PhD Studentship: Rolls-Royce sponsored PhD scholarship in Aerospace Engineering at University of Nottingham 2025-2026

Applications are invited to undertake a three-year PhD programme in partnership with industry to address key challenges in manufacturing engineering. The successful candidate will be based at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology at the University of Nottingham.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 31, 2025
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Nottingham
• City to studyNottingham
• School to studyUniversity of Nottingham
• Course to studyAerospace Engineering , Engineering
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

For mutual interest the project can be offered as a "package" - this will include

• Appropriate training within Rolls-Royce for a period to be agreed.  The training will enable the understanding of the technical issues related to the project, as well as developing a good partnership with the appropriate technical teams.
• Joint academic and industrial supervision.  In this way, the student will develop both academic and industrial skills with multiple career opportunities at the end of the PhD study.
• For PhD students wishing to pursue an academic career, the opportunity to participate in teaching activities will be sought.
• Internationally recognised Rolls-Royce specialists in the field will be available throughout the project to provide the PhD student with support and guidance if required.

The bursary covers the tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend of approximately £19,237 per annum for the duration of the project (three years). The position is available immediately.

Requirements

• First or upper-second class graduate in mechanical/manufacturing/materials science/physics
• Knowledge in both manufacturing and material science while establishing relationships with both academic and industrial areas at international level.
• Previous experience in modelling/experimental methods of laser beam processes will be considered an advantage.

Check also:
Wits-Edinburgh Programme in Sustainable African Futures by Mastercard Foundation 2026-2027
Department of Aeronautics MSc Scholarship at Imperial College London 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications with a
  • CV,
  • cover letter and
  • academic transcripts should be sent to Prof. Zhirong Liao.
• Suitable applicants will be interviewed, and if successful, invited to make a formal application.
• Do not submit your application via the My Nottingham platform without having contacted the University of Nottingham team first.
• Informal enquiries may be also addressed to Prof. Zhirong Liao
  • Email: [email protected]

For more details, visit University of Nottingham Scholarship webpage