Research at Cranfield University

Research opportunities available at Cranfield University – join one of the UK’s top five commercial research-intensive universities to launch your research career.

Over 20 self-funded PhD positions developed at the heart of a vibrant doctoral research community, giving you the freedom to tailor your studies and enhance your knowledge in your chosen subject area.

Cranfield combines expertise in design, technology and management along with research into materials sciences together, all with a focus on manufacturing. Our students contribute to 81% of research that was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

We are a significant contributor to global innovation, changing the way society thinks, works and learns.

Currently, Cranfield is fifth in the UK for mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing engineering education, eleventh in Europe according to QS World University Rankings 2018.

We’re offering you the opportunity to study with us in one of the following research areas. The self-funded project areas below have been developed to ensure you will be working on cutting edge, industry relevant research in alignment to Cranfield Manufacturing’s research strategy:

• Advanced Materials Process Engineering
• Through-life Engineering Services (TES)/ Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM)
• Composites

We also offer various fully-funded PhD opportunities.
Please view all opportunities available here.

Why Cranfield?

• Enhance your employability – our alumni are in high demand and prosper in some of the world’s most prestigious organisations in senior positions
• Access to specialist state of the art, high-tech facilities and equipment
• Work closely with your academic supervisor - many of whom are leading in their area of expertise

How to apply

Please apply via the appropriate key academics related to the PhD position. Alternatively, please contact PhDenquirymanufacturing@cranfield.ac.uk.

Funding opportunities

There are a number of research studentships offered throughout the year. Take a look at our funding finder, a searchable database of financial support sources. Please see the Fees and Funding page for more details.