| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-04-24 | - |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-09 | - |
Program Overview
Research profile
In the Advanced Powertrain and Fuels area, we have particular strengths in improving the efficiency and reducing emissions of existing engines through developing advanced combustion processes and their controls and boosting technologies. We are equipped with the most advanced camless and direct injection research engines, as well as state-of-art laser and optical equipment for the study of fuels and engines: in particular marrying experimental and modelling methods and through the utilisation of advanced laser measurement techniques in transparent optical engines. The research on regenerative engine braking is feeding strongly into our commercialisation activities. We have particular interests in developing efficient bio-fuel supply chains, as well as a number of novel technologies for manufacturing bio-fuel from industrial waste and new combustion technologies optimised for bio-fuels.
As one of the largest and most active engine research groups in the UK, our research on internal combustion engines goes back to the late 1960s.
The faculty working on Advanced Powertrain and Fuels at Brunel have been recognised for their outstanding skills. In 2015, Prof Zhao was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, joining other distinguished academics from renowned research institutions and technologists from world-leading engineering companies. Hua was honoured for his fundamental and applied research into novel engine combustion concepts, air hybrid engine and vehicle technologies, and advanced laser diagnostics for the development of high efficiency and ultra-low emission powertrains for the automotive industry.
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.
Browse the work of subject-relevant research groups
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
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.
While we welcome all multidisciplinary topics in the area of Advanced Powertrain and Fuels, here is a list of potential research areas we would like to supervise:
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:
Brunel University London
Overview:
Brunel University London is a public research university located in Uxbridge, west London. It is known for its focus on practical learning and its strong links with industry. The university prides itself on being a "university for a changing world," emphasizing its commitment to innovation and addressing global challenges.
Services Offered:
Brunel University London offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Study Support:
Library, Computer Centre, Academic Skills Service, Personal Tutors, Academic English support.Student Services:
Advice and Representation Centre (ARC), Disability and Mental Health Support, Faith and Religion support, Medical Centre, Student Support and Welfare.Professional Development Centre:
Job Shop, Careers advice, Placements, Modern languages, Entrepreneur hub, Brunel Buddies.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Brunel University London has a single-site campus, offering a vibrant and diverse student community. Students can expect:
Accommodation:
Guaranteed accommodation for first-year students.Sport:
A wide range of sports facilities and activities.Student Life:
Opportunities to get involved in clubs, societies, and volunteering.Shops, Restaurants, and Bars:
A variety of options for dining and socializing on campus.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
Brunel University London emphasizes practical learning and industry links, providing students with valuable skills for their future careers.World-Class Research:
The university has a strong reputation for research, with students benefiting from learning from leading academics.Vibrant Campus Life:
The single-site campus offers a lively and diverse student community with numerous opportunities for engagement.Excellent Location:
The campus is located in Uxbridge, west London, with good transport links to the rest of the UK.Academic Programs:
Brunel University London offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Business, Arts, and Social Sciences:
Business School, Economics and Finance, Education, English, History, Journalism, Law, Media and Communications, Politics and International Relations, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology.Engineering, Design, and Physical Sciences:
Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Design School, Digital Media, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Games Design, Geography, Mathematics, Mechanical and Automotive Engineering.Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences:
Advanced Clinical Practice, Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Education, Life Sciences, Medicine, Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, Music, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physician Associate, Physiotherapy, Public Health and Health Promotion, Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Theatre.Other:
- Brunel University London is a member of the University of London federation.
- The university has a strong commitment to equality and diversity.
- Brunel University London is ranked 38th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings.
- The university has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
- Brunel University London offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries to support students.
- The university has a dedicated team to support international students.
-
Brunel University London has a strong alumni network.
-
Academic Programs:
While the context lists various subjects, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.
Other:
The context does not include any additional pertinent details about Brunel University London that have not been covered in the above sections.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.
English Language Requirements
All courses at Brunel have an English language requirement. This is listed on your
course page
under 'entry criteria'.If you need an English test, we recommend booking one early
as there can be a long wait in some areas. You can also take our Brunel English Language Test (
BrunELT
).What level of English do I need?
In general, our courses ask for an English level of between IELTS 6.0 and 7.0 or equivalent. Some courses will have higher requirements (and will require you to also reach minimum sub-scores), so please
check your course page
for the exact level.
If you do not meet the required level of English, you can take one of ourpre-sessional courses
.What English qualifications does Brunel accept?
English qualifications we currently accept for degree level study include those listed below. We accept a wide range of other qualifications, so if you are unsure please get in touch with us on
What English qualifications do I need if I wish to study English at Brunel before my degree course?
If you need to study English before starting your degree, you should take one of the following tests at
an approved test centre
in order to apply for a Student visa:
Find out more about exams you can take to obtain a Student visa:
IELTS (Academic) for UKVI,
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
,Trinity College Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
, andPearson PTE Academic
. For further details,contact us
.I don't need to study English before I start my degree. Do I still need to provide proof of English language?
All international students must show evidence that they meet the English requirement for their course of study. This applies even if English is the native language of your home country. If this is the case, a pass at high school level which is equivalent to GCSE Grade C or above is sometimes acceptable. Please see your
country page
for more information.If you don't need to study English before your degree and don't have relevant high school qualifications, we can still accept a non-UKVI-approved IELTS from an official test centre with the required scores. However, should you not achieve the required scores for your degree course, you will not be able to use this IELTS to apply for a Tier 4 visa for a pre-sessional English course in the UK. In some circumstances, if you don't have a UKVI IELTS, you may be able to attend an English course with a Short Term Study visa.
Contact us
for more information.
English language qualifications we accept
(Click to expand and see specific requirements):
IELTS for UKVI (UKVI approved for Student Visa)
|
Pre-sessional English only |
|
|---|---|
|
4.0 to 5.0 |
|
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (PBC) |
5.5 |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (PBC) /Brunel degree programmes |
6.0 |
|
6.5 |
|
|
7.0 |
|
|
(Minimum 4 in all subscores) |
|
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (PBC) |
(Minimum 5.5 in all subscores) |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (PBC) /Brunel degree programmes |
(Minimum 5.5 in all subscores) |
|
(Minimum 5.5 to 6.0 in all subscores, depending on course) |
|
|
(Minimum 5.5 to 7.0 in all subscores, depending on course) |
|
|
Pre-sessional English only |
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (PBC) |
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (PBC) /Brunel degree programmes |
||
|
4.0 to 5.0 |
5.5 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
7.0 |
|
(Minimum 4 in all subscores) |
(Minimum 5.5 in all subscores) |
(Minimum 5.5 in all subscores) |
(Minimum 5.5 to 6.0 in all subscores, depending on course) |
(Minimum 5.5 to 7.0 in all subscores, depending on course) |
English language requirements for direct entry to Brunel are dependent on your chosen course.
View your course page
for more information.Please contact
for more information.
Trinity College London: Secure English Language Tests for UKVI - Integrated Skills in English (ISE) (UKVI approved for Student Visa)
|
|
|
|---|---|
|
IELTS |
|
|
Pre-sessional English only |
4.0+ |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
5.5 |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC)/Brunel degree programmes |
6.0 |
|
6.5 |
|
|
7.0 |
|
|
Trinity ISE |
|
|
Pre-sessional English only |
ISE I with pass or higher in all parts |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
ISE II with pass in all parts |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC)/Brunel degree programmes |
ISE III with pass in all parts |
|
ISE III with pass in all parts |
|
|
ISE IV with pass in all parts |
|
|
|
Pre-sessional English only |
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC)/Brunel degree programmes |
||
|
IELTS |
4.0+ |
5.5 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
7.0 |
|
Trinity ISE |
ISE I with pass or higher in all parts |
ISE II with pass in all parts |
ISE III with pass in all parts |
ISE III with pass in all parts |
ISE IV with pass in all parts |
English language requirements for direct entry to Brunel are dependent on your chosen course.
View your course page
for more information.Please contact
for more information.
BrunELT (Brunel English Language Test)
|
IELTS |
|
|---|---|
| Pre-sessional English Only |
4.0+ |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
5.5 |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC)/
Brunel degree programmes |
6.0 |
|
6.5 |
|
|
7.0 |
|
|
7.5 |
|
|
BrunELT |
|
| Pre-sessional English Only |
40%+ (a minimum of 40% in all parts) |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
55% (a minimum of 55% in all parts) |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC)/
Brunel degree programmes |
58% (a minimum of 55% in all parts) |
|
63% (a minimum of 55% or 58% in all parts, depending on course) |
|
|
68% (a minimum of 58%, 63% or 68% in all parts, depending on course) |
|
|
73% (a minimum of 58%, 63% or 68% in all parts, depending on course) |
|
| Pre-sessional English Only | Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC)/
Brunel degree programmes |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
IELTS |
4.0+ |
5.5 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
7.0 |
7.5 |
|
BrunELT |
40%+ (a minimum of 40% in all parts) |
55% (a minimum of 55% in all parts) |
58% (a minimum of 55% in all parts) |
63% (a minimum of 55% or 58% in all parts, depending on course) |
68% (a minimum of 58%, 63% or 68% in all parts, depending on course) |
73% (a minimum of 58%, 63% or 68% in all parts, depending on course) |
English language requirements for direct entry to Brunel are dependent on your chosen course.
View your course page
for more information.Please contact
for more information.
Pearson Academic (UKVI approved for Student Visa)
|
IELTS |
|
|---|---|
| Pre-sessional English only |
4.0+ |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
5.5 |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC)/
Brunel degree programmes |
6.0 |
|
6.5 |
|
|
7.0 |
|
|
PTE Academic UKVI |
|
| Pre-sessional English only |
43+ (a minimum of 43 for each part) |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
59 (a minimum of 59 for each part) |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC)/
Brunel degree programmes |
59 (a minimum of 59 for each part) |
|
59 (a minimum of 59 for each part) |
|
|
64 (a minimum of 59 or 64 for each part, depending on course) |
|
| Pre-sessional English only | Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC)/
Brunel degree programmes |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
IELTS |
4.0+ |
5.5 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
7.0 |
|
PTE Academic UKVI |
43+ (a minimum of 43 for each part) |
59 (a minimum of 59 for each part) |
59 (a minimum of 59 for each part) |
59 (a minimum of 59 for each part) |
64 (a minimum of 59 or 64 for each part, depending on course) |
English language requirements for direct entry to Brunel are dependent on your chosen course.
View your course page
for more information.Please contact
for more information.
Cambridge
|
IELTS |
|
|---|---|
| Pre-sessional English only |
4.0+ |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
5.5 |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College/
Brunel degree programmes |
6.0 |
|
6.5 |
|
|
7.0 |
|
|
Cambridge English: Business Certificates (BEC) suite of exams |
|
| Pre-sessional English only |
140-159 (a minimum of 140 for each part) (previously BEC Preliminary pass/pass with merit) |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
160 (minimum of 160 for each part) or BEC Vantage (Grade C) |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College/
Brunel degree programmes |
169 (minimum of 160 for each part) or BEC Vantage (Grade B) |
|
180 (minimum of 160 or 169 for each part, depending on course) or BEC Higher (Grade C) or Vantage (Grade A) |
|
|
185 (minimum of 169 or 180 for each part, depending on course) or BEC Higher (Grade B) |
|
|
IGCSE EFL (English as a first language) |
|
| Pre-sessional English only |
D |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
C/4 |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College/
Brunel degree programmes |
C/4 |
|
C/4 |
|
|
C/4 |
|
|
IGCSE ESL (English as a second language) |
|
| Pre-sessional English only |
D |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
C/4 |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College/
Brunel degree programmes |
C/4 |
|
C/4 |
|
|
C/4 |
|
|
B2 First (formerly FCE) |
|
| Pre-sessional English only |
140-159 (a minimum of 140 for each sub-score) (Pass/Pass for previous BEC Preliminary) |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
160 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score) (C old test) |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College/
Brunel degree programmes |
169 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score, depending on course) (B old test) |
|
180 (a minimum of 160 or 169 for each sub-score, depending on course) (A old test) |
|
|
|
|
|
C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) |
|
| Pre-sessional English only |
N/A |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
160 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score) (D old test) |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College/
Brunel degree programmes |
169 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score, depending on course) |
|
180 (a minimum of 160 or 169 for each sub-score, depending on course) (C old test) |
|
|
185 (a minimum of 169 or 180 for each sub-score, depending on course) |
|
|
C2 Proficiency (CPE) |
|
| Pre-sessional English only |
N/A |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
160 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score) |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College/
Brunel degree programmes |
169 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score, depending on course) |
|
180 (a minimum of 160 or 169 for each sub-score, depending on course) |
|
|
185 (a minimum of 169 or 180 for each sub-score, depending on course) |
|
|
International Legal English Certificate - ILEC/ International Certificate of Financial English - ICFE |
|
| Pre-sessional English only |
N/A |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
160 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score) (B2 Pass) |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College/
Brunel degree programmes |
169 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score, depending on course)(C1 Pass) |
|
180 (a minimum of 160 or 169 for each sub-score, depending on course)(C1 Pass) |
|
|
185 (a minimum of 169 or 180 for each sub-score, depending on course) (C1 Pass with Merit) |
|
|
International Education English O'level |
|
| Pre-sessional English only |
D |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
C |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College/
Brunel degree programmes |
C |
|
C |
|
|
C |
|
|
Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in First Language English |
|
| Pre-sessional English only |
D |
| Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
C |
|
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College/
Brunel degree programmes |
C |
|
C |
|
|
C |
|
| Pre-sessional English only | Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College (BPC) |
Pre-sessional English/Brunel Pathway College/
Brunel degree programmes |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
IELTS |
4.0+ |
5.5 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
7.0 |
|
Cambridge English: Business Certificates (BEC) suite of exams |
140-159 (a minimum of 140 for each part) (previously BEC Preliminary pass/pass with merit) |
160 (minimum of 160 for each part) or BEC Vantage (Grade C) |
169 (minimum of 160 for each part) or BEC Vantage (Grade B) |
180 (minimum of 160 or 169 for each part, depending on course) or BEC Higher (Grade C) or Vantage (Grade A) |
185 (minimum of 169 or 180 for each part, depending on course) or BEC Higher (Grade B) |
|
IGCSE EFL (English as a first language) |
D |
C/4 |
C/4 |
C/4 |
C/4 |
|
IGCSE ESL (English as a second language) |
D |
C/4 |
C/4 |
C/4 |
C/4 |
|
B2 First (formerly FCE) |
140-159 (a minimum of 140 for each sub-score) (Pass/Pass for previous BEC Preliminary) |
160 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score) (C old test) |
169 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score, depending on course) (B old test) |
180 (a minimum of 160 or 169 for each sub-score, depending on course) (A old test) |
|
|
C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) |
N/A |
160 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score) (D old test) |
169 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score, depending on course) |
180 (a minimum of 160 or 169 for each sub-score, depending on course) (C old test) |
185 (a minimum of 169 or 180 for each sub-score, depending on course) |
|
C2 Proficiency (CPE) |
N/A |
160 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score) |
169 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score, depending on course) |
180 (a minimum of 160 or 169 for each sub-score, depending on course) |
185 (a minimum of 169 or 180 for each sub-score, depending on course) |
|
International Legal English Certificate - ILEC/ International Certificate of Financial English - ICFE |
N/A |
160 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score) (B2 Pass) |
169 (a minimum of 160 for each sub-score, depending on course)(C1 Pass) |
180 (a minimum of 160 or 169 for each sub-score, depending on course)(C1 Pass) |
185 (a minimum of 169 or 180 for |
