The Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment (CEBE) is based at our City Centre Campus in Millennium Point. Research is vital to our University: it enables us to contribute new knowledge, underpins our creative and enterprise thinking and ensures we are delivering leading-edge teaching. Our researchers are making significant discoveries and partnering local, national and global organisations to find solutions to contemporary commercial, scientific and social issues. Many of our academic staff engage in research and/or professional practice, and we have a thriving community of postgraduate research students.

Engineering

Our engineering staff work collaboratively with business, industrial and academic partners to develop ‘real world’ applied solutions across a range of themes. Currently we are engaged on research projects developing a new generation of robust sensors, inclusive autonomous transport systems, autonomous robotics and drones, and sensor networks (IOT). Staff are also actively engaged in the development of advanced manufacturing systems to deliver lightweight vehicles, cost effective metal forming processes and sustainable systems. A key aspect of this work is its connection to industry and business which is also addressed by our logistics and supply chain team.

Our specialist areas include:

• Nano-fluids and heat transfer
• Earthquake engineering
• Sensors and remote health monitoring
• Fluid and structure mechanics
• Multiphysics fluid structure interaction (FSI)
• Numerical modelling such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Non-linear control of fluid flow
• Knowledge-based engineering
• Wind engineering
• Microfluidics
• Nano-medicine
• Urban drainage systems
• Hydrological performance
• Fibre reinforced composites
• Polymer science
• Product life cycle assessment
• Materials and Manufacturing

Built Environment

Our work focuses on human intervention in the physical environment, with the aim of improving current and future conditions. We are particularly interested in work that explores the problematic gaps between professions, between planning strategy and policy and between the academic and professional worlds.

Our specialist areas include:

• Community engagement and enablement
• Knowledge management and expertise in the construction industry
• Local sustainability
• Post-catastrophe urban reconstruction
• Rural-urban fringe economy and management
• Stakeholders and community engagement
• Urban conservation

We also explore issues including the adoption of digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), internet of things, machine learning, and virtual reality, the applications of innovative planning, design and construction approaches such as lean manufacturing and integrated project delivery, and the interfaces amongst human, building and the living environment to future-proof our living environment.

• Data integration and analytics in building life-cycle
• Application of immersive technology in building life-cycle
• Off-site production process design and engineering
• Use of renewable and recyclable structural materials

PhD Classic Doctoral Training Grant Funding Information

This 36 month (3 year) fully-funded PhD Studentship, in-line with the Research Council values, comprises a tax-free stipend of £15,285 per annum (paid monthly). The bursary is renewable annually for up to 36 months in total, subject to you making satisfactory progression within your PhD research.

This funding model also includes a FT Home fees studentship (£4,407 for 2020-21) for up to 3 years, subject to you making satisfactory progression within your PhD research.

This opportunity is open to UK, EU and International applicants. All applicants will receive the same stipend irrespective of fee status, however international applicants will be required to meet the difference in fee costs from their own funds.

Information for International Applicants

International applicants must submit a valid English language qualification, such as International English Language Test System (Academic IELTS) or equivalent with an overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0. Further details can be found here.

Deadline for Applications

Formal applications should be made on the University's online application form, which can be found under the 'How to Apply' tab of the PhD course page. The form should be accompanied by an initial research proposal of 1,000-2,500 words (fully referenced) explaining your ideas about the topic and how it might be studied - this allows us to match your ideas with staff experience and interests.

To discuss the application process please contact DRC.CEBE@bcu.ac.uk.

If you are applying for one of the below studentships please ensure you include the Project Code on your proposal. To allow due consideration of applications please ensure you submit your application by 23:59 31st January 2021 for a May start, unless specified in the studentship itself. See below for details of active studentships.