EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award in Hypersonics

Become an innovator in the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds!<br /> <br /> For 2026/27 entry, we are offering 1 talented budding researcher the opportunity to join our thriving community of leading researchers within the School of Mechanical Engineering.<br /> <br /> This is a highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award in Hypersonics, providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant, at the standard UKRI rate of of &pound;21,805 per year for 3.5 years.<br /> <br /> Hypersonic flight presents a significant technological challenge which is at the forefront of aerospace engineering. Aerothermal heating at speeds of Mach 6 and greater can lead to impaired structural integrity. Consequently, it is vital to understand the interplay between aerodynamics and heat transfer in the pursuit of superior aerospace vehicle design. The main aim of this fully funded PhD project is to gain novel insights into aerothermal behaviour at high-supersonic and hypersonic speeds. It will involve extensive use of high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and High Performance Computing (HPC) to generate valuable aerothermal data.<br /> <br /> There is 1 funded place available. Please note that whilst you may be successful in securing an academic offer for any project linked to this funding opportunity, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.<br /> <br /> This funding is linked to the specific advertised project listed below under the Linked Project Opportunities section, where you can out more about the project.<br />

<p><strong>Eligibility Criteria </strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying.</li> <li>Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered.  </li> <li>Award must be taken up by 1st October 2026.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website or our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a> for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p> <h2><strong>Why do your PhD at Leeds?</strong></h2> <p><strong>96% of our research is world-leading (REF 2021)</strong></p> <p>At Leeds, our research in major engineering disciplines, mathematics and physical sciences addresses the most prevalent real-world challenges – providing solutions that have had both a national and global impact.</p> <p><strong>Study in an active research environment</strong></p> <p>Studying your PhD with us means you’ll be working in a professional research environment, using UK-leading facilities to bring your project to life – alongside active researchers who are at the forefront of their area.</p> <p><strong>A strong network of support</strong></p> <p>The Leeds Doctoral College connects our community of researchers and can offer you the guidance, services and opportunities you’ll need to get the most out of your PhD.</p> <p><strong>Close industry links</strong></p> <p>Our partnerships and links to companies and academic institutions give you the opportunity to network at industry talks, seminars and conferences, building connections that'll benefit your next steps after you complete your PhD.</p> <p><strong>Professional skills development</strong></p> <p>We think of the whole picture at Leeds. That’s why we offer a range of workshops and courses that'll enhance your skillset further and transfer into your professional career.</p> <p><strong>Personal and wellbeing services</strong></p> <p>Mental health and wellbeing support are integral to who we are at Leeds and you’ll have access to the full range of services we offer to ensure you’re feeling your best – and reaching your potential in your studies.</p> <p><strong>Join our global community</strong></p> <p>We welcome students, researchers, academics, partners and alumni from more than 140 countries, all over the world. This means, as a university, we’re bringing together different cultures and perspectives which helps strengthen our research – and societal impact.</p>

<p>Please visit our <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering">School of Mechanical Engineering</a> website to find out more about the School and our current Research activities</p> <p><strong>Selection Process:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Applications will be processed after the closing date of 29 May 2026 (please ensure that all documentation to support your application is submitted by this date)</li> <li>Once processed, applications will be circulated to supervisors who will shortlist and interview</li> <li>Please note that you may be considered for an academic offer, however, you may not be considered for funding, these are 2 separate processes</li> <li>Supervisors will select their top candidates and put them forward to be considered for EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award in Hypersonics Funding by the School Selection Panel</li> <li>The School Selection Panel will take place to determine the candidates who will be awarded funding, along with reserve candidates</li> <li>Academic and funding offers to be issued by no later than 31 July 2026</li> <li>Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by no later than 14 August 2026.</li> </ul>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>Application Type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees, Research Postgraduate. </strong><br /> •    The <strong>Admission Year</strong> for this project is <strong>2026/27 Academic Year</strong>. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>EPSRC DLA (Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine)</strong>. <br /> •    The <strong>project start date </strong>for this project is <strong>1 October 2026</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Aerodynamic design and analysis of hypersonic bodies using Computational Fluid Dynamics</strong> as well as <strong><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/402/dr-carl-gilkeson">Dr Carl Gilkeson</a></strong> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state in the Finance section that you are applying for the EPSRC DLA in Hypersonics.</strong></p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website here. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project. </p> <p>Applications will be reviewed and assessed after the closing date of Friday 29 May 2026. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 29 May 2026:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements below.</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

The minimum entry requirements for PhD study is a Upper 2nd Class Honours Bachelor degree, or equivalent, in a subject relating to your proposed area of research, or a good performance in a Master’s level course in a relevant subject.<br /> <br /> A first class honours degree (or equivalent) is usually required to be competitive for scholarship funding and a Master's degree is also a valuable asset.<br /> <br /> Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or PGR Admissions Team prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>Individuals interested in this project are encouraged to contact Dr Carl Gilkeson by email to <a href="mailto:C.A.Gilkeson@leeds.ac.uk">C.A.Gilkeson@leeds.ac.uk</a> for further information</p> <p>For questions related to the application process and eligibility, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>