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, more about how we are committed to this is available in our current Action Plan for Equality and Diversity.

Applications are now closed for September 2026 entry.

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

Open route (project selected in semester 2) 

• • Start date: 1 October 2027
  • Application deadline: to be announced September 2026
  • Open to: UK and Overseas rated students

Direct route (industry project)

• • Start date: 1 October 2027
  • Application deadline: to be announced September 2026
  • 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- 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
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
Can be found on the English language requirements | University of Leeds webpage.

All student 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.
  • Include a CV.
  • Include all transcripts and certificates for your degree(s).

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.

Webinar Recording - November 2025

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

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. 

What working space is provided? 

CDT students have their own shared office space, with a desk and laptop provided. 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 stipend 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 Research and Travel Support Grant (RTSG), held by the CDT, to pay for expenses associated with your PhD. For example, experiments, consumables, conference attendance, travel and subsistence to support your PhD. 

What are the funding rules post-Brexit? 

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. 

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? 

For students recruited via the open route, the CDT presents a broad range of PhD projects in Semester 2, covering a variety of length scales and applications. Students may also develop their own project ideas. A database of PhD projects offered to previous cohorts is available to indicate the types of projects that may be available; these projects are not open for selection by incoming students.

For students recruited via the direct route to an industry‑linked project, a defined range of projects is available for selection at the point of application. These projects are developed in collaboration with industry partners and allow applicants to apply directly to a specific project aligned with their interests and experience.

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

See the how to apply section of this page.

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 go on to a wide range of academic and industry roles, with examples listed below.

• Post-doctoral positions, including fellowships in academia, at UK and International Universities
• 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?  

The University has residences just for postgraduate students, located close to campus and the city centre. Many postgraduate students also consider living in private accommodation across Leeds.

• Accommodation | University of Leeds

Do 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 student on a CDT? 

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 you start your project, meetings with your personal tutor become less frequent and you will begin meeting regularly with your PhD supervisors. The CDT Centre Manager and Administrator are also available as first points of contact for any queries. Peer support is provided within and across cohorts, typically through shared office space and in‑person events.