EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Wind & Marine Energy Systems
This centre offers the UK’s only comprehensive doctoral training programme in Wind & Marine Energy, bringing together the leading UK research groups in Wind Energy at Strathclyde and Marine Energy at Edinburgh University.
Wind and Marine Energy are the most promising renewable energies for the UK and their contribution to electricity generation is central to UK plans to meet binding EU obligations to provide 15% of all UK energy from non-carbon sources by 2020. The centre will help the UK meet these ambitious targets and through support from its key UK and global business and industry partners, develop the new generation of high-skilled professionals needed to lead the vibrant energy sector.
Ten prestigious four-year PhD studentships are on offer. A formal programme of training and research is completed to develop and enhance students’ technical interdisciplinary knowledge, and broaden their understanding of the social, political and economic contexts of wind power and marine energy systems.
Find out more about our work in Wind Energy.
What you'll study
Year 1 combines taught classes with training in professional engineering skills, research techniques and methodologies. You'll explore potential PhD topics during this year, with a final topic agreed for the start of Year 2. Topics span power system analysis, operation and maintenance, to condition monitoring, novel design solution and turbine control.
Our current students' topics include:
- analysis of complex wind flow using numerical and experimental methods
- turbulence characteristics in the presence of wind turbines
- spatio-temporal prediction of wind fields
- next generation controller design for large multi-MW wind turbines
- distributed control of wind turbine blades
- electrical collection networks for offshore wind
- power network access arrangements for wind power
- control and protection of supergrids
- the effect of seasonal weather and side conditions on wind turbine failures
You're also required to participate in the Professional Engineer Training Scheme (PETS). This was created by students from the centre, to provide them with the opportunity to get involved in activities and training that will develop their professional skills. There are two key components of PETS – an elected committee responsible for ensuring PETS operates smoothly, and a Professional Development Course with a strong emphasis on schools and public outreach, and industry engagement activities.
The Centre is the first, and only, accredited Centre for Chartered Engineer training in the UK, with dual accreditation from the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Eligibility & entry requirements
EPRSC studentships are available to UK and eligible EU citizens who have, or are about to obtain, a first class Honours or MSc degree in a physical sciences or engineering discipline.
The studentships begin on 1 October each year. These cover University tuition fees and provide a highly competitive stipend to cover living costs for the full four years. Students also receive a travel allowance for conference fees and expenses.
EU students are only eligible for the stipend element of the studentship if they have been resident in the UK for three years, including for study purposes, immediately prior to starting this programme. If an EU student cannot fulfil this condition then they are eligible for payment of fees only.
International students cannot be funded from EPSRC funds unless they are 'settled' in the UK. To be 'settled' a student must either have the Right to Abode or Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK or have the right of permanent residence in the UK under EC law. Students with full refugee status are eligible for fees and the stipend.
How to apply
Applications open annually from 1 October, with interviews conducted between March and July. Apply online using the postgraduate admissions research link, selecting the MRes Wind Energy Systems programme name.
For admissions enquiries please contact Drew Smith, tel: +44 (0)141 548 2880
Questions
If you have any academic enquiries about the CDT, please get in touch with Professor Bill Leithead, tel: +44 (0)141 548 2378
