Energy systems studentships
This PhD cluster provides opportunities for cross-school and cross-faculty PhD studentship projects on a wide range of topics related to energy systems.
Start date
1 October 2023Duration
3.5 yearsApplication deadline
Funding source
UKRI and/or University of SurreyFunding information
The studentship will provide a stipend at UKRI rates (currently £17,668 for 2022/23) and tuition fees for 3.5 years. An additional bursary of £1,700 per annum for the duration of the studentship will be offered to exceptional candidates.
About
This PhD cluster provides opportunities for cross-school and cross-faculty PhD studentship projects on a wide range of topics related to energy systems. The aim is to contribute to the capacity development through focused research and training in net zero energy systems by developing innovative technological solutions, analytical and modelling capacity that combines engineering, science, environmental and economic analysis skills and contributing to impact-generating outcomes locally, nationally and globally.
The cluster will focus on net zero energy systems and research opportunities will include:
- Innovative technological solutions, systems integration and a whole systems approach to decarbonisation will be essential to support the global efforts for low-carbon energy system transition both in the developed world and in developing countries
- Onshore and offshore renewable energy systems, including synergy of hybrid multiple systems, structural design, sustainability and resilience of energy infrastructure, lifecycle analysis, supply chain and commercial issues
- City energy systems, including city-level integrated energy system modelling, city energy planning tools involving GIS and Earth Observation Data; smart energy campus; and risk and uncertainty analysis
- The development of novel materials, along with device testing, modelling and system optimisation, for both electrochemical and non-electrochemical technologies
- Hydrogen production and utilisation, sustainable alternative fuels, biological fuel or energy technologies, CO2 utilisation, and energy-efficient production of chemical feedstocks or treatment of waste.
Projects
Eligibility criteria
Open to any UK or international candidates. Up to 30% of our UKRI funded studentships can be awarded to candidates paying international rate fees. Find out more about eligibility.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted via the application portal for the PhD programme specified in the individual project advertisements:
- Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
- Civil and Environmental Engineering PhD
- Engineering Materials PhD
- Environment and Sustainability PhD
In place of a research proposal you should upload a document stating the title of the projects that you wish to apply for (up to 2) and the name of the relevant supervisor(s), together with an explanation of your motivations for wanting to study for a PhD and your reasons for selecting the project(s) you have chosen.
You must upload your full CV and any transcripts of previous academic qualifications. You should enter ’Faculty Funded Competition’ under funding type.
Studentship FAQs
Read our studentship FAQs to find out more about applying and funding.
Application deadline
Contact details
For informal enquiries, please follow the link to the project that interests you. You will then be able to contact the relevant project supervisor.
Studentships at Surrey
We have a wide range of studentship opportunities available.