Students at the Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security follow a four-year programme structure.
The first year will require the completion of a range of modules and training sessions to equip the students with the scientific, technical and commercial know-how to support a career in the defence and security sector.
Students will be able to follow either an EngD or iPhD programme, dependant on subject or commercial need, with both programmes undertaking the same ‘foundational training’ section. Cementation of their focus to either research, or industrial application will follow the successful completion of those taught elements.
An overview of the CISDnS Programme Structure can be found below:
CISDnS Students will be expected to take 3 ‘core’ modules developed exclusively for the programme, and up to 4 further theme aligned modules from the University of Southampton’s module catalogue.
Students who join us with extensive academic or industry experience may be exempt from completion of all 4 of the theme aligned modules, but would encouraged to attend and contribute their experience and insight.
The CISDnS Team welcome applications from students who wish to learn part time. If a student wishes to learn part-time and is not employed in a full-time paid role elsewhere, a pro-rata stipend amount can be considered to support the student during their studies
Foundational Training
The CISDnS programme is divided into a foundational training period and a research focused period. The foundational training will provide students with:
- an understanding of innovation, from both business and technical perspectives
- interdisciplinary and collaborative skills development
- an understanding innovation within the D&S sector
- technical training, tailored to the individual student’s training needs
This skills development will be delivered via the following modules:
Theme-Aligned Optional Modules
Physical Systems
Digital Systems
Biological Systems
- Maritime Robotics
- Concurrent Space Systems Design
- Fundamentals of Acoustics
- Computational Aerodynamics
- Failure of Materials and Components
- Sustainable Energy Systems
- Advanced Electrical Systems
*Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, appropriate modules can be chosen from across the University catalogue which can be viewed here: Module finder | University of Southampton
Research Training
The research focus of CISDnS is multidisciplinary by design, with the centre built around the themes of digital, physical and biological systems. Individual doctoral research projects will extend beyond engineering and physical sciences, to include environmental and life sciences, social sciences and medicine. Research will be guided by the sector but will focus on the strategic areas of maritime, aeronautical, aerospace, medical and electronic systems. These are linked by cross-cutting themes including acoustics, AI, autonomy, control, cyber, digital twins, geo-spatial, human factors, human-machine interaction, and advanced materials.
During the research phase, students will be embedded in one of our world-leading University of Southampton research groups. This will provide the opportunity to engage with other researchers working in the same discipline and for CISDnS students to develop as experts in their individual fields. The CISDnS cohorts will continue to come together throughout the research phase to take part in developmental training, cohort activities and industry engagement events. This will help to create a community of like-minded experts that will grow beyond the CDT, benefiting both the sector and the career progression of our graduates.
To support the research training, our students will have access to many world-class facilities at the University of Southampton. This includes the towing tank, wind tunnels, anechoic chambers, imaging facilities, autonomous systems laboratories and high performance computing facilities.
