Centre for Doctoral Training in Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (AAPS)

The AAPS CDT at the University of Bath is recruiting its fifth cohort starting in September 2023. AAPS integrates a one-year MRes with a three to four-year PhD which combine to give both comprehensive skills training and detailed knowledge in your chosen subject area.

AAPS offers at least 10 fully-funded studentships each September.

Studentships cover stipend, fees and research support budget.

The AAPS CDT is where science, behaviour change and future engineering meet.

We support the thought and future leaders of mobility. Bringing together industry, academics and students to pioneer and shape the transition to clean, sustainable mobility for all.
The AAPS community is both stretching and supportive, encouraging our students to explore their research in a challenging but highly collaborative way.

Our Research Themes:

MRes Year

The MRes year is conducted as an interdisciplinary cohort and consists of bespoke taught units, group work and Integrative Think Tanks (ITTs).

You will develop foundation knowledge of the challenges facing the automotive sector as it evolves to address the zero-emissions future, as well as developing commercial and management skills, learning how to work as part of, as well as leading, a team. Programme content includes:

• Systems thinking and insights framework to practice innovation and how to work in trans-disciplinary teams
• Propulsion technologies and their roadmaps for development over the next 40 years
• Business practices and the stakeholders, structure and challenges within the industry.
• Guest lectures from industry and governmental organisations
• Bespoke research skills programme

PhD Phase

Throughout your time with AAPS, you will benefit from our training activities, such as mentoring future cohorts and participation in centre activities such as masterclasses, research seminars, think tanks and guest lectures. There are also opportunities to undertake industrial placements and academic secondments.

How to apply

You can apply by sending an expression of interest to the Student Experience Officer, Jessica Ohren including:

• 300-word personal statement on how your research interest and personal purpose aligns with the AAPS CDT vision, and why you want to be part of the CDT
• which AAPS Research Theme(s) your interests mostly fit
• two-page CV including your academic and work experience
• scans of your academic transcript(s)
• where you heard about AAPS
• title of the project you're applying for (if applicable)

Applications will be reviewed rapidly, and promising applicants will be invited to interview.

Successful applicants will hold, or be expecting, a first or high upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent). They will be highly engaged, dynamic candidates who want to conduct their PhD in a unique and innovative training environment with a desire to apply their research to shape the world around them.

Our website

Project Listings