Advanced Composites PhD

Programme overview

Composite materials are replacing traditional ones at an unprecedented rate due to the global demand for lightweight structures (eg in aircraft and automotive industries). The growth in the use of composite materials is expected to be rapid, in the region of 5-10 per cent each year.

The benefits composites offer to functionalise both materials and structures mean they are integral to any design considerations - material cost, fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, improved operational performance and functionality. The composites sector is contributing significantly to industry developments and advanced composites are critical in enabling lighter, smarter structures and cheaper, more abundant energy.

The UK has invested heavily in the science and technology of composite materials, including establishing the National Composites Centre at the University of Bristol. A highly skilled workforce and technical leadership are required to support the industry. This leadership requires a radical and innovative mindset that encompasses engineering as well as the physical sciences.

The development of future composites will require doctoral students with underpinning knowledge of advanced materials science and engineering, and practical experience of the ensuing composites and structures. These highly skilled engineers not only need to understand technical subjects but should also be able to apply acquired knowledge within the context of the modern world.

This CDT produces highly skilled leaders. Core engineering modules lay the foundations and stretch your understanding of core materials, manufacturing and computational analysis, including experimental and theoretical elements of composites engineering and science. An integrated transferable skills training programme is also included, covering communication, career development and translational research skills. Collaborating with industrial partners (eg Rolls-Royce) and world-leading international expertise (eg University of Limerick), produces an exciting integrated programme enabling you to become a leader in this field.

Careers

Recent graduates from the programme have gone on to careers in industry (eg aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, engineering consultancy and wind energy sectors) and academia (eg research positions at UK universities).