Overview

The PhD programme in Materials, Design and Manufacturing Engineering offers a dynamic and collaborative research environment, empowering postgraduate researchers to address complex engineering challenges. The programme spans a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines, from atomic layer material development to full-scale product manufacturing.

Introduction

Our postgraduate researchers engage in pioneering research in areas such as biomedical engineering, sustainable materials, laser and surface engineering, and healthcare technologies. We also have a wide variety of specialist research facilities spanning functional thin film materials, additive manufacturing, soft matter, biomaterials, biomedical/healthcare devices, and materials characterisation, laser processing, nuclear, renewable energy technology, product design, virtual technology and advanced simulation.

Research Topics

The research conducted in the Department of Materials, Design and Manufacturing Engineering encompasses a wide range of topics that fall under the broad categories of materials, manufacturing or design. There is extensive opportunity for multidisciplinary research, so your research may often span well beyond the traditional borders of these three engineering disciplines.

• Materials
  • Functional thin film materials and nanostructured materials for applications spanning microelectronics, sensors, renewable energy technologies, and advanced catalysts
  • Renewable energy and energy storage materials, including solar PV, photo-electrodes for solar fuels, and battery materials
  • Nuclear materials, including research in the behaviour of materials in extreme environments
  • Advanced material characterisation including world-leading research in advanced electron microscopy, laser accelerator science and advanced thin film characterisation
  • Soft matter, including the development of novel formulations for the production of soft matter and the characterisation of rheological properties of soft materials
  • Biomaterial surfaces, including the development of antimicrobial surfaces and the modification of surfaces to drive cellular response
  • Micromechanical properties of biomaterials, including investigations into changes in tissue properties with age or disease
  • Advanced multifunctional materials, including the development of resilient porous ceramic structures and MOF-based composites.
• Biomedical and healthcare technology
  • Assistive technology, such as technologies that allow independent living for an ageing population
  • Biosensors
  • Ocular technology to treat various diseases and conditions
  • Ocular modelling, such as the development of digital twins of eyes to aid surgeons
  • Regenerative medical technologies
  • Antimicrobial coatings for implants, wound dressing and for water purification.
• Manufacturing
  • Laser processing (for example, laser forming, additive manufacturing, surface patterning, sub-surface patterning, and femtosecond laser processing)
  • Additive manufacturing of traditional engineering materials (for example, laser-based AM, binder jet AM, and e-beam AM)
  • Additive manufacturing of advanced functional materials
  • Ultra-thin film deposition (for example, atomic layer deposition, MOCVD, and area selective deposition)
  • Sustainable manufacturing
  • Biomaterial processing (for example, electrospinning, and pip pen lithography).
• Modelling and simulation
  • Molecular and particle dynamic simulation
  • Modelling and simulation of nuclear reactors.
• Product design engineering
  • AI-human co-design
  • Immersive technologies
  • Bioinspired design.

Research Culture

The Department of Materials, Design and Manufacturing Engineering is part of the School of Engineering. It fosters a vibrant and inclusive research culture, driven by innovation and collaboration. Research spans diverse areas, including sustainable infrastructure, advanced materials, robotics, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. Postgraduate researchers benefit from access to world-class facilities, interdisciplinary research centres, and industry partnerships, promoting impactful, real-world solutions.

How to Apply

To apply for the PhD programme, follow these steps:

1. Identify potential supervisors by viewing the staff list for the School of Engineering.
2. Prepare your application documents, which may include:

• A research proposal
• University transcripts and degree certificates to date
• Passport details (international applicants only)
• English language certificates (international applicants only)
• A personal statement
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Contact details for two proposed supervisors
• Names and contact details of two referees.

3. Apply online, and you will receive an email acknowledgment once you have submitted your application.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for UK students: £5,238 per year (full-time) and £2,619 per year (part-time) for the academic year 2026/27.
• Tuition fees for international students: £25,350 or £32,200 per year (full-time) and £12,650 or £16,100 per year (part-time) for the academic year 2026/27.
• Additional costs:
  • £1,250 per year for desk-based research
  • £2,500 per year for laboratory-based research
  • £5,000 per year for material intensive or bio-medical laboratory-based research
• Funding opportunities: Postgraduate Doctoral Loan, funded research opportunities, and financial support from UK research councils, charities, and trusts.

Facilities and Resources

PhD researchers have access to cutting-edge equipment and dedicated research space within the Digital Innovation Facility (DIF), Albert Crew Microscopy Centre, and the Liverpool Materials Innovation Factory (MIF).

Careers and Employability

The University offers career support from day one to graduation and beyond, including access to Prosper, a career development and support programme designed specifically for postdocs. Additionally, postgraduate researchers can access online resources, coaching, workshops, webinars, and a buddy scheme to help them realise the next step in their career journey.

Meet Our PhD Researchers

Our postgraduate researchers are shaping their future and the future of the world, advancing knowledge with each discovery.

Entry Requirements

The typical entry requirement is an Honours degree in an Engineering, Physical Sciences, or Computer Sciences subject at a level of:

• Bachelor's degree only: 1st Class
• Integrated master's degree: 2:1 or above
• Master's degree: Pass
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, or equivalent qualifications.

English Language Requirements

International applicants must demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless they are from a majority English-speaking country. The University accepts a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

University of Liverpool