Foreign students in engineering and materials science, take note—an exceptional doctoral research opportunity is now open in the UK. The University of Nottingham, in partnership with Rolls-Royce, is offering a PhD Studentship in Micromechanics and In-Depth Materials Analysis of Advanced Aerospace Materials Upon the Manufacturing Process.
This three-year program is a unique chance to gain world-class academic training alongside industrial expertise at one of the leading aerospace engineering hubs.
About the Studentship
The PhD studentship is hosted at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing Technology and On-Wing Technology, a state-of-the-art research environment equipped with advanced facilities for cutting-edge aerospace investigations. The project focuses on the micromechanics and materials behavior of advanced aerospace components under manufacturing conditions.
Students will explore how critical aerospace materials respond to manufacturing operations, using advanced tools such as:
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
- Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD)
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
- In-situ micromechanics
The project also integrates manufacturing trials, surface quality assessments, and stress analysis, offering students hands-on experience with both academic and industrial research methods.
Funding and Benefits
- Full tuition coverage for the three-year program.
- Tax-free stipend of approximately £19,237 per year.
- Direct access to globally recognized experts at Rolls-Royce.
Why This Matters for Students?
This opportunity goes beyond a standard PhD. Rolls-Royce ensures students gain:
- Industrial Training – tailored sessions within Rolls-Royce to understand aerospace manufacturing challenges.
- Joint Supervision – academic mentorship at Nottingham plus guidance from Rolls-Royce specialists.
- Career-Ready Skills – transferable knowledge across academia and industry.
- Optional Teaching Opportunities – for those aiming at academic careers.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must have at least a first or upper-second class degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, materials science, or physics. Graduates finishing their studies in July 2025 are also eligible.
Apply: https://jobs.nottingham.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=ENG242
The last date to apply for this Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Studentship is Friday, 31 October 2025.