Rolls-Royce Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2025/2026 at University of Nottingham | Aerospace Materials & Manufacturing

Rolls-Royce Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2025: Overview

The University of Nottingham, in partnership with Rolls-Royce, invites applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship in Micromechanics and In-Depth Materials Analysis of Advanced Aerospace Materials. Based at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing Technology and On-Wing Technology, this 3-year program offers world-class research facilities and strong industrial collaboration. The project focuses on understanding how advanced aerospace materials respond to manufacturing processes, supporting the development of robust, safety-critical aero-engine components.

Eligibility

• Applicants must hold (or be about to complete by July 2025) a first-class or upper second-class degree in:

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Manufacturing Engineering

  • Materials Science

  • Physics

• Open to UK applicants only (due to funding restrictions).

Benefits

• Full funding: Tuition fees covered

• Tax-free stipend: ~£19,237/year for 3 years

• Industrial exposure: Training within Rolls-Royce facilities

• Career development:

  • Joint academic & industrial supervision

  • Teaching opportunities for those interested in academia

  • Direct engagement with internationally recognized Rolls-Royce specialists

Fellowship/Program Components

The PhD will involve:

• Manufacturing trials on aerospace materials

• Surface quality analysis (metallurgy, integrity, residual stresses)

• Multi-scale investigations (from macromechanics to micromechanics)

Advanced techniques include:

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

• X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

• Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD)

• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

• In-situ micromechanics

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Cover Letter outlining motivation and suitability

• Academic Transcripts

Selection Criteria

• Strong academic record in relevant fields

• Demonstrated interest in aerospace materials/manufacturing

• Ability to engage in both industrial and academic research environments

• Clear research motivation aligned with Rolls-Royce’s objectives

Application Process

1. Submit CV, cover letter, and transcripts to Prof. Dragos Axinte.

2. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

3. Successful applicants will then be instructed to complete a formal University of Nottingham application.

Closing Date: 31 October 2025

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Rolls-Royce Fully Funded PhD Scholarship 2025/2026 at the University of Nottingham | Aerospace Materials & Manufacturing