The University of Nottingham Airbus PhD Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded 4-year studentship delivered in partnership with global aerospace leader Airbus. Hosted within the Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Systems Research Group, this unique opportunity targets UK Home-fee students passionate about sustainable aviation fuels, fuel system design, and cutting-edge chemical experimentation. The award covers full tuition fees plus a tax-free stipend of £24,000 per annum for four years. One exceptional candidate will divide their time between the University of Nottingham and the Airbus site in Bristol, gaining unrivalled academic and industrial supervision. Applications must be submitted by 31 October 2025 via email.
Brief Description
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University / Institute | University of Nottingham (in partnership with Airbus) |
| Department | Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Systems Research Group |
| Course Level | PhD |
| Number of Awards | 1 |
| Nationality | UK Home-fee status only |
| Study Location | United Kingdom (Nottingham & Bristol) |
| Application Mode | Email submission |
| Deadline | 31 October 2025 |
Subjects Offered
The University of Nottingham Airbus PhD Scholarship invites research proposals that integrate engineering, chemistry, and aerospace systems to advance sustainable aviation. Core investigation areas include:
Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Fuel System Design, Chemical Experimental Techniques, Computational Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Machine Learning For Fuel Property Prediction, Thermo-Physical Characterisation, Emissions Testing, Multiphase Flow Modelling
Candidates will exploit state-of-the-art laboratories at Nottingham alongside Airbus’s world-class testing facilities in Bristol, ensuring translational impact across the entire aviation fuel life-cycle.
Degree Offered
Successful applicants will be enrolled in a full-time Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham. The degree is accredited by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and recognised worldwide. Students follow a structured training plan that includes:
- Taught modules on advanced thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and sustainable energy
- Technical workshops hosted by Airbus engineers
- Annual progress reviews with industrial mentors
- Opportunity to publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences
The typical submission timeline is 42–48 months, leading to the award of a PhD in Engineering.
Eligibility
To qualify for the University of Nottingham Airbus PhD Scholarship, candidates must satisfy all criteria below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship & Fee Status | Must hold UK Home fees status (UK passport or settled status) |
| Academic Qualification | High 2:1 or 1st class honours degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline |
| Experimental Skills | Demonstrated competence in chemical experimental techniques |
| Teamwork | Proven ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams |
| Desirable Experience | Prior exposure to computational chemistry, analytical chemistry, or chemical engineering software (e.g., Aspen, ANSYS, MATLAB) |
Applicants who exceed these benchmarks and can show a clear passion for decarbonising aviation will be prioritised.
How to Apply
Applications for the University of Nottingham Airbus PhD Scholarship are handled exclusively via email. Follow these steps precisely:
- Prepare a single PDF portfolio (max 10 MB) containing:
- Curriculum Vitae (2 pages, highlighting experimental & computational skills)
- Cover letter (1 page, addressing your motivation & fit with Airbus sustainability goals)
- Academic transcripts (undergraduate and postgraduate if applicable)
- Email the PDF to [email protected] with the subject line:
“Airbus PhD Scholarship Application – Your Full Name” - Optional but recommended: Contact Prof. Carol Eastwick at [email protected] for informal enquiries before 15 October 2025 to refine your proposal.
- Interviews will be held in early November 2025. Successful candidates will be notified by mid-November and are expected to start on January 1, 2026, or soon thereafter.
Benefits
The University of Nottingham Airbus PhD Scholarship delivers exceptional financial and professional support:
- Full UK Home tuition fees covered for 4 years
- Tax-free stipend of £24,000 per annum (paid monthly)
- Travel and subsistence funded for placements at Airbus, Bristol
- Dual supervision: academic lead at Nottingham + industrial mentor at Airbus
- Access to cutting-edge facilities: low-carbon fuel labs, engine test cells, high-performance computing
- Dedicated training budget for conferences, workshops, and potential machine-learning short courses
- Clear pathway to employment: previous scholars have secured roles at Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Shell
Apply Now
Secure your future in green aerospace innovation—only one studentship is available. Email your application to [email protected] before 31 October 2025 or submit via the university portal:
Act fast: the University of Nottingham Airbus PhD Scholarship is the ultimate launchpad for a high-impact career at the intersection of engineering, chemistry, and sustainable aviation.
