This is an exciting opportunity to undertake a 4-year funded integrated MSc and PhD in Future Fluid Dynamics.

A key feature of this EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) is that your supervisory team come from a range of disciplines from across the University. You will therefore be expected to have broad interests and be willing to learn beyond your core expertise. There will also be the expectation that you will spend an extended period working with either an industrial, environmental or external academic partner as part of your project.

You will be part of a cohort of research students with different academic backgrounds, all focusing on different aspects of fluid dynamics. During the selection process we will be looking for students who will be enthusiastic about learning with and from their peers, as well as the ability to undertake their own in-depth research.

During your time in the CDT you will develop substantial technical and transferable skills enabling you to build a successful career and become a leader in industry or academia. In addition to a wide range of computational, modelling and experimental techniques, you will have many opportunities to develop team working, communication and problem solving skills.

As part of the University of Leeds, the CDT works to the University's Equality and Inclusion Strategy and Framework

Each year, the CDT funds up to 12 doctoral training places.

Open route (project selected in semester 2) 

• • Call opening: 14 September 2026
  • Application deadline: 7 January 2027
  • Start date: 20 September 2027
  • Open to: UK and Overseas rated students

Direct route (industry project)

• • Call opening: to be announced
  • Application call opening: to be announced
  • Start date: 20 September 2027
  • Open to: UK and Overseas rated students

Core programme: Formal training within the CDT is delivered through a taught MSc across 1st and 2nd years (150/30 credit split), with a continued programme of personal and professional development throughout the remainder of the PhD. The MSc component is designed to deliver the fundamental fluid dynamics and advanced methodology research training that underpin a multidisciplinary PhD, as well as meeting the broader skills needs identified by our industry partners.

Year One

150 credits of the MSc will be undertaken in year one.

Semester one:

• 30-credit Foundations of Fluids module which provides underpinning mathematical theory of fluid dynamics as well as training in both numerical and experimental methods for fluids problems. The experimental component will  include  experimental design and statistical methods in addition to practical training on specific techniques.
• 15-credit Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis module
• 15-credit Professional Development & Skills module (1) (to include core skills such as Python programming, Linux, LaTeX, introduction to ethics, research seminars, industry seminars, etc).

Semester two:

• 15-credit Data-Driven Fluid Dynamics module
• 15-credit Professional Development & Skills module (2) (featuring further core skills: research software engineering, data analysis, presentation skills, scientific writing, time management, responsible innovation, sustainability, continued weekly research seminars, etc.).
• 45-credit Team Research Project (in teams of 3 or 4) that will provide an intensive introduction into undertaking original research, as well as developing skills in teamwork and in project planning, execution and presentation. All projects will have an industry stakeholder who has proposed and helped to formulate the problem, and each project will commence with an intensive “sandpit” event in which the team, along with the cross-disciplinary team of academic supervisors and the industry stakeholder(s) scope the project.
• 15-credit Research Evidence module, that will further prepare you to undertake your PhD by researching and writing a literature review on their chosen PhD topic.

Years Two to Four

The remaining 30 credits of the MSc will be undertaken in year two.

• 15-credit Professional Development & Skills (3) module
• 15-credit Specialist module (selected by you, to align with your PhD project, from a wide range of modules across the 12 participating departments). The 2nd year Research Skills module will still include timetabled sessions focusing on broadening skills (see diagram), however it will also include time for individual study tailored to your identified training needs for your PhD.

Although the MSc component will be completed by the end of year 2, you will continue your professional development throughout your PhD, including both individual (conferences, workshops, visits, placements, etc.) and cohort-based activities (e.g. CDT workshops focusing on broadening skills such as preparing for your thesis and viva, career planning in either industry or academia, etc.). Upon successful completion graduates will be awarded an integrated MSc and PhD in Fluid Dynamics.

Some of our students who are at different stages of their PhD, including some leavers, have reflected about their experiences on the programme, what it is like coming from a different industrial and academic background, as well as those who have completely changed their research interests once they joined the CDT.  Read our student case studies.

Fully funded studentship consists of:

• Stipend – tax free to cover living expenses (at UKRI rates = £21,805 2026-27 increases annually)​
• Fees – tuition fees payable to the University (UK and International fees covered in full)​
• Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) - generous budget allocated to each student to cover research activity e.g. experiments, consumables, conference attendance, placements etc​

Applications are open to both UK and overseas fee‑rated applicants. However, the number of awards available to international applicants is limited. Additional places may be available for students with their own funding.

Academic Requirements
A degree equivalent to a UK first class honours, or a high upper second class, in an engineering, mathematics or science discipline, or Masters.

English Language Requirements
To study at Leeds, you’ll need to meet the academic entry requirements for your course and have a recognised English language qualification. Details can be found here.

All students are recruited to the CDT via two routes:

1. Direct route to advertised industry research project, or
2. Open route to research project chosen in semester 2, rather than at recruitment stage.

Apply Online

• Complete a formal application for Integrated PhD study
  • Select ‘Research Postgraduate’ for type of form.
  • Select ‘CDT Future Fluid Dynamics’ as the course.
  • Enter start date: 1 October 2027
  • Research Information section, enter the following in the ‘Research Area’ box.
    • For open route application - Enter ‘CDT Future Fluid Dynamics’
    • For direct route application (specific industry project advertised) - Enter the 'industry project partner name and project title'.
  • Include a completed Future Fluid Dynamics CDT Personal Statement.
    • We recommend that you don’t use AI tools to generate your statement. We want to hear about what motivates you to join the programme through your own experiences, so relying on AI for this is unlikely to strengthen your application.
  • Include a CV.
  • Include all transcripts and certificates for your degree(s).
  • Our Admissions team will contact your referee(s) directly to request a reference(s) if your application is successful.

Selection Process

• • Shortlisting for interview: based upon formal application, CV, personal statement and transcripts of first degree, candidates are invited for interview.
  • Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will attend an in‑person interview day, or an online interview if they are an overseas applicant.
  • Informal Offer: Successful candidates will receive an informal offer.
  • Formal Offer: Subject to routine checks of an applicant’s qualifications and references, a formal offer will be made.

Interview Travel & Accommodation Expenses
Travel and accommodation expenses, inline with our non-staff expense policy, can be reimbursed following the completion of interviews.

Meet the Programme Director, learn more about the programme, and opportunity to ask questions

We welcomed potential applicants to this introductory webinar for the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Fluid Dynamics at the University of Leeds. This session was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our exciting 4-year integrated MSc + PhD programme, designed to develop the next generation of fluid dynamics researchers and innovators.

During the webinar, attendees heard directly from our Centre Directors, who shared insights into the vision and goals of the CDT, the unique training environment we provided, and the kinds of research challenges our students tackled. We also walked participants through the structure of the programme, outlined the support available to our postgraduate researchers, and showcased what made our community so special.

Watch the webinar recording

If you require any further information please contact the CDT team via email: [email protected]

Eligibility and prior experience

Do I need a master’s degree to apply?
No. A master’s degree is not required, and applicants who already hold one are also welcome to apply.

Can I apply during the final year of my undergraduate degree or before receiving my diploma?
Yes. Provide your available academic transcripts. Any offer would be conditional on completing your programme and meeting the offer requirements.

Do I need industrial experience, research experience in fluid mechanics or a publication?
No. None of these is required. The CDT welcomes applicants coming directly from university and those returning from industry.

Which academic backgrounds are represented?
The session described a broadly balanced mix of engineering and mathematics backgrounds, alongside some students from physics.

How are applicants assessed?
There are minimum academic requirements, but assessment also considers your potential to succeed on the CDT, motivation, relevant experience and contribution to the cohort.

What should I explain in my personal statement?
Explain why you are interested in fluid mechanics and why you want to join the CDT. Your motivation and interests may also be explored at interview.

Application routes and process

Can I mention a particular research interest when applying through the open route?
Yes. Explain the area that interests you and why it drew you to fluid mechanics, while remaining open to exploring other research areas.

Can international applicants apply through either recruitment route?
There is no restriction on choosing between the open route and direct recruitment to a project. Historically, more international students had been recruited directly to industry projects.

Are academic references required?
Yes. References are required for assurance later in the process if an offer is made, rather than being used at shortlisting.

When will I hear the outcome of my application?
Shortlisting and interviews typically take a couple of months after the application deadline. Applicants will be informed whether they have been successful; this is an indicative timescale, not a guaranteed response date.

What should I include in my application?
Refer to the ‘How to apply’ section of the programme webpage for details of the information and documents required.

What should I expect at interview?
Shortlisted UK applicants attend an in-person interview day. The day offers a chance to learn about the CDT and meet students and staff.

Shortlisted Overseas applicants attend an online interview session. The session offers a chance to learn about the CDT.

All candidates will be interviewed by a panel of two or three CDT academics from different areas of fluid dynamics research. The panel will explore your experience, interests, academic ability, aptitude for interdisciplinary and independent research, potential to contribute to and benefit from the cohort, and openness to developing new skills. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

English language requirements and visas

Can I apply before taking IELTS?
Yes. You can apply before passing IELTS, but meeting the English language requirement would be a condition of your offer before you start.

Could immigration or research-security requirements affect my project choice?
Yes. The session noted that UK immigration rules, trusted research requirements and ATAS clearance may affect eligibility for certain projects.

Research interests and project opportunities

Can I move from a theoretical background into applied or experimental research?
Yes. Students with mathematics or theoretical backgrounds undertaking engineering-supervised and mainly experimental projects. Previous experience in the application area is not required.

How does the open route help me choose a research area?
It gives you opportunities to explore different applications of fluid dynamics and identify the areas that interest you before choosing your research direction.

What types of PhD projects are available?
For students recruited through the open route, a broad range of projects is presented in Semester 2, covering different length scales and applications. Students may also develop their own project ideas. A database of projects offered to previous cohorts illustrates the types of research available, but those projects are not open for selection by incoming students.

For applicants applying directly to an industry-linked project, a defined range of projects is available at the application stage. These are developed with industry partners, allowing applicants to apply to a specific project aligned with their interests and experience.

Teaching, facilities and support

Which computational fluid dynamics software is taught?
Ansys and OpenFOAM software is introduced during the MSc. PhD students may use other codes depending on their projects.

What laboratory facilities are used?
The taught programme uses facilities in Earth and Environment, including flumes; Chemical and Process Engineering, for multiphase flows; and Mechanical Engineering, particularly for microfluidics. Other facilities may be used for individual PhD projects, including facilities at industry partners where appropriate.

What support is available if I am returning from industry or have knowledge gaps?
You will receive teaching that develops core knowledge from the beginning, with support to identify gaps and areas for further development. Returning students may need additional work during the first year, while also bringing valuable industrial experience to the cohort.

How intensive is the programme?
The first year is particularly busy because the taught element is front-loaded, with regular weekly assessments in the first semester. Current students recommend reviewing the first-semester module content and refreshing relevant skills before starting. Once the incoming cohort is confirmed and welcome preparations are underway, we send a reading list to students who would like a head start. Python is the programming language used in most taught modules.

What workspace is provided?
CDT students have a dedicated shared office, with a desk and laptop provided. Students can also use bookable library study spaces, bookable departmental office space, study areas across campus and computer clusters.

What support will I receive as a CDT student?
In your first year, you are assigned a CDT personal tutor who meets with you and your tutor group weekly until you begin your PhD project. Once your project starts, personal tutor meetings become less frequent and you begin meeting regularly with your PhD supervisors.

The CDT Centre Manager and Administrator are first points of contact for queries. Peer support within and across cohorts is fostered through shared office space and in-person events.

Funding and stipend payments

How are stipend payments made?
Your stipend is paid directly into your bank account monthly in advance, normally on the last Friday of the preceding month. These payments are not subject to tax.

You also have access to a generous Research and Travel Support Grant (RTSG), held by the CDT, for expenses associated with your PhD. These may include experiments, consumables, conference attendance, travel and subsistence.

Who is eligible for funding?
Applications are open to applicants assessed as having Home or International fee status.

Under UKRI funding rules, the number of funded awards available to international applicants is limited to 30% of the total funded places.

Some additional places are available for students with their own funding.

Living in Leeds and student life

Do I need to be based in Leeds?
Students receive substantial, sustained on-campus education throughout their first academic year. Face-to-face teaching is the default for seminars, tutorials, workshops, practical classes, performance activities and discussion groups.

We also provide opportunities and space for informal social and group learning, and encourage on-campus co-curricular and extracurricular activities. We therefore recommend living within an easy commute of the Leeds campus.

Where can I find information about Leeds and accommodation?
The University offers postgraduate-only residences close to campus and the city centre. Many postgraduate students also choose private accommodation across Leeds. Further information is available on the University of Leeds accommodation webpage.

Can PhD students join University societies?
Yes. All clubs, societies and activities hosted by Leeds University Union are open to PhD students. For more information, visit the Leeds University Union clubs and societies webpage: https://www.luu.org.uk/clubs-and-societies/.

Careers after the CDT

What careers do CDT graduates pursue?
Our graduates move into a wide range of academic and industry roles. Examples include:

• Postdoctoral positions and fellowships at UK and international universities
• Assistant Lecturer, Coventry University
• Software Developer, Motor Design
• Consultancy and Senior Engineer roles, BAE Systems
• Scientific Software Engineer, Met Office
• Senior Engineer, Hydrotec
• Fire Engineering Consultancy, Warrington Fire
• Wind Energy Analyst, RWE Renewables
• Technical Consultant, Fujitsu UK