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PhD in Modelling of Heterogeneous Systems (2024 Entry)

Modelling of Heterogeneous Systems lecturer at the University of Warwick

Find out more about our Modelling of Heterogeneous Systems PhD.

HetSys is an EPSRC-supported Centre for Doctoral Training. It recruits enthusiastic students from across the physical sciences who enjoy using their mathematical skills and thinking flexibly to solve complex problems.

By developing these skills, HetSys will train you to challenge current state-of-the-art in computational modelling of heterogeneous, ‘real world’ systems across a range of research themes such as nanoscale devices, new catalysts, superalloys, smart fluids, laser-plasma interactions etc.


Course overview

The HetSys training programme addresses three key training needs: 

  • Span disciplinary barriers. The most challenging real-world heterogeneous systems are intrinsically multidisciplinary, requiring the integration of a diverse range of modelling methods. 
  • Incorporate uncertainty in modelling. Training in uncertainty quantification will enable students not only to perform simulations, but also to quantitatively assess their reliability. 
  • Promote robust Research Software Engineering (RSE). Training in sustainable software development will enhance software usability and extend its lifetime. 

CDT training will run throughout the four-year PhD programme with all aspects designed to meet the three key training needs above, and to develop transferable skills. 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 (Multiscale Modelling Methods and Applications I and II, Research Computing/Software Carpentry and Predictive Modelling and Uncertainty Quantification). You will also participate in a Group Software Development Project supported by academics and RSEs. 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 component scores.

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.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Examples of areas of current research within the remit of the HetSys CDT include the following themes:

  • Quantum: Electrons, atoms and molecules for catalysis, medicines and devices.
  • Atomistic: Materials structure, phases and defects for properties and applications.
  • Continuum: New methods for fluids, plasma, porous media and composites for technological solutions.

Please see our research themesLink opens in a new window for further details and our projects pageLink opens in a new window for specific projects currently being advertised.

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 status


Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

HetSys Funding Opportunities

Learn about the various funding opportunities that are available for our Modelling of Heterogeneous Systems PhD.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Department content block about careers

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

Applications are now open for courses that start in September and October 2025.

For research courses that start in September and October 2025 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2025. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

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