Data-Driven Engineering and Sciences
- PhD
Overview
Data‑driven research is reshaping science and engineering, creating powerful new ways to understand and improve the world around us. This PhD in Data‑Driven Engineering and Sciences equips you to lead this transformation – combining scientific curiosity, advanced computation and collaborative problem‑solving to deliver real‑world impact.
We welcome ambitious graduates from across STEM who are motivated by discovery, creativity and teamwork. You’ll join a supportive and inclusive research community where diverse perspectives drive innovation. Whether your background is in mathematics, engineering, computing, physics or another quantitative science, we’ll help you build the expertise and confidence to tackle complex challenges and create solutions with lasting benefit.
Our researchers in the School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology work at the forefront of scientific machine learning, computational modelling, and large‑scale data engineering, applying these tools to areas such as healthcare, robotics, sustainable energy, financial technology, transport, and advanced materials. Through collaboration with leading academics and industry partners, you’ll gain the skills, professional network and leadership mindset to make a difference – in research, in industry and in society.
This is a programme for pioneers who want to shape new research directions, grow as part of a close‑knit cohort, and use data to create positive change. If you are ready to expand your expertise and lead in the data‑driven future, join us in redefining what’s possible.
Programme structure
This four‑year PhD begins with a distinctive first year of exploration and training, giving you the skills and confidence to thrive as a data‑driven researcher. In a close‑knit cohort, you’ll gain a shared foundation in scientific machine learning, computational/mathematical modelling and large‑scale data engineering, while following a personalised programme tailored to your background and ambitions.
Instead of traditional exams, you’ll complete research‑oriented tasks, mini‑projects and real‑world problem‑solving challenges, working with academic and industrial partners. You’ll also develop leadership and teaching skills, and trial potential research areas through short projects with different supervisors.
By the end of year one, you’ll have designed your own PhD project and built a supervisory team to guide it. Years two to four follow a traditional PhD structure, allowing you to pursue your research in depth while continuing to collaborate with your cohort and the wider research community.
Throughout the PhD programme, you will be an integral part of our teaching delivery team, helping to deliver a high-quality experience for postgraduate-taught students across the school’s portfolio of programmes. This is a commitment of 125 hours in years 1 and 4, and 250 hours in years 2 and 3.
Entry requirements
As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their international equivalent: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in engineering, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, physics, or related disciplines.
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.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £5,106 per year
- Home: part-time
- £2,553 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £27,500 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.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
We have a number of University-funded studentships, which will be allocated to successful candidates (national and international). All studentships are funded at UKRI rates plus £2,000 and a further supplement for teaching activities.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
As this is a new course there is no graduate destination data. However, numerous engineering and technology companies have already expressed interest in collaborating with our students.
Meet our supervisors
The following list shows potential supervisors for this programme. Visit their profiles for details of their research and expertise.
Research groups
We cover the breadth of research undertaken in the School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology. For a list of current research groups see our school webpage.
Contact us
- Contact
- Prof David Barton
david.barton@bristol.ac.uk