Postgraduate research

EPSRC CDT in Digital Transformation of Metals Industry (DigitalMetal CDT)

Qualification: PhD

Application deadline: 30 January 2025

Start date: 22 September 2025

Overview

EPSRC CDT in Digital Transformation of Metals Industry (DigitalMetal CDT)

OVERVIEW

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Transformation of Metals Industry (DigitalMetal) will train a new generation of eighty leaders ready to transform the metals and manufacturing industry using digital technology; and increasing the industry’s agility, productivity & international competitiveness.

DigitalMetal CDT, led by the University of Leicester, in partnership with Universities of Birmingham, Loughborough, Nottingham, and Warwick, invites applications for about 14 fully funded PhD positions for 2025 entry. This programme is designed to train future leaders equipped with combined expertise in metals and alloy engineering and digital technology and AI, supported by a broad foundation in manufacturing management, product development, leadership, and personal development skills.

Programme Overview

DigitalMetal CDT offer PhD projects in the following 5 research themes in collaboration with world-leading industrial partners, including Rolls-Royce, UKAEA, GKN Aerospace, TWI, MTC, AWE, WMG, Siemens, Qinetiq, Tata Steel, British Steel, HVM Catapult and etc.  

DigitalMetal CDT Research Themes:

(1) Advanced manufacturing: Example projects: (i) casting, (ii) welding, (iii) surface engineering, (iv) near net-shape forming, and (v) additive manufacturing, (vi) Intelligent and robotic manufacturing of metals and alloys

(2) Metals and alloys engineering: Example projects: (i) development of Ni-base superalloys, (ii) development of high-performance alloys

(3) Multi-objective digital twinning of manufacturing processes: Example projects: Digital twining of (i) casting, (ii) welding or (iii)additive manufacturing high performance engineering structures for aerospace, energy and medical applications, (iv) digital twinning of steelmaking processes

(4) Digital-enabled right-first-time manufacturing: Example projects: (i) digital manufacturing of lightweight & multi-functional space structures, (ii) right-first-time manufacturing for environmental sustainability and net zero in metal manufacturing

(5) Engineering management and manufacturing supply chain study using digital tools. Example projects: (i) use of Industry 4.0 to enhance decision making, (ii) supply chain co-ordination for sustainability, (iii) use of technology for supply chain visibility

 Career Prospects

  • Graduates of the DigitalMetal CDT will be uniquely prepared to excel in academia, industry, or policy roles. The training programme provides a solid foundation for careers at the forefront of digital transformation in manufacturing, ensuring participants are equipped to lead innovation in one of the UK’s most significant industries.

To apply

Select your preferred Theme from the 5 above and download and complete the DigitalMetal Application Form and, following the application advice under How to Apply, submit your application using the link at the bottom of the page.

More information about Research Themes

Learn more about DigitalMetal CDT

 

Doctoral Training Programmes/ Doctoral Training Centres

Doctoral training partnerships

Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) and Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) are multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional schemes designed to support the training of the next generation of world-class researchers. The University of Leicester is a lead partner in four DTPs/CDTs through which we can offer funded PhD studentships in a wide range of research areas.

Studentships are available to highly motivated and qualified applicants and provide a generous support package usually including a full fee waiver, annual stipend, and research training support grant. Studentships are in most cases offered early in the year for October start. Enquiries outside of the main application periods are welcomed.

Funding

Funding

CDT in DigitalMetal studentships are for 4 years and are funded by EPSRC and provide:

  • Tuition fees at UK (Home) rates*
  • Annual stipend, (UKRI rate, currently set at £19,237 per year for 2024/25)
  • £4,000 Research training support grant (RTSG) per year

*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.

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Applicants must have or expect to obtain a first class or upper second class BSc and/or M-level degree (or an equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant subject.

Applicants who hold a lower second class honours degree (or an equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant subject may be considered for admission provided that they also hold a Masters degree in a relevant subject.

University of Leicester English language requirements apply as necessary.

Informal enquiries

Informal enquiries

Please forward your project and application enquiries to CDT in DigitalMetal at Leicester at digitalmetal-cdt@le.ac.uk

For general information regarding the CDT in DigitalMetal please see the DigitalMetal CDT website

 

How to apply

How to apply

Download and complete the DigitalMetal Application Form

Complete and submit your University PhD application using the Apply Now button at the bottom of the page and select September 2025 entry.

Guidelines for your PhD application:

Upload your completed DigitalMetal Application Form to the Personal Statement section (a separate personal statement is not required)

Upload your supporting documents (CV, degree transcripts and certificates, evidence of English language).

Enter the names and contact details of referees in the space provided. Please be sure to let your referees know to expect a reference request from us. Or upload reference letters if available (these should be on signed headed paper).

Under the funding section of the online application form select studentship and state DigitalMetal CDT

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Eligibility

Eligibility

Our project-based studentships are open to all applicants* who meet the academic requirements (at least a 2:1 at UK BSc level or at least a pass at UK MSc level or overseas equivalent)

*Applicants from outside the UK should check their eligibility with the project’s lead supervisor. Not all of our projects are accepting international applicants.

International students will normally require a student visa in order to be able to study in the UK. There are costs associated with the visa application process, which must be met by the student; approximately £2,500 for the visa and healthcare surcharge. Please ensure you have the means to meet these costs before you apply to the programme.

EU applicants who hold EU settled or EU pre-settled status please provide PGR Admissions with a share code (the one that starts with S) so we can verify your fee status email to pgradmissions@le.ac.uk

Application options

Apply DigitalMetal CDT Apply now

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