Topological Design PhD with Integrated Study

Start date
September
Duration
4 years (1+3)
Course Type
Combined research and taught, Doctoral research
Fees
We have a number of fully-funded 4-year PhD studentships available to UK nationals.

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Topological Design draws on expert researchers from across the Sciences and Engineering, who use topological principles to make new discoveries and design new materials and devices with unusual mechanical, optical, electronic and magnetic properties.

Topological Design is concerned with the functionality of an object or device derived from its shape rather than the material it is made from. Topology is the branch of mathematics that describes properties of objects which are preserved under continuous deformations (such as stretching, bending, twisting and crumpling).

Our programme, 1 year taught + 3 years research, includes:

  • 1st year taught courses covering all aspects of Topological Science (including Condensed Matter Physics, Electromagnetic and Microwave Engineering and Materials Science);
  • 1st year mini-projects in theoretical and experimental groups, and an industrial internship;
  • A 3-year cutting-edge research project in specialist research teams with world-leading research profiles and facilities, with themes in quantum physics and technology, mechanical and vibration engineering, electromagnetism and photonics, manufacturing and 3D printing, soft matter and chemistry, health and life sciences and many more.

Why study Topological Design PhD with Integrated Study at Birmingham?

  • Topological Design is concerned with the functionality of an object or device derived from its shape rather than the material it is made from. Topology is the branch of mathematics that describes properties of objects which are preserved under continuous deformations (such as stretching, bending, twisting and crumpling).
  • In the last few years, topological concepts have reshaped our understanding of Condensed Matter, Optics and Photonics, Ultra-cold atoms and the Mechanics of Materials, and exploiting topological properties has the potential to revolutionise technology.
  • The University of Birmingham has been at the forefront of Topological Science. Historically, the worlds of Topology and Physics merged with the seminal work of Profs Tony Skyrme, David Thouless and Michael Kosterlitz at Birmingham, the latter two received the Physics Nobel prize in 2016 for opening “the door on an unknown world where matter can assume strange states”.

Fees

Funding is available to UK nationals.

Limited positions might be available for international students. However, international students are strongly encouraged to obtain their own funding/scholarship. More information can be found on the Fees, Funding and Scholarships pages of the website.  

For any other information about the application process, or other general enquiries about the CDT, please email:  cdt-topologicaldesign@contacts.bham.ac.uk

How To Apply

We are now recruiting for the 2nd cohort of the CDT in Topological Design to start in September 2020. We
particularly encourage applications from candidates with Engineering background (Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic).

Candidates should have:

  • an undergraduate degree in Physics, Materials, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or other related disciplines with at least 2(i) honours or equivalent.
  • an interest in interdisciplinary sciences and engineering, with enthusiasm for communication.
  • demonstrated mathematical ability.
  • no prior knowledge of Topological Physics is required.

Instructions on filling the application

1. Applications are via the application portal

2. Under section “Personal Statement” upload your personal statement and please also include a discussion of your preferred research theme(s) of the CDT.

3. Under section "Research Details"

  • Choose "Advertised research area"
  • Code or title of project: "Topological Design CDT"
  • Name(s) of proposed supervisor(s): "Topological Design CDT"

Under section "Funding"

  • Choose "Other"
  • Other details: Topological Design CDT

5. Upload you CV and an up to date transcript.

6.  Forward the confirmation email of your application, with your application ID number to  cdt-topologicaldesign@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates should have an undergraduate degree in Physics, Materials, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or other related disciplines with at least 2(i) honours or equivalent.
  • Funding is available to UK nationals.
  • Limited positions might be available for overseas students. However, overseas students are strongly encouraged to obtain their own funding/scholarship. More information can be found on the Fees, Funding and Scholarships pages of the website.  

For any other information about the application process, or other general enquiries about the CDT, please email: cdt-topologicaldesign@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Apply via the application portal

Our Standard Requirements

We require candidates to secure at least a 2.1 or equivalent in their undergraduate studies. We consider applicants with a background in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Engineering or Material Sciences, but we also consider other subject areas.

International Requirements



International Students

English language

For students whose first language is not English, one of the following English language qualifications is required:

 
  • IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
  • TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component

We are focused on understanding and exploiting the topological properties of structures to achieve specific combinations of desirable and exotic physical properties in new materials and devices.  Such structured materials, which possess properties not occurring in the natural world, are called topological metamaterials.

We explore material topology in real space, and how it can lead to strong, lightweight materials, and also material topology in reciprocal space, leading to topologically protected modes and channels.

Visit the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Topological Design to learn more.

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Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.

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