Materials Engineering: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Advancing Sustainable Solar Solutions to Transform Global Energy Access (RS757)

Funding providers: EPSRC DTP studentship with a 50% Match funded contribution from the Faculty of Science and Engineering

Subject areas: Photovoiltaics, Perovskites, International Development, Sustainability and Circular Economy.

Project start date: 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Supervisors: Professor Matthew Davies and Dr Sarah-Jane Potts

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Materials Engineering

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description:
Working as part of Swansea University’s UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Energy Technologies and the REACH-PSM project (Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing), this PhD offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative, sustainable solar energy solutions.

The UNESCO Chair addresses the urgent need for equitable and sustainable energy access, fostering global partnerships to develop renewable energy technologies that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The REACH-PSM project complements this mission by focusing on community-driven approaches to perovskite solar module (PSM) manufacturing, ensuring energy independence and resilience in underserved regions, particularly across the continent of Africa. Together, these initiatives aim to revolutionise renewable energy access by integrating cutting-edge technology with social and environmental sustainability.

Your Role
This PhD project will accelerate the development of printable perovskite photovoltaics (PV) for deployment in Africa by focusing on the sustainable materials that form the foundation of these technologies. Guided by advanced photochemical characterisation techniques, you will use tools to deepen understanding of the uniformity, morphology, performance, and stability of perovskite devices. You will work to develop and optimise materials that are cost-effective, efficient, and adaptable to diverse environmental conditions. The project will also involve assessing material performance and environmental impacts, through tools like lifecycle analysis, contributing to lifecycle sustainability and the development of processes for reusing and recycling key materials into second-generation products. By engaging with UNESCO Chair partners and communities, your work will ensure that these renewable energy technologies are both technically advanced and socially impactful, with real-world testing and applications in underserved regions.

Why Apply?
This position offers access to state-of-the-art research facilities at Swansea University’s Bay Campus and the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts, including Prof. Matthew Davies, Dr Sarah-Jane Potts and Prof. Trystan Watson. You will join a well-resourced, internationally renowned, and growing team that brings together expertise from diverse disciplines to address global challenges in renewable energy. Working closely with a global network of UNESCO Chair partners and REACH-PSM collaborators, you will be part of a vibrant and supportive research environment that values teamwork and innovation. If you are passionate about renewable energy, sustainability, and driving real-world impact, we invite you to apply for this unique opportunity to join a global effort to advance energy access and resilience.

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline or overseas Bachelor degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline – see country specific qualifications

IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or a Swansea recognised equivalent. Details on the Swansea University English Language entry policy can be found here.

Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance, further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website. 

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process, successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with scholarship course offer.

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £19,237 for 2024/25). 

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available. 

Scholarship open to UK and international fee eligible applicants.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – Materials Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October
2. Start year – please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8 on the application process)
4. ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
5. ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS757 - Global Energy Access’

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

*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.

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.  

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online 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): 

• CV 

• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient) 

• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project. 

• One reference (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference. 

• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable). 

• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable) 

• Confirmation of EDI form submission 

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Matthew Davies - m.l.davies@swansea.ac.uk

*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.