Study in UK | Loughborough University Scholarships 2026

December 20, 2025 10:44 am

Study in UK | Loughborough University Scholarships 2026

Are you ready to advance the next generation of materials? Loughborough University is offering a fully funded, world-class PhD opportunity in its Mechanical, Electrical, and Manufacturing Engineering department for the 2026–2027 academic year. This research project tackles a core challenge in modern manufacturing: perfecting the surface quality of complex 3D-printed titanium parts.

Applications are currently open for this highly competitive studentship, and the final deadline to apply is 31 December 2025.

An In-Depth Look at the Research Project

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, empowers engineers to create intricate lattice structures with exceptional properties. However, these parts often suffer from poor surface finishing and uncontrolled porosity, which limits their performance in critical applications. This PhD project directly addresses this industry-wide challenge.

Specifically, the research will investigate the fundamental chemistry of titanium to develop advanced post-processing techniques. By mastering wet chemical processes and analyzing surface reactions, the goal is to achieve precise control over the porosity of engineered lattices. This work has far-reaching implications, with potential applications in high-performance sectors like transport, catalysis, and bioengineering.

What makes this project particularly exciting is its interdisciplinary, data-driven methodology. The successful candidate will work within a unique framework that blends hands-on laboratory experimentation with advanced modelling and artificial intelligence tools. This approach aims to manage the vast number of variables involved in the chemical process, ensuring efficient and innovative research outcomes.

Comprehensive Funding and Professional Development

This studentship provides complete financial support, removing barriers for talented researchers from both the UK and across the globe. The funding package is designed to let you focus entirely on your research:

Full Tuition Fees: All academic costs are covered for the three-year program.
Generous Stipend: You will receive a tax-free living stipend of £20,780 per annum.
Cutting-Edge Environment: You will join a multidisciplinary team in labs dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and validating new materials.
Furthermore, this PhD is a significant career investment. It is structured to equip you with a portfolio of high-demand skills that are prized in both academia and industry. The training includes:
Advanced experimental design and data analysis.
Development of novel processing techniques.
Physical, mechanical, and materials characterization.
Data-driven optimization and professional research management.

Determine Your Eligibility and How to Apply

Ideal candidates for this pioneering role will have a strong academic foundation in applied chemistry. The essential entry requirement is at least a UK 2:1 honours degree (or its international equivalent) in BSc Chemistry or an MSc in a related field, such as inorganic chemistry, chemical physics, or chemical simulation. Crucially, applicants must demonstrate a keen interest in both experimental laboratory work and numerical or modelling-based research.

The application process is conducted online through the university’s system. To ensure your application is correctly identified, you must follow these key steps:

Select ‘Loughborough’ as your campus
Choose ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering’ as your programme.
Quote the project reference number: FP-CTS/2-2025.

Click Here to Apply

You will need to prepare several documents, including a personal statement, a comprehensive CV, your academic certificates and transcripts, and contact details for two referees. While not mandatory, submitting a research proposal can strengthen your application.

Act promptly, as the university may begin interviews before the official deadline. This is your chance to contribute to cutting-edge science at an institution where 94% of its research impact is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Ready to pioneer the future of manufacturing? For full details and to begin your application, visit the official project page on the Loughborough University website.