Aerodynamic and Environmental Flow PhD

Studying for a PhD in aerodynamics and environmental flow at the University of Surrey means being part of a multidisciplinary research community, where doctoral students come together to work on applied engineering research topics with a direct impact on society.

Our Centre for Aerodynamics and Environmental Flow conducts world-class research in experimental and computational fluid dynamics, with a leading global output in computational fluid mechanics, environmental fluid mechanics, turbomachinery and wind energy. We also host the Environmental Flow (EnFlo) Atmospheric Wind Tunnel, which is part of both the Atmospheric Measurement and Observation Facility and the National Wind Tunnel Facility. It is the only wind tunnel in the UK capable of reproducing the speed, temperature and turbulence conditions in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Our researchers also regularly collaborate with key players in industry, including QinetiQ, Rolls-Royce, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Jaguar Land Rover. We also host the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Thermo-Fluid Systems.

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, the University of Surrey ranks 15th in the UK for research power for engineering and top 20 in the UK for the overall quality of research outputs (research papers and other published works).

Our Aerodynamic and Environmental Flow PhD will give you the knowledge, skills and expertise needed for a career in engineering, research or academia. You’ll be intellectually challenged, develop research and management skills, and become an expert in your chosen field of study.

It normally takes around three years to complete a full-time PhD. You’ll be assigned a minimum of two supervisors, who’ll guide you through your studies. You’ll learn how to conduct literature reviews, how to develop your ideas and verify them with experiments, and how to collaborate and perform interdisciplinary research. You will develop your skills over time to become an independent researcher.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.