Closing date: 27 April 2026
Open to: UK applicants only
Funding provider: EPSRC and TWI
Funding duration: 4 years
Subject areas: Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics
Project start date: 1 July 2026 ** (Please see the note below regarding potential later start dates.)
Supervisors:
Aligned programme of study: PhD in Computer Science
Mode of study: Full-time
Project description:
Are you passionate about artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cutting-edge engineering applications? Join our interdisciplinary research team and contribute to the future of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) – a crucial technique used in industries to assess materials, components, and structures without causing damage.
This PhD project focuses on advancing Ultrasound Testing and X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) – two key NDT techniques used to inspect metallic and composite materials. These methods generate large 3D datasets that can be difficult for human experts to analyse manually, increasing the risk of missed defects.
Using the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), this research aims to:
✅ Automate defect detection in complex 3D structural data
✅ Enhance diagnostic accuracy and processing speed
✅ Provide human experts with a reliable second opinion
This project integrates image processing, data analytics, machine learning, and computational modelling, with applications in aerospace, mechanical, civil, and materials engineering.
We welcome applicants with a background in:
🔹 Computer Science
🔹 Aerospace Engineering
🔹 Civil Engineering
🔹 Physics
If you have a keen interest in AI, data science, or computational modelling and want to collaborate with industry experts, this opportunity is for you!
Why Join Us?
✔ Work with a leading research team and industry specialists
✔ Gain interdisciplinary training in AI, modelling, and data analytics
✔ Contribute to real-world engineering applications
✔ Be part of the dynamic research community at the Zienkiewicz Institute for Modelling, Data and AI
For more details please see here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/engineering-epsrc-twi-phd-ai-models-2026-rs939.php
Note for international and European applicants: details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on our Country Specific Entry Requirements page.
PhD: Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level in Computer Science, Mathematics or a closely related discipline, or an appropriate master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).
English Language
IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.0) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.
Funding
This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £21,805 for 2026/27) and an annual top of £1200.
Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.
To apply, please complete the entire application form
In order to be considered for this scholarship award the following steps are also required.
*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.
If you’ve previously applied for this programme, the system will display an “Application Submitted” warning and block a new submission. In this case:
One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.
NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.
Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.
As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):
Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Prof. Chenfeng Li [email protected]
*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.
** In exceptional circumstances, and subject to the discretion of the University and/or the relevant funding body, a deferral of offer may be granted to the next available enrolment period. Such deferral will typically not exceed a duration of three calendar months from the originally stipulated commencement date. Please note that only one deferral may be considered, and any such deferral is not guaranteed.
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