Power Electronics: Sustainable Electric Propulsion PhD
- Full-time: 4 years
- Part-time: Not available
- Start date: Multiple available
- UK fees: £5,100
- International fees: £21,500 or £28,600 depending on the nature of your project
Research overview
This doctoral training programme aims to create a new school of thinking, capable of leading the transformation from fossil fuel to sustainable and environmentally-friendly electric transport. Research topics will vary but cover topics on:
- electric propulsion
- power electronics
- thermal management
- control
- communication
This programme is run in collaboration with Newcastle University.
Course content
Year one
- Semester one: Training at Newcastle University and thesis research
- Semester two: Training at the University of Nottingham and thesis research
- Semester three: Thesis research at Newcastle University, University of Nottingham or industrial partner
Typical taught subjects may include:
- power electronics
- electric drives
- control
- mechatronics
- materials
- big data
- manufacturing
- entrepreneurial business
- management
Other taught activities are available, and selection will be tailored towards students need.
Years two to four
Thesis research and bespoke training either at Newcastle University, the University of Nottingham or at the site where the industrial partner is based.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.
| Degree | 2:1 bachelors degree in an engineering or science discipline |
| Additional information | The CDT follows a “Supervisor on Demand” route, so a supervisor is linked to a student depending on their project and industrial partner. So a wide variety of supervisors available.
We encourage you to get in touch with a member of academic staff about your research proposal before submitting an application. They may be able to help you with your proposal and offer support to find funding opportunities in your area.
Engineering supervisors, including their research interests and contact details, can be found on our find a PhD supervisor page.
Details of research supervisors at the University can also be found on our research A to Z. |
| Degree | 2:1 bachelors degree in an engineering or science discipline |
| International and EU equivalents | We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages. |
| Additional information | The CDT follows a “Supervisor on Demand” route, so a supervisor is linked to a student depending on their project and industrial partner. So a wide variety of supervisors available.
We encourage you to get in touch with a member of academic staff about your research proposal before submitting an application. They may be able to help you with your proposal and offer support to find funding opportunities in your area.
Engineering supervisors, including their research interests and contact details, can be found on our find a PhD supervisor page.
Details of research supervisors at the University can also be found on our research A to Z. |
| IELTS | 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills). |
| English language requirements | As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. |
Meeting our English language requirements
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.
We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.
If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.
Fees
| Home / UK | £5,100 |
| International | £21,500 or £28,600 depending on the nature of your project |
Additional information for international students
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).
Funding
Successful applicants will receive full fees as well as an annual living allowance which is based on the UKRI 2022/23 rate (estimated as £15,840). A Research Training Support Grant will also be awarded towards consumables and travel for the PhD project.
Please note this funding is conditional on the student being successfully matched with an industrial partner. There is a vetting process for this and there will be interviews, so funding is not guaranteed until this match has been confirmed. Please note that limited funding is available for international students and there will be a competitive selection process.
There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.
Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.
Postgraduate fundingSupport
Doctoral training students will have the benefit of working as a cohort and there will be workshops and training offered, at Newcastle and Nottingham. They will also be supported by the Programme Manager in Newcastle and Nottingham.
Researcher training and development
The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.
Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.
Graduate centres
Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.
Each space has areas for:
- studying
- socialising
- computer work
- seminars
- kitchen facilities
Student support
You will have access to a range of support services, including:
- academic and disability support
- childcare services
- counselling service
- faith support
- financial support
- mental health and wellbeing support
- visa and immigration advice
- welfare support
Students' Union
Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.
There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:
- international students
- black and minority ethnic students
- students who identify as women
- students with disabilities
- LGBT+ students
SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.
Where you will learn
Jubilee Campus
Jubilee Campus has eco-friendly buildings, alongside green spaces, wildlife and a lake.
This campus is home to our business, education and computer science schools, as well as a sports centre and student accommodation.
You can walk to University Park Campus in around 20 minutes or catch a free hopper bus. Nottingham city centre is 20 minutes away by public bus.
Where you will learn
University Park Campus
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.
You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.
Where you will learn
Jubilee Campus
Jubilee Campus has eco-friendly buildings, alongside green spaces, wildlife and a lake.
This campus is home to our business, education and computer science schools, as well as a sports centre and student accommodation.
You can walk to University Park Campus in around 20 minutes or catch a free hopper bus. Nottingham city centre is 20 minutes away by public bus.
Where you will learn
University Park Campus
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.
You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.
Where you will learn
Jubilee Campus
Jubilee Campus has eco-friendly buildings, alongside green spaces, wildlife and a lake.
This campus is home to our business, education and computer science schools, as well as a sports centre and student accommodation.
You can walk to University Park Campus in around 20 minutes or catch a free hopper bus. Nottingham city centre is 20 minutes away by public bus.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering - Postgraduate Research
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Research Excellence Framework
The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
- 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
- 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
- 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**
*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.
This content was last updated on 01 August 2023. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.