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Energy MPhil, PhD

This PhD allows you to specialise in areas such as bio-energy, sustainable power and fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

  • September 2024
  • January 2025

By pursuing research in the School of Engineering, you'll join a successful research group . Our focus is on energy. Our mission is to foster, promote and conduct research of international quality. We attract high-quality graduates and researchers and train them to international standards.

This research degree and our other energy programmes focus on topics, including:

  • novel geo-energy
  • power electronics
  • drives and machines
  • the sustainable development and use of key resources

We can supervise MPhil and PhD projects in topics that relate to our main areas of research, which are:

Our research spans the whole supply chain:

  • growing novel feedstocks (various biomass crops, algae etc)
  • processing feedstocks in novel ways
  • converting feedstocks into fuels and chemical feedstocks
  • developing new engines to use the products

Cockle Park Farm has an innovative anaerobic digestion facility. Work at the farm will develop, integrate and exploit technologies. These will link with the generation and efficient use of renewable energy from land-based resources. This includes biomass, biofuel and agricultural residues.

We also develop novel technologies for gasification and pyrolysis. This large multidisciplinary project brings together expertise in:

  • social science with process technologists and engineers

It is complemented by molecular studies on the biology of non-edible oilseeds as sources for production of biodiesel.

New ways of obtaining clean energy from the geosphere is a vital area of research. Particularly given current concerns over the limited remaining resources of fossil fuels.

Newcastle University won a Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher Education award. This was for its world-renowned Hydrogeochemical Engineering Research and Outreach (HERO) programme. The Sir Joseph Swan Centre for Energy Research seeks to build on its record of excellence and place the North East at the forefront of research in:

  • ground-source heat pump systems
  • other larger-scale sources of carbon-free geothermal energy
  • developing more responsible modes of fossil fuel use

Our fossil fuel research encompasses both the use of a:

  • novel microbial process (recently patented by Newcastle University). This is to convert heavy oil (and, by extension, coal) to methane
  • coupling of carbon capture and storage (CCS) to underground coal gasification (UCG) using drilled boreholes

This hybrid technology (UCG-CCS) is well suited to early development in the North East. It still has 75% of its total coal resources in place.

We undertake fundamental and applied research. This is in various aspects of power generation and energy systems, including:

  • the application of alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and biofuels to engines and dual-fuel engines
  • domestic combined heat and power (CHP), and combined cooling, heating and power (trigeneration) systems. Both using waste vegetable oil and/or raw inedible oils
  • biowaste methanisation
  • biomass and biowaste combustion, gasification
  • biomass co-combustion with coal in thermal power plants
  • CO2 capture and storage for thermal power systems
  • trigeneration with novel energy storage systems. This includes the storage of electrical energy, heat and cooling energy
  • engine and power plant emissions monitoring and reduction technology
  • novel engine configurations such as free-piston engines and the reciprocating Joule cycle engine

We are recognised as world leaders in hydrogen storage research. Our work covers the entire range of fuel cell technologies, from:

  • high-temperature hydrogen cells
  • low-temperature microbial fuel cells

We address some of the complex challenges which are slowing the uptake and impact of fuel cell technology.

Key areas of research include:

  • biomineralisation
  • liquid organic hydrides
  • adsorption onto solid phase, nano-porous metallo-carbon complexes

Our research in this area has resulted in the development and commercialisation of novel gasifier technology. This is for hydrogen production and subsequent energy generation.

We have developed ways to produce alternative fuels. In particular, a novel biodiesel pilot plant that has attracted an Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) AspenTech Innovative Business Practice Award.

Major funding has been awarded for the development of fuel cells for commercial application. This has led to both patent activity and highly-cited research. Newcastle University is a key member of the SUPERGEN Fuel Cell Consortium. Significant developments have been made in:

  • fuel cell modelling
  • membrane technology
  • anode development
  • catalyst and fuel cell performance improvements

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

Qualifications explained.

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

How you'll learn

Off-campus study may be available in some circumstances, particularly if you have industrial sponsorship.

  • Our programme includes intensive subject-specific supervision training in research methodologies and core skills You'll also have an opportunity to: undertake paid laboratory demonstrations
  • tutor to gain teaching experience

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.

Our mission is to help you:

  • stay healthy, positive and feeling well
  • overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
  • get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
  • carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
  • understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

  • research and professional skills
  • careers support
  • health and safety
  • public engagement
  • academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

Find out about our energy research team and our staff specialisms

Contact us to:

  • explore possible research programmes
  • find out more about the staff working in these research areas
  • identify a potential research supervisor

Your development

Faculty of science, agriculture and engineering (sage) researcher development programme .

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

  • perform better as a researcher
  • boost your career prospects
  • broaden your impact

Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

  • techniques for effective research
  • methods for better collaborative working
  • essential professional standards and requirements

Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Find out more about the SAgE researcher development programme

Doctoral training and partnerships

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:

  • Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
  • Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:

  • they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
  • you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
  • they’re often interdisciplinary
  • your PhD may be funded

Find out more about doctoral training and partnerships

If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.

The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:

  • EPSRC Aura Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind Energy and the Environment
  • IAPETUS2 Doctoral Training Partnership
  • Sustainable Electric Propulsion Centre for Doctoral Training
  • EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities (ReNU)

Your future

Our careers service.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

As a postgraduate student you'll usually be based in the Sir Joseph Swan Centre for Energy Research . Depending on your chosen area of study, you may also have the opportunity to work with one or more of our partner schools. This provides you with a unique and personally designed training and supervision programme.

You'll typically have access to:

  • a modern open-plan office environment
  • a full range of chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and marine engineering laboratories
  • dedicated desk and PC facilities for each student within the research centre or partner schools

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year).

We are unable to give an exact fee, this is why the fee is shown as a range. This fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.

Your research topic is unique so it will have unique resource requirements. Resources could include specialist equipment, such as laboratory/workshop access, or technical staff.

If your research involves accessing specialist resources then you're likely to pay a higher fee. You'll discuss the exact nature of your research project with your supervisor(s). You'll find out the fee in your offer letter.

Home fees for research degree students

For 2024-25 entry, we will be aligning our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI. The Home tuition fees for this course will be updated after this confirmation. 

If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination

Find out more about:

  • living costs
  • tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

  • How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

  • campus tours
  • on-campus open days
  • virtual open days

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

  • Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Postgraduate Research Administrator Energy Research Centre School of Engineering Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 5634 Email: [email protected]

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Receive regular updates by email

Chat to a student

Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.

Social media

Get involved with the School of Engineering   social media

  • How You'll Learn
  • Your Development
  • Your Future
  • Quality and Ranking
  • Fees and Funding
  • Entry Requirements
  • Open days & events

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Sustainable Energy Technology PhD

  • Full-time: 3 to 4 years
  • Part-time: Not available
  • Start date: Multiple available
  • UK fees: £5,100
  • International fees: £21,500 or £28,600 depending on the nature of your project

Research overview

PhD projects in the area of sustainable energy technology explore how new and renewable technologies may be harnessed at the scale of buildings and the wider built environment.

Research areas

Subject areas covered include:

  • combined heat power systems
  • cooling technologies
  • heat power cycles
  • energy storage
  • eco-cities/smart cities
  • sustainable building materials
  • vehicles, transport and pollution control
  • photovoltaic thermal systems; solar energy systems (e.g. solar powered cooling); wind energy
  • solar water desalination systems
  • sustainable waste management and disposal
  • clean fossil fuel and carbon capture technologies

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our  Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us .

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Graduate centres

Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.

Each space has areas for:

  • socialising
  • computer work
  • kitchen facilities

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services , including:

  • academic and disability support
  • childcare services
  • counselling service
  • faith support
  • financial support
  • mental health and wellbeing support
  • visa and immigration advice
  • welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer .

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

  • international students
  • black and minority ethnic students
  • students who identify as women
  • students with disabilities
  • LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Where you will learn

University park campus.

University Park Campus  covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route . Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Completing a research degree with us will ensure that you develop transferable skills that will be beneficial in a number of different careers.

Graduates within the faculty have gone on to have successful careers as:

  • researchers
  • production managers and directors
  • IT and telecommunication professionals
  • business, research and administrative professionals
  • science, engineering and production technicians
  • natural and social science professionals

92.6% of postgraduates from the School of Engineering Research secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £33,689.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022 . The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.

Discover our research with Architecture, People and Design

Discover how our research changes the world around us.

Related courses

Building technology phd, research excellence framework.

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

  • 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
  • 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
  • 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 22 August 2023 . Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.

  • Staff intranet
  • Student intranet

Brunel University London

What do you want to do?

Find out about the research we do in energy efficient and sustainable technologies.

  • Energy Efficient and Sustainable Technologies PhD

phd in energy uk

Find a supervisor

phd in energy uk

Mode of study

3 years full-time

6 years part-time

phd in energy uk

International   £21,470

UK   £4,712

phd in energy uk

Entry requirements

Research profile.

The Energy Efficient and Sustainable Technologies area is well established and has major research projects at its heart focusing on sustainable energy use in food chains and energy and the built environment. Other research strengths of the theme include renewable energy technologies, particularly solar thermal and PV technologies, advanced heat and mass transfer, environmental control of buildings heat recovery and heat to power generation. Our researchers make contributions in a number of fundamental and applied areas including:

  • Optimal ways for reducing energy use in food chains
  • Heating, cooling and refrigeration
  • Microclimate and environmental design
  • Single and two-phase heat transfer and thermal systems

Members of the Energy Efficient and Sustainable Technology group served on the Government’s Steering Committee for the development of decarbonisation roadmaps for the food sector to 2050. This work has progressed to the second stage and involves the development of decarbonisation action plans in consultation with key stakeholders.

Find out about the exciting research we do in this area. Browse profiles of our experts, discover the research groups and their inspirational research activities you too could be part of. We’ve also made available extensive reading materials published by our academics and PhD students.  

Learn more about research in this area .

You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour .

Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Find out more about working with the Supervisory Team .

You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests. Search for expert supervisors for your chosen field of research.

While we welcome applications from student with a clear direction for their research, we are providing you with some ideas for your chosen field of research:

  • 3D printing of scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, supervised by Bin Zhang
  • A systems approach to plastic waste valorisation, supervised by Kok Siew Ng
  • Additive manufacturing and sustainability, supervised by Eujin Pei
  • AI (Artificial Intelligence) enabled autonomous robots for non-disruptive inspection of utility and sewage systems, supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
  • Ambient Vibration-Based Calibration of Finite Element Models of Bridges, supervised by Michael Rustell
  • Antimicrobial resistance in marine mammals (seals) from polluted waters, supervised by Gera Troisi and Ashley Houlden
  • Automatic computational fluid-dynamics, supervised by James Tyacke
  • Autonomous Drone Surveys and Convolutional Neural Networks for Bridge Maintenance: A Predictive Approach Using Finite Element Analysis, supervised by Michael Rustell
  • Autonomous robots for non-disruptive inspection of utility and sewage systems, supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
  • Bridging the Gap: Integrating Neural Radiance Fields and Micro-drones for Enhanced 3D Volumetric Finite Element Analysis, supervised by Michael Rustell
  • Can AI based robot car win the race, supervised by Dong Zhang
  • CFD modelling of plasma flow control, supervised by James Tyacke
  • Crystal Plasticity Modelling of Hexagonal Closed-Pack (HCP) Materials for Manufacturing, supervised by Rui Ramos Cardoso
  • Design, development, and optimisation of a six-legged robot for hybrid walking and manipulation in challenging environments, supervised by Mingfeng Wang
  • Developing a device for marine life and water quality monitoring, supervised by Gera Troisi
  • Developing Sustainable Waste Management Strategies through Innovative Resource Recovery and Valorisation Technologies, supervised by Kok Siew Ng
  • Development of a miniature capsule robot for capsule endoscopy, supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
  • Development of an Optical Shape Sensing Method Using Optoelectronic Sensors for Soft Flexible Robotic Manipulators in Minimally Invasive Surgery, supervised by Yohan Noh
  • Development of resilient hospitals through enhanced built environment design and research, supervised by Kangkang Tang
  • Dynamics of seawater intrusion in heterogeneous coastal aquifers, supervised by Ashraf Ahmed Mohamed
  • Fracture assessment of large-scale structural components, supervised by Marius Gintalas
  • Intelligent, Interpretable and Adaptive Design of Steel Structures using Deep Learning and NLP, supervised by Michael Rustell and Tatiana Kalganova
  • Large Language Models (LLM) for Automated Finite Element Analysis, supervised by Michael Rustell and Tatiana Kalganova
  • Life cycle assessment and circular economy for built environment, supervised by Muhammad Shafique
  • Machine learning for sustainable transportation systems, supervised by Muhammad Shafique
  • Next generation aeroacoustically and aerodynamically efficient aerofoil, supervised by Tze Pei Chong
  • Next generation electric vehicles, supervised by Dong Zhang
  • Optimisation of geothermal energy extraction, supervised by James Tyacke
  • Precision control of Nano-fuel production, supervised by Yang Yang
  • Prediction of early-age cracking in structural concrete, supervised by Kangkang Tang
  • Reliability Analysis of Adhesively Bonded Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites, supervised by Sadik Omairey and Mihalis Kazilas
  • Study of stray current induced corrosion in railway construction, supervised by Kangkang Tang
  • Sustainable products & processes - help industry ditch the plastic and toxic chemicals!, supervised by Gera Troisi
  • The impacts of systemic violence on the Traveller community, supervised by Rachel Stuart
  • The sustainability of hydrogen production for future energy uses, supervised by Colin Axon and Peter Hewitson
  • Toward automated vehicle control beyond the stability limits via active drifting control, supervised by Dong Zhang
  • Use of Large Language Models (LLM) as a Structural Engineering Design Assistant, supervised by Michael Rustell and Tatiana Kalganova
  • Using Machine Learning to Simulate Macroscopic phenomena for Fluid Dynamics, supervised by Nadine Aburumman

Research journey

This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in January. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in October. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in April.

Find out about what progress might look like at each stage of study here:  Research degree progress structure.

Research support

Excellent research support and training

The Graduate School provides a range of personal, professional and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching and events, to enable you to enhance your professional profile, refine your skills, and plan your next career steps as part of the Researcher Development Programme . The researcher development programme (RDP) offers workshops and seminars in a range of areas including progression, research management, research dissemination, and careers and personal development. You will also be offered a number of online, self-study courses on BBL, including Research Integrity, Research Skills Toolkit, Research Methods in Literature Review and Principles of Research Methods.

Library services

Brunel's Library is open 24 hours a day, has 400,000 books and 250,000 ebooks, and an annual budget of almost £2m. Subject information Specialists train students in the latest technology, digital literacy, and digital dissemination of scholarly outputs. As well as the physical resources available in the Library, we also provide access to a wealth of electronic resources. These include databases, journals and e-books. Access to these resources has been bought by the Library through subscription and is limited to current staff and students.

Dedicated research support staff provide guidance and training on open access, research data management, copyright and other research integrity issues.

Find out more: Brunel Library

Careers and your future

You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.

In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity.

Find out more.

UK entry requirements

The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1). 

An interview will be required as part of the admissions process and will be conducted by at least two academic staff members remotely via MS Teams, Zoom, or face to face.

Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement  and a research statement. Please contact your proposed supervisor, where possible, to receive feedback and guidance on your research statement before submitting it. Learn how to prepare a research statement  here .   

EU and International entry requirements

If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list . This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
  • Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
  • BrunELT : 63% (min 58% in all areas)
  • TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all) 

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our  English Language Requirements  page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our  Brunel Language Centre .

Please check our Admissions  pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Fees and funding

2023/24 entry, international.

£21,470 full-time

£10,735 part-time

£4,712 full-time

£2,355 part-time

Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.

Some courses incur  additional course related costs . You can also check our  on-campus accommodation costs  for more information on living expenses.

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. Recently the UK Government made available the Doctoral Student Loans of up to £25,000 for UK and EU students and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

PhD studentships

  • 3D printing and 4D printing applications in medical engineering.
  • Aluminium Alloys for Die Casting / Additive Manufacturing Process
  • Bayesian approach for the design of offshore wind turbine structures with fluid viscous damping systems
  • Combustion Characteristics of Hydrogen in Engines
  • Design and Evaluation of Two-part Reusable Below-knee Prosthetic Socket.
  • Developing wrought Al-alloys with high impurity-tolerance and high performance by narrowing the freezing range of last solidified liquid
  • Development of an Intelligent Decision Support System by Machine Learning for Ultraprecision Machined Functional Surfaces and their Metrology Assessment
  • Development of power producing, heating and cooling strategies using deep geothermal wells
  • EDEM Drag Force Model Investigation of Predict Pick-up Efficiency of Gravel
  • Enhancing infrastructure resilience: integrating lifecycle analysis for climate-adaptive restoration
  • Exploitation the Potential of Geothermal Energy Using Existing Tunnels.
  • Formation mechanisms of intermetallic compounds and precipitates under solidification and heat treatments
  • Fully funded studentship in Plastivore Plasticity: characterising metabolic flexibility in an emerging biotechnological system to manage plastic waste
  • Life cycle assessment and circular economy for built environment
  • Machine Learning for Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Modelling of crack initiation and growth under rolling contact fatigue
  • Multi-hazard framework to assess risk in industrial supply chains
  • New Multicomponent High-Entropy Alloys
  • Restoring the creep resistance of steel following exposure to high temperatures

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PhD Sustainable Energy Technologies

First class Honours BEng degree in a relevant Engineering discipline including Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science. Strong applicants with a 2.1 qualification may also be considered. Personal attributes including a drive to conduct research, self-motivation and the ability to work independently and within a team are essential.

About the course

Our research expertise in Renewable Energy Technologies specialises in areas including renewable energy, smart grids, novel wind energy harvest technologies, energy storage systems, energy saving systems and nano materials, fuel cells, energy-efficient buildings,  phase change materials (PCM), piezoelectric and thermoelectric energy harvesting systems, engine emission control, development of optically accessible and race engines; conventional and advanced engine instrumentation, thermofluid modelling/simulation and experimental study for energy & flow physics.

In addition our research extends to power management of distributed energy systems and dynamic scheduling, optimisation and control of future smart grids, advanced power electronics and Control for microgrids, energy storage systems including coordinated and optimised integration into the power grid, smart meter data analytics using machine learning techniques for efficient energy management, the impact of electric vehicles on the distribution grid and smart charging, and dynamic wireless charging of electric vehicles for optimisation and infrastructure management.

Research in Sustainable Energy Technologies at the University of Hertfordshire has been supported with grants from the EPSRC, InnovateUK and industry.

Teaching methods

Each student will be assigned a Principal and a second supervisor who are experts in the research topic. The research will be conducted in our labs which are well-equipped for research in the topics of our expertise. Students studying on Full-Time mode are expected to submit their registration and progression reports in the first and second years of the research programme respectively and are formally assessed in the form of a viva by (usually) an internal examination panel. In completion of their 3rd year students are expected to start the preparation for their final assessment and to submit their thesis which is examined in the form of a viva by an external and an internal examiner (Part-Time mode assessment deadlines are extended accordingly).  

What’s next for my career?

Our PhD programmes enable students to develop specialist research skills and knowledge. We aim to provide research projects that will challenge and in some cases even inspire our students. If you are self-motivated and want to improve your ability to understand and solve engineering problems, then a PhD with us may be right for you.

Course fees

  • Research degree fees for UK and EU students
  • Research degree fees for international students

#UHClearing

HR Excellence in Research

UCL logo

Sustainable Resources MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

The interdisciplinary UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources provides evidence, expertise and training to respond to climate change, and to support sustainable transitions for people and planet. Our strong links with industry, policymakers and other academic institutions provide an excellent foundation for PhD study.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Research degree students start their programme in BSEER in September or January each academic year. Starting at other times is by exception where a strong justification is made.

  • Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, in a relevant subject, is essential. Where applicants have other suitable research or professional experience, they may be admitted without a Master's degree. Applicants with a lower second-class UK Honours Bachelor's degree (2:2) (or equivalent) must possess a relevant Master's degree to be admitted. We expect any successful application to include a sufficiently strong and convincing proposal, and those holding a Master's degree are typically well prepared to provide one. Relevant work experience is desirable.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

PhD students at the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources work on a range of research projects relating to the sustainable use of the world’s resources – including energy, food, minerals and ecosystems. Using a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods, our research analyses natural and human systems, on global, regional, and local scales. Through undertaking a research degree, our PhD students demonstrate the capacity to organise, carry out and communicate a substantial piece of research, presented in a thesis that demonstrates academic rigour and originality.

If you have a research idea that falls within our research themes, an MPhil/PhD in Sustainable Resources could be the right path for you. To get started with your application visit our ‘ How to apply for a Sustainable Resources MPhil/PhD ’ page. On this page we cover the four steps you need to apply, from writing an outline proposal and choosing a supervisor, through to submitting an expression of interest ahead of making your formal application. 

Who this course is for

Our PhD students come from a wide range of backgrounds, at different career stages. They use their research degree as a stepping stone to careers in a range of sectors. They are united by their passion to make the world a better place, and their commitment to creating and communicating evidence to achieve this goal.

What this course will give you

You will work in a vibrant and cooperative academic research environment. While everyone has their own research project, we strongly encourage students to participate fully in the work of our Institute and to interact with other students and staff. We run internal and external seminar programmes, and the many universities and societies in London offer a rich academic environment for broadening your horizons in anything that interests you.

You will have access to a desk in the department, to libraries, to online resources, to specialist computing facilities, to software and to other resources as required.

You will have access to a wide range of formal and informal training opportunities, including taught courses, to underpin your personal development. The programme does not have a formal taught element. The only formal examinations are the upgrade from MPhil to PhD, at the end of the first year for full-time students, and the oral examination of your thesis.

You will be encouraged to attend and present your work at international conferences and workshops.

The foundation of your career

Our PhD graduates have become senior figures in international organisations (e.g. International Energy Agency, World Bank), government, academia (e.g. UCL, Yale, Columbia), research institutes (e.g. Asia-Pacific Energy Research Centre, EU Joint Research Centre), and companies. Discover some of our alumni’s experiences and career pathways.

Employability

You will learn to be an independent researcher with the ability to identify and understand issues, and design and carry out a research programme to address them.

A wide range of careers are available at the interface of the economy, resources and the environment.  

Supervision and mentorship are available from world-leading researchers with national and international contacts and collaborations across policy, government, industry and academic sectors. These links provide real opportunities to network and collaborate with a wide variety of external partners. Students have the opportunity to showcase their research at national and international conferences. Our students also gain access to networking events, career workshops and exclusive seminars held by UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources and the other institutes within the school.

Teaching and learning

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) consists of a piece of supervised research, normally undertaken over a period of three years full-time. Initially, you will be registered for the MPhil degree. If you wish to proceed to a PhD, you will be required to pass an 'Upgrade' assessment. The purpose of the upgrade is to assess your progress and ability to complete your PhD programme to a good standard and in a reasonable time frame.

Assessment is by means of a thesis, which should demonstrate your capacity to pursue original research based upon a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline.

A full-time PhD is a significant time commitment. You should expect to dedicate around 35 hours per week to your research. You should meet frequently with your supervisors and engage with the departmental and UCL communities more widely through events, training, and networking opportunities.

Research areas and structure

Our research is built around five intersecting themes:

  • Abiotic resources
  • Biotic resources
  • Definitions and indicators of sustainable resource use
  • Green economy
  • Resource efficiency

Research environment

“My favourite part was that the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources culture gave me the perfect combination of the freedom to pursue my own research interests, and academic excellence through my brilliant supervisors and inspiring colleagues to exchange ideas, develop skills and build long-lasting links. “ - Florian Flachenecker, graduated 2018

UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources has a large PhD cohort working on a wide range of projects on natural and human systems, including global, regional and local studies. Our staff and students have a passion to make the world a better place, and a commitment to creating and communicating evidence to achieve this goal.

We are based in Central House in the centre of London. Desks are available for all students and academics using a hot-desking system.

In the latest national research assessment ( REF 2021 ), our Faculty was number one for Research Power in the built environment, with 91% of research deemed ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’. Most of our research is undertaken in partnership with government and industry, grounding our work and create real-world impact.

All students are initially registered for an MPhil degree. Those studying full-time for a PhD undertake a formal “upgrade process” at the end of their first year, including a presentation and viva, and if successful are registered as PhD students. Students have up to two upgrade attempts.

The PhD programme normally lasts for three years. Once you have completed this initial period, you are able to enter an additional year of “Continuing Research Status”, with no further fees, if your studies are sufficiently advanced. Some funders instead offer four-year scholarships with no possibility of entering Continuing Research Status. You submit a thesis for assessment in an oral viva at the conclusion of your studies.

It is possible to study for an MPhil rather than a PhD degree from the outset, but this is rare.

Part-time students follow the same programme as full-time students, except that the programme length is five years, with up to two additional years in Continuing Research Status, and the first upgrade attempt normally takes place after 18 months.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

Route code RRDEERSSUR01

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

As a research student, your additional costs may include expenses such as books, conference attendance and field research, in the UK or overseas.

The Bartlett Faculty provides financial support to students through the Bartlett Student Conference Fund, Bartlett Doctoral Initiative Fund, Bartlett External Training Fund and Bartlett Extenuating Circumstances Fund. However, please note that these funds are limited and available through competition. Find out more on ' The Bartlett Scholarships and Funding ' page.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

UCL offers a range of financial awards aimed at assisting both prospective and current students with their studies.

The Bartlett Promise Scholarship is a long-term project from our Faculty to attract students from a broader range of backgrounds and tackle the lack of diversity in the built environment. Please see the UK PhD scholarship page for more information on eligibility criteria, selection process and FAQs.

The ESRC UCL, Bloomsbury and East London Centre for Doctoral Training (UBEL) offers a number of scholarships each year. Please see details of the ' Social and Policy Studies of Energy and the Environment ' grouping.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Bartlett Promise PhD Scholarship

Deadline: 19 May 2024 Value: Full fees, plus £19,668 maintenance (Normal duration of programme) Criteria Based on financial need Eligibility: UK

UCL Research Opportunity Scholarship (ROS)

Deadline: 12 January 2024 Value: UK rate fees, a maintenance stipend, conference costs and professional development package (3 years) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: UK

Are you ready to start your application for an MPhil/PhD at UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources? Follow this four step process to start you application and read the guidance on our ‘ How to apply for a Sustainable Resources ’ MPhil/PhD page. Once you have identified your project and supervisor, and have submitted an expression of interest to them, they will be able to give you feedback before you submit your formal application. Further details on how to apply to an MPhil/PhD can be found on the UCL Graduate Admissions website.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Year of entry: 2023-2024, got questions get in touch.

Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources

Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources

[email protected]

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Postgraduate Study - PhD and Research Degrees

EngD Offshore Renewable Energy

  • Postgraduate Research home
  • Research topics and degrees
  • Renewable Energy
  • Offshore Renewable Energy EngD

Internationally-leading joint EngD with IDCORE aiming to meet the UK’s ambitious deployment targets for offshore renewable energy technologies.

Delivers postgraduate-level technical and transferable skills training at three leading UK universities in the renewable energy research field together with the Scottish Association for Marine Science and HRWallingford.

Vibrant learning environment delivering world-class industrially-focused research outcomes that will accelerate the deployment of offshore wind, wave and tidal-current technologies.

Producing highly trained scientists and engineers, with the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle current and future offshore renewable energy challenges.

Reinforcing and supporting the UK’s conjoined infrastructure, which begins in the best academic research centres with leading test facilities and extends through a unique combination of demonstration facilities, ultimately to test and deployment sites.

View 2024 Entry

How to apply

Apply online

Ask a question

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Web: Enquire online Phone: 0300 555 6060 (UK) +44 (0)1392 723044 (non-UK)

Specialist facilities include microscopy suite, aerodynamics and fluids laboratories, additive manufacturing workshop and vibration testing rigs

£6.5million investment in our teaching labs, workshop spaces and equipment.

Apply the latest techniques and technologies to complex problems sustainably

Accreditations

phd in energy uk

This degree has been accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council .

This EngD research degree is accredited as :

  • Meeting the further learning requirements, in full, for registration as a Chartered Engineer, and a Chartered Marine Engineer;
  • Meeting the Initial Professional Development Requirements, in part, for registration as a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Marine Engineer.

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the  UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence  (UK-SPEC).  An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as Chartered Engineer ( CEng ) or Chartered Marine Engineer ( CMarEng ). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

The Engineering Council provide an  accredited course search web page  as well as  further information for prospective students , where you can find a list of all our accredited degree programmes.

Expand text

Research overview

This internationally-leading joint EngD with IDCORE aims to meet the UK’s ambitious deployment targets for offshore renewable energy technologies.

An EngD is a four year research degree awarded for industrially relevant research, the degree provides a more vocationally oriented approach to obtaining a doctorate in engineering commensurate with that of a PhD.

Led by the University of Exeter at its Cornwall Campus and based at the University of Edinburgh, this EngD programme is delivered through a partnership with the universities of Edinburgh, Strathclyde and Exeter together with the Scottish Association for Marine Science and HR-Wallingford.

The programme will allow you to receive postgraduate-level technical and transferable skills training at three leading UK universities in the renewable energy research field together with the Scottish Association for Marine Science and HRWallingford. This university and industry collaboration forms the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), RCUK Energy programme/ETI-funded Industrial Doctorate Centre in Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE).

This degree is  professionally accredited  under licence from the Engineering Council.   Visit the Professional accreditation tab   for further information.

Students will benefit from a vibrant learning environment and, in partnership with industry, will learn to deliver world-class industrially-focused research outcomes that will accelerate the deployment of offshore wind, wave and tidal-current technologies. This will help the UK to meet its 2020 and 2050 targets for renewable energy generating capacity, and expand and sustain a community of high-quality post-doctoral staff for the UK offshore renewable energy industry.

This programme will produce highly trained scientists and engineers, they will gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle current and future offshore renewable energy challenges. This includes developing new techniques and technologies to design, build, install, operate and maintain devices in hostile environments at an affordable economic cost with minimal environmental impact.

This will reinforce and support the UK’s conjoined infrastructure, which begins in the best academic research centres with leading test facilities and extends through a unique combination of demonstration facilities, ultimately to test and deployment sites.

Course content

Each Research Engineer will spend approximately 25% (180 credits) of his or her time in a structured training programme.

All courses are weighted at 10 credits (approx. 100 hours of student effort). The majority of courses will be at SCQF level 11 / FHEQ Level 7 as shown below.

Semester 1 (Year 1: September – December)

Semester 2 (year 1: january – may), summer schools (two weeks in june-august), open/distance learning management courses integrated into research phase, research project.

Research Projects will comprise 540 credits, amounting to 75% of the research engineer effort on the EngD. Research Engineers will attend a total of three summer schools during their projects, and will attend the annual Company Day, and appropriate technical conferences.

Research projects are proposed by renewable energy companies in wave, tidal and offshore wind energy. Projects are allocated during the first year of the programme, at the beginning of the second semester (in January). The Research Engineer will take an active role in defining his or her professional development programme in line with the needs of the research project and his or her individual aims.

Entry requirements

To be considered, PhD applicants need to meet the following entry requirements:

  • Applicants should have, or expect to receive a first class honours degree or an international equivalent. Students with an upper second class degree and a subsequent MSc degree will also be considered. It is expected that candidates will have a good understanding of one or more branches of science or engineering and at least some relevant research experience.  Equivalents to UK qualifications   - this link takes you to a page in the University of Edinburgh website.
  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate enthusiasm, creativity, resourcefulness and a mature approach to learning

Requirements for international students

If you are an international student, please visit our  international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile A : view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country .

Fees and funding

Idcore studentship.

A scholarship that provides a student stipend of £15k rising to £17k and covers the tuition fees is available for suitably qualified applicants. There are normally 10 of these scholarships available for each intake of students and they are awarded competitively. To be eligible for a full award (stipend and fees) you must have:

  • Settled status in the UK, meaning you have no restrictions on how long you can stay   and
  • Been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the grant. This means you must have been normally residing in the UK (apart from temporary or occasional absences)  and
  • Not been residing in the UK wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education. (This does not apply to UK or EU nationals)

To be eligible for a fees only award:

  • Students from EU countries other than the UK are generally eligible for a fees-only award. To be eligible for a fees-only award, a student must be ordinarily resident in a member state of the EU, in the same way as UK students must be ordinarily resident in the UK.

There is a small quota for full studentships for exceptional EU candidates.

There are also a number of University schemes, including Masters scholarships for international students. Please see our   funding webpages   for details. Funding opportunities are subject to change, so for the latest information we recommend searching   our funding database .

Supervision

You can expect:

  • High-quality research supervision to develop and nurture your potential
  • A tailored supervision approach to help best suit your requirements
  • Accessible supervisors who are enthusiastic about working directly with postgraduate research students
  • Regular timetabled meetings with your supervisor
  • 'Open door' policy to all postgraduate students - instant access to world-leading researchers who will share their expertise and ideas with you
  • Regular meetings with your supervisory team, other members of your research group, and mentors

Find a supervisor

Learning and teaching

Approximately 75% of the Research Engineer's time will be spent on one or more research project(s) with academic and industrial supervision. Each Research Engineer will spend approximately 25% of his or her time in a structured training programme.

The taught component will comprise 180 credits, amounting to 25% of the research engineer’s effort on the EngD. There will be three strands to the taught component;

  • an intensive, two-semester phase of 12 courses delivered in attendance at the University of Edinburgh (120 credits in total);
  • summer schools delivered in Oban, Wallingford and Falmouth (30 credits in total);
  • integrated studies in management, business, innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship, delivered during the research phase to maximise relevance and utilisation of gathering experience with company (30 credits in total).

Courses will be taught and examined by the IDCORE partners with most appropriate skills and facilities. Teaching will be in attendance throughout the first two semesters, and in the residential summer schools. Details of the courses will be specified in the Programme Handbook.

During the EngD programme, students will be undertaking a project that tackles a genuine commercial problem in a real-world environment.  This kind of broad training, alongside the development of research and commercial skills, will make EngD students extremely employable.

Research Engineers will spend 75% of the time throughout their project in industry, thereby developing successful networks and contacts for future employment.

Renewable Energy at Exeter has access to the conventional laboratory facilities, including materials testing and workshops but also has significant specialist resources applicable to the renewable energy sector. Most of these are unique facilities relating to ocean energy research, power systems and reliability and field studies. These have relevance both for fundamental research and industrial projects.

South West Mooring Test Facility (SWMTF)

An offshore wave buoy specifically designed to undertake large scale testing of mooring line responses and loads that provide input into numerical models.

South West Mooring Test Facility (SWMTF) »

Dynamic Marine Component Test Facility (DMaC)

A laboratory facility designed to simulate offshore dynamic loads which also has application to more general materials and component testing.

Dynamic Marine Component Test Facility (DMaC)  »

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Streatham Campus in Exeter

The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.

Find out more about Streatham Campus.

St Luke's Campus in Exeter

Located on the eastern edge of the city centre, St Luke's is home to Sport and Health Sciences, the Medical School, the Academy of Nursing, the Department of Allied Health Professions, and PGCE students.

Find out more about St Luke's Campus.

Penryn Campus near Falmouth, Cornwall

Our Penryn Campus is located near Falmouth in Cornwall. It is consistently ranked highly for satisfaction: students report having a highly personal experience that is intellectually stretching but great fun, providing plenty of opportunities to quickly get to know everyone.

Find out more about Penryn Campus.

ETP

Energy Industry Doctorate Programme

Energy Industry Doctorate Programme

Energy Industry Doctorate Programme 2021 - 2023

ETP are delighted to announce that our successful Energy Industry Doctorate Programme is back open and accepting applications. Thanks to continued funding from the Scottish Government, the programme will continue to deliver highly skilled researchers into the workforce in support of the energy transition.

Round 4 Call Closing Date: 12 noon Thursday 31 August 2023

You can download the application from and notes for guidance here. If you have not submitted a Draft of the application in advance of the deadline, please note this is not a barrier to submitting a full application. Applicants can submit a full application until 12 noon 31 August 2023. ETP will also accept draft applications for feedback until 12 noon 31 July 2023.

On submitting an EoI one of ETP's BDMs will be in touch to discuss a full project application. The Full application is then sumbmitted to ETP. Project applications will be assessed by ETP and CENSIS after the closing date of 31 October 2023. The results will be communicated to companies around the end of November 2023.

Application Information

Each studentship must have two supervisors from different ETP universities. Studentships are funded on 1/3 1/3 1/3 model: up to £30k from ETP, remainder split between host university and industrial partner. Industrial partner can be any size, any location This phase of the PhD programme will bring the overall number of co-funded energy industry doctorates across all themes to 151 since it started in 2010. This next phase of the ETP Energy Industry Doctorate Programme will comprise 4 calls, spread out over 9-month intervals.

Resources for download

You can download information on the process

Call 4 Information Webinar Presentation

Application form, round 4 call - information webinar.

Join ETP on Thursday 1 June at 10:05am for an Information webinar to answer any questions about the application process for the Energy Industry Doctorate Programme.

Watch our webinars

Awarded phd projects by theme.

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  • ETP Contact
  • e: [email protected]

ETP Member Universities

ETP is a research alliance comprised of 14 Scottish HEIs, each with areas of outstanding research capability in the energy sector.

UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN

Funding provided by

Thanks to continued funding from the Scottish Government for the ETP Energy Industry Doctorate Programme since 2017:

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Energy Economics

The School of Economics is offering a full studentship for a MRes+PhD in Energy Economics to research on areas related to economics, applied econometrics and social acceptability of Electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure.

Application deadline

Funding source, funding information.

  • UK/international fees covered
  • Yearly stipend of £18,622.

Supervised by

Mona Chitnis

Dr Mona Chitnis

Chris Jones

Dr Christopher Jones

The School of Economics is offering a full studentship for an MRes+PhD in Energy Economics to research on areas related to economics, applied econometrics and social acceptability of Electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure. We are particularly interested in topics related to consumers, demand, EV fast charging, willingness to pay, and socio-political, community or end-user acceptance. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Mona Chitnis (Economics, University of Surrey), and Dr Chris Jones (Psychology, University of Portsmouth). The PhD research is expected to be a combination of energy economics and environmental or social Psychology. The candidate is free to choose the specific research topic under the umbrella of EV , and would be committed to PhD completion under the above mentioned supervision. The candidate will be expected to contribute to high quality co-authored research outputs.

This PhD studentship would be suitable for a candidate interested in energy and environmental issues based on applied econometrics, applied microeconomics, applied behavioural economics and environmental or social psychology. The successful candidate ideally will have some experience of energy economics, and background in applied econometrics, applied microeconomics, and social scientific research methods.

The candidate will be part of the interdisciplinary FEVER ( Future Electric Vehicle Energy Networks supporting Renewables) project funded by EPSRC, and is expected to collaborate with other external project members where appropriate and participate in FEVER meetings and activities.

The candidate will be a member of Surrey Energy Economics Centre (SEEC) and will be expected to play an active role in the academic life of SEEC by helping with SEEC related activities.

MRes+PhD programme

The University of Surrey’s  MRes Economics  programme is designed to prepare you for a research career in academia or in international organisations around the world. The course provides the standard entry route to the  PhD Economics  programme, providing the foundation towards doctoral research.

The MRes provides cutting-edge training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and research methods and is, on successful completion, followed by the  PhD  programme lasting three to four years during which students take advanced PhD field courses and work on their research. 

In our vibrant research-focused department, you’ll learn from academics at the frontier of their research fields. You’ll be able to develop specialist skills and techniques, benefitting from small cohorts and high-quality interaction with our lecturers. Students will have the opportunity to present their research in the weekly research seminars and financial support to present in international conferences and for overseas research stays is available. 

The programme also provides tailored training to prepare our students for the academic job market placing them in the best economics departments in the UK and overseas. Our students have been placed in teaching and research positions in leading economics departments in the UK and in Europe, in senior roles in central banks and international institutions across the world, and in leading positions in the private sector.

We offer generous studentships for the duration of the MRes/PhD course for those with strong research potential, covering international fees, a yearly stipend (£18,622 in 2022-23) and a yearly research allowance. In exchange, students deliver moderate amount of tutorial teaching/marking/research assistance providing our students with useful teaching and research skills.

According to the latest THE (Times Higher Education), the School of Economics is in the top ten of economics departments in the UK and was ranked in the UK’s top 10 for world-leading research in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

About FEVER project

Transition to low-carbon is one of the key goals for this century to ensure the effects of man-made climate change are limited, and perhaps, mitigated. Through the electrification of transport, polluting fossil fuels and the harmful emissions generated by their consumption can be significantly reduced. The E-transport paradigm is challenging due to the introduction of large energy demands on the electricity supply grid, requirement for the installation of a national charging infrastructure, limited battery capacity leading to range anxiety, uncertainties around cost and user experience, including the expectation that vehicle fuels can be replenished within just a few minutes, to name but a few. These issues span the whole of society and have wide reaching implications: if the Electric Vehicle (EV) experience is not "satisfactory" then consumers will be reluctant to make the switch. Find out more about the overall FEVER project aims .

The School of Economics

With over 40 members from more than 15 countries, the School of Economics at the University of Surrey enjoys a strong reputation for Research and Teaching in Economics, built upon a commitment to high quality, rigorously founded applied and theoretical research, often of direct policy significance. Our research is at the forefront of the field and informs our teaching, ensuring that what you learn is topical, relevant and has societal impact. We have recently invested heavily to recruit staff whose innovative work is having a large impact on international research agendas, as also evidenced by being ranked 10th in the UK in the most recent research assessment exercise (REF2021). Surrey Energy Economics Centre (SEEC) in the School of Economics has a long-standing tradition of energy economics research and has gone through many phases often consistent with the changing energy landscape.

The University of Surrey The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. With a beautiful and vibrant campus, we provide exceptional teaching and practical learning to inspire and empower our students for personal and professional success. Through our world-class research and innovation, we deliver transformational impact on society and shape future digital economy through agile collaboration and partnership with businesses, governments and communities.

Eligibility criteria.

Open to any UK or international candidates.

Typically, applicants are expected to hold an undergraduate degree with first class honours in a relevant discipline and a masters degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent qualifications), but we also accept applications from outstanding candidates without a masters degree. Typically a recent GRE general test result (Quantitative Reasoning part only) is required for entry to our MRes/PhD programme, but this is not necessary for previous Surrey students.

English language requirements - IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each element or other equivalent tests are accepted. For detailed entry requirements, including the country specific requirements, please  visit the MRes programme page .

How to apply

To apply for the PhD studentship in Energy Economics, alongside the other documents, you are also encouraged to submit a maximum of a two-page research proposal describing your proposed research topic related to this studentship. This should include your research question(s) or hypothesis, brief background and literature review, methodology and data description, and references. Proposal is not essential but desirable.

For an informal questions regarding this studentship, please contact Dr Mona Chitnis via email [email protected] . Find out more about our funded studentships .

At Surrey, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equitable opportunities for all, in the pursuit of Surrey’s vision to be a leading global University. We work together to create a truly inclusive culture. We place great value on diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are seeking to increase the diversity within our community and would particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as women, people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities. Appointments will always be made on merit.

Economics MRes programme

Studentship faqs.

Read our  studentship FAQs  to find out more about applying and funding.

03 July 2023

Contact details

Mona chitnis.

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Studentships at Surrey

We have a wide range of studentship opportunities available.

Surrey Energy Economics Centre

School of Engineering

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SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Designing Multi-Energy Markets with Open-Source Energy System Models

The Institute for Energy Systems at the University of Edinburgh invites applications for a PhD studentship in “Designing Multi-Energy Markets with Open-Source Energy System Models”. The aim of the project will be to advance the state-of-the-art in open-source energy system models to aid the design of multi-energy markets which can support a whole system approach to decarbonising all energy sectors. The student will be supervised by Dr Andrew Lyden and Prof Daniel Friedrich.

The transition to net zero energy systems requires a paradigm shift in how energy is delivered in all sectors including power, heating, cooling, transport, and industry. Interactions between energy sectors is becoming increasingly important with plans for mass electrification of heat and transport. The UK government has set targets to install 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028 and to have 300,000 public chargers in place for electric vehicles by 2030.

A whole systems approach to the energy system which considers the synergies between all energy sectors can deliver a transition that lowers cost and is more politically and socially acceptable. However, reforms of electricity markets to deliver mass low-carbon power have typically been considered separately to other energy sectors. This problem can be tackled by integrating the design of electricity markets into multi-energy markets.

This project will focus on developing open-source energy system models at national and regional scales to aid the design and optimisation of multi-energy markets. These models will enable analysis of the impact of different market structures on the synergistic integration of energy sectors and how they can aid the pathway to a net zero energy system. An open-source approach improves reliability, reproducibility, reusability, and transparency of research.

The candidate will develop a wide range of skills in simulation, optimisation, and data analysis which are widely applicable to future career development. Additionally, there are opportunities for engaging with an open and inclusive community of open-source energy system developers both within IES and globally.

Please note that this position may close early if a suitable candidate is identified.

Further Information: 

The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students, and promotes a culture of inclusivity. Please see details here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity

Closing Date: 

Click here to Apply Now

Principal Supervisor: 

Dr Andrew Lyden

Assistant Supervisor: 

Prof Daniel Friedrich

Eligibility: 

 Essential background: 

  • 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Energy Engineering/Economics, Informatics, or similar
  • Programming in Python, Julia or other high-level language

Desirable background:

  • Knowledge of energy economics
  • Experience of energy system modelling and optimisation
  • Data analysis, optimisation and/or machine learning

Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants .

Funding: 

Tuition fees + stipend available for Home, EU and Overseas applicants.

Further information and other funding options .

Informal Enquiries: 

[email protected]

THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

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phd in energy uk

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  • Energy and Climate Change Law Institute

PhD programme

Phd application.

  • Current PhD topics

The Energy & Climate Change Law Institute accepts PhD students in all areas related to energy law. We have a growing number of PhD students at the Energy & Climate Change Law Institute researching a range of on energy topics. PhD students are encouraged to participate in all of the activities of the institute from teaching, supervising LLM dissertation students and speaking at conferences. Attendance at the energy fundamentals is open to our PhD students .

The institute considers our PhD students to be a central part of our research programme in particular on the future challenges facing the energy sector. Of particular interest are research projects on the impact of the energy transition and climate change disputes. Please consult the profiles of the energy law academics for areas of interest. For more information or to discuss PhD plans, contact Ms Norah Gallagher at [email protected] .

Find out more about the PhD programme.

A candidate interested in pursuing a PhD at The Institute should contact the relevant academic to discuss their research proposal. We cannot guarantee an offer will be made but this will help with refining your chosen research topic. Please note that there are a number of funding opportunities available to PhD students at Queen Mary University of London each year.

Current Topics

Current topics of our PhD students include:

  • The Evolution of a Global Perspective in International Energy Law (submitted April 2020 pending viva)
  • Legal Risks for Financing Electricity Power Generation Assets
  • The Myth of “State Contract” in the Energy Industry: Empirical Gap Between the Intentions of Parties and the Interpretation of Contracts by Arbitral Tribunals
  • Property Rights, Indigenous Peoples and Foreign Investment: An International and Constitutional Law Study of the Mexican Energy Reform
  • Harnessing Iranian oil and gas for sustainable development: a socio-legal approach
  • State Liability in Investment Treaty Arbitration for Separatist-Committed Acts
I was delighted to be awarded the inaugural Energy Law PhD scholarship in 2016 after completing the LLM in Energy and Natural Law Resources at the ELI. With the support of the ELI I was able to spend some time in the USA to conduct empirical research on the evolution of international energy law. During my three years, my research became more focused on inter-disciplinary themes on the transition to sustainable energy; environmental, social, & governance issues; energy justice; and the role of technology in shaping a more sustainable energy future. I had the opportunity to work as a teaching and research assistant as well as speak at international forums around the world. The experience was challenging but fun and informative. — Tedd Moya Mose, PhD Student

Two funded opportunities under Sydney-Glasgow Joint PhD program

The University of Sydney’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the University of Glasgow’s College of Social Sciences have unveiled two new joint PhD projects, providing opportunities for aspiring PhD candidates from across the world to work alongside leading research supervisors. The successful candidates will be jointly enrolled at both institutions, with Glasgow as the home institution and the University of Sydney as the host institution.

The funded Joint PhD opportunities

The health and wellbeing impacts of the energy transition for low-income renters: a comparative uk-australia study .

This project will advance understanding of the health and well-being impacts for low-income renter households of energy transition measures proposed by governments, and design solutions to redress identified adverse impacts as integral to these proposed measures while also generating co-benefits more broadly for society. It will conduct a comparative study between two locations which are increasingly experiencing extreme weather events with significant adverse population impacts and have high concentrations of low- income renter households – Glasgow, Scotland and Sydney, Australia.

Project will be co-hosted by:

  • Professor Lynne Chester , School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Sydney
  • Professor Gerard McCartney , School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow
  • Professor Harriet Thomson , School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow
  • Professor Robert McMaster , Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow

For more information, please visit the University of Glasgow Student Funding Opportunities page .

The Socio-Economic Impacts of Colonialisation in Australia

Since the early European settlements in the late 18th century, the economic history of Australia is very deeply linked to its colonisation. This project will create a rich dataset to measure the impact that British colonialisation had on its Australian colonies on a range of economic outcomes in the short and long run. Using British and Irish records of settlers, Australian arrival records and subsequent censuses, together with current and recent rich administrative health records and surveys, the project will:

measure the mortality, morbidity, and characteristics of settlers travelling to Australia in the short run and understand how the selection of surviving settlers still impacts the health of current Australians. 

 analyse the impact of the relative arrival of free versus convict settlers across different areas in Australian on the severity and incidence of indigenous massacres and current political views. 

  • Professor Michele Battisti , Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow
  • Dr Jordi Vidal Robert, School of Economics, University of Sydney 
  • Associate Professor Marian Vidal-Fernandez , School of Economics, University of Sydney
  • Professor Sayantan Ghosal , Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow

Award Details

The program will commence in October 2024. The funding is provided by the University of Glasgow and is available as a scholarship for the maximum of 3.25 years. The full funding package includes:

  • An annual maintenance grant (stipend) at the UK Research and Innovation rate (UKRI).
  • Tuition fees at the University of Glasgow (including fee-waiver at the University of Sydney).
  • Successful candidates can also draw on a Research Training Support Grant, up to a maximum of approximately £940 per year.
  • A one-off travel grant of up to £3,000 to facilitate the required travel between Glasgow and Sydney.

Candidates with the relevant research interests from across the world, are encouraged to apply. Applications close on 19 April 2024 .

Banner image: The University of Glasgow cloister by Adobe Stock Images.

The health and wellbeing impacts of the energy transition

The socio-economic impacts of colonalisation in australia, related articles, 2023 helen anne bell poetry bequest award shortlist announced, students work towards gender and sexuality education innovation, experience the spanish-speaking world: an encounter with español.

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Qualification, university name, part time phd energy economics, management and conservation.

10 degrees at 10 universities in the UK.

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Renewable Materials PhD

Bangor university.

  • 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
  • 5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Sustainable Energy PhD

University of surrey.

  • 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
  • 8 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Energy Innovation, PhD

Swansea university.

  • 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Systems, Power and Energy PhD

University of glasgow, energy mphil, phd, newcastle university.

  • 36 months Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
  • 72 months Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Energy Efficient and Sustainable Technologies PhD

Brunel university london.

  • 6 years Part time degree: £2,355 per year (UK)

UCL Energy Institute MPhil/PhD

Ucl (university college london).

  • 3 years Full time degree: £5,860 per year (UK)
  • 5 years Part time degree: £2,930 per year (UK)

PhD Sustainable Energy Technologies

University of hertfordshire.

  • 3 years Full time degree: £5,925 per year (UK)
  • 6 years Part time degree: £2,960 per year (UK)

PhD Research Renewable Energy

University of exeter.

  • 8 years Part time degree

PhD in Nuclear Energy Futures (EPSRC CDT)

University of cambridge.

  • 4 years Full time degree: £9,387 per year (UK)
  • 5 years Part time degree: £5,633 per year (UK)
  • Reactor Design and Operation
  • Introduction to Nuclear Energy
  • Visit nuclear facility
  • Fuels, Decommissioning, Waste Treatment and Disposal
  • Materials for Reactor Systems
  • View all modules

Course type:

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Energy.gov Home

On March 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with UK Export Finance (UKEF) to establish a framework to collaborate on export and infrastructure financing for LPO-supported energy projects. LPO Director Jigar Shah joined UKEF Head of Origination Vomic Nur Shah for the MOU signing. Following the MOU signing ceremony, LPO and UKEF joined more than 40 representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, and international companies in a roundtable discussion about opportunities to deploy clean energy solutions in the United States.

The United Kingdom is a recognized global climate leader and is home to some of the world’s most innovative and successful clean energy companies and investors. UKEF, the export credit agency of the United Kingdom, provides financial support for exports and contributes to the enhancement of the national economy of the United Kingdom. UKEF has ambitious portfolio decarbonization plans and a strong track record of deploying capital for clean energy companies.

UKEF has country capacity to support financing projects in the United States of up to £5 billion ($6.3 billion) and provided a record £3.6 billion ($4.5 billion) globally, for sustainable projects in 2021 alone. Partnerships with institutions like UKEF are critical to building the clean energy economy of the future, a key pillar of the U.S.-U.K. Atlantic Declaration launched last year by President Biden and Prime Minister Sunak.

The Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office finances large-scale, all-of-the-above clean energy infrastructure projects in the United States. LPO manages a portfolio comprising more than $30 billion of loans, loan guarantees, and conditional commitments covering more than 30 projects, resulting in more than $50 billion in total project investment.

UK Export Finance is the United Kingdom’s export credit agency that provides financing and insurance to U.K. exports. UKEF was founded 105 years ago, has financed projects in over 200 countries, and works with over 100 private credit insurers and lenders to help U.K. companies access export finance, fulfill contracts by supporting working capital loans, and get paid by insuring against buyer default.

Jigar Shah

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phd in energy uk

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UK Export Finance signs cooperation agreement with U.S. Department of Energy LPO

Memorandum of understanding signed at CERAWeek energy conference signals closer cooperation on joint financing for clean energy projects.

phd in energy uk

UK Export Finance offers financing for US projects alongside the Department of Energy Loans Program Office (LPO). 

LPO’s first ever memorandum of understanding with a European export credit agency creates opportunities for UK renewable energy and technology firms.  

UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK’s export credit agency, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office (LPO). 

Signed at the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, Texas, the agreement signals UKEF and the LPO’s interest in considering potential new joint financing opportunities for energy and green infrastructure projects.  

The signatories were Vomic Nur Shah, Global Head Business Origination and Client Coverage at UKEF, and Jigar Shah, Director of LPO.  

This is the first-ever MoU between a European export credit agency and LPO, which has closed over $30 billion in financing deals for energy and advanced technology vehicle projects in the last decade.  

Collaboration and co-financing with UKEF are expected to create new opportunities for British businesses of all sizes – including smaller firms – looking to support US energy and decarbonisation projects.  

UKEF has a capacity of up to £5 billion for supporting exports to the United States. The export credit agency has a regional head, Jesse McDougall, based at the British Consulate General in Houston and dedicated to supporting new business for UK exporters in North America. 

Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance, said:

The US remains the UK’s biggest trading partner, and this Memorandum of Understanding is an important step which helps us to continue strengthening economic ties and reducing carbon emissions.   I look forward to seeing our partnership nurture new opportunities for both the US energy transition and for British exporters.

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