HetSys is an EPSRC-supported Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of Warwick which recruits students from across physical sciences, mathematics and engineering who enjoy using their mathematical skills and thinking flexibly to solve complex problems.
By developing these skills HetSys trains people to challenge current state-of-the-art in computational modelling of heterogeneous, ‘real world’ systems across a range of research themes. HetSys graduates are equipped with highly sought after skills in modelling, simulation, and data science, preparing them for impactful careers in research, technology, and beyond.
My experience with the CDT was deeply rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable. The interdisciplinary training in simulation techniques across length scales has given me a great foundation on which to build as I develop my academic career. The programme played a defining role in shaping the researcher I am today.
Dr Chris Woodgate
EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellow in the School of Physics at the University of Bristol
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 Scientific Machine Learning). 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.
Entry 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.
IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0
Please adjust your country as required:
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.
We typically ask for two academic references for research 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.
The HetSys CDT does not accept research proposals, we recruit to existing projects which can be viewed on our website when our recruitment period opens at the end of November 2026.
The HetSys CDT does not accept research proposals, we recruit to existing projects which can be viewed on our website when our recruitment period opens at the end of November 2026.
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.
All HetSys projects come with a fully funded four-year scholarship paying fees and a tax -free stipend at the UKRI rate for UK and overseas applicants. There is no opportunity for self-funded students.
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.
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
All HetSys projects come with a fully funded four-year scholarship paying fees and a tax -free stipend at the UKRI rate for UK and overseas applicants. There is no opportunity for self-funded students.
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.
You’ll have access to well-equipped laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities that support practical learning and project work. At the heart of this is the Engineering Build Space - a collaborative design studio where you [HS1] can prototype, experiment and develop projects using tools and technologies, including computer-controlled equipment.
Supported by our Makers-in-Residence, you’ll work alongside staff and fellow students in a hands-on environment that encourages creativity, collaboration and innovation.
Life at Warwick
This is where your journey begins. Our campus is the heart of it all. It’s more than just a campus - it's the places you visit, the people you meet, the fun that you have; the experiences you have here will be transformative.
Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities.
Our campus is where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.
Follow our students around campus on our social channels to see their experiences first-hand.
Teaching facilities
Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs. You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.
Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas
Different study spaces offering you flexible individual and group study spaces, computers, printing and scanning facilities, multimedia resources and more
Supporting you
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Whether you live on campus or off campus, in private accommodation in the well-serviced local area, you’ll be part of a community to get the most from your experience at Warwick.
Societies and sports play a huge part in community life at Warwick. With over 300 to choose from, getting involved is one of the easiest ways to make friends and share in experiences. Whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.
Your university experience is defined by far more than your course or the career path you follow. At Warwick, it’s where you discover who you could become.
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Warwick is ranked 68th in the world and top 10 in all major UK league tables
Our alumni community still call Warwick home. From a few hundred in 1965 to more than 310,000 alumni, and it's ever-growing.
As Warwick graduates, our students have access to employability support for two years after graduation, including access to careers appointments, job vacancies and professional networks.
Applications for courses starting in academic year 2026/27 are now open.
For research courses that start in September and October 2027, the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2027.
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).
This information is applicable for 2027 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our web page 'Important information to consider before making an application' in advance of applying to Warwick.
Next steps
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