Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering PGRTAs: Enhanced PhD Studentship

Application deadline: 24/07/2026

This PhD will be undertaken over a total period of 70 months and will combine research and teaching responsibilities. This PhD project is fully funded; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free part time stipend set at the UKRI rate (£13,200.80 for 2026/27) plus a salary which will bring the annual income to a minimum of £28,405.40 per annum. We expect the stipend to increase each year. Tuition fee costs will be covered by School of Engineering.

We seek to appoint one Postgraduate Research Teaching Associates (PGRTAs) in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, with a view to starting by the end of 2026. With this fully funded PhD scheme, you don’t have to choose between starting your career or researching for a PhD, we’ll back you to study, teach and earn. 

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated candidate to deliver outstanding research while simultaneously developing the skills, experience and profile required for a future career in academia. 

You’ll leave with both a PhD and training in higher education teaching with the opportunity for accreditation - all while earning an enhanced salary plus PhD stipend package. 

What you'll get 

• An enhanced combined teaching salary and stipend of £28,832 / annum. 
• All tuition fees covered. 
• Transferable skills to support your career. 
• Your research guided by our leading minds. 

Your options

60% research / 40% teaching (5 years 10 months total) in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering related disciplines. 

The Department is seeking to make an appointment in one of the following areas aligned to strategic research and teaching priorities: 

• Design with a focus on space engineering 
• Digital manufacturing, sustainable manufacturing, laser engineering and robotics 
• Physics of materials, structures and dynamics, biomechanics, welding and structural performance 
• Nuclear fission, fusion, nuclear fuels and graphite and nuclear policy 
• Nuclear thermal hydraulics, solar energy, zero carbon systems, energy storage and bio-medical engineering 

Choose your research project

You are invited to contact a member of staff in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering to propose a PhD project from the list of topics above. 

This scholarship works on a nomination basis so it’s important you make sure you have had significant contact with your nominated supervisory team during the application process and that they are aware that you wish to be considered for funding. 

Complete your application prior to the advertised funding deadline (see key dates below). Specify in the funding section of your PhD application form that you wish to be considered for the PGR Teaching Associate Scholarship. 

Include a written statement explaining why you’re interested in a combined research and teaching PhD, and how you match the criteria listed above. 

Your lead supervisor will then nominate candidates for consideration by the Faculty and, if nominated, you will then be invited to an interview. 

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