This fully funded MSc by Research, with a stipend of £22,000 pa, is sponsored by Microtech Ceramic Ltd. The research offers an exciting opportunity to develop a new integrated system combining in-line coagulation and novel ceramic membranes produced by the sponsoring company. The program of work will combine laboratory and pilot scales experiments to study the impact of key operating parameters on the performance of the system and ultimately help define the design and operation envelope for full scale applications. The successful candidate will work closely with the sponsoring and help a novel product for the water sector.
The production of drinking water typically requires a sequence of multiple processes for the removal of, in particular, particles, organic matter and pathogens from natural water sources. In recent years, applications combining coagulation and membrane filtration have been shown to be very efficient at removing these pollutants simultaneously. However, this can be costly due to membrane fouling and hence, the need for regular cleanings which in turn reduce the life of the conventional polymeric membrane used. The integration of a compact in-line coagulation system with more robust ceramic membranes is expected to provide a more sustainable option for the water industry.
This project then aims to develop an integrated system combining in-line coagulation followed by ceramic membrane filtration for drinking water production. As part of this project, you will perform experiments at laboratory and pilot scales in the state-of-the-art testing facilities at Cranfield University to understand the impact of raw water characteristics (organic matter, turbidity…) and operational conditions (coagulant dose, retention time, membrane flux…) on the treatment performance and membrane cleaning requirement.
This MSc by Research project will then allow you to demonstrate your ability to conduct cutting edge applied research, whilst benefiting from the support of experienced academic supervisors and industrial input from Microtech Ceramic Ltd, the sponsor. Ultimately, the work will help Microtech Ceramic Ltd develop their future products through the delivery of guidance for the design and operation of the integrated system.
Cranfield University is well known for its excellence in delivering research for the water sector and our students are a key part of this relationship, often finding careers within the industry after completing their studies at Cranfield. But also, an MSc by Research is a major steppingstone in academic research, to then follow on with PhD project in the future. At the end of the project, you will then be very well positioned to have a very successful career in the water sector or academia. We will help you develop into a dynamic, confident and highly competent researcher with wider transferable skills (communication, project management and leadership) and an international network of colleagues that will be highly desirable for future employability.
At a glance
- Application deadline26 Aug 2026
- Award type(s)MSc by Research
- Start date28 Sep 2026
- Duration of award1 year (full-time)
- EligibilityUK
- Reference numberCRAN-0101
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or international equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit in a relevant subject such as chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental science, or other relevant engineering/science degree. The candidate should have some understanding of water science and should be self-motivated, have good communication skills for regular interaction with other stakeholders, with an interest in applied scientific research.
Funding
Sponsored by Microtech Ceramic Ltd and Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £22,000 (tax free) plus fees* for 1 year.
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a Home fee status student. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules. As a guiding principle UK or Irish nationals who are ordinarily resident in either the UK or Republic of Ireland pay Home tuition fees. All other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees. Further advice can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme.
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This Network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas, identify opportunities for collaboration and create smaller communities of practice. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge.
Doctoral Researchers’ Core Development (DRCD) Programme
An important part of the research journey is developing key skills that will benefit a research students research and professional development. As a research student at Cranfield, you will be expected to attend the DRCD programme which comprises of four 1 week units which cover the key stages of your research journey. Workshops are held face to face, providing the opportunity for you to network and collaborate with your peers during these valuable development sessions. For further details visit Cranfield's Doctoral Network.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Marc Pidou
Email: m.pidou@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1234 758302
This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.
Note, your application will not be considered unless all relevant documents have been uploaded. For more information please visit Applying for a research degree.
