitous Computing for the Digital Society
Duration: 4 years Full-time
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
PhD in Manufacturing Engineering
Duration: 3 years Full-time (guide only)
Research at the forefront of Manufacturing Science and Technology in cooperation with a number of strategic industrial partners and research centres worldwide.
MPhil/PhD projects are specialised research projects defined in conjunction with supervisors and can cover many different fields within this discipline, for example design, manufacturing, assembly, measurement, testing and modelling.
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
PhD in Manufacturing Engineering and Operations Management
Duration: 3 years Full-time (guide only)
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
PhD in Materials Engineering and Materials Design
Duration: 3 years Full-time (guide only)
Research involving materials processing and characterisation with a diversity of applications.
MPhil/PhD projects are specialised research projects defined in conjunction with supervisors and can cover many different fields within this discipline, for example nanomaterial engineering, bioengineering, laser processing and advanced composite materials to name a few fields.
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Duration: 3 years Full-time (guide only)
Research at the forefront of Mechanical Engineering Science and Design, from fundamental engineering science to industrially allied research projects.
MPhil/PhD projects are specialised research projects defined in conjunction with supervisors and can cover many different fields within this discipline, for example Thermodynamics/Fluid Mechanics, Structural Dynamics, Mechanics and Design to name a few fields.
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
Urban Design is concerned with the city as a field of analysis and intervention. Research in Urban Design explores the complex relationship between the spatial and design issues and social and economic urban processes. PhD topics are defined in conjunction with supervisors and can cover many different aspects of urban design, such as: History and Theory of Urban Design; Public Realm; Sustainable Cities; Urban Conservation and Revitilisation; Innovation Environments and Waterfront Regeneration.
Duration: 3 F/T (guide only)
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions:
MSc (by Research)
MSc (by Research) in Electromagnectics Design
Duration: 1 year Full-time
For more detailed information on potential fields please follow the links below to the work of the following research divisions: