| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-04-24 | - |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-09 | - |
Program Overview
Research profile
The Liquid Metal Engineering area is led by the Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification (BCAST), a dynamic research centre focused on solidification and casting, which has steadily grown to become one of the largest and best-recognised groups in the field worldwide. Our vision is for ‘full metal circulation’: a world in which the demand for metallic materials is met using recycled and reused secondary metals, with only limited edition of primary metals each year. This vision is deeply rooted in the approach we take to our research, which ranges from atomic level basic research to industrial-scale trials of new technology. At the basic end, we conduct fundamental research into microstructural control through the nucleation stage of solidification and develop novel metallic materials by crafting new alloys that have significantly improved properties and can be recycled entirely.
Our work in technology development is more practical and involves the manufacture of high-performance metallic components and feedstock materials by innovative solidification processing. Then there is our work, in close concert with industrial partners throughout the supply chain, to up-scale and transfer new technologies and develop sustainable metallurgy – studies that are wholly focused on application.
Browse the work of subject-relevant research groups
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Program Outline
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.
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.
Find a supervisor
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.
PhD topics
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: