Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Studentship 2026 | Micromechanics & Aerospace Materials (University of Nottingham, UK)

Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Studentship 2026: Overview

The Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Studentship at the University of Nottingham offers an exciting 3-year fully funded PhD opportunity for UK students in engineering, manufacturing, and materials science.

The studentship focuses on micromechanics and in-depth analysis of advanced aerospace materials during the manufacturing process, addressing real-world challenges in the robust manufacture of safety-critical aero-engine components.

The project is hosted at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing Technology and On-Wing Technology, a state-of-the-art facility where students work on high-impact industrial research alongside Rolls-Royce specialists.

Eligibility

• Must be a UK applicant (due to funding restrictions).

• Hold (or expect to graduate by July 2025 with) a first-class or upper-second class degree in:

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Manufacturing Engineering

  • Materials Science

  • Physics (or related discipline)

• Strong interest in materials behaviour, aerospace applications, and advanced manufacturing.

Benefits

• Full tuition coverage (UK students only).

• Tax-free stipend of ~£19,237 per year for three years.

• Joint academic and industrial supervision with Rolls-Royce experts.

• Hands-on training at Rolls-Royce with access to world-class manufacturing facilities.

• Opportunity to build strong academic, research, and industrial networks.

• For students interested in academia: teaching opportunities may be available.

Fellowship/Program Components

• Advanced materials testing and micromechanics analysis using:

  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

  • X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)

  • Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD)

  • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

  • In-situ micromechanics

• Manufacturing trials and analysis of workpiece surface quality (residual stress, metallurgy, integrity).

• Training at Rolls-Royce facilities to gain industrial insights.

• Close guidance from Rolls-Royce specialists throughout the project.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• CV (Curriculum Vitae)

• Cover Letter outlining motivation and suitability

• Academic transcripts

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Academic excellence in relevant disciplines.

• Research skills and motivation for aerospace/materials science.

• Potential to contribute to industrial manufacturing challenges.

• Communication skills and ability to collaborate with academic and industry teams.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview before formal acceptance.

Application Process

• Step 1: Prepare CV, cover letter, and transcripts.

• Step 2: Email documents to Prof. Dragos Axinte.

• Step 3: Shortlisted candidates invited to interview.

• Step 4: Successful applicants proceed with a formal application through the University of Nottingham.

• Deadline: Friday, 31 October 2025
• Location: University of Nottingham, UK (Rolls-Royce UTC)
• Reference: ENG242

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Studentship 2026 | Micromechanics & Aerospace Materials (University of Nottingham, UK)