The Rolls-Royce PhD Scholarship offers a three-year program focused on industry-partnered research to tackle critical on-platform manufacturing engineering challenges. The selected candidate will be situated at the University of Nottingham’s Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC), specializing in Manufacturing Technology and On-Wing Technology.
When is the Application Deadline:
October 31, 2025
Tell Me About The Award:
The Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Scholarship – Micromechanics and In-Depth Materials Analysis of Advanced Aerospace Materials Upon the Manufacturing Process (ENG242) is a three-year PhD program at the University of Nottingham, hosted at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing Technology and On-Wing Technology. Funded by Rolls-Royce, it focuses on investigating the response of advanced aerospace materials to manufacturing operations to support the robust production of safety-critical aero-engine components.
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Furthermore, the program combines academic research with industrial training, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise from globally recognized Rolls-Royce specialists.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
The project focuses on micromechanics and materials analysis within:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Specific research involves studying advanced aerospace materials (e.g., high-temperature alloys, composites) using techniques like Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and in-situ micromechanics, alongside manufacturing trials and surface quality analysis (metallurgy, integrity, residual stresses).
Type:
Fully-funded PhD scholarship
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Hold a first or upper-second class degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, materials science, or physics.
- Be graduating by July 2025 (if not yet graduated).
- Be UK-domiciled (due to funding restrictions).
- Not apply directly via the My Nottingham platform without first contacting the UTC team.
How are Applicants Selected?
- Applicants submit a CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts to Prof. Dragos Axinte (dragos.axinte@nottingham.ac.uk).
- Suitable candidates are interviewed by the UTC team.
- Successful interviewees are invited to make a formal application.
- Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed, with only shortlisted candidates contacted due to high application volume.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
United Kingdom (due to funding restrictions, only UK applicants are eligible).
Where will the Award be Taken?
University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing Technology and On-Wing Technology, Jubilee Campus.
How Many Awards?
One scholarship is available for this specific project.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Full tuition fee coverage for three years.
- Tax-free stipend of approximately £19,237 per year.
- Industrial training within Rolls-Royce for an agreed period.
- Joint academic and industrial supervision by University of Nottingham and Rolls-Royce specialists.
- Optional teaching opportunities for those pursuing academic careers.
How Long Will the Award Last?
Three years, covering the duration of the PhD program.
How to Apply:
- Prepare a CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts.
- Email these documents to Prof. Dragos Axinte (dragos.axinte@nottingham.ac.uk) for initial review.
- Do not apply via the My Nottingham platform without prior contact with the UTC team.
- Suitable applicants will be interviewed; successful candidates will be invited to submit a formal application.
- Contact Prof. Dragos Axinte (Tel: 0115 951 4117) for further information.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until October 31, 2025, or until the position is filled.
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Scholarship – University of Nottingham
