Programme

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

Duration: 4 years (FT) or 6.8 years (PT)
Start date: 1 October 2025 (Please note: induction activities will take place towards the end of September 2025)
Application deadline: Friday 11th April 2025
Number of funded places: up to 12
Course structure: download
Programme outline: Full-Time degree and Part-Time degree

As part of the University of Leeds, the CDT works to the University's Equality and Inclusion Strategy and Framework, more about how we are committed to this is available in our current Action Plan for Equality and Diversity.

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

In semester one you will study a 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. Alongside this you will study a 15-credit Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis module and a 15-credit Professional Development & Skills module (to include core skills such as Python programming, Linux, LaTeX, introduction to ethics, research seminars, industry seminars, etc).

Semester two will include a new 15-credit Data-Driven Fluid Dynamics module and a second 15-credit Professional Development & Skills module (featuring further core skills: research software engineering, data analysis, presentation skills, scientific writing, time management, responsible innovation, sustainability, continued weekly research seminars, etc.). Extending across the second half of the semester through to mid-June you will undertake a 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. The final module in year one is a 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- Four

The remaining 30 credits of the MSc will be undertaken in year two, consisting of a further 15-credit Professional Development & Skills module and an 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.

A full standard studentship consists of a maintenance/stipend grant (£20,780 for  Session 2025/26*), together with academic fees (£5,006 for Session 2025/26*) paid at standard Research Council rates and a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG).

There are a number of EPSRC Fully Funded Studentship Awards for Session 2025/26 covering the full cost of University of Leeds fees plus maintenance. Applications are open to both Home and International fee rated applicants. However the number of awards open for International applicants is limited, some additional places are also available for students who have their own funding.

We are able to consider flexibility in how the programme is studied for those students unable to join the programme as a full time student. Please get in touch with us if you would like to explore part-time study.

As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.

* please note these figures change slightly each year.

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

All student are recruited to the CDT via two options:

1) Recruitment to industry specific research areas, or

2) Research project chosen in semester 2 rather than at recruitment stage.

To apply online, please complete a formal application for Integrated PhD study

• Select ‘Research Postgraduate’ for type of form.
• Please select ‘CDT Fluid Dynamics’ as the course.
• Start date: 1 October 2025 (Please note: induction activities will take place towards the end of September).
• Please enter ‘CDT Fluid Dynamics’ in the ‘Research Area’ section. A research proposal is not required. If you are applying to a specific PhD project being advertised with the CDT you can state that here.
• Please include a completed Fluid Dynamics CDT Personal Statement. Webpage to download the form.
• Please include a CV
• Please include all transcripts and certificates for your degree(s).
• After you submit your PhD application on-line you may get a message requesting you to send hard copies of your degree transcripts and references in sealed envelopes. Please ignore this. We do not require hard copies of your degree documents at the application stage, we only require these when you arrive in Leeds to register for your programme. References are requested by the Admissions team on your behalf if you are shortlisted for interview. Your referees are emailed a Faculty Reference Form to complete and return by email. If your referees want to provide their reference on headed paper an emailed scan is sufficient for our purpose.

Application deadline: Friday 11th April 2025
Number of places: up to 12

Selection will be determined by:

• Formal application, CV, personal statement and transcripts of first degree.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a formal interview. Please note, we are able to reimburse travel expenses for UK applicants and we can facilitate online interviews for overseas candidates.

Selection will be based upon: academic performance and ability; aptitude for inter-disciplinary study and research; potential to contribute to, and benefit from, the cohort-based approach of the Centre; aptitude for undertaking independent study and research; and openness to develop new skills and capabilities.

If you require any further information please contact the CDT team:

• email address: fluid-dynamics@leeds.ac.uk

Applications webinar

FAQs for prospective applicants 

How intensive is the programme? 

The programme is particularly busy in the first year, as the taught element is front-loaded. The first semester has regular weekly assessments.  

As such, some of our current students have suggested it is worthwhile looking at the module content for the first semester, and refreshing your skills if needed. Once the CDT has confirmation of who will be joining the next cohort, and preparations are underway to welcome students to the University a reading list is sent out to allow those students who wish to get a head-start, to do so. It is also worth noting that the programming language used in the majority of the taught modules is Python. 

The programme is available to view in detail here: https://webprod3.leeds.ac.uk/catalogue/dynprogrammes.asp?Y=202425&P=TBC

What working space is provided? 

CDT students have their own shared office space, with a desk and PC provided for each student. There is also bookable study space in the libraries on campus, and we also have access to bookable office space in the department, study areas around campus, and computer clusters. 

How do the student maintenance payments work? 

Students are paid a month in advance direct to their bank account, normally on the last Friday of the preceding month. These payments are not subject to tax. 

In addition to this you also get a generous budget held by the CDT to pay for expenses associated with your PhD. For example, experiments, consumables, travel and subsistence to support your PhD. 

What are the funding rules post-Brexit? 

There has been a recent change to UKRI rules around funding. Applications are open to both Home and International fee rated applicants, however the number of awards open for International applicants is limited by UKRI. Some additional places are also available for students who have their own funding. 

Are there opportunities to meet other CDT students before joining the programme? 

We make sure to provide all applicants the opportunity to chat with some of our current CDT students at our interview days. There is also a Facebook group set up for applicants to access once they have secured an offer, and accepted it, to connect with our existing students, and ask any questions they may have about the programme and life in Leeds. 

Do students have to be based in Leeds? 

All of our students will have a substantial and sustained on-campus education throughout their first academic year, with face-to-face teaching being the default for seminars, tutorials, workshops, practical classes, performance activities and discussion groups (subject to any requirements imposed by Government and/or by law). We will also provide opportunities and space for informal social and group learning on campus, and support and encourage on-campus co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.  In light of this we recommend that you are living within an easy commute of the Leeds campus.

What types of PhD projects are on offer in the CDT? 

All student are recruited to the CDT via two options:

1) Recruitment to industry specific research areas, or

2) Research project chosen in semester 2 rather than at recruitment stage (a project booklet of approx. 30-40 proposed projects is prepared and circulated for consideration in December)

For those students recruited under pathway two we have a broad range of topics on offer via the CDT, ranging length scales and applications. Students are also able to develop their own PhD project ideas if nothing is suitable from the range of projects offered. We have an extensive database of PhD projects (https://fluid-dynamics.leeds.ac.uk/projects/) that have been offered to students from previous years of the CDT that you can take a look through to get a sense of the types of projects that might be available. Please note that these projects are not for selection by incoming students.  

I want to apply to the CDT, what should I include in my application? 

Applications need to include a formal application via the University of Leeds portal, CV, personal statement (no more than one page) and transcripts for all of your degrees. You will also be asked to name two referees, who will be asked directly by the University for references on your behalf. 

http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees  

When writing your application consider what the CDT is looking for. This includes academic performance and ability; aptitude for inter-disciplinary study and research; potential to contribute to, and benefit from, the cohort-based approach of the Centre; aptitude for undertaking independent study and research; and openness to develop new skills and capabilities. 

I have been invited to interview, what should I expect? 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a formal interview. Please note, we are able to reimburse travel expenses for UK applicants and we can facilitate online interviews for overseas candidates. 

At our interview day, you will get to find out a bit more about the CDT, and meet some of our current students and staff. The interview itself is intended to be for us to find out more about you and your experiences, and for you to find out more about us.  

Interview panels are normally made up of 2-3 academics who lead the CDT, and represent the diverse areas of Fluid Dynamics research and the Centre Manager for the CDT.  

Interviews will consider the same criteria as outlined for your application: academic performance and ability; aptitude for inter-disciplinary study and research; potential to contribute to, and benefit from, the cohort-based approach of the Centre; aptitude for undertaking independent study and research; and openness to develop new skills and capabilities. You will also get the opportunity to ask your own questions. 

What are the job destinations of your CDT graduates? 

Our graduates have a wide range of career destinations post-PhD. Some examples of the roles and companies they have moved into are listed below: 

• Post-doctoral positions, including fellowships in academia (E.g. Newcastle University, Oxford University, KAUST Saudi Arabia, IPGP France, Liverpool University, University of Leeds) 
• Assistant Lecturer, Coventry University 
• Software Developer, Motor Design 
• Consultancy and Senior Engineer roles at BAE Systems 
• Scientific Software Engineer, Met Office
• Senior Engineer, Hydrotec 
• Fire Engineering Consultancy, Warrington Fire 
• Wind Energy Analyst, RWE Renewables 
• Technical Consultant, Fujitsu UK 

How do I find out more about Leeds, and accommodation in Leeds?  

Check out the useful links below on the University webpages for further information. Our current students can also help advise on the best locations to live, and places to search for accommodation. 

• http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/102000/research_degrees 
• https://accommodation.leeds.ac.uk/  

Do PhD students have access to societies at the University? 

All of the societies and activities hosted by the Leeds University Union are open to PhD students. For further information check out their website: https://www.luu.org.uk/clubs-and-societies/  

What support is in place for me as a PhD student on a CDT? 

As a first year PhD student, you have a tutor assigned to you from the CDT who meets with you and your tutor group on a weekly basis until you make a start on your PhD project, at which stage you will stop meeting your tutor, and start meeting with your PhD supervisors regularly. You also have the CDT Manager and administrator, who are your first points of call for any questions you may have. There is also peer support within your cohort and between cohorts. This is normally facilitated through shared office space and in-person events.  CDT students also have access to Teams and Zoom to arrange their own collaborative activities.