Systems Engineering and Complexity (Ref: SF-MEME-26-004)

About the Project

Loughborough’s Wolfson School is recognised as a national leader in Systems Engineering research and education, with a long-standing track record in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Systems of Systems Engineering, and Lifecycle Integration. There are two routes for self-funding students, three-year programme of research or a 3.75 year programme including Master’s level training in MBSE – an essential component of the digital transformation that is a strategic priority for many industries.

Systems Engineering provides the transdisciplinary, integration capabilities needed to realise complex systems for commercial or societal benefit

Our researchers shape how complex engineered systems are conceived, designed, managed, and sustained across multiple domains, from infrastructure and manufacturing to defence, security, transport, healthcare and digital services.

Our facilities include digital twin laboratories, modelling and simulation environments, and virtual reality enabled systems analysis suites, providing an exceptional foundation for PhD research that integrates engineering rigour with real-world impact.

A PhD in this area will allow you to contribute to next-generation systems architectures, MBSE practices, and innovative approaches to system design, assurance and operation.

Example research areas:

• Quantum Systems Engineering
• Lifecycle modelling, decision support and systems assurance
• Nuclear Systems Engineering
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital thread integration
• Systems-of-systems analysis and complex networked systems
• Human–systems integration and socio-technical system design

Supervisor

• Prof Michael Henshaw (m.j.d.henshaw@lboro.ac.uk)

Tuition fees for 2026-27 entry

• UK fee - £5,238 Full-time degree per annum
• International fee - £29,500 Full-time degree per annum

Fees for the 2026-27 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2026, February 2027 and July 2027.

UK tuition fees for 2026/27 are currently to be confirmed pending the release of the UKRI recommended rates. Once published, these rates will be subject to formal approval by the University before being confirmed.

Opportunity Details

• Target Start Date: October 2026
• Full time or part time available.
• Open to UK and international applicants.

How to Apply

We welcome discussions with interested candidates.

• Step 1: Interested applicants should first contact Professor Michael Henshaw (M.J.D.Henshaw@lboro.ac.uk) to discuss your research interests and funding options.
• Step 2: Applicants are then strongly encouraged to contact potential supervisors with a CV, academic transcripts, and confirmation of funding sources or planned funding sources.
• Step 3: following any informal discussion, applicants are invited to make a formal application on the Loughborough Website.