Hosted by leading institutions, Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham, Loughborough and Warwick, the DigitalMetal CDT trains future leaders to drive AI-enabled transformation in the metals industry. A unique programme combining deep technical research with industry-focused digital skills.
You will develop advanced expertise at the intersection of materials engineering and digital manufacturing. Through interdisciplinary training and industrial collaboration, you will graduate ready to shape the next generation of sustainable, data-driven metal production.
The programme combines specialist taught modules, transferable skills training, industrial engagement, and a major doctoral research project, delivered through a structured four-year pathway across partner universities universities (Leicester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Loughborough, Warwick).
Core training in digital manufacturing, data in industry, metallurgy fundamentals, and smart factories. You will define the PhD projects, complete mini-projects, and begin foundational research.
You will engage in full-time doctoral research, advanced technical training, and industrial or cross-institutional collaboration. Activities include experimentation, modelling, publications, conference participation, and thesis preparation supported by supervisory teams.
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Strong integration of digitalisation, materials science, and manufacturing technologies.
Multidisciplinary research training delivered across five leading UK universities.
Structured cohort activities fostering collaboration and professional development.
The DigitalMetal CDT is designed to meet the urgent need for doctoral-level researchers who can integrate digital technologies with metals manufacturing.
Hosted by a consortium of leading universities and industry partners, the CDT places digital transformation at the heart of materials and manufacturing research. Cohort-based training, structured modules in year one, industrial projects, and cross-disciplinary supervision ensure that candidates develop both deep technical expertise and professional capabilities.
The DigitalMetal CDT leverages established research strengths and a strong network of industrial links to deliver a transformative training experience.
The Birmingham Doctoral Programme is a structured research experience co-ordinated by the University Doctoral School. It offers world-class supervision, a tailored development framework, and real-world engagement opportunities that prepare you to flourish, whatever your future holds.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
The programme is delivered via a mixture of lectures, workshops, seminars, project-based learning and full-time doctoral research embedded within an industrial-academic ecosystem.
Assessment comprises coursework for taught modules, project reports and presentations, annual progress reviews, and a final doctoral thesis examined by viva voce. You will receive regular formative feedback through supervision sessions and module assessments in year 1.
You will undertake a structured portfolio of technical and transferable-skills modules delivered collaboratively across partner institutions. These modules provide the foundation required to conduct high-quality interdisciplinary doctoral research.
The DigitalMetal CDT supports a broad portfolio of doctoral research spanning advanced manufacturing, materials engineering, digitalisation, and industrial systems. Research projects are co-developed with academic and industrial partners and integrate experimental, computational and data-driven methods.
Projects are supervised across the DigitalMetal CDT consortium and developed in partnership with industry to ensure academic depth and industrial relevance.
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline. A strong motivation for digital manufacturing, metals processing, and AI.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you are unsure if you meet our entry requirements, you can also contact the admissions department to discuss whether your application would be considered.
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
While studentships mainly support UK applicants, international candidates may also be considered depending on funding availability.
*If you are not eligible for UK fees then you may need to confirm whether the host institution will provide the difference between UK and International fees for the duration of your studies. Please query this with the project lead as appropriate.
These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.
You devise your own PhD topic, find and consult with a potential supervisor, explore funding opportunities, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.
A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.
You should submit a full University of Birmingham PGR application form, including research proposal, CV and supporting documentation. Applications are reviewed by the DigitalMetal CDT Board. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview, and where applicable, an additional industrial interview follows. Offers are subject to EPSRC funding eligibility and University admissions criteria
To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.
If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would strongly encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.
If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.
We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate research programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
As a graduate of the DigitalMetal CDT you will be well placed for careers across the metals and manufacturing sector, advanced materials development, industrial digitalisation, research institutions, and academia. Equipped with a unique blend of digital, materials and manufacturing expertise, they are prepared to become future leaders in industrial innovation and academia.
At Birmingham, we prepare our researchers to make an impact across every sector of society. Our PhD graduates are global change-makers: advancing knowledge, shaping policy, leading industries, and educating future generations.
You'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored to your unique paths. Our expert team of Careers Advisers, including a dedicated postgraduate research adviser, offer one-to-one guidance to help researchers navigate career decisions both within and beyond academia.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.
We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll have a variety of choices of accommodation. Stay with us in our dedicated postgraduate halls or explore a wide range of private accommodation close to campus.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
