Research opportunities
The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) provides a measure of research quality for all Higher Education Institutions in the UK. In the most recent 2008 RAE Cranfield University maintained or improved its reputation for the international quality of its research. Overall, 85% of all the research submitted for assessment was internationally recognised in terms of its originality, significance and rigour, with 65% being world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). A key highlight was being ranked third in the UK for the impact of our mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing research.
Researchers studying for a higher degree at Cranfield are associated with one of several Doctoral Training Centres, which are funded in part by the Research Councils and industry. These cover the key research themes in science, engineering and technology across the university.
In addition to studentships for specific projects, we also welcome applications from candidates with First or Second class UK Honours degrees (or their international equivalent) who are interested in undertaking research.
If none of the opportunities below are suitable but you are keen to undertake a PhD in one of our specialist areas please complete an application form outlining your research proposal. You may be eligible for funding up to £17,500 plus UK fees.
Automotive and Motorsport
There are currently no studentships available in this area.
Energy and Offshore
There are currently no studentships available in this area.
Environment and Resource Management
- Funded research opportunities in the agri-food industry
- PhD Studentship – Evaluate yield limiting factors by means of multi-sensor and data fusion approach
- PhD NERC studentship: Mitigation of pollutant emissions from the steel industry
Manufacturing
- MSc by Research Studentships - Ultra Precision Engineering
- PhD Studentships - Ultra Precision Engineering
- PhD Studentship - Advanced Bearing System for Ultra Precision Plastic Electronics Production Systems
- PhD studentship - Control Technologies for Roll to Roll Plastic Electronics Production
- PhD studentship - Space Optics Fabrication using Re-Active Plasma and Laser Processing
Materials
- MSc by Research Studentships - Ultra Precision Engineering
- PhD Studentships - Ultra Precision Engineering
- PhD Studentship - Advanced Bearing System for Ultra Precision Plastic Electronics Production Systems
- PhD studentship - Control Technologies for Roll to Roll Plastic Electronics Production
- PhD studentship - Space Optics Fabrication using Re-Active Plasma and Laser Processing
Microsystems and Nanotechnology
There are currently no studentships available in this area.
Precision Engineering
- MSc by Research Studentships - Ultra Precision Engineering
- PhD Studentships - Ultra Precision Engineering
- PhD Studentship - Advanced Bearing System for Ultra Precision Plastic Electronics Production Systems
- PhD studentship - Control Technologies for Roll to Roll Plastic Electronics Production
- PhD studentship - Space Optics Fabrication using Re-Active Plasma and Laser Processing
Water
- Funded research opportunities in the agri-food industry
- EngD Studentship: Disinfection Modelling for Water Distribution Systems
- PhD NERC studentship: Mitigation of pollutant emissions from the steel industry
Welding
There are currently no studentships available in this area.





