EPSRC Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials

The Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials (BCFN) is now recruiting for 2019 entry to our PhD programme. This innovative, interdisciplinary research training programme offers the opportunity to undertake a PhD in the fundamental understanding of, and application of functional nanomaterials to societal challenges, including energy, health, or emerging technologies.

Our four-year integrated PhD programme begins with a structured year of training, giving you all the foundation skills necessary to prosper in your PhD research and beyond. In the Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, not only will you be guided in developing your career as a research scientist, but you will also learn the skills and approaches necessary to translate your findings into technological innovations that impact the wider world.

There is a strong emphasis on exploration and you are actively encouraged to experience different research disciplines and environments before beginning your core PhD research.

Other features of the training year include:

• short interdisciplinary projects giving you practical training in all the key characterisation and fabrication techniques in a variety of different labs;
• expert-led group-work, practical sessions and lecture courses in advanced topics;
• intensive training from scientists working in innovative companies from post-doc-led start-ups to world-leading multinationals;
• extensive skills training in leadership, creativity, writing, presenting, group work, leading discussions, etc.

The summer term starts with a six-month extended project, immersing you in your chosen research area. For students who apply for industry-funded projects, you will know your research project on application and the vital experience you have gained through the interdisciplinary taught programme and short research projects allows you to hit the ground running.

Self-funded students (including those applying for scholarships and funding internationally) may select a project from BCFN’s network of over 100 academic supervisors, drawn from a wealth of cutting-edge challenges from across the materials spectrum. Alternatively, you may develop a project in collaboration with supervisors from our network. This long project normally continues as your PhD project.

After your training year, you will move to an academic department in the Faculties of Science, Engineering, Health Sciences or Life Sciences for your PhD project. However, you will remain part of the BCFN community and will maintain close ties by taking part in teaching, regular seminars and events.

Want to know what kinds of work you could do with us? Visit: www.bristol.ac.uk/bcfn

Entry Requirements

At least an upper second-class honours degree (eg MSci, MPhys, MEng, MChem) or equivalent. Applicants with an upper second-class honours BSc degree may be considered if they can demonstrate very good potential for research.

We welcome applications from self-funded international candidates and you can find about international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

If English is not your first language, you will also need to meet the University of Bristol’s language requirement – for more details visit the programme webpage.

Course Fees

Full time: UK/EU £4,300, Overseas £21,700 pa

Funding for 2019/20

UK nationals are eligible for EPSRC part funded studentships which covers tuition fees and living costs. This also applies to EU nationals who have lived in the UK for at least three years. For self-funded students or those applying for scholarships, once we have assessed your application to be suitable we will be in touch about organising a skype interview.

Further information for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students.