The way in which we produce and consume energy is changing. We can no longer rely on the centralised power generation model of yesterday, to solve the global energy challenge of providing clean, affordable and reliable energy.
The power system of tomorrow is being shaped by climate change policy, socio-economic pressures and technological advances in materials science, power electronics, communications and data processing.
Two of the UK’s leading research institutions for power systems, the University of Strathclyde and Imperial College London, have combined their expertise and world-class facilities to establish a centre that will address this global energy challenge. It has been designed to produce world-leading engineers with the cross-disciplinary expertise needed to help realise the future low carbon smart grid.
The centre is supported by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), in partnership with leading UK engineering consultancies, equipment manufacturers and network operators. A unique training and research programme blends together leading-edge information and communications technology solutions, radical new power systems architectures and innovative market mechanisms to support the increasing renewable energy deployment and electrification of transportation and heating.
A three year PhD investigating the efficiency of transient non-thermal plasma discharges for different environmental applications is offered by the High Voltage Technologies (HVT) Research group within the Institute for Energy & Environment.
UKRI EPSRC are funding FUSE CDT, based in the universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde with >30 industrial partners covering a broad range of application areas. There are 10 four-year research studentships available for a September 2021 start.
This is an exciting 4 years fully-funded PhD, supported by EPSRC through FIND CDT focusing on the robotic deployment of electromagnetic and acoustic sensors for non-destructive evaluation of additively manufactured (AM) components during the manufacturing process.
The aim of this project is to take LiFi technology to the next level by designing ultra-high-speed, laser-based optical wireless communication receivers for sixth generation (6G)-and-beyond wireless systems with aggregate data rates of terabit/s (Tb/s).
The aim of this project is to take LiFi technology to the next level by designing ultra-high-speed, laser-based optical wireless communication transmitters for sixth generation (6G)-and-beyond wireless systems with aggregate data rates of terabit/s (Tb/s).
This is a three-year industry-funded PhD project focussed on the design, build and testing of novel power electronic converter systems. It is offered by the department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Strathclyde University, and funded and supported by a global technology partner.
This fully-funded PhD offers an exciting opportunity to undertake research on the development of a low cost, modular sensor platform for intelligent offshore wind foundation monitoring.
The project will investigate Machine Learning and Deep Learning approaches to extract and fuse multiple data streams from multi-sensor setups in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing through a combination of experimental work, data analytics and process simulation.
This project will develop chip scale optoelectronic systems through the 3-dimensional printing of nanoscale building block components such as nanolasers and thin film electronics.
This four-year programme is composed of a one-year MRes instructional course and three-year PhD research study.
You'll complete a series of short intensive research-led Masters-level courses delivered jointly by Strathclyde and Imperial College, combined with professional engineering skills and research methodologies training.
You're based primarily at Strathclyde, but complete a two-week course in Power electronics in February, and a one-week course in Risk management in May at Imperial. All costs associating with the visits to London are covered by the centre.
The Masters-level courses cover the smart-grid concept, protection systems, communications networks, operational reliability, asset management, the role of interconnection and European network integration, and power electronics. You'll develop an in-depth understanding of traditional power systems design and operation, and gain industrial context for your PhD topic.
Potential PhD topics are explored through the completion of two industry-inspired mini-projects.
You'll study for a PhD in a research topic of your choice. You'll also complete an industrial or international work placement of up to three months, and be required to participate in joint events, activities and training at Strathclyde and Imperial College.
Research topics are broad-ranging, based on industry needs and ongoing electrical power and energy research within both institutions. Example topics include:
All fees quoted are per academic year unless otherwise stated.
Entrants may be subject to a small fee during the writing up period.
| Scotland | TBC |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | TBC |
| International | TBC |
| Studentships | Studentships are available for UK and eligible EU citizens, who have or are about to obtain a UK first-class or upper second-class BEng (Honours), MEng or MSc degree, or equivalent EU qualification, in a relevant physical sciences or engineering discipline. The centre is composed of students from a variety of age groups, academic and industry backgrounds, and experience; from physics graduates and civil engineers to power systems industry experts returning to academia. The studentships cover university tuition fees, provide a highly competitive stipend to help with living costs, and a travel allowance for conference attendance, for the full four years of the programme. EU applicants are only eligible for the stipend if they have been resident in the UK for three years, including for study purposes, immediately prior to starting the programme. If an EU applicant cannot fulfil this condition, they are only eligible for the tuition fees element of the studentship. International students may be eligible for the studentships if they are 'settled' in the UK. 'Settled' means being ordinarily resident in the UK without any immigration restrictions on the length of the stay. To be ‘settled’ a student must either have the Right to Abode, Indefinite leave to remain in the UK or the right of permanent residence in the UK under EC law. If the student’s passport describes them as a British citizen they have the Right of Abode. Students with full refugee status are eligible for the tuition fees and stipend elements of the studentship. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
Continuous learning: a programme of continuous professional development supplements your research, with courses designed to develop skills such as project management, health and safety, writing with confidence, presentation and communication, along with opportunities for conference attendance and industrial engagement.
Industrial/international placements: in Year 2 of your PhD, you have the opportunity to spend up to three months with an associated industrial partner, or at an international academic institution to enhance interaction and explore options for collaborations between academia and industry.
Two academic supervisors: supervision by world-class academics from the UK’s leading research institutions for power systems.
Conference attendance: all students receive a dedicated annual conference budget. With guidance from their supervisor, you'll identify the most suitable conferences to attend to advance your learning and share experiences in your field of research. All students attend the annual UK Low Carbon Network & Innovation conference. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest technological and management developments within the UK power sector.
Upon joining the centre, you'll have the opportunity to participate in the professional engineering development society (PEDS). This student-led society coordinates a number of personal development, schools and public outreach activities, and industry engagement events, including:
Chartership is not an expectation, but it's available to professional engineers interested in obtaining recognition for their work.
It normally takes about five years to achieve CEng status following graduation from a professionally-accredited undergraduate degree. The centre aims to support you with targeted training activities to develop the necessary academic and professional competencies required for Chartership (CEng) with the professional body, the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET).
From the outset of the PhD component, you'll be encouraged to record your professional development activities which will contribute towards your Chartership application. Professional development can include a range of activities, such as attendance at conferences, presentations made, roles held within working groups/committees, and any training courses completed.
There's currently a global shortage of trained power systems engineers. Transmission systems and distribution networks operators such as ScottishPower, SSE, UK Power Networks and Northern Powergrid are always looking for highly skilled engineers who can bring knowledge and experience to their rapidly changing industry.
Alternatively, you may work on the development of novel power generation or storage solutions, the implementation of performance monitoring sensors and smart demand management systems. Opportunities also exist to create new products and services that can be developed as university spin-out and student start-up companies, in which both Strathclyde and Imperial have significant expertise and success.
The Strathclyde Doctoral School provides a vibrant and comprehensive student-centred research and training environment in order to grow and support current and future research talent. The School encompasses our four faculties and is committed to enriching the student experience, intensifying research outputs and opportunities, and ensuring training is at the highest level. As a postgraduate researcher, you'll automatically become a member of the Strathclyde Doctoral School.
Find out more about the Doctoral School
Research in education places a strong emphasis on collaboration and cross-disciplinary working. Education at Strathclyde produces leading research focused on nine overlapping themes with national and international relevance:
Read our step-by-step guide on how to submit your application.
How to applyApplications open annually from 1 October and are accepted all year round.
To apply, complete an online application, uploading copies of your academic transcripts, degree certificate, passport, and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in studying on the programme. Your application will be for the one-year instructional MRes in the first instance, with transfer to the PhD made at the end of Year 1 upon satisfactory completion of the MRes.
Applications are reviewed by an Academic Panel, with selected candidates then invited for interview. Interviews are conducted between January and July. These are held at either the University of Strathclyde or Imperial College London, depending on candidates’ geographical location.
Decisions on interviews are confirmed within one working week, with successful candidates made a formal offer of a studentship.
Studentships are available to UK citizens who have, or are about to obtain, a first-class or upper-second Honours or MSc degree in a physical sciences or engineering discipline.
