DTP 2018-19 University of Birmingham

Research training (mainly for study toward a PhD) in engineering and the physical sciences covers advanced manufacturing including manufacturing processes, the understanding and use of advanced materials, and precision measurement (for example, using quantum technologies). Resilience and sustainability research applied to areas of direct societal benefit (rail and other vehicle transport technology, sustainable cities and infrastructure, cybersecurity, energy, robotics and healthcare technology). Science frontiers covers a range of "blue skies" research, from astronomy (e.g. gravitational waves and exoplanet discovery), particle physics, together with advanced theoretical subjects (e.g. combinatorics, theoretical computer science) through to the study of computational techniques for modelling, artificial intelligence and data analysis.

While much PhD study takes place within schools and departments, there are a number of cross-disciplinary units bring together valuable knowledge and research experience to bear on wider topics, for instance (but not only) in the Centre for Railway Research and Education, Birmingham Energy Institute (BEI), UK Collaboratorium for Research on Infrastructure and Cities (UKCRIC). The University of Birmingham works with a wide range of partners from major multinational corporations, to government institutions, SMEs, hospitals, international scientific facilities as well as academic collaborators across the globe.

Doctoral opportunities are accessible via subject, school and academic searches: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/research/search.aspx. Application is managed centrally through the Admission Office's portal: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgr/requirements-dr/index.aspx.

The DTP allocation is distributed based on a consideration of several factors: current and future high profile research areas; support for early career researchers; strategic areas of research that do not attract significant funding from elsewhere; subjects for which there is a strong demand from UK students. An allocation is made through the office of the College of Engineering and Physical Science's Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer in autumn with a review and possible revision of allocation taking place around early summer, to ensure response to the evolving research landscape and to ensure the best fit of studentships to the availability of suitably talented applicants. Applications for research study are welcomed throughout the year. Most schools and departments can operate a two-stage gathered field with both early and later applications being considered for DTP funding.