Engineering - Research

Overview
Materials Research at Ulster University has jumped from 17th to 11th in the UK national league table for research excellence and in its research submission the Assessment Panel found strong evidence of world class research, supported by internationally leading research. In fact 95% of the staff are judged to be of international standing.

The Assessment Panel for this highly competitive and economically important discipline were looking at scientific discovery and engineering innovation at some of the strongest academic institutions in the UK including Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, Birmingham, Liverpool, Sheffield and Imperial. The outcome for Ulster is a reward for the strategic focus in nanotechnology and advanced materials research and provides a strong foundation for future growth of this young and dynamic Institute.

The Engineering Research Institute (ERI) is a materials-oriented research institute, with a focus in both structural and functional materials as well as polymers.

These disciplines include:
Healthcare Sensor Technology
Personalised diagnostics
Medical Signal and Medical Data Analysis
Biosensors and Biodiagnostics Devices
Implantables
Connected Health and Wearable Devices
Nanotechnology
Nanomaterials
Plasma Technology
Tissue Engineering
Biomaterials
Surface Science and Surface Modification
Photocatalysis
Clean Technology
Anti Microbial Resistance Diagnostics and Coatings
Graphene Research
Medical Instrumentation
Composites and Metal Forming

Summary
PhD Researchers have a chance to train on some of Europe's best facilities and interact with international companies such as Unilever, Seagate Technology, Analog Devices, Bombardier, AVX Ceramics, Boston Scientific, GSK and Medtronics as well as USA and Asia based Academic Institutions.

Researchers are also encouraged to attend, and present papers at international conferences throughout the world as well as participate in all forms of technology transfer.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study. We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master's Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Get additional information for International applicants at https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/postgraduate-research/apply/international-students

English language requirements
In order to be admitted to research study at Ulster, you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as part of your application.

Get full details on the requirements for both home and overseas applicants can be found on our English language requirements page.

Apply
We are delighted that you are considering Ulster University for your research studies.

Get full details on the application process and further guidance on how to apply, and what you will need to upload as part of your application (see "Application Weblink" below.

Once you have identified supervisors, discussed a research proposal and are ready to make an application, please apply using the online application system (see "Application Weblink" below.

Ulster University welcomes applications from all sections of the community and from persons with disabilities. It is University policy to assess all applications using academic criteria and on the basis of equality of opportunity and you should be assured that reasonable adjustments will be made should you require them.

Careers and opportunities
PhD graduates are recognised by employers to hold valuable transferrable skills, as the nature of the degree trains candidates in creativity, critical inquiry, problem solving, negotiation skills, professionalism and confidence.

The most recent Ulster survey of PhD graduates found that 92% had secured employment within the first year since graduation (HESA Destination of Leavers Survey 2015), and while two thirds end up in the Higher Education or Research sectors, the range of skills acquired equips the remainder for employment in a wide range of contexts.