The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences focuses on research that is significant to the current and future needs of our society. This is your chance to contribute to this course and help improve communities.

Our research is recognised internationally: over half our research funding comes from international sources. We also receive support from UK Government, research councils and charities. Our research projects tackle strategic priorities such as energy, information and communication technologies (ICT), and healthcare technologies. All our staff are engaged in research and with an unusually large proportion of them operating research projects linked to industry.

Studying a research degree with us means you will be a member of the College Student Research Society, enjoying a range of events (seminars by external distinguish speakers, annual poster competition, inter-school collaboration, social gathering and outing) organised by the society to enrich your academic and social life experience.

School research areas

If you want to pursue a rewarding postgraduate research degree leading to a PhD qualification that matches not only your interests but prepares you with high level knowledge and skills in one of the fields below then Aston is the right choice.

• Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT)
• Aston Institute of Materials Research (AIMR)
• Aston Logistics and Systems Institute (ALSI)
• Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI)
• Systems Analytics Research Institute (SARI)
• Aston Institute for Urban Technology and the Environment (ASTUTE)

In addition, the College has a number of multidisciplinary Research Groups, drawing together skills from across the school:

Aston STEM Education Centre (ASEC)

• Adaptive Communications Networks Research Group
• Computer Science
• Engineering Education Research Group
• Power Electronics, Machines and Power System (PEMPS) Group
• Sustainable Environment Research Group

Applicants should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, a Masters degree in a relevant subject with a 60% or higher weighted average, and/or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution).

Some school funded projects may have specific academic requirements, and details of these will be included in the project advert details listed on this page.

Please provide transcripts of the marks you have already achieved with your application.  If your qualification is suitable and your grades are good, we would normally accepted this as providing evidence of your research potential.

We may also consider applicants who have substantial and significant work experience outside of their degree(s) in a relevant field, but who do not currently meet our academic entry requirements; this can include unpaid internships, volunteering for charities and NGO’s or self-funded activities.