PhD+ at Aston
PhD+ AT ASTON
The UK's first fully funded doctoral scholarship scheme with a four-month industrial placement, equipping researchers with crucial skills for the digital age.
Inclusive. Entrepreneurial. Transformational.
Please note applications are now closed for 2025
Empowering future innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs
Welcome to the Aston PhD+ studentship scheme – a pioneering initiative designed to support exceptional PhD students who will excel in their research while gaining invaluable skills to advance their careers.
The Aston PhD+ studentship scheme sees us partner with companies leading within their respective fields and is at the core of our commitment to fostering innovation and inclusion.
Why Choose Aston PhD+?
Located within the Birmingham Innovation Precinct in the vibrant city of Birmingham, Aston University is a leader in tech, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Our PhD+ scholars will be part of a dynamic environment that nurtures talent and drives forward-thinking research.
The Aston PhD+ studentship scheme offers a comprehensive support package designed to enhance your academic journey and prepare you for a successful career.
Why choose Aston University?
Our research goes beyond mere academic pursuits. We tackle real-world problems to deliver practical solutions that resonate with organisations, policymakers, and stakeholders. Our research creates a lasting, positive impact across society, culture, health, and the environment, driven by three interdisciplinary themes: health, digital innovation and technology.
Join us and become part of a legacy of transformative research shaping the future.
- World-class research environment: At Aston University, innovation thrives in a vibrant research culture and environment. Our research centres and institutes are at the forefront of major discoveries, pushing knowledge boundaries.
- Expert supervision: Gain access to a diverse community of experienced and renowned researchers. Our experienced supervisors provide invaluable guidance throughout your research journey including trailblazing expertise in forensic linguistics, interdisciplinary membrane research, photonics and sustainable resources.
- Industry connections: You will have the opportunity to leverage our strong connections with industry and the Birmingham Innovation Quarter to drive real-world, impactful research.
- Supportive postgraduate researcher community: By studying at Aston University, you become part of a diverse and inclusive community that celebrates different perspectives and experiences within a rich learning environment. We provide opportunities for you to network through academic and social events, so you feel valued and connected throughout your time with us. Many of these events are jointly organised through the Aston Postgraduate Research Society.
"We believe that successful universities of the future will foster confident and enterprising learners who are able to adapt to the changing world of work and drive research and innovation."
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University
Key Features:
Full Funding
For both home and international students: enjoy a comprehensive funding package including fee waiver regardless of nationality, an annual scholarship at UK Research Council rate (circa £20k p.a.), for 3.5 years.
4-Month Industry, clinical, or business placement
Gain hands-on experience and earn a Certified Professional Development (CPD) certificate, enhancing your career readiness and employability for diverse career paths in academia, industry, and beyond.
Leadership, business engagement, & AI training
Exclusive access to specialised training in leadership, business engagement, and AI, providing Aston PhD+ scholars a unique advantage in the job market.
Top-Tier Supervision
Work with leading academic and industrial supervisors who are committed to supporting the scholars’ research and professional growth.
Please note applications are now closed for 2025
The closing date for all projects is 23.59 on 9th February 2025.
| Research Project Title | Main Supervisor | Other Supervisors | Participating Industrial Partner |
| Strategic integration of Generative AI for enhanced customer intelligence and cybersecurity in mid-sized enterprises | Alexeis Garcia Perez | Pawan Budhwar & Anikó Ekárt | Image  |
| Manufacturing sustainably-sourced plastic materials with fine-tuned functional properties for fresh produce packaging | Alfred Fernandez-Castane | Paul Topham and Vesna Najdanovic | |
| Modelling and Optimisation of Microalgae Growth for Carbon Capture in Next-Generation Photobioreactors | Abed Alaswad | Alfred Fernandez and Ahmed Rezk | |
| Integrating millimetre-wave radar for smart healthcare monitoring systems | Zhuangzhuang Dai | Luis Manso and Victor Chang | Image  |
| AI-based Multivariate Multimodal Data Analytics for Predictive Fraud Detection in Insurance Claims | Abdul Sadka | Amal Htait | Image  |
| Advanced fibre laser technology for distributed sensing | Kaiming Zhou | David Webb | Image  |
| Automated deployment of competitive autonomous vehicles for aircraft service delivery | Farzaneh Farhadi | Maria Chli | Image  |
| Treatment of corneal infection using UVC technology | Shehzad A Naroo | Raquel Gil Cazorla | |
| Selective removal of bitterness compounds during chocolate production | Alan Goddard | Matthew Derry and John Simms | Image  |
How to apply:
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Read the project information
Review the details provided for each project to understand the scope, objectives, and requirements. This will help you identify which projects align with your interests and goals.
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Decide on your interests
Reflect on the projects you've read about and determine which one appeals to you. Consider how each project fits with your skills, career aspirations, and areas of curiosity.
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Find out more
If you wish to find out more information, you can contact to the supervisor or supervisor team. Their email addresses will be in the details document for the project.
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Apply to be shortlisted
Once you've chosen a project, complete the application form to be shortlisted. Links to all forms are in the table above and the details document for each project. If you are shortlisted, we will send you more information about the full application process.
