Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
A dynamic learning community with a long-standing reputation for world-class research.
Select a school below to find your PhD
Electronics and Computer Science
Research in electronics and electrical engineering, computer science, and AI.
Engineering
The largest and most diverse engineering group in the UK.
Physics and Astronomy
Research in astronomy, quantum, light and matter, and theoretical particle physics.
Photonics and Optoelectronics
A world-leading research organisation with roots going back to the invention of the optical fibre in the 1960s.
Mathematical Sciences
A vibrant and supportive research community across operational research, statistics, pure and applied mathematics and theoretical physics.
Our postgraduate research opportunities cover chemistry and chemical engineering, electronics and computer science, engineering, physics and astronomy, mathematical sciences, and photonics and optoelectronics.
You will advance scientific, technological and real-world research challenges through your PhD, all while being part of a supportive and inclusive research community. Access to specialist facilities, academic and technical expertise, excellent links with industry and the chance to explore entrepreneurial opportunities, come together to form an exceptional PhD experience.
96% of our research environment is rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), there really is no better place to begin your PhD journey.
Supporting Fellowships: Proleptic Appointments
Faculty Commitment to Fellowships
The Faculty has a longstanding tradition of supporting prestigious externally funded fellowships. To reaffirm this commitment, we have developed guidelines to provide continuity and stability for fellowship holders in their academic careers. These guidelines support fellowship holders to apply for a future transfer to an open-ended academic role upon completion of their fellowship. This future appointment is known as a ‘proleptic appointment’.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a proleptic appointment, individuals should hold an eligible fellowship (see below) and would normally have completed 18 months of that fellowship, must demonstrate the potential to meet the requirements of the future academic role, and have established a strong strategic fit with the host School(s) and the Faculty.
Proleptic Appointment Considerations
A proleptic appointment may be considered under the following circumstances:
- Funder Requirement: It is a requirement of the fellowship funders' terms and conditions
- FEPS Recognition: The Faculty recognises the fellowship scheme
Recognised Fellowship Schemes
The Faculty currently recognise the following external fellowship schemes as being within scope of the scheme:
- EPSRC Open Fellowships
- ERC Starting, Consolidator, and Advanced Grants
- NERC Independent Research Fellowships
- NIHR Advanced Fellowships
- Royal Society University Research Fellowship or Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship
- Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship
- STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship
- UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF)
- Wellcome Trust (e.g., Early Career Awards and Career Development Awards)
Additional Schemes
Schools within FEPS can support additional fellowship schemes on a case-by-case basis, subject to prior approval from the Dean.
Existing Fellowship Holders
This guidance applies to new fellowship applicants and existing fellowship holders who wish to transfer their fellowships to Southampton.
For more information, please contact the host school you are applying to for further details on these guidelines.
Researchers in Engineering and Physical Sciences are defining and developing substantial areas of research that impact on the fast-changing world in which we live.
Our research rankings place us at the forefront of the UK's research-intensive Russell Group Universities for our subjects, and our degree programmes are highly regarded by leading global employers and companies requiring the skills needed to develop theories and technologies that will enhance our understanding and shape our future world.