Brunel University Uxbridge

What you'll study

Research topics span experimental and computational work that link fuels, sprays, combustion and control strategies. Areas of active supervision and interest include:

• Advanced gasoline and diesel combustion, knocking and engine downsizing
• Laser diagnostics, spray and combustion optical studies in transparent engines
• Biofuels, biodiesel and development of bio‑fuel supply chains and novel manufacturing from industrial waste
• Air hybrid and energy recovery, regenerative engine braking and variable valve actuation
• Boosting technologies, turbocharger design and exhaust heat recovery
• Fuel reforming, particulate filters and NOx after‑treatment
• CFD and LES of sprays and combustion flows

Supervisory expertise listed on the programme includes Prof. Hua Zhao, Prof. Thanos Megaritis, Prof. Alasdair Cairns, Dr Lionel Ganippa, Dr Jun Xia and Dr Apostolos Pesiridis among others; applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors to discuss project fit.

Entry requirements

Normal university entry requirement is a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1). The admissions process includes an interview conducted by at least two academic staff (remotely or in person). Applicants must submit a personal statement and a research statement; prospective students are advised to seek feedback from their proposed supervisor on their research statement before applying.

Career prospects

Brunel provides tailored careers support during the PhD and for up to three years post‑completion, with one‑to‑one consultations, industry events and skills workshops. Graduates typically move into research roles in academia or the automotive and powertrain industry, working on engine design, emissions control, fuel development, after‑treatment systems or related consultancy and technology commercialisation activities.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding opportunities are not specified on the course page; applicants should explore university scholarships, doctoral funding competitions, industry‑sponsored studentships and contact potential supervisors or the Graduate School for guidance on available support and studentship applications.