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About the programme

DigitalMetal CDT offer PhD projects in the following 5 research themes in collaboration with world-leading industrial partners, including Rolls-Royce, UKAEA, GKN Aerospace, TWI, MTC, AWE, WMG, Siemens, Qinetiq, Tata Steel, British Steel, HVM Catapult and etc.

DigitalMetal CDT Research Themes:

1. Advanced manufacturing: Example projects: (i) casting, (ii) welding, (iii) surface engineering, (iv) near net-shape forming, and (v) additive manufacturing, (vi) Intelligent and robotic manufacturing of metals and alloys
2. Metals and alloys engineering: Example projects: (i) development of Ni-base superalloys, (ii) development of high-performance alloys
3. Multi-objective digital twinning of manufacturing processes: Example projects: Digital twining of (i) casting, (ii) welding or (iii)additive manufacturing high performance engineering structures for aerospace, energy and medical applications, (iv) digital twinning of steelmaking processes
4. Digital-enabled right-first-time manufacturing: Example projects: (i) digital manufacturing of lightweight & multi-functional space structures, (ii) right-first-time manufacturing for environmental sustainability and net zero in metal manufacturing
5. Engineering management and manufacturing supply chain study using digital tools. Example projects: (i) use of Industry 4.0 to enhance decision making, (ii) supply chain co-ordination for sustainability, (iii) use of technology for supply chain visibility

Partners

DigitalMetal CDT has more than 30 global and UK-leading industrial, governmental, and academic partners. PhD projects co-funded by these industrial partners* receive world-class support—including enhanced stipends and placement opportunities—to address and resolve real industry challenges. This collaborative approach leads to recurring and wide-reaching impacts from their research.

* Please note that industrial projects depend on availability

Funding

Standard EPSRC-funded studentships (home fees* plus stipend). Additional industrial top-up funding may be available for industry-supported projects. Standard fee listed below.

£4,000 Research training support grant (RTSG) per year

While studentships mainly support UK applicants, international candidates may also be considered depending on funding availability.

*If you are not eligible for UK fees then you may need to confirm whether the host institution will provide the difference between UK and International fees for the duration of your studies. Please query this with the project lead as appropriate.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have or expect to obtain a first class or upper second class BSc and/or M-level degree (or an equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant subject.

Applicants who hold a lower second class honours degree (or an equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant subject may be considered for admission provided that they also hold a Masters degree in a relevant subject.

English language requirements apply as necessary.

Eligibility

Our project-based studentships are open to all applicants* who meet the academic requirements (at least a 2:1 at UK BSc level or at least a pass at UK MSc level or overseas equivalent).

*Applicants from outside the UK should check their eligibility with the project’s lead supervisor. Not all of our projects are accepting international applicants.

International students will normally require a student visa in order to be able to study in the UK. There are costs associated with the visa application process, which must be met by the student. Please ensure you have the means to meet these costs before you apply to the programme.

EU applicants who hold EU settled or EU pre-settled status will need to provide a share code (the one that starts with S) to verify your fee status.

How to apply

To apply for a position with the CDT, you should submit a full PGR application form on our partner's website, University of Birmingham, including research proposal, CV and supporting documentation. Applications are reviewed by the DigitalMetal CDT Board. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview, and where applicable, an additional industrial interview follows. Offers are subject to EPSRC funding eligibility and University admissions criteria

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online using the following link. You will be required to set up an account with the University of Birmingham to make the application