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University of Southampton

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PhD in Hollow-Core Fibres for Global Communications at University of Southampton University of Southampton in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Experimental Physics

Funding

Competition-funded PhD project with funding opportunities for UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers may cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students. University Presidential Bursaries may cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants. School studentships typically cover UK-level tuition fees plus a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Deadline

Jul 31, 2027

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Southampton

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Keywords

Experimental Physics
Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
Optical Physics
Networking
Fiber Optics
Photonic
Physics

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About this position

PhD opportunity in hollow-core fibres for global communications at the University of Southampton, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, working in the internationally recognised Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) with Microsoft Azure Fiber.

This project focuses on photonics, optical physics, experimental physics, materials science, and communications networks. You will help design, fabricate, and test advanced hollow-core optical fibres that guide light through air rather than solid glass, with the aim of enabling faster, lower-latency, and more efficient data transmission.

Research activities include fibre structure design, cleanroom fabrication, optical performance evaluation, laboratory experimentation, and collaboration with industry. The project also connects to applications in cloud communications, quantum technologies, scientific instruments, space systems, and artificial intelligence.

The ORC offers a large PhD community and opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, present internationally, and build transferable skills in research communication, modelling, data analysis, and innovation. This is a strong fit for students interested in fibre optics, optical engineering, and advanced communications technology.

Eligibility: applicants should hold a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in physics, electrical/electronic engineering, photonics, optics, mathematics, or a closely related STEM subject. Prior fibre-optics knowledge is helpful but not required.

Funding: competition-funded PhD project with support options for UK and international students. Funding may include fee waivers, tuition coverage, and stipend support depending on the award route and applicant ranking.

Application: apply via the University of Southampton portal for Research entry in 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, programme code PhD ORC (7097). Add the supervisor name in section 2 and upload CV, references, transcripts/certificates, and English language evidence if needed. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged.

Funding details

Competition-funded PhD project with funding opportunities for UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers may cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students. University Presidential Bursaries may cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants. School studentships typically cover UK-level tuition fees plus a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

What's required

Applicants must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in physics, electrical or electronic engineering, photonics, optics, mathematics, or another closely related STEM subject. Previous specialist knowledge of fibre optics is helpful but not essential. English language qualification is required if applicable.

How to apply

Apply online through the University of Southampton application portal. Choose Research, 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, select full time or part time, search for programme PhD ORC (7097), and add the supervisor’s name in section 2. Include your CV, two academic references, transcripts/certificates, and English language qualification if applicable.

More information can be found here

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