The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University places a high value on enabling individuals to achieve a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) through research. We are proud to offer this opportunity at our Dubai Campus, particularly for students interested in energy-focused projects.

Areas of Research Interest

PhD candidates are encouraged to pursue research in a broad range of energy-related fields, including:

  • Renewable energy

  • Energy utilisation and conservation

  • Advanced materials for energy production and conversion
    (e.g., nanocomposite carbide coatings)

Research Environment

PhD students at the Dubai Campus will:

  • Work collaboratively with staff and fellow students in Dubai

  • Engage with research groups in Edinburgh, conducting high-value, fundamental research

  • Receive guidance from a primary supervisor in Dubai and a secondary supervisor in Edinburgh

  • Participate in virtual research meetings and discussions

  • Review scientific literature relevant to their area of study

Upon completion of their research project, students typically spend six months “writing up” their PhD thesis, followed by a formal examination by internal and external academics.

Potential PhD Research Topics

Below are sample topics available for PhD supervision:

  • Surface Coatings: For energy, biomedical, and transportation engineering applications, such as gas turbines, solar panels, implants, and rotating machines

  • Micromechanics of Engineering Systems

  • Contact Mechanics and High-Speed Impacts

  • Tribology: Analysis of interacting surfaces including gears, bearings, and oil drilling systems

  • Thermal Conductivity Studies: Using nanofluids in direct absorption solar collectors

  • Aerodynamic Optimisation: Drag reduction for heavy vehicles using passive devices like boat-tails

  • Net-Zero Buildings: Integration and optimisation of renewable energy systems

  • Mathematical Modelling and Control: Focused on elastic and fluid-structure dynamical systems

  • Renewable Energy Technologies

  • Sensorless Control of AC Drives: Including investigation of signal injection nonlinearities

  • Smart Grids and Distributed Generation: Emphasis on power electronics and control systems

  • Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management

  • Hybrid Energy Storage Systems: Combining battery and supercapacitor technologies

  • Hybrid PV/Thermal Systems: Tailored for UAE building integration