Superconductivity

Program Overview

Superconductivity PhD Programme

Overview

The Superconductivity CDT programme aims to develop knowledge and understanding as well as conduct research in the broad interdisciplinary subject of superconductivity. The subject area is at the forefront of efforts to reduce use of fossil fuels, improve healthcare and develop novel quantum technologies. The training aspects of the CDT will give students holistic knowledge of the various aspects of superconductivity, ranging from the fundamental science, through the development of new materials and the optimisation of existing ones, and to the use of superconductors for applications ranging from magnets for nuclear fusion reactors and magnetic resonance imaging machines, power transmission, and quantum devices such as those uses for quantum computing applications. The programme will draw on knowledge from Physics, Chemistry, Materials science and Engineering. The programme includes training in transferrable skills such as writing and presentations skills, outreach and public engagements, and business and entrepreneurship.

A key aspect of the programme is that it has an emphasis on encouraging students to work together both as a cohort and between different year groups. It contains several specific mechanisms to promote cohort development. These include three cohort-wide residential training weeks distributed over the academic year, an annual conference, cross-cohort group projects and seminars, and shared mentoring. Students will benefit from each other's knowledge and insights, understanding and taking interest in problems outside of their specialism and contributing to each other's progress and training through peer-to-peer learning.

Programme Structure

The first year of the programme consists of a series of modules which transitions students from undergraduates to independent scientists ready to pursue research in superconductivity at the graduate level, or alternatively to work outside academia with high-level expertise in the field. This is accomplished through a balance of taught courses, seminars, and group and independent research projects, with both theoretical and practical aspects. The course is delivered in partnership between the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge and Oxford. Our industrial and facility partners enrich these courses by delivering lectures that demonstrate real-world applications of superconducting technologies within their organisations.

A central aspect of the programme is the PhD Research project. This begins right at the start of the course and continues throughout, thus giving students perspective on the taught part of the course and building engagement.

Key Information

• Programme duration: PhD: four years full-time; eight years part-time.
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline: September 2025 start: 1 August 2025
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: PhD

Entry Requirements

• A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent.
• Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent).
• Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study.

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time: £4,850 per year
• Home: part-time (two years): £2,425 per year
• Overseas: full-time: £26,700 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

Career Prospects

Graduates completing a PhD in this subject area go on to a wide range of different careers including: research scientist in industry or international research laboratory, software development, patent attorney and academic research.

Supervisors

• Dr Chris Bell
• Professor Antony Carrington
• Professor Stephen Clark
• Professor Stephen Dugdale
• Professor Charl FJ Faul
• Dr Felix Flicker
• Dr Sven Friedemann
• Professor Simon Hall
• Professor Stephen Hayden
• Professor Nigel Hussey
• Dr Jun Ma
• Dr Tomas Martin
• Dr Shuqiu Wang

World-leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.