We will produce specialists with industrial experience who are equipped with the key skills that are essential to meet future electric transport challenges.

After completion of the CDT graduates will:

•  be highly employable due to their training being embedded in industrial challenges;
• have the potential to become future leaders through parallel entrepreneurial and business acumen training;
• drive the UK forward in electric propulsion development and manufacturing;
• become ambassadors for cross-disciplinary thinking in electric transport and mentors to their colleagues.

‌‌

We will provide the best research and teaching platform to maximise the CDT's output and student experience. Newcastle University and University of Nottingham will deliver the training modules. Both universities have bespoke teaching facilities and world-class research facilities. In addition, industrial partners will provide their development and manufacturing facilities. 

The CDT has the support of over 30 industrial partners and 7 network partners, all contributing to research and teaching.

Working on electric cars/planes and other electric vehicles offer a huge variety on opportunities to research on:

• electric propulsion
• power electronics
• thermal management
• control
• communication
• and other subjects.

In order to research these subjects, you will be trained to gain an understanding from various disciplines such as:

• electrical engineering
• mechanical engineering
• manufacturing
• materials
• big data

but you will also be trained on non-engineering subjects such as:

• business thinking
• environmental-impact
• and societal interactions

Year One

• Semester One - Thesis research and training at Newcastle University
• Semester Two - Thesis research and training at University of Nottingham
• Semester Three - Thesis research at Newcastle University, University of Nottingham or industrial partner

Typical taught subjects may include: power electronics, electric drives, control, mechatronics, materials, big data, manufacturing, entrepreneurial business, management. Other taught activities are available, and selection will be tailored towards students need.

Years Two - Four

• Thesis research and bespoke training either at Newcastle University, the University of Nottingham or at the site where the industrial partner is based.

Research takes place at the location where the industrial partners are based and/or at Newcastle University or the University of Nottingham. The final three years of the CDT will be made up of a mix of:

• Thesis research
• Interactive training
• Workshops, conferences, seminars, vitae research development

You will work either with one of our industrial partners on industrial-need research or you will work on more academic-focused research without an industrial partner.

Research topics will vary but mostly cover topics on:

• electric propulsion
• power electronics
• thermal management
• control
• communication
• or other subjects.

The final project will be discussed with you, the sponsoring company -if you prefer to work with our industrial partners- and the CDT management prior to the start of your studies.

‌Responsible research

One of the key activities is cohort learning. That means that we will form a strong bond across all CDT students so that they teach and help each other throughout the full duration of the programme. We will provide a tight-knit learning and research community of students which will last even after the completion of this CDT.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion will be at the heart of this CDT, and we will take specific measures in all its processes and elements. We will ensure flexibility in all activities so that students with caring and family responsibilities can fully participate in the programme.