Dr C Diels
Applications accepted all year round
Self-Funded PhD Students Only
About the Project
Congratulations on taking your first steps toward a Research Degree with Coventry’s Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing. As an ambitious and innovative University, we’re investing an initial £100m into our new research strategy, ‘Excellence with Impact’. Through original approaches from world-leading experts, we’re aiming for our research to make a tangible difference to the way we live. As a research student you are an integral part of Coventry’s lively and diverse research community and contribute to our reputation for excellence. With our exceptional facilities and superb support mechanisms you are afforded every opportunity for academic success.
The project
Sustainable personal transport will require the convergence of two main trends: vehicle automation and shared vehicle use. Both trends imply a shift away from the driver towards the passenger experience. We can expect that comfort will become a key user requirement within this future. For example, from the aviation industry we already know that a significant minority of passengers on intercontinental flights base their choice of airline on comfort first, and only then flight schedules. This research will explore the multifaceted concept of comfort for automated and shared vehicles. The research is expected to adopt a mixed methods approach consisting of surveys, interviews, prototyping, and design evaluations using real and simulated vehicle environments.
About the Centre/Department
Our research in Mobility & Transport works across our faculties and focuses on the design and engineering of future transport systems, including the growing influence of the internet and connectivity. The focus is on inclusive, sustainable and safe transport integrating the strongest research elements in design and engineering. Future transport systems have a number of high level aims including ambitions to totally eliminate road fatalities, to eliminate congestion, to provide users with seamless integrated and connected transport systems, to eliminate emissions and to develop vehicles and systems that use lightweight, efficient and recycled materials.
Successful applicants
-A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the Project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
-In the event of a first degree classification of less than 2:1, a Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent. The Masters must have been attained with overall marks at merit level (60%). In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a mark at merit level (60%).
-the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a three-year period of study
-a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)
Additionally
-knowledge and/or experience in Psychology, Human Factors or related social sciences, and / or Industrial Design
-a good knowledge of experimental design and statistics
-experience of (or a willingness to quickly learn) statistical software (SPSS) and qualitative data analysis software (NVivo).
Eligibility & application procedure
Application Procedure:
Application information can be found in our how to apply section. Before completing the application please contact Dr. Cyriel Diels (cc'ing [Email Address Removed] when you do) for an initial informal discussion about the opportunity.
Eligibility:
All UK/EU/International students are eligible to apply that meet the academic requirements, the eligibility criteria can be found at http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/research-entry-criteria/?id=88841
Funding Notes
Eligibility: UK/EU/International
Award Details: No award (Self-funding)
Duration: Full Time 3 years (Starting May)
Application deadline: Ongoing
Informal enquiries are essential before application; contact Dr. Cyriel Diels to discuss this opportunity.