At Cranfield our close links with industry, state of the art laboratories and vibrant postgraduate student community create a unique and stimulating environment to study for an MSc or PhD in Water.

You will be supported by academic supervisors, many of whom internationally renowned for their research expertise. You will become part of our research community where ideas are shared and new friendships flourish.

You will be challenged intellectually and encouraged to pursue research excellence - undertaking a research degree requires focus and determination - but the personal rewards are significant.

Find out more about our funded research opportunities in Water and the exciting opportunities to work collaboratively with our industrial partners.

Explore our communities of practice which provide a focal point for developing shared interests across our portfolio of water research.


STREAM Industrial Doctoral Centre for the UK water sector

STREAM is one of 19 Centres for Doctoral Training set up to support UK industrial funded research. With its expertise in water science and engineering, Cranfield University is coordinating STREAM and its partners, which include Imperial College London and the Universities of Sheffield, Newcastle and Exeter. 

The programme is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). With match funding via investment from the UK water industry, the programme is supporting training of 50 EngD and PhD students.

For more information on the funding opportunities available, please visit the STREAM programme portal.

WIRe: Water Infrastructure and Resilience Centre for Doctoral Training

The Water Infrastructure and Resilience Centre for Doctoral Training (WIRe CDT) will produce scientists and engineers to deliver the innovative and disruptive thinking for a resilient water infrastructure future. Centred around unique and world-leading water infrastructure facilities, the centre builds on an internationally-renowned research consortium consisting of Cranfield University, the University of Sheffield and Newcastle University.

The programme is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and companies who sponsor research projects to support and train 60 PhD students to deliver a resilient water future.

For more information, visit the WIRe website.

Cranfield Industrial Partnership PhD Scholarships Scheme (CIPPS)

For industrial clients and non-governmental organisations (NGO) wishing to sponsor PhD research projects, Cranfield also offers an Industrial Partnership PhD scholarships scheme. Through industrial-academic collaboration, this enables a business to develop the relevant skills and knowledge of their employees. Cranfield University covers the student fees and with a contribution towards the student stipend, significantly reduces the overall PhD sponsorship costs for an industrial or NGO client.  

We always welcome enquiries from either businesses or individuals interested in the CIPP scheme. For more information and to discuss potential project ideas please contact the Research Office.

Sue White Fund for Africa

Professor Sue White was an eminent hydrologist within Cranfield Water Science Institute. With funding financed by a generous donation to the University by Professor White through her Estate, the Trust Fund provides financial support to enable students to study for a PhD at Cranfield University on a topic related to her research interests in water management and hydrology in Africa. Up to three awards are made each year. 

If you are a business or NGO working in Africa or a student wishing to pursue a water related research degree in Africa, please see the Sue White Fund page for further information.

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water and Waste Infrastructure and Services Engineered for Resilience (Water-WISER)

A Water-WISER PhD offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the generation of new knowledge to improve water, waste & sanitation infrastructure and services for the poorest and most marginalised members of our global community.

Fifty funded PhD studentships are available over the next 5 years for UK and EU students.

The studentships will be hosted by three world leading water sanitation and waste management UK research centres, each with a pedigree of more than 40 years of relevant research and teaching experience:

For more information, visit the WaterWISER CDT website.