If you are looking to embark on an Engineering PhD, then find out about our scholarship.
Award
PhD scholarship including:
- a stipend of £20,780 per year*
- a tuition fee waiver for three years
- an annual expense allowance of £500.
*Please note that CCCU’s stipend rate is based on the UKRI rate. Rates beyond 2024-25 are forecasted and are subject to change.
Deadline
22 April 2025
Eligibility criteria
Applications will be considered based on the quality of the research proposal and its alignment with the research project. The strengths of the individual candidate (in relation to academic competence and commitment) will be considered.
Candidates must hold a first class or upper second class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
A Master’s degree (MSc, MEng, or equivalent) in a relevant field is desirable.
All non-native speakers of English must be proficient in written and spoken English.
The successful applicant will be required to undertake 150 hours of teaching related work during years 2 and 3 of study.
You must have applied for both a place on the PhD programme as well as a scholarship by the scholarship application deadline.
The successful candidate must be available to begin their studies in October 2025 on a full-time basis.
The successful candidate must live in the UK during their studies, within commutable distance to campus.
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) through coursework, projects, or professional work.
The successful candidate must have proficiency in CFD software (e.g. ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL, OpenFOAM).
Candidates must have extensive experience in chemical analysis and catalysis, with a strong background in advanced spectroscopic techniques and reaction kinetics, which are critical for investigating microplastic interactions and removal.
Experience with programming and MATLAB is desirable.
Skills in Mathematics and Numerical Methods are advantageous.
Experience with environmental systems and wastewater treatment or related research is desirable. Additionally, experience in setting up and operating experimental rigs, especially related to fluid systems or bioreactors would be advantageous.
Practical laboratory skills related to fluid mechanics, chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, FTIR Spectrometry, and microscopic analysis are advantageous.
Scholarship focus
This fully funded PhD project addresses the critical issue of microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems, focusing on their transport and removal within Anaerobic Baffle Reactors (ABRs). Using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and experimental methods like mass spectroscopy and FTIR, the research aims to optimise bioreactor design by uncovering chemical mechanisms and surface interactions that enhance microplastic removal.
Innovative degradation methods will be explored to minimise microplastic persistence, contributing to more effective wastewater treatment technologies.
This interdisciplinary project aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as clean water and sanitation, by reducing pollution and protecting marine ecosystems, offering the successful candidate an opportunity to tackle a pressing global challenge using state-of-the-art analytical and computational tools.
How to apply
Please discuss your research ideas with:
You will be required to submit a research proposal and asked to interview with a potential supervisor in the faculty.
Submit your application via our website:
- Click on the 'Apply now' button in the blue bar at the bottom of this page.
- Select ‘Science, Information Technology and Engineering’ for the area of research.
- Select ‘Information Technology and Engineering’ for your subject area.
- Select full-time study and October 2025 as a start date.
- Tick the box on the proposal form to indicate application for a scholarship alongside a place on the PhD programme.
You will be required to upload:
- two references
- your completed research proposal form
- a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- evidence of your qualifications
- a pass in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if required.
For any queries about the application and admissions process please contact Postgraduate Admissions.