Postgraduate Research

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FoSE) is committed to cultivating a vibrant, globally connected research community. We aim to push the boundaries of knowledge and address complex societal challenges through creative, interdisciplinary enquiry. Our postgraduate researchers are at the heart of this mission, empowered by world-class supervision, advanced facilities, and a supportive, collaborative culture that prepares them to become leaders in academia and industry.

FoSE offers Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Research (MRes) research degree programmes designed to suit different academic and professional goals.

PhD programmes in the FoSE

MRes programmes in the FoSE

Research is pursued across a wealth of interdisciplinary areas. This cross-boundary approach is directly enabled by our distinctive co-supervision mechanism, which brings together academic supervisors from multiple campuses and external partners, uniting diverse expertise to solve complex problems.

Postgraduate researchers benefit from access to cutting-edge laboratories and the following specialist research centres:

• Advanced Energy and Environmental Materials & Technologies Research Centre
• Advanced Mechanical and Manufacturing Research Centre
• Artificial Intelligence and Optimization Research Centre
• Climate and Environmental Solutions Research Centre
• Human-Centred Sustainable Interaction Research Centre
• Power Electronics, Machines and Control Research Centre

• Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Research (MRes)
• Study Mode: Full-time or part-time (only for PhD)
• Duration: Full-time PhD three to four years, part-time six to eight years; Full-time MRes one to one and half years (from registration to submission of thesis).
• Start Dates: February or September each year.
• Overview: Programmes are built on a co-supervision model, connecting you with academic supervisors from our UK and Malaysia campuses, as well as external partners from leading research institutions and industry. 

• Collaborative Co-Supervision Model: You will be supervised by a supervisory team that often involves international campuses and external organisations. This structure broadens your network, enriches your research perspective, and strengthens links with industry and world-class research institutions.
• World-Class Research Platforms: You can obtain various research support from the advanced laboratories and our interdisciplinary research centres, giving you hands-on access to the facilities and expertise needed to solve complex challenges.
• Vibrant PGR Community Events: FoSE hosts a range of events designed to encourage connection and collaboration. The annual FoSE PGR Showcase celebrates student research, while regular social events bring staff and students together for open networking, brainstorming, knowledge exchange and discussion.
• Seminars, Workshops and Conferences: A rich programme of academic events runs throughout the year, featuring invited speakers and experts from top universities and industry. These sessions keep you at the forefront of your field and provide valuable opportunities for intellectual exchange.
• Wellbeing and Away Days: A balanced research life is integral to your success. We organise off-campus activities such as Cozy Island trips and cultural tours, which help you build lasting friendships, explore the local culture, and recharge away from the lab.

The Graduate School provides a structured training system for postgraduate researchers, designed to consolidate academic foundations, strengthen research capabilities, broaden frontier perspectives, and support teaching development. Opportunities include training for Graduate Teaching Assistant roles and a regular programme of academic, professional, and wellbeing events. More details can be found at HERE.

A range of scholarships is available for PhD programme applicants. University/FoSE scholarships cover tuition fees and provide a monthly stipend, subject to satisfactory academic progression. Applicants are encouraged to explore the research profiles of FoSE academic staff to identify potential supervisors whose expertise aligns with their proposed area of study. Applicants should indicate their interest in funding when submitting their research degree application and ensure they meet the relevant entry requirements. More details can be found at HERE.

• Entry Requirements: Applicants should normally hold a UK honours bachelor’s degree at the upper second-class level or above, or a master’s degree at merit level or above (for PhD), in a relevant subject. English language proficiency is typically demonstrated by an IELTS score of 6.5 (for PhD, with no element below 6.0) and an IELTS score of 6.0 (for MRes, with no element below 5.5) or an equivalent qualification. Specific entry criteria for PhD and MRes programmes can be found on the relevant course pages.
• Application Process: Applications are submitted online. Research proposals are considered by potential supervisors, and applicants should seek consent from a prospective supervisor before applying. Full guidance is available on the Graduate School’s how-to-apply page. More details can be found at HERE.

• Faculty Enquiries: For questions about the FoSE PGR degree programmes and research areas, please contact fose-pgr@nottingham.edu.cn.
• Graduate School: For queries about admissions, scholarships, and the application process, please visit the Graduate School website.