The University of Manchester
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1 month ago
PhD in Bio-Derived Thermosets for High Voltage Applications at The University of Manchester and Tsinghua University The University of Manchester in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Fees are waived at both Manchester and Tsinghua. Students recruited by Manchester receive an annual stipend at the minimum UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) while in Manchester for up to two years, plus a flight allowance when traveling to Tsinghua. Manchester-based students also receive an annual research training grant of up to £5000 for project running costs and consumables. Manchester students must apply for China Link Scholarship funding to cover their stipend while based at Tsinghua; success
Country
United Kingdom
University
The University of Manchester
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About this position
PhD opportunity: Bio-Derived Thermosets for High Voltage Applications at The University of Manchester in collaboration with Tsinghua University.
This project sits at the intersection of electrical engineering, materials science, and sustainable polymers. It focuses on developing and characterizing bio-derived epoxy thermosets for high-voltage insulation, with applications such as cable connectors, GIS support insulators, and self-supporting OHL-cable terminations. The research will examine electrical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical performance, including dielectric breakdown strength, aging behaviour, and compatibility with existing insulation technologies.
Supervisors listed are Dr T Chen and Prof Fanghui Yin. The project is part of a Manchester–Tsinghua dual-award scheme and is open to international students, with a separate route for Chinese nationals via Tsinghua University.
Funding: fees are waived at both institutions. Manchester-recruited students receive a UKRI-rate stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27) while in Manchester for up to two years, plus a flight allowance to Tsinghua and a research training grant of up to £5000 per year for project costs. Students based at Tsinghua are expected to use China Link Scholarship funding for stipend support, and successful CLS applicants are guaranteed accommodation at Tsinghua.
Eligibility highlights: applicants should have a relevant 2:1 honours degree, or a 2:1 plus a relevant Master's at merit; English language proficiency is required (IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum sub-scores specified, or equivalent). Applicants must also be willing to travel between the two partner institutions. Chinese nationals must apply via Tsinghua and meet Tsinghua’s degree requirements.
How to apply: contact the supervisors before applying. Then submit a formal application through the online portal, including the project title, supervisor name, funding plan, study history, and two referees. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Funding details
Fees are waived at both Manchester and Tsinghua. Students recruited by Manchester receive an annual stipend at the minimum UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) while in Manchester for up to two years, plus a flight allowance when traveling to Tsinghua. Manchester-based students also receive an annual research training grant of up to £5000 for project running costs and consumables. Manchester students must apply for China Link Scholarship funding to cover their stipend while based at Tsinghua; success
What's required
Applicants should hold or expect to achieve at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a directly relevant discipline, or an equivalent qualification; alternatively, a 2:1 honours degree plus a relevant Master's degree at merit may be acceptable. Applicants must demonstrate English language competency, typically IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in writing and listening and 5.5 in other sub-tests, or equivalent. Manchester applicants must meet Faculty of Science and Engineering postgraduate researcher requirements and be willing to travel to both partner institutions. Chinese nationals (Mainland China, Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong) must apply via Tsinghua University, where a master's-level degree certificate at merit or distinction, or MPhys/MChem/MEng (2:1 and above) or equivalent is required.
How to apply
Contact the supervisors before applying. Submit a formal application through the online application portal and include the full project title, supervisor name, funding plan, previous study details, and two referees. Ensure all required documents are uploaded, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
More information can be found here
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