Modelling of Heterogeneous Systems (PhD)
Find out more about our Modelling of Heterogeneous Systems PhD.
HetSys is an EPSRC-supported Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of Warwick which recruits students from across the physical sciences, mathematics and engineering and trains them to use their mathematical and computational modelling skills to solve complex problems in heterogeneous materials.
The transferability of this training allows HetSys students to address a broad range of challenges in understanding the behaviour of heterogeneous materials across a range of length and time scales.
This is vital for the competitiveness of the UK's high-value manufacturing, high-tech and automotive industries.
Course overview
CDT training will run throughout the four-year PhD programme, you will be recruited directly onto a project and will have a supervisor from the start of the course, as well as a second supervisor in a related area and a cohort mentor for academic and pastoral advice. In projects with industry links there will often also be an industry co-supervisor.
Teaching and Learning
HetSys' training programme is designed to enable you to become a high-quality computational scientist who is comfortable working in interdisciplinary environments, has excellent communication skills, and is well prepared for a wide range of future careers in areas where there is demonstrable need.
During the first year of the programme you will study four core modules (Quantum and Atomistic Modelling, Continuum and Mesoscale Modelling, Scientific Software Development and Predictive Modelling and Uncertainty Quantification). You will also participate in a group software development project supported by academics and Research Software Engineers. You will carry out an independent research project in the area of your PhD project assessed through a written report and viva 12 months into the programme. During the first 18-24 months you will also take at least two optional modules that complement your PhD project.
The individual project also leads to a peer-to-peer activity early in the second year. These activities will contribute to the formal award of a postgraduate diploma (120 credits), which must be successfully completed 18-24 months into the programme.
In Years 2-4 the majority of your time will be spent conducting PhD research. There will be ample opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange through cohort-wide activities.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:1 honours degree at BSc/BEng or an integrated Master’s degree (e.g. MPhys, MChem, MSci, MEng etc.) in a physical sciences, mathematics or engineering discipline.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band A
- Overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 and minimum component scores not below 6.0.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Academic References
We typically ask for one academic reference for taught courses.
You will be asked to include an email address for your referee(s) when submitting your application and we will contact them for you.
View our guide to academic references.Link opens in a new window
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Our research
Overarching research themes
Our organisational structure connects our research with our study programmes to ensure quality research-led teaching. We have six Research Clusters shaping our framework, they are: Built Environment & Sustainability Biomedical & Biotechnology Electrical Power & Control Fluids & Thermal Measurement, Devices & Materials Predictive Modelling Discipline streams Built Environment & Sustainability Our researchers work on a broad range of issues underpinning the construction and environmental sectors at both national and international levels. Combining computational modelling with practical experimentation, we tackle issues directly associated with the many challenges posed by the Climate Emergency and linked to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Biomedical & Biotechnology The Biomedical clusters cover problems in fundamental research of humans, human systems and healthcare. Interspersed with various applied projects around the design, development and deployment of assistive technologies and rehabilitation techniques. . Electrical Power & Control The Electrical Power & Control conducts internationally leading research and drives for cutting-edge technology development in tackling the great challenges in power generation, energy conversion, distribution, transmission and efficient use of energy. Fluids & Thermal The diverse range of fluid flows in nature and technology spans scales (from atmospheric to the nanoscale), phenomena (from cavitation to combustion), constituents (from granular to rarefied), biology (from pulmonary air to microvascular blood) and engineering applications (from turbulent-drag reduction to explosion hazard detection). Measurement, Devices & Materials Materials Materials is one of our fastest-growing areas of research. Here we focus on a wide range of applications, including photovoltaics, batteries, optoelectronics, power electronics, and modulation of terahertz radiation. As well, precision in measurements plays a fundamental role in all areas. Predictive Modelling This area involves using mathematical models and simulations to analyse complex systems across fields. Key applications of modelling include material science, computational chemistry, quantum devices, nanotechnology and energy conservation and generation.
Explore our research areas on our Engineering web pages.Link opens in a new window
Find a supervisor
HetSys offers a range of research projects. A research proposal is not required. Instead, you should nominate one to three projects that you are interested in, in order of preference.
Learn more about our groups and projects.Link opens in a new window
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Find your research course fees
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee statusLink opens in a new window
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of research trips in the UK and overseas. In addition, you should consider the more general costs below:
- Access to research material that is not available via university resources
- Printing and binding a personal copy of your dissertation
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and funding
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at University of Warwick.
HetSys Funding Opportunities
HetSys projects have fully funded scholarships that cover fees, give an annual tax-free stipend (paid monthly at the UKRI rate - £20,780 per annum for 25/26) and a research budget.
HetSys Centre for Doctoral Training at Warwick
Our well-integrated cohort approach benefits from our close integration of researchers from 7 departments: Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Statistics and Warwick Manufacturing Group, on a single-site campus. Students receive training from leading computational scientists to develop and implement new modelling methods in close collaboration with other scientists. Innovative training approaches include group software development projects and Industry Study Groups.
The cohesive, interdepartmental cohorts lower the barriers to interdisciplinary work and demonstrate our vision for the future of scientific endeavour, where teams of researchers work together to combine their skills and expertise. Only a critical mass of students and a large and highly collaborative team of supervisors makes this targeted and fully inclusive training approach feasible.
HetSys supports the delivery of EPSRC's Physical and Mathematical Sciences Powerhouse strategic priority, helping to provide the platform on which research and innovation is built.
The HetSys programme is embedded in Warwick’s School of Engineering which is one of the leading engineering schools in the UK. You can read more about our research staff, students, and projects on the School’s website.
How to apply checklist
Our how to apply checklist helps you prepare for your application.
I'm ready to apply
Learn more about the Applicant Portal.
Application deadlines
Applications for courses starting in academic years 2025/26 and 2026/27 are now open.
For research courses that start in September and October 2026, the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2026.
For courses starting at other times of year we recommend that you submit your application a minimum of 3 months prior to your intended start date.
This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK if required. We will still accept late applications, however cannot guarantee that the application will be processed in time to complete the admissions process if received late or there are a number of conditions to meet.
If applying late please include your degree certificates and transcripts, English proficiency evidence (if needed) and ensure referees can submit references promptly to allow time for CAS and visa processing (if applicable).
Explore ways to connect with us
We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:
- Warwick hosted events
- Postgraduate Fairs
- Live chats
- Talk and Tours
- Department events