Materials Science and Engineering: Fully Funded EPSRC DTP PhD in Scaling Up Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing for Africa (RS751)

Funding provider: EPSRC DTP studentship with a 50% Match funded contribution from the Faculty of Science and Engineering

Subject areas: Photovoltaics, perovskites, international development, sustainability and circular economy

Project start date: 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Supervisors: Professor Trystan Watson and Dr Sarah Jane-Potts

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Materials Science and Engineering

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description:

Working as part of Swansea University’s UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Energy Technologies and the REACH-PSM project (Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing), this PhD offers an exceptional PhD opportunity to undertake innovative research in scaling up perovskite solar module (PSM) production.

This project focuses on addressing the pressing need for scalable, low-cost, and sustainable solar energy solutions for the continent of Africa, leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques to build a resilient energy future. The UNESCO Chair and REACH-PSM partnership aim to revolutionise renewable energy systems by integrating local innovation, resources, and expertise to foster true energy independence.

This PhD project will place you at the forefront of developing scalable approaches to perovskite solar module (PSM) manufacturing, with a focus on refining and optimising processes for large-scale adoption. Your research will involve refining screen-printing processes to enable high-throughput production, ensuring deposition consistency and defect-free coatings, such as pinhole-free layers. You will establish protocols to standardise the fabrication process, enabling reproducible and efficient production suitable for both local and international markets.
In addition, your work will include trialling green solvents to minimise environmental impacts and enhance the sustainability of manufacturing processes, as well as optimising interconnection techniques to improve module performance and scalability. Collaboration with the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) will be integral, as you work to establish a robust manufacturing pathway that leverages local expertise and infrastructure for PSM fabrication.
The ultimate goal is to develop a scalable, cost-effective manufacturing approach tailored to the African context, producing high-quality modules that meet local energy demands while enabling participation in international renewable energy markets. 

This PhD offers the chance to work on real-world applications with direct societal impact. You will be based at Swansea University’s Bay Campus, benefiting from cutting-edge facilities, and working under the guidance of leading experts, including Prof. Trystan Watson and Dr Sarah Jane-Potts.
You will join a well-resourced, internationally renowned, and growing team that brings together expertise from diverse disciplines to address global challenges in renewable energy. Working closely with a global network of UNESCO Chair partners and REACH-PSM collaborators, you will be part of a vibrant and supportive research environment that values teamwork and innovation.
If you are motivated to contribute to scalable renewable energy solutions and be part of an international collaboration that addresses global energy challenges, this PhD position offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor's degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or a similar relevant science discipline or overseas Bachelor's degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor's (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline – see country-specific qualifications

IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent. Details on the Swansea University English Language entry policy can be found here.

ATAS 

Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance, further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website.

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process, successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with the scholarship course offer.

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237.

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

Scholarship open to UK and international fee-eligible applicants. 

EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.    

We are still accepting applications from international applicants.  

International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rates. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements. 

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select:

Materials Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October

If you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this case, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2025

3. Funding (page 8 on the application process) – ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No; ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS751 - Scaling Up’

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award. One application is required per individual Swansea University-led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University-led research scholarship awards.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form)

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted. 

· CV
· Degree certificates and transcripts
· A cover letter
· One reference
· Evidence of meeting English Language requirements (if applicable)
· Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
· Confirmation of submission of EDI Form

*For ALL scholarship applications from February 2023 an EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Monitoring Form is required.

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Prof Trystan Watson t.m.watson@swansea.ac.uk 

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co-funding of a scholarship project is applicable