Topological Design PhD with Integrated Study

Start date
01 October, 01 January or 01 April
Duration
4 years
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).

The CDT in Topological Design offers 4-year PhD programme. The 4-year programme includes:

  • The programme can start on various points:  01 October, 01 January or 01 April
  • A 4-year cutting-edge, interdisciplinary applied research project with world-leading research supervisors, often co-funded by industry-leading partners and world renowned institutions.
  • Training in technical skills in topology and its applications as well as transferable skills training to support your development as a professional researcher.
  • The opportunity to undertake a 3-month internship on-site with the project's industrial co-funder.”

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

Studentships are available to UK nationals and a limited number of international students.

The CDT can also accept candidates in possession of their own funding (e.g. via a non-EU government scholarship) who are also welcome to apply for a place of study. 

If you have independent funding and would like to apply to the CDT, we recommend that you contact us to discuss your application beforehand by emailing us -  cdt-topologicaldesign@contacts.bham.ac.uk

How To Apply

Applications for cohort 5 are open. The CDT reserves the right to reopen applications.

What are we looking for in our candidates?

  • An undergraduate degree in Physics, Material Science, 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 an enthusiasm for communication.
  • Evidenced mathematical ability.
  • No prior knowledge of topology or topological physics is required.

Studentships are available to UK nationals and a limited number of international students. The CDT can also accept candidates in possession of their own funding (e.g. via a non-EU government scholarship) who are also welcome to apply for a place of study.  If you have independent funding and would like to apply to the CDT, we recommend that you contact us to discuss your application beforehand by emailing us.

How to apply to the CDT?

Please download of CDT application form (Word docx), complete and submit to us at cdt-topologicaldesign@contacts.bham.ac.uk.  Please read the instruction notes included in the form carefully and make sure that you include a copy of your university transcript and your up to date CV in your email.

If you a have any questions about the CDT, applying to us or our work, please contact us at cdt-topologicaldesign@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

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.

University Careers Network

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

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.

If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.