About the course

Research students are welcomed to Brunel as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community. A research degree provides the opportunity to investigate a topic in depth, and contribute new knowledge to your discipline. A PhD involves demonstrating through original research or other advanced scholarship the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of an academic discipline or professional practice, the ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the general of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline. Both full-time (3 years) and part-time (6 years) study routes are available.

Research profile

We aim to undertake research into the development and processing of new materials including nanomaterials, nano-phosphors and nanostructured carbon, biofuels, polymers and bio-polymers. Our research on materials characterisation and processing harnesses multiple technologies for the processing and manufacture of novel materials, particularly biomaterials and polymers. There is a particular focus on phosphors and other materials for lighting devices. We have a world-leading collection of materials characterisation techniques at our disposal, including a recently commissioned transmission electron microscope. In this area we have relationships with a large number of SMEs.