Data-Driven Engineering and Sciences
- PhD
Overview
From personalised healthcare and sustainable energy to robotics and advanced manufacturing, data-driven research is transforming science and engineering. This PhD in Data-Driven Engineering and Sciences will equip you with advanced skills in modelling, computation and data science, preparing you to contribute to the next generation of scientific and technological innovation.
We welcome graduates from across STEM disciplines who are curious, motivated and excited to learn. Whether your background is in mathematics, engineering, computing, physics or another quantitative science, you will develop the expertise and confidence to tackle important research problems using data-driven and model-based approaches.
The School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology brings together expertise in applied mathematics, scientific machine learning and computational engineering, creating a uniquely interdisciplinary environment where new ideas are developed and tested in real-world settings. Research spans healthcare, robotics, sustainable energy, finance, transport, and advanced materials, often in collaboration with academic and industry partners.
As part of a supportive and collaborative cohort, you will explore new ideas, work across disciplines and contribute to research with scientific and societal impact. If you are ready to deepen your expertise and contribute to research that advances science, engineering and society, we invite you to apply.
Programme structure
This four-year PhD begins with a distinctive first year of cohort-based training and exploration. You'll build a shared foundation in scientific machine learning, computational and mathematical modelling, and data-intensive research, while following a personalised programme tailored to your background and interests.
Instead of traditional exams, you'll undertake research-oriented tasks, mini-projects and real-world challenges in collaboration with academic and industrial partners. You'll explore potential research directions, develop teaching and professional skills, and work with different supervisors across the school.
A key feature of the programme is the opportunity to shape your own research direction. By the end of year one, you'll have designed your PhD project and assembled a supervisory team to support it. Years two to four follow a traditional PhD structure, allowing you to pursue your research in depth while remaining part of a vibrant research community.
Throughout the programme, you'll contribute to teaching across the School's postgraduate programmes, gaining valuable experience in communication and higher-education teaching. This commitment is approximately 125 hours in years one and four, and 250 hours in years two and three.
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.
This admission statement is for 2026 entry. The 2027 entry admission statement will be available in the Autumn.
Go to admissions statementIf 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
- £5,343 per year
- Home: part-time
- £2,672 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £28,300 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. In person interviews are expected to be held in March/April 2027.
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
- Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
- uob-pgradmissions@bristol.ac.uk