phd mechanical engineering uk

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Mechanical Engineering PhD

• Full-time: 3 years
• Part-time: Not available
• Start date: Multiple available
• UK fees: £5,350
• International fees: £23,00 or £30,750 depending on the nature of your project

Research overview

PhD projects can cover many different fields within this discipline, for example thermodynamics/fluid mechanics, structural dynamics, mechanics and design.

This PhD is based within the Faculty of Engineering. This provides the opportunity to undertake a PhD in a wide range of research areas and work across traditional research boundaries being part of interdisciplinary teams.

The research work within the faculty spans a range of applications including medicine, aerospace and automotive engineering, energy and the construction industry, sustainable design and development and it includes work from the most fundamental studies up to near-commercial investigations.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our  Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us .

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Graduate centres

Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.

Each space has areas for:

• socialising
• computer work
• kitchen facilities

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services , including:

• academic and disability support
• childcare services
• counselling service
• faith support
• financial support
• mental health and wellbeing support
• visa and immigration advice
• welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer .

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

• international students
• black and minority ethnic students
• students who identify as women
• students with disabilities
• LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Where you will learn

University park campus.

University Park Campus  covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route . Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Completing a research degree with us will ensure that you develop transferable skills that will be beneficial in a number of different careers. Graduates within the faculty have gone on to have successful careers as:

• researchers
• production managers and directors
• IT and telecommunication professionals
• business, research and administrative professionals
• science, engineering and production technicians
• natural and social science professionals

92.6% of postgraduates from the School of Engineering Research secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £33,689.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022 . The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on data from graduates who completed a full-time postgraduate degree with home fee status and are working full-time within the UK.

Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering - Postgraduate Research

Discover our research within Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering

Related courses

Materials engineering and material design phd, additive manufacturing and 3d printing (centre for doctoral training) phd, research excellence framework.

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

• 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
• 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
• 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 01 July 2024 . Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.

Mechanical Engineering PhD

Most students complete this programme in 4 years full-time.

Study your PhD in a department covering the breadth of mechanical engineering research including automotive, aerodynamics, manufacturing and biomechanics.

Join a department with a strong ethos to proactively better the world through taking mechanical engineering research and development to the next level. Our research activities cover fundamental investigations to applied research, and are often carried out collaboratively with industry and other universities.

Your PhD can be in any of the areas of research covered by our research centres:

• Centre for Bioengineering & Biomedical Technologies
• Centre for Climate Adaptation & Environment Research (CAER)
• Centre for Digital, Manufacturing & Design (DMADE)
• Centre for Integrated Materials, Processes & Structures (IMPS)
• Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems (SES)
• Institute for Propulsion & Mobility (IPM)

Find out what our research graduates go on to do

Find out more about our research

• Programme structure

Most students complete this programme in 4 years. You cannot take less than 2 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 4 years.

You may also start mid-year, subject to agreement with your supervisor and the Doctoral College.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.

Academic milestones

• Registration
• Candidature
• Confirmation
• Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
• Submission for examination
• Examination (Viva Voce)
• Examiners report
• Final submission of thesis / portfolio
• Programme content
• Doctoral skills online
• Doctoral skills workshop
• Research project
• Supervisory team

Research content

You'll be welcomed into the Department as a junior academic colleague rather than a student. We expect you to play a full and professional role in contributing to the Department’s objective of international academic excellence.

Often our postgraduate projects are linked to industry so you could collaborate with companies on your research, as well as other departments at Bath and other universities. This gives you the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects relevant to industry as well as fundamental engineering topics.

We expect you to carry out supervised research at the forefront of your chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis. Presenting your research findings is an important part of research training so we encourage you to prepare papers for publication throughout your PhD.

Professional Development

Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our DoctoralSkills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Read more about professional development support

Assessment methods

Assessment description.

Most of our research students register as probationers for the PhD programme to begin with. Your PhD registration is confirmed subject to your passing an assessment process. This normally involves submitting written work and an oral examination.

The final stage of the PhD programme is the oral or viva voce examination, where you must defend your thesis to a Board of Examiners.

• Entry requirements

Academic requirements

First or good second class honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject.

English Language requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
• TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Two references are required. At least one of these should be an academic reference from the most recent place of study.

• Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Mechanical Engineering PhD

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students. If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.

Find out more about student fees

Funding options

Find funding for doctoral research

Payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.

Paying your tuition fees

• Application information
• Programme title Mechanical Engineering PhD
• Final award PhD
• Mode of study Full-time
• Course code REME-AFM02
• Department Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Faculty of Engineering & Design
• Location University of Bath Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY

3 months prior to the intended start date (for international applicants) or 2 months prior to the intended start date (for home applicants). For example, for an end of September start, the deadline is 30 June (international) and 31 July (home).

• Regulator The Office for Students (OfS)

Applicant profile

We seek applications from outstanding individuals from anywhere in the world. You should be strongly committed to carrying out high-quality academic research in any of the disciplinary areas covered by our research centres.

We are open to a wide range of ideas and want to hear where you’d like to focus your research. Our academics are especially interested to hear how your research could build on their existing work or about a new topic in their current subject areas.

See our guide about how to apply for doctoral study

Selection process

You’ll be interviewed by the lead supervisor and at least one other relevant academic; this is typically done virtually and not in person. You will need to meet the minimum requirements of academic and language standard.

Immigration requirements

This PhD is covered by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international student, you may require an ATAS certificate to join this course and you can find out more about the visa requirements for studying in the UK .

For additional support please contact the Student Immigration Service for matters related to student visas and immigration.

• Programme enquiries

Doctoral Admissions

• Apply for this programme
• Related programmes
• Mechanical Engineering PhD part-time

On this page

Mechanical Engineering

• MSc by research

PhD, MSc by research Mechanical Engineering

Our mechanical engineering research is varied and world-leading, covering topics from clean energy and advanced materials to manufacturing systems, robotics and healthcare. Advancements in this area are pursued by six research groups specialising in:

Dynamics and Control

Solid Mechanics

Engineering Systems, Design and Innovation

• Ultrasonics and Non-Destructive Testing
• Fluid and Aerodynamics.

Our students collaborate worldwide with industrial partners, other universities, public-sector organisations, research institutes and NGOs, producing novel and multidisciplinary research which addresses technical, societal and environmental challenges. They also make use of extensive and modern laboratory facilities at Queens Building in central Bristol, and at collaborating centres. With a large, diverse and active cohort of PhD, EngD and MScR students, Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol is a close-knit and supportive community. Its success is evidenced by consistently high performance in national rankings for research and teaching quality.

World-leading research

The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK ( Times Higher Education ).

94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry requirements

PhD applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a merit at master's degree level (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on readiness to pursue a research degree.

MSc by Research applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of an upper second class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline and demonstrate readiness to pursue a research degree.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our  profile level E.

Further information about  English language requirements and profile levels .

Fees and funding

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support .

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.  Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

A number of funded studentships are available each year, supported by research council, industry, University or other funds. View the faculty website for a list of currently available funded projects or visit jobs.ac.uk .

View information on funding postgraduate study for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students.

Self-funded or sponsored students are also very welcome to apply.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Graduates from mechanical engineering research programmes pursue a wide range of careers throughout the UK and worldwide. Common destinations of recent graduates include research and academia, large engineering companies, engineering consultancies and startups (including successful spin-out companies).

Meet our supervisors

The following list shows potential supervisors for this programme. Visit their profiles for details of their research and expertise.

Research groups

The Dynamics and Control group's research activities span fundamental engineering science, where new insights are developed and experimentally tested, and applied research. These activities are split into four overlapping themes: nonlinear dynamics, vibration suppression, experimental testing and control.

Solid Mechanics is about understanding the way engineering materials respond to loading to improve the efficiency and safety of structures. The Solid Mechanics group at Bristol has a long tradition of undertaking industrially-motivated research, studying how materials behave when they are subjected to thermal and mechanical loads. The main interests of the group are residual stresses, fracture, fatigue and the behaviour of materials at high temperatures.

The Engineering Systems, Design and Innovation group is concerned with researching and creating tools, methods, models and strategies to improve the engineering and operation of our future infrastructure and industrial systems. Fundamental to our research approach is the need to understand how the process of modelling relates to the process of practical intervention, with a particular focus on the methodological challenges of modelling and designing complex technical and socio-technical systems. The group's research interests and current projects reflect the industrial and societal challenges of energy, sustainability, resilience, demand responsiveness and flexibility, cost and frugality, users (stakeholders), risk and uncertainty, informatics and emerging technologies.

Ultrasonics and Non-destructive Testing

The Ultrasonics and Non-destructive Testing group undertakes research into the fundamentals and applications of ultrasonics. We are particularly active in the following areas: array imaging; materials characterisation (for example, nonlinear ultrasonics); NDT of composites; structural health monitoring; ultrasonic particle manipulation (that is, acoustic radiation force devices). Our philosophy is to undertake a balance of fundamental engineering science ultrasonics research alongside more applied research. We see this mix of fundamental and applied as incredibly valuable and our aim is to see selected topics through from conception to industrial uptake. This means that most of our projects are collaborative, sometimes with industry and sometimes with other university groups.

Robots are set to impact all aspects of our lives, from robotic exoskeletons that enhance our strength and mobility to robots that search for life in the solar system and beyond. Through the Bristol Robotics Laboratory , an innovative collaboration between the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England, Bristol is at the forefront of the robotics revolution. Our research in robotics spans many key areas from soft actuators and flying robots to safe systems and vision for robotics.

Fluid and Aerodynamics

The Fluid and Aerodynamics group undertakes computational research (using numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyse problems that involve fluid flows) and experimental research. Areas of key current research include aerodynamic optimisation; computational aero-servo-elastics; hypersonic vehicle technologies; high-speed intakes; mesh deformation and generation; parallel processing; rotorcraft aerodynamics; incompressible flows; interface capturing and cavitation; nonlinear aeroelastic prediction; adaptive aeroelastic structures; aeroelastic design; and reduced order modelling.

How to apply

You need to contact a potential academic adviser to discuss available projects, and complete a  Supervisor Suitability Form (Office document, 71kB) , before submitting an application.

You can then apply using our online application system. For further information, please see the  guidance for how to apply  on our webpages.

For September 2024 entry: Overseas: 31st July 2024 Home: 12th August 2024

If you wish to apply for an alternative start date, please contact the admissions directly.

Faculty of Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions Team

Faculty of Engineering

School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering

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Discover more about postgraduate research

PhD Mechanical Engineering / Programme details

Year of entry: 2024

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Programme description

Research in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering covers six broad research themes ; aerospace engineering, innovative manufacturing, modelling and simulation, nuclear engineering, resilient systems, and structures in extreme environments.

Our postgraduate research programmes in Mechanical Engineering offer the opportunity to study in a multi-disciplinary team alongside leading academics in the field. Drawing on our expertise in advanced machining, resource efficient manufacturing, micro and nano fabrication, bio-manufacturing, laser engineering and more we deliver solutions to improve manufacturing capability, productivity, sustainability and emerging advanced technologies.

Your research will be supported by state-of-the-art computational and experimental facilities. We have strong links with industry and excellent employability.

The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a course of supervised research, the results of which show evidence of originality and independent critical judgement and constitute an addition to knowledge.

A PhD is the target of most postgraduate students who relish the opportunity to undertake a research project with intellectual, scientific, industrial or commercial challenges. Individuals with relevant industrial experience are also encouraged to apply for this level of graduate work, which is of particular value for personal and professional development.

Our research students have the opportunity to develop their skills through robust and flexible training that is designed to:

• Develop the research skills needed to plan and conduct research, write a thesis and disseminate research findings to stakeholders and the international research community;
• Gain understanding of the wide variety of research undertaken within the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering and in relevant disciplines across the University;
• Equip each student with the broader skills to become world leading industry professionals and researchers in the next generation.

All of our research degree programmes are based on supportive supervision in our outstanding research environment. You will carry out a programme of research in a particular area under the supervision of a primary supervisor and one or more co-supervisors. Your primary supervisor would be a research active member of academic staff in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. Co-supervisors may be from another discipline, another institution or even an external organisation, such as an industrial partner, selected to suit the project scope and specific skills required.

Additional programme information

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities.

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles.

We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder), carer support funds for conferences, and peer support networks for parents and carers.

All appointments are made on merit.  The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Teaching and learning

All candidates for the degree of PhD must undertake a skills review at the beginning of their degree to determine their research, transferable and generic skills requirements. The review will provide the basis for a planned programme of skills training and development. The outcomes of the review and programme of skills development must be discussed and agreed by the student and the supervisory team. The supervisory team will be responsible for ensuring that the student has access to the required skills training and development opportunities.

Students admitted to the degree of PhD must demonstrate satisfactory progress before the end of the first year by submission of a progress report which will be discussed at a formal progress meeting with the supervisory team and an independent assessor. Successful completion enables progression into the next year.

During your studies you will be encouraged to give seminars and write papers for scientific journals and conferences. You will also have access to a broad programme of skills training and professional development. This will help you to complete your research effectively and to keep you at the leading edge of developments in learning and teaching, innovation, enterprise and knowledge transfer to help you succeed in future employment.

The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a period of supervised research and training, the results of which show convincing evidence of the capacity of the candidate to pursue research and make an original contribution to knowledge. The thesis is assessed by oral examination (viva voce).

Scholarships and bursaries

In the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

Funding is also available at university and faculty level and can be viewed on our funding page . Alternatively, you can use our funding database to find scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

We'd recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor before applying. They can advise what funding may be available to you, and ensure you meet nomination and application deadlines.

Disability support

• Staff intranet
• Student intranet

Visit to apply

Mechanical Engineering PhD

Key information, find a supervisor.

Mode of study

3 years full-time

6 years part-time

International £23,615

Entry requirements

Research profile

The aim of mechanical engineering at Brunel is to develop novel theories, methods and procedures in applied mechanics, and to apply these to real-life problems within the aerospace, offshore, construction, energy and medical engineering industries. Our industry-focused expertise is supporting the future development of new transport technologies, helping address the challenges of producing cleaner, more efficient vehicles and fuels along with integrated intelligent transport systems.

Our facilities are extensive, modern and well-equipped, including the dedicated aerospace/aviation laboratory, flight simulator, professionally designed Brunel motorsport workshop, modern material/structure testing laboratory, and state-of-art IC engine laboratories.

Find out about the exciting research we do in this area. Browse profiles of our experts, discover the research groups and their inspirational research activities you too could be part of. We’ve also made available extensive reading materials published by our academics and PhD students.  

Learn more about research in this area.

Browse the work of subject-relevant research groups

You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour .

Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Find out more about working with the Supervisory Team .

You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests. Search for expert supervisors for your chosen field of research.

While we welcome applications from students with a clear direction for their research, we are providing you with some ideas for your chosen field of research:

• Additive manufacturing and sustainability, supervised by Eujin Pei
• AI (Artificial Intelligence) enabled autonomous robots for non-disruptive inspection of utility and sewage systems, supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
• Automatic computational fluid-dynamics, supervised by James Tyacke
• CFD modelling of plasma flow control, supervised by James Tyacke
• Crystal Plasticity Modelling of Hexagonal Closed-Pack (HCP) Materials for Manufacturing, supervised by Rui Ramos Cardoso
• Developing a device for marine life and water quality monitoring, supervised by Gera Troisi
• Development of a miniature capsule robot for capsule endoscopy, supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
• Development of an Optical Shape Sensing Method Using Optoelectronic Sensors for Soft Flexible Robotic Manipulators in Minimally Invasive Surgery, supervised by Yohan Noh
• Fracture assessment of large-scale structural components, supervised by Marius Gintalas
• Large Language Models (LLM) for Automated Finite Element Analysis, supervised by Michael Rustell and Tatiana Kalganova
• Optimisation of geothermal energy extraction, supervised by James Tyacke
• Precision control of Nano-fuel production, supervised by Yang Yang
• Reliability Analysis of Adhesively Bonded Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites, supervised by Sadik Omairey and Mihalis Kazilas
• Study of stray current induced corrosion in railway construction, supervised by Kangkang Tang
• The sustainability of hydrogen production for future energy uses, supervised by Colin Axon and Peter Hewitson
• Use of Large Language Models (LLM) as a Structural Engineering Design Assistant, supervised by Michael Rustell and Tatiana Kalganova
• Using Machine Learning to Simulate Macroscopic phenomena for Fluid Dynamics, supervised by Nadine Aburumman

Research journey

This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.

Find out about what progress might look like at each stage of study here:  Research degree progress structure.

Research support

Careers and your future.

You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.

In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity.

Find out more.

UK entry requirements

The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1). 

An interview will be required as part of the admissions process and will be conducted by at least two academic staff members remotely via MS Teams, Zoom, or face to face.

Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement  and a research statement. Please contact your proposed supervisor, where possible, to receive feedback and guidance on your research statement before submitting it. Learn how to prepare a research statement  here .   

EU and International entry requirements

If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list . This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
• Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
• BrunELT : 63% (min 58% in all areas)
• TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all) 

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our  English Language Requirements  page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our  Brunel Language Centre .

Please check our Admissions  pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Fees and funding

2024/5 entry, international.

£23,615 full-time

£11,805 part-time

£4,786 full-time

£2,393 part-time

Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.

Some courses incur  additional course related costs . You can also check our  on-campus accommodation costs  for more information on living expenses.

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. Recently the UK Government made available the Doctoral Student Loans of up to £25,000 for UK and EU students and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Scholarships and bursaries

• Brunel Graduate Discount

Related courses

Mechanical engineering integrated phd.

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Mechanical Engineering PhD opportunities

In the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham we pride ourselves on our research which is ranked in the top 10 in the UK for GPA and 4* research (REF 2021).

We are experts in applying engineering science to the mechanical engineering problems of the real world and in educating the next generation of international mechanical engineers to the highest level.

Research Degrees

PhD and research studentships

How to apply

Our research

Request a prospectus

The Graduate School

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

PhD Mechanical Engineering

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded for a research study, normally over a three-year period, which makes a significant contribution to knowledge. Candidates must demonstrate that they have made an original personal contribution to the understanding of a problem in a specific field, the advancement of knowledge, or the generation of new ideas.

Key features

• Mechanical engineering research is embedded in two research groups; Autonomous Marine Systems , Materials and Structures , and supports Coastal, Ocean and Sediment Transport.
• Autonomous Marine Systems (AMS) research group comprises a multidisciplinary team with expertise across artificial intelligence (AI), advanced control systems engineering theory, multi-sensor data fusion, dynamics, thermodynamics and fluids, smart materials, marine power plant, marine vehicle performance prediction, propulsors, integrated navigation systems and marine renewable energy.
•  MAterials and STructures (MAST) research (including Civil and Structural Materials, Composites Engineering, and Structural Integrity) covers many aspects of mechanics in materials and structures. This includes structural integrity focusing on fatigue and fracture of materials, multi-scale and multi-phase modelling of materials, and structural modelling using FEA.
• Composites Engineering addresses fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composites with specialisations in composites manufacture, process-property-mesostructure relationships, marine composites, natural fibre reinforcements, or smart materials and intelligent structures.

Course details

Core modules.

Research Mechanical Engineering (GSRMECH4)

Research Mechanical Engineering (GSRMECH5)

Research Mechanical Engineering (GSRMECH6)

Entry requirements

Fees, costs and funding, how to apply.

• ) Apply online
• / Contact us
• ; Info for applicants
• 6 Studentships

Named programme lead: John Summerscales The Doctoral College is able to answer any questions you may have about applying for or undertaking a postgraduate research degree at the University of Plymouth: [email protected]  or +44 1752 587640 .  

Our facilities

Materials manufacture and testing

Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC)

Marine Navigation Centre

Coastal, Ocean and Sediment Transport (COAST) laboratory

Marine Station

Success story – Amandeep Virk

 Amandeep Virk’s doctoral thesis contributed to eight refereed research papers, three journal review papers and one book chapter.

Autonomous Marine Systems Research Group (AMS)  

Mr Tom Crichton

Associate head of school (recruitment).

Associate Head of School - Mechanical Engineering

Mr Tim Davies

Senior technician (navigation & maritime science).

Dr Asiya Khan

Associate dean for education and student experience.

Dr Andrew Manning

Associate professor in coastal and shelf physical oceanography.

Mr Alastair McCallien

Lecturer in navigation (education).

Dr Jahir Rizvi

Lecturer in mechanical & marine engineering.

Professor Robert Sutton

Emeritus professor.

MAterials and STructures (MAST) Research Group  

Dr Alexander Besinis

Associate professor in mechanical and medical engineering.

Dr Shanshan Cheng

Lecturer in civil engineering.

Dr Colin Christopher

Associate professor in mathematics.

Dr Alistair Cree

Associate professor of mechanical engineering (education).

Dr Edward Ellis

Lecturer in civil engineering (education).

Dr Jasper Graham-Jones

Associate professor in mechanical and marine engineering.

Professor Neil James

Dr Boksun Kim

Associate professor of structural engineering.

Mr Adam Kyte

Lecturer in mechanical & marine engineering design (engineering).

Professor Long-yuan Li

Professor of structural engineering.

Dr Antony Robotham

Associate professor in mechanical engineering.

Professor John Summerscales

Professor of composites engineering.

Mr Tony Tapp

Technical specialist (materials and structures), meet our school technical staff  , research degree candidates, postgraduate research studentships .

Do you need funding for a research degree?  

Funding for postgraduate research students

Doctoral College

Find out more about the Doctoral College and the support it offers students, supervisors and examiners of postgraduate research at the University of Plymouth.

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Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D. / M.Phil.

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Are you a UK or International Student?

World's top 250 mechanical engineering department.

QS Subject World Rankings 2020

Key Course Details

Course Overview

Start dates: PhD/MPhil - 1st October, 1st January, 1st April & 1st July.

With our close interaction with large companies such as Tata Steel and Ford, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, Swansea University provides an excellent base for your research as a PhD or MPhil student in Mechanical Engineering.

Across the UK and overseas, there is or has been recent work at Swansea University with companies such as:

• Astra-Zeneca
• British Aerospace
• Rolls-Royce
• Barrick Gold

Research within Engineering at Swansea University is multidisciplinary in nature, incorporating our strengths in research areas across the Engineering disciplines.

Computational mechanics forms the basis for the majority of the PhD and MPhil projects within these engineering disciplines. To find out more about our research within this area visit our Research webpages .

Entry Requirements

Qualifications MPhil:  Applicants for MPhil must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. See -  Country-specific Information for European Applicants 2019  and  Country-specific Information for International Applicants 2019 .

PhD:  Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. See -  Country-specific Information for European Applicants 2019  and  Country-specific Information for International Applicants 2019 .

English Language IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found  here .

We welcome applications by prospective students from around the world and look for evidence of previous study that is equivalent to the entry requirements stated above. The Postgraduate Admissions Office are happy to advise you on whether your qualifications are suitable for entry to the course you would like to study. Please email  [email protected]  for further information.

As well as academic qualifications, Admissions decisions may be based on other factors, including (but not limited to): the standard of the research synopsis/proposal, performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places, and relevant professional experience.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Requirement

Non UK/EU applicants are required to obtain ATAS clearance for this programme of study. Successful applicants are sent ATAS application details by the University PGR Admissions team. Further details on the ATAS scheme can be found at on the government Academic Technology Approval Scheme webpage .

Reference Requirement

As standard, two references are required before we can progress applications to the College/School research programme Admissions Tutor for consideration.

Applications received without two references attached are placed on hold, pending receipt of the outstanding reference(s). Please note that any protracted delay in receiving the outstanding reference(s) may result in the need to defer your application to a later potential start point/entry month, than what you initially listed as your preferred start option.

You may wish to consider contacting your referee(s) to assist in the process of obtaining the outstanding reference(s) or alternatively, hold submission of application until references are sourced. Please note that it is not the responsibility of the University Admissions Office to obtain missing reference(s) after our initial email is sent to your nominated referee(s), requesting a reference(s) on your behalf.

The reference can take the form of a letter on official headed paper, or via the University’s standard reference form. Click this link to download the university reference form .

Alternatively, referees can email a reference from their employment email account, please note that references received via private email accounts, (i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail) cannot be accepted.

References can be submitted to [email protected] .

How you are Supervised

Your supervisor will:

• Help you develop your research plan in the early stages of your PhD
• Advise on research aims and objectives and suggest relevant training or skills courses
• Provide direction in terms of relevant literature and sources
• Give guidance on gathering, recording and analysing data
• Supervise your written work, providing constructive criticism and ensuring you keep to deadlines
• Support and advise you when it comes to presenting papers at conferences, publishing your work and attending your viva (the final oral examination of your thesis)

Welsh Provision

Tuition fees, ph.d. 3 year full time.

Ph.D. 6 Year Part Time

M.Phil. 2 Year Full Time

M.phil. 4 year part time.

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page .

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

Government funding is now available for Welsh, English and EU students starting eligible postgraduate research programmes at Swansea University. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up .

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

How to Apply

Once you have identified a topic area within which you would like to work, we recommend that you submit a research proposal and discuss this with an Admissions Tutor for the subject area before making an application. You can email [email protected]  to express your interest in a PhD or MPhil Mechanical Engineering.

Apply online and track your application status for the PhD or MPhil Mechanical Engineering at  www.swansea.ac.uk/applyonline

If you're an international student, find out more about applying for the PhD or MPhil Mechanical Engineering at  www.swan.ac.uk/international/students/apply

Suggested Application Timings

In order to allow sufficient time for consideration of your application by an academic, for potential offer conditions to be met and travel / relocation, we recommend that applications are made before the dates outlined below. Please note that applications can still be submitted outside of the suggested dates below but there is the potential that your application/potential offer may need to be moved to the next appropriate intake window.

October Enrolment

UK Applicants – 15th August

EU/International applicants – 15th July

January Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th November

EU/International applicants – 15th October

April Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th February

EU/International applicants – 15th January

July Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th May

EU/International applicants – 15th April

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

PhD Programme Specification

Programme Summary

This PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Swansea will enable you to undertake a substantial project led by your own interests. It is a highly respected qualification which can present a career in academia or a wider scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. A thesis of 100,000 words will be submitted for assessment demonstrating original research with a substantive contribution to the subject area. The PhD is examined following an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination or viva voce). You will acquire research skills for high-level work and skills and training programmes are available on campus for further support. There will be an opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars and conferences. There may also be opportunities to develop your teaching skills through undergraduate tutorials, demonstrations and seminars.

Programme Aims

This PhD programme will provide doctoral researchers with:

• The opportunity to conduct high quality postgraduate research in a world leading research environment.
• Key skills needed to undertake advanced academic and non-academic research including qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• Advanced critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and independent judgement.

Programme Structure

The programme comprises three key elements:

• Entry and confirmation of candidature
• Main body of research
• Thesis and  viva voce  examination

The programme comprises of the undertaking of an original research project of 3 years duration full time (6 years duration part time). Doctoral researchers may pursue the programme either full time or part time by pursuing research at the University at an external place of employment or with/at a University approved partner.

Doctoral researchers for the PhD in Mechanical Engineering are examined in two parts.

The first part is a thesis which is an original body of work representing the methods and results of the research project. The maximum word limit is 100,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

The second part is an oral examination ( viva voce ).

Doctoral Researcher Supervision and Support

Doctoral researchers will be supervised by a supervisory team. Where appropriate, staff from Colleges/Schools other than the ‘home’ Department/School (other Colleges/Schools) within the University will contribute to cognate research areas. There may also be supervisors from an industrial partner.

The Primary/First Supervisor will normally be the main contact throughout the doctoral research journey and will have overall responsibility for academic supervision. The academic input of the Secondary Supervisor will vary from case to case. The principal role of the Secondary Supervisor is often as a first port of call if the Primary/First Supervisor becomes unavailable. The supervisory team may also include a supervisor from industry or a specific area of professional practice to support the research. External supervisors may also be drawn from other Universities.

The primary supervisor will provide pastoral support. If necessary the primary supervisor will refer the doctoral researcher to other sources of support (e.g. Wellbeing, Disability, Money Advice, IT, Library, Students’ Union, Academic Services, Student Support Services, Careers Centre). 

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme, doctoral researchers should be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding

• Demonstrate the systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of research through the development of a written thesis.
• Create, interpret, analyse and develop new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship. 
• Disseminate new knowledge gained through original research or other advanced scholarship via high quality peer reviewed publications within the discipline.
• Apply research skills and subject theory to the practice of research.
• Apply process and standards of a range of the methodologies through which research is conducted and knowledge acquired and revised. 

Attitudes and values

• Conceptualise, design and implement a project aimed at the generation of new knowledge or applications within Mechanical Engineering.
• Make informed judgements on complex issues in the field of Mechanical Engineering, often in the absence of complete data and defend those judgements to an appropriate audience.
• Apply sound ethical principles to research, with due regard for the integrity of persons and in accordance with professional codes of conduct.
• Demonstrate self-awareness of individual and cultural diversity, and the reciprocal impact in social interaction between self and others when conducting research involving people.

Research Skills

• Respond appropriately to unforeseen problems in project design by making suitable amendments.
• Communicate complex research findings clearly, effectively and in an engaging manner to both specialist (including the academic community), and non-specialist audiences using a variety of appropriate media and events, including conference presentations, seminars and workshops.
• Correctly select, interpret and apply relevant techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
• Develop the networks and foundations for on-going research and development within the discipline.
• Implement  advanced research skills to a substantial degree of independence.
• Locate information and apply it to research practice.

Skills and Competencies

• Display the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, including the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments.

Progression Monitoring

Progress will be monitored in accordance with Swansea University regulations. During the course of the programme, the Doctoral researcher is expected to meet regularly with their supervisors, and at most meetings it is likely that the doctoral researcher’s progress will be monitored in an informal manner in addition to attendance checks. Details of the meetings should ideally be recorded on the on-line system. A minimum of four formal supervision meetings is required each year, two of which will be reported to the Postgraduate Progression and Awards Board. During these supervisory meetings the doctoral researcher’s progress is discussed and formally recorded on the on-line system. 

Learning Development

The University offers training and development for Doctoral Researchers and supervisors ( https://www.swansea.ac.uk/research/undertake-research-with-us/postgraduate-research/training-and-skills-development-programme/ ).

Swansea University’s Postgraduate Research Training Framework is structured into sections, to enable doctoral researchers to navigate and determine appropriate courses aligned to both their interest and their candidature stage. 

There is a training framework including for example areas of Managing Information and Data, Presentation and Public Engagement, Leadership and working with others, Safety Integrity and Ethics, Impact and Commercialisation and Teaching and Demonstrating. There is also range of support in areas such as training needs, literature searching, conducting research, writing up research, teaching, applying for grants and awards, communicating research and future careers.

A range of research seminars and skills development sessions are provided within the Department of Engineering and across the University. These are scheduled to keep the  doctoral researcher in touch with a broader range of material than their own research topic, to stimulate ideas in discussion with others, and to give them opportunities to such as defending their own thesis orally, and to identify potential criticisms. Additionally, the Department of Engineering is developing a research culture that aligns with the University vision and will link with key initiatives delivered under the auspices of the University’s Academies, for example embedding the HEA fellowship for postgraduate research students.

Research Environment

Swansea University’s research environment combines innovation and excellent facilities to provide a home for multidisciplinary research to flourish. Our research environment encompasses all aspects of the research lifecycle, with internal grants and support for external funding and enabling impact/effect that research has beyond academia.  

Swansea University is very proud of our reputation for excellent research, and for the calibre, dedication, professionalism, collaboration and engagement of our research community. We understand that integrity must be an essential characteristic of all aspects of research, and that as a University entrusted with undertaking research we must clearly and consistently demonstrate that the confidence placed in our research community is rightly deserved. The University therefore ensures that everyone engaged in research is trained to the very highest standards of research integrity and conducts themselves and their research in a way that respects the dignity, rights, and welfare of participants, and minimises risks to participants, researchers, third parties, and the University itself.

Postgraduate students in the Department of Engineering will have access to the University’s on-site library, open 24 hours a day, state-of-the-art laboratories, a year-round programme of seminars and talks, advanced computing technology and dedicated postgraduate student work rooms. The Department has developed some of the University’s strongest links with industry at a Wales, UK, and International level, and has established itself as a leader in engineering development, working in partnership with such blue chip companies such as TATA, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, BAE Systems and HP. Students can expect to benefit from close working relationships with industry experts and in many cases, gain valuable experience through industrial placements.

Career Opportunities  

Having a PhD demonstrates that graduates can work effectively in a team, formulate, explore and communicate complex ideas and manage advanced tasks. Jobs in academia (eg postdoctoral research, lecturing), education, government, management, the public or private sector are possible. Examples include administrators, counsellors, marketing specialists, and researchers.

The Postgraduate Research Office Skills Development Team offer support and a training framework for example in creating a researcher profile based upon publications and setting up your own business. The Swansea Employability Academy assists students in future career opportunities, improving CVs, job applications and interview skills.

MPhil Programme Specification

This MPhil in Mechanical Engineering at Swansea will enable you to undertake a substantial project led by your own interests. It is a highly respected qualification which can present a career in academia or a wider scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. A thesis of 60,000 words will be submitted for assessment demonstrating original research with a substantive contribution to the subject area. The Masters is examined following an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination or viva). You will acquire research skills for high-level work and skills and training programmes are available on campus for further support. There will be an opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars and conferences.  

This Masters programme will provide students with: 

• Thesis and viva voce 

The programme comprises of the undertaking of an original research project of 2 years duration full time (4 years duration part time). Students may pursue the programme either full time or part time by pursuing research at the University at an external place of employment or with/at a University approved partner.

Students for the Masters in Mechanical Engineering are examined in two parts.

The first part is a thesis which is an original body of work representing the methods and results of the research project. The maximum word limit is 60,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

Supervision and Support 

Students will be supervised by a supervisory team. Where appropriate, staff from Colleges/Schools other than the ‘home’ Department/School (other Colleges/Schools) within the University will contribute to cognate research areas. There may also be supervisors from an industrial partner.

The Primary/First Supervisor will normally be the main contact throughout the student journey and will have overall responsibility for academic supervision. The academic input of the Secondary Supervisor will vary from case to case. The principal role of the Secondary Supervisor is often as a first port of call if the Primary/First Supervisor becomes unavailable. The supervisory team may also include a supervisor from industry or a specific area of professional practice to support the research. External supervisors may also be drawn from other Universities.

The primary supervisor will provide pastoral support. If necessary the primary supervisor will refer the student to other sources of support (e.g. Wellbeing, Disability, Money Advice, IT, Library, Students’ Union, Academic Services, Student Support Services, Careers Centre).

• Demonstrate the systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge through the development of a written thesis.
• Create, interpret, analyse and develop new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship.  
• Apply process and standards of a range of the methodologies through which research is conducted and knowledge acquired and revised.
• Make informed judgements on complex issues in the field of Mechanical Engineering often in the absence of complete data and defend those judgements to an appropriate audience. 
• Communicate complex research findings clearly, effectively and in an engaging manner to both specialist (including the academic community), and non-specialist audiences using a variety of appropriate media.
• Correctly select, interpret and apply relevant techniques for research and academic enquiry.
• Develop the foundations for on-going research and development within the discipline.
• Implement independent research skills.
• Display the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, including the exercise of personal responsibility and initiative in complex situations.

Progress will be monitored in accordance with Swansea University regulations. During the course of the programme, the student is expected to meet regularly with their supervisors, and at most meetings it is likely that the student’s progress will be monitored in an informal manner in addition to attendance checks. Details of the meetings should ideally be recorded on the on-line system. A minimum of four formal supervision meetings is required each year, two of which will be reported to the Postgraduate Progression and Awards Board. During these supervisory meetings the student’s progress is discussed and formally recorded on the on-line system. 

Learning Development  

Swansea University’s Postgraduate Research Training Framework is structured into sections, to enable students to navigate and determine appropriate courses aligned to both their interest and their candidature stage. 

There is a training framework including for example areas of Managing Information and Data, Presentation and Public Engagement, Leadership and working with others, Safety Integrity and Ethics, Impact and Commercialisation and Teaching and Demonstrating.  There is also range of support in areas such as training needs, literature searching, conducting research, writing up research, teaching, applying for grants and awards, communicating research and future careers.

A range of research seminars and skills development sessions are provided within the Department of Engineering and across the University. These are scheduled to keep the student in touch with a broader range of material than their own research topic, to stimulate ideas in discussion with others, and to give them opportunities to such as defending their own thesis orally, and to identify potential criticisms. Additionally, the Department of Engineering is developing a research culture that will align with the University vision and will link with key initiatives delivered under the auspices of the University’s Academies, for example embedding the HEA fellowship for postgraduate research students.

Research Environment  

Swansea University’s Research Environment combines innovation and excellent facilities to provide a home for multidisciplinary research to flourish. Our research environment encompasses all aspects of the research lifecycle, with internal grants and support for external funding and enabling impact/effect that research has beyond academia. 

Department of Engineering

As a postgraduate student you will have access to our on-site library, open 24 hours a day, state-of-the-art laboratories, a year-round programme of seminars and talks, advanced computing technology and dedicated postgraduate student work rooms.  The Department has developed some of the University’s strongest links with industry at a Wales, UK, and International level, and has established itself as a leader in engineering development, working in partnership with such blue chip companies such as TATA, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, BAE Systems and HP. As a student you can expect to benefit from close working relationships with industry experts and in many cases, gain valuable experience through industrial placements.

Career Opportunities

Having a Master of Philosophy degree shows that you can communicate your ideas and manage tasks. Jobs in academia, education, government, management, the public or private sector are possible. 

School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering

• Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Postgraduate study

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is internationally renowned for its high-quality research. The expertise of our staff covers a wide range of specialist areas and our mission is to carry out research in fundamental science through to practical industrial applications.

The department was rated in the top five in the UK for Research Excellence in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).

Our research looks at some of today’s most challenging issues such as renewable energy, alternative fuels, strong and lightweight aerospace materials, advanced manufacturing and the mechanics of the human body.

Much of the research undertaken by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is carried out by our postgraduate students as part of their PhD programmes. The department's current postgraduate research students are working on a wide range of projects, and they are vital to our success in research.

Our students come from both the UK and overseas and typically have a first degree in engineering, or a related subject such as physics or mathematics.

Research activities in Mechanical Engineering are divided into six main themes, which together encompass the wide range of research undertaken in the department:

• Biomechanics
• Manufacturing & Structural Integrity
• Tribology & Rail
• Thermofluids

The department includes a number of internationally renowned research centres which draw together research on a common theme and work to promote high profile research.

How to study

There are a number of different avenues to explore if a PhD sounds interesting to you. A number of studentships are provided to academics within the department, so it’s always worth asking what’s currently available.

Some larger research grants provide extra support for PhD positions, in which case your PhD would directly feed into the overall outcomes of the project, and in some cases, industrial companies will pay for you to do a PhD in their strategic areas.

Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) are one of the main ways by which EPSRC provides support for Doctoral Training to address skill shortages in UK priority areas.

An Engineering Doctorate is similar to a PhD, but over a longer period of time, and includes a close relationship with an industrial sponsor and a variety of formal training specific to your project.

EPSRC-funded centres bring together diverse areas of expertise to train engineers and scientists with the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle today’s evolving issues, and future challenges, by creating new working cultures, building relationships between teams in universities and forging lasting links with industry.

As well as providing a supportive and exciting environment for students the technical programme is supplemented by a transferable skills training programme offering students a variety of personal and professional development opportunities.

Whichever route you decide on, you will be part of a vibrant research community within the department and the University and will have access to world-class training and facilities. If you need help deciding on the best option for you, try speaking to academics working in the areas you’re most interested in and see what’s on offer.

Supervision

Each student is allocated an appropriate research supervisor, who will manage the research programme and give help and advice on a regular basis. Initially, students are admitted onto a MPhil degree and after one year their work is assessed, in most cases allowing the student to upgrade to a PhD.

It normally takes three years of full-time study to complete a PhD, although students can choose to study on a part-time basis. Joint PhD study with another institution is also possible.

Not only do our students achieve a high level of expertise in their chosen field, but they also gain a wide range of generic skills, from modelling techniques and advanced software skills, through to project management and entrepreneurial skills.

During that time students develop their own research profiles, attend conferences and publish research papers. Examination is by submission of a thesis and oral viva.

Doctoral Development Programme (DDP)

While students undertake their PhD studies they also carry out a programme of personal development through the Doctoral Development Programme (DDP). The DDP is tailored to a student's individual needs and helps them progress through their research studies by identifying existing skills and providing opportunities to acquire new skills and experience.

As part of the DDP, each student is given a training plan, reflecting four key areas:

• Generic skills needed to become a high-level professional
• Subject-specific advanced training
• Subject-specific craft skills
• Broad scholarship and wider engagement within the full community of scholars (eg networking, dissemination of knowledge, conferences, demonstrating impact and public value of research)

Related information

How to apply

Funding and scholarships

Search for PhD opportunities at Sheffield and be part of our world-leading research.

We have 554 Mechanical Engineering PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

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Mechanical Engineering PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

Design and implementation of a self-sealing specimen chamber to allow shock loading of hazardous materials, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Advanced methods for deployment and analysis of Pressure Sensitive Paint

The next generation of irradiation and corrosion resistant steels for fusion reactor, competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

PhD Studentship in Battery Fire Safety

Phd studentship in development of fea models for estimating fatigue life of high performance running shoes, advanced microstructure characterisation of fusion structural materials subject to simultaneous creep and irradiation, funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Analysis and Mitigation of Railway Noise, Vibration and Wheel/Rail Roughness

Investigation of neutraliser-free air-breathing plasma thruster, competition funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project is one of a number of projects at this institution. It is in competition for funding with one or more of these projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding. The funding is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Investigation of non-thermal plasma for CO2 conversion in Space In-situ Resource Utilisation

Modelling and numerical simulation of fuel combustion in a blast tube, advancing water treatment using additive manufacturing technologies, developing advanced machine learning model for an additively manufactured soft robotic hand: achieving human-like dexterity, cfd analysis and experimental investigation of microplastic transport and removal in anaerobic baffle reactors, efficient in silico trials for bone diseases, project title simulation of acoustic emission from heavily loaded mixed-elastohydrodynamic contacts.

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Mechanical Engineering

Postgraduate Research

• MechEng Summer Session 2024: PhD Posters
• Research Scholarships

Outstanding science, strong industrial engagement, and tangible impact are all hallmarks of our PhD programme and of our research culture.

PhD programme overview

• A PhD/MPhil programme is normally three years full time, plus up to one year for writing.
• Part-time registration over a longer period is also possible.
• You are expected to produce a significant contribution to the development and understanding of a specific field within mechanical engineering.
• Skills training will be included during the period of research
• PhD students leaving the department are in great demand by industry.

Research areas at UCL Mechanical Engineering

There are over 140 graduate students and research assistants engaged in research leading to the MPhil/PhD degrees at UCL Mechanical Engineering

Our wide-ranging research is grouped into four main areas.

• Biomechanical 
• Energy and the Environment
• Materials, Structures and Manufacturing

Supervisors and collaborators

Our people page allows you to easily find academic researchers working in areas in which you might want to do further study. There, you will also find our research students and what they are working on.

Current funded PhD opportunities

Our vacancies and studentships page lists current funded PhD studentship opportunities at UCL Mechanical Engineering.

Research scholarships

Our scholarships page outlines UCL's scholarships for outstanding scholars to undertake doctoral research in mechanical engineering at UCL.

Ready for the next step?

Find out more and apply

Current Funded PhD Projects

Apply for current funded PhD positions:

• E-Fuels for Low Emission Gas Turbine Combustors  
• Visual system vulnerability in dementia: from detection to determinants  
• Novel Topologies and Technologies for Advanced Reluctance Machines  
• Development of High-Power-Density Non-Rare-Earth Magnet Machine for Modern Propulsion System  
• Accelerated Prediction of Surface Reactions in Catalysts for H Generation Using Machine Learning and Coarse-Graining Methods

• Schools & departments

Engineering PhD, MPhil

Awards: PhD, MPhil

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Engineering

Introduction to Postgraduate Study at the University of Edinburgh

Join us online on 25 September to learn more about Scotland, the city of Edinburgh and postgraduate study at the University.

Find out more and register

Research profile

A research degree from Edinburgh is your chance to connect with internationally renowned researchers and innovators and to experience one of Europe's leading universities in one of the world’s most iconic cities. We carry out world-class research and provide high quality training in research skills.

We ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for the quality and breadth of our research for Engineering in the UK-wide Research Excellence Framework exercise in 2021, as part of a joint submission with Heriot-Watt University. The exercise also classified 96% of our research activity as world-leading and international-level.

Our world-leading research is conducted through our Research Institutes. This enables us to span across and connect between our core disciplines of Chemical Engineering , Mechanical Engineering , Civil & Environmental Engineering , and Electronics & Electrical Engineering .

Our seven research institutes are:

Institute of Bioengineering (IBioE)

Institute for Digital Communications (IDCOM)

Institute for Energy Systems (IES)

Institute for Infrastructure & the Environment (IIE)

Institute for Integrated Micro & Nano Systems (IMNS)

Institute for Materials and Processes (IMP)

Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids (IMT)

Training and support

You will carry out independent research resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area, guided by your supervisor. You will submit a thesis and defend it in an assessed oral exam.

Alongside this research, all our researchers are offered training that is an integral part of our research degrees. You will gain skills that will serve you for the rest of your life, making you a more confident and knowledgeable person, and equipping you in both technical and soft skills.

This training includes our induction days, annual research conference, and a residential training in the Scottish Highlands. These are combined with a range of targeted training on topics such as research methods, analytical skills, technical writing, communication, project management, and networking. Our PhD researchers are expected to present their research at conferences and in international journal papers during the course of their programme.

We have an active research community. PhD, MPhil and MScR students present at and attend research seminars in their research institutes, alongside talks by visiting speakers. Our Engineering Graduate Society organises networking and training events across the School.

You can find additional information on our training and support below. This includes a link to the current handbook for postgraduate research students in the School of Engineering.

• Additional Information for postgraduate research students

We have a very wide range of high-quality engineering facilities, including specialised test laboratories, fabrication workshops, and computing resources. Information on these facilities can be found on our research web pages.

• Research at the School of Engineering

Career opportunities

Our graduates are amongst the most highly sought-after candidates for academic, commercial or consulting positions, entering careers around the world.

The majority of our research graduates enter the engineering profession in a wide range of fields, including automotive, bioengineering, communications, medical imaging, engineering consultancy, fire safety, renewable energy, chemical processing, oil and gas, fast moving consumable goods, high-technology and the semiconductor industry.

Other graduates from our PhD programme continue to further research including postdoctoral fellowships, lecturing roles and research contracts in universities and research institutes.

Additional information for postgraduate research students

Please read our additional information on a research degree in Engineering:

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in an appropriate subject, or relevant qualifications and experience.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you are not an EU , EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

Fees and costs

Additional programme costs.

In addition to tuition fees, your programme may be subject to additional programme costs. These are typically:

• £1200 per annum for a full-time desk-based PhD research project
• £600 per annum for a part-time desk-based PhD research project
• £1000 for a full-time MPhil project
• £500 for part-time MPhil project

However, for lab-based projects or those that require specialised equipment or software, these costs may be higher.

This should be discussed with the Engineering Graduate School on application.

Tuition fees

Scholarships and funding

Featured funding.

• Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship
• China Scholarships Council/University of Edinburgh Scholarships
• Carnegie PhD Scholarships

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Graduate School Administrator.
• Phone: +44 (0)131 651 7213/9023
• Contact: [email protected]
• Graduate School of Engineering
• Sanderson Building
• The King's Buildings Campus
• Programme: Engineering
• School: Engineering
• College: Science & Engineering

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Engineering - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd engineering - 6 years (part-time), mphil engineering - 2 years (full-time), mphil engineering - 4 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

References must be dated within the last year, signed and on letterheaded paper.

• Reference guidance

Before you apply

We strongly recommend applicants find an academic that they are interested in working with before applying and contact them to discuss their research ideas. This initial contact can help when writing a research proposal and the application process.

See our website for a list of School research academics. Please be sure to include the name of your proposed supervisor in your online application.

• Academic Staff at the School of Engineering

Research proposal

When applying, applicants must provide a research proposal, even if for an advertised project. This helps evaluate your writing skills and research ideas and can help with both assessing your suitability for a research degree and whether we can offer supervision.

It should be no more than 2 x A4 pages and should indicate what areas of research interest you and the nature of the work you wish to undertake (experimental/theoretical/simulation).

• Research proposal guidance

CV and publications

When applying please provide a curriculum vitae and, if applicable, a list of your publications. If you have publications please provide your Researcher ID, ORCID ID, SCOPUS or Google Scholar address.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

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Department of Mechanical Engineering

We apply fundamental knowledge and skills to create innovative, world-changing technologies that typically involve objects and systems in motion. Our academics work at the forefront of research, enterprise and education. We have particular strengths in bioengineering, energy systems, materials, mechatronics and tribology.

Bronze Athena SWAN Award

We're recognised for our ongoing commitment to addressing gender inequality

Research excellence

Engineering is ranked 4th in the UK for research power and grade point average

Source: Research Excellence Framework 2021

Education: Ranked UK top 10 and world top 100 for mechanical engineering

Source: QS World Rankings by Subject 2023

Equality, diversity and inclusion

About the department of mechanical engineering.

We are an inclusive and friendly mechanical engineering department, and a leading international centre for research and teaching.

Southampton is consistently ranked amongst the top UK universities. Our scientists, engineers and their research are among the most influential in the world.

We carry out research across a range of groups and centres. Our work covers diverse topics, from energy generation to robots, engines to artificial hips, nanomechanics to control systems, sensors to composite materials, energy storage to tribology.

Our research has impact across industry and society. It also feeds into our undergraduate and postgraduate course content, meaning students benefit from the latest knowledge.

Our work is supported by advanced facilities such as:

• μ-VIS X-Ray Imaging Centre
• Testing and Structures Research Laboratory
• Engineering Design and Manufacturing Centre
• Bioengineering Laboratory
• Cryogenics Facilities

Our courses have a strong focus on applying fundamental physics and engineering by design, fabrication and 'learning by doing'. They incorporate all the classical aspects of mechanical engineering while encompassing modern interdisciplinary topics.

The School of Engineering is committed to building a positive environment that allows all staff to achieve their potential and share in the school's success.

The School has held an Athena SWAN Bronze award since 2013. The Athena SWAN Charter is a global framework used to promote inclusive working practices and transform gender equality within higher education and research.

Engineering's EDI initiatives include:

• a dedicated fund to help staff cover additional care costs incurred by attending out-of-hours events such as open days
• outreach events inspiring girls to consider science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and careers
• guidelines that discourage the holding of meetings before 10am and after 4pm, to help those with caring responsibilities

The School has its own EDI committee, and sit on the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences' EDI and Athena SWAN forums. This allows colleagues to share best practice across the faculty and the University.

• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate taught
• Research degrees
• BEng Mechanical Engineering
• MEng Mechanical Engineering
• MEng Mechanical Engineering / Acoustical Engineering
• MEng Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering
• MEng Mechanical Engineering / Automotive Engineering
• MEng Mechanical Engineering / Biomedical Engineering
• MSc Computational Engineering Design (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science)
• MSc Engineering Materials (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science)
• MSc Mechatronics (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science)
• MSc Propulsion and Engine Systems Engineering (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science)

Contribute to the field of research in mechanical engineering by completing a PhD with us .

Explore research across the School of Engineering, including the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s 5 research groups.

Engineering research

Learn more about the work and impact of the University’s 4 engineering departments. Browse projects, publications and staff profiles.

Our research community

We carry out research across 5 research groups. These bring together specialists to share knowledge and solve problems.

• Bioengineering Group
• Energy Technology Group
• Engineering Materials and Surface Engineering Group
• Mechatronics
• national Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS)

Mechanical Engineering is a vibrant and friendly department with integrated research, enterprise and learning communities.

The advent of new manufacturing and digital technologies offer an opportunity to reconfigure the landscape of advanced alloys. Our research aims at combining fundamental modelling and advanced characterisation to conceive the next generation of sustainable alloys

Mechanical engineering tackles today’s key challenges, from climate change to healthcare. Our students gain practical problem-solving skills across a wide range of specialisations, guided by the latest research. Emphasising design and teamwork, we empower students to envision and implement innovative solutions for a better world.

Work with us

Jobs at Southampton

Find out about current job opportunities in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and across the University.

Get in touch, we're happy to help

Useful links.

• Main University contact details
• School of Engineering news and events
• Course modules
• Acoustical engineering
• Biomedical and medical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Every day I’m completely immersed in an environment that’s creative in all aspects
• Everything I learn feels so relevant, even If it’s a subject rooted in the past
• Maritime engineering
• Photonics and optoelectronics
• Social statistics and demography
• A missing link between continental shelves and the deep sea: Have we underestimated the importance of land-detached canyons?
• A seismic study of the continent-ocean transition southwest of the UK
• A study of rolling contact fatigue in electric vehicles (EVs)
• Acoustic monitoring of forest exploitation to establish community perspectives of sustainable hunting
• Acoustic sensing and characterisation of soil organic matter
• Advancing intersectional geographies of diaspora-led development in times of multiple crises
• Aero engine fan wake turbulence – Simulation and wind tunnel experiments
• Against Climate Change (DACC): improving the estimates of forest fire smoke emissions
• All-in-one Mars in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) system and life-supporting using non-thermal plasma
• An electromagnetic study of the continent-ocean transition southwest of the UK
• An investigation of the relationship between health, home and law in the context of poor and precarious housing, and complex and advanced illness
• Antibiotic resistance genes in chalk streams
• Being autistic in care: Understanding differences in care experiences including breakdowns in placements for autistic and non-autistic children
• Biogeochemical cycling in the critical coastal zone: Developing novel methods to make reliable measurements of geochemical fluxes in permeable sediments
• Bloom and bust: seasonal cycles of phytoplankton and carbon flux
• British Black Lives Matter: The emergence of a modern civil rights movement
• Building physics for low carbon comfort using artificial intelligence
• Building-resolved large-eddy simulations of wind and dispersion over a city scale urban area
• Business studies and management: accounting
• Business studies and management: banking and finance
• Business studies and management: decision analytics and risk
• Business studies and management: digital and data driven marketing
• Business studies and management: human resources (HR) management and organisational behaviour
• Business studies and management: strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship
• Carbon storage in reactive rock systems: determining the coupling of geo-chemo-mechanical processes in reactive transport
• Cascading hazards from the largest volcanic eruption in over a century: What happened when Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai erupted in January 2022?
• Characterisation of cast austenitic stainless steels using ultrasonic backscatter and artificial intelligence
• Climate Change effects on the developmental physiology of the small-spotted catshark
• Climate at the time of the Human settlement of the Eastern Pacific
• Collaborative privacy in data marketplaces
• Compatibility of climate and biodiversity targets under future land use change
• Cost of living in modern and fossil animals
• Creative clusters in rural, coastal and post-industrial towns
• Deep oceanic convection: the outsized role of small-scale processes
• Defect categories and their realisation in supersymmetric gauge theory
• Defining the Marine Fisheries-Energy-Environment Nexus: Learning from shocks to enhance natural resource resilience
• Design and fabrication of next generation optical fibres
• Developing a practical application of unmanned aerial vehicle technologies for conservation research and monitoring of endangered wildlife
• Development and evolution of animal biomineral skeletons
• Development of all-in-one in-situ resource utilisation system for crewed Mars exploration missions
• Ecological role of offshore artificial structures
• Effect of embankment and subgrade weathering on railway track performance
• Efficient ‘whole-life’ anchoring systems for offshore floating renewables
• Electrochemical sensing of the sea surface microlayer
• Engagement with nature among children from minority ethnic backgrounds
• Enhancing UAV manoeuvres and control using distributed sensor arrays
• Ensuring the Safety and Security of Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems
• Environmental and genetic determinants of Brassica crop damage by the agricultural pest Diamondback moth
• Estimating marine mammal abundance and distribution from passive acoustic and biotelemetry data
• Evolution of symbiosis in a warmer world
• Examining evolutionary loss of calcification in coccolithophores
• Explainable AI (XAI) for health
• Explaining process, pattern and dynamics of marine predator hotspots in the Southern Ocean
• Exploring dynamics of natural capital in coastal barrier systems
• Exploring the mechanisms of microplastics incorporation and their influence on the functioning of coral holobionts
• Exploring the potential electrical activity of gut for healthcare and wellbeing
• Exploring the trans-local nature of cultural scene
• Facilitating forest restoration sustainability of tropical swidden agriculture
• Faulting, fluids and geohazards within subduction zone forearcs
• Faulting, magmatism and fluid flow during volcanic rifting in East Africa
• Fingerprinting environmental releases from nuclear facilities
• Flexible hybrid thermoelectric materials for wearable energy harvesting
• Floating hydrokinetic power converter
• Glacial sedimentology associated subglacial hydrology
• Green and sustainable Internet of Things
• How do antimicrobial peptides alter T cell cytokine production?
• How do calcifying marine organisms grow? Determining the role of non-classical precipitation processes in biogenic marine calcite formation
• How do neutrophils alter T cell metabolism?
• How well can we predict future changes in biodiversity using machine learning?
• Hydrant dynamics for acoustic leak detection in water pipes
• If ‘Black Lives Matter’, do ‘Asian Lives Matter’ too? Impact trajectories of organisation activism on wellbeing of ethnic minority communities
• Illuminating luciferin bioluminescence in dinoflagellates
• Imaging quantum materials with an XFEL
• Impact of neuromodulating drugs on gut microbiome homeostasis
• Impact of pharmaceuticals in the marine environment in a changing world
• Impacts of environmental change on coastal habitat restoration
• Improving subsea navigation using environment observations for long term autonomy
• Information theoretic methods for sensor management
• Installation effect on the noise of small high speed fans
• Integrated earth observation mapping change land sea
• Interconnections of past greenhouse climates
• Investigating IgG cell depletion mechanisms
• Is ocean mixing upside down? How mixing processes drive upwelling in a deep-ocean basin
• Landing gear aerodynamics and aeroacoustics
• Lightweight gas storage: real-world strategies for the hydrogen economy
• Long-term change in the benthos – creating robust data from varying camera systems
• Machine learning for multi-robot perception
• Marine ecosystem responses to past climate change and its oceanographic impacts
• Mechanical effects in the surf zone - in situ electrochemical sensing
• Microfluidic cell isolation systems for sepsis
• Migrant entrepreneurship, gender and generation: context and family dynamics in small town Britain
• Miniaturisation in fishes: evolutionary and ecological perspectives
• Modelling high-power fibre laser and amplifier stability
• Modelling soil dewatering and recharge for cost-effective and climate resilient infrastructure
• Modelling the evolution of adaptive responses to climate change across spatial landscapes
• Nanomaterials sensors for biomedicine and/or the environment
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• New perspectives on ocean photosynthesis
• Novel methods of detecting carbon cycling pathways in lakes and their impact on ecosystem change
• Novel technologies for cyber-physical security
• Novel transparent conducting films with unusual optoelectronic properties
• Novel wavelength fibre lasers for industrial applications
• Ocean circulation and the Southern Ocean carbon sink
• Ocean influence on recent climate extremes
• Ocean methane sensing using novel surface plasmon resonance technology
• Ocean physics and ecology: can robots disentangle the mix?
• Ocean-based Carbon Dioxide Removal: Assessing the utility of coastal enhanced weathering
• Offshore renewable energy (ORE) foundations on rock seabeds: advancing design through analogue testing and modelling
• Optical fibre sensing for acoustic leak detection in buried pipelines
• Optimal energy transfer in nonlinear systems
• Optimizing machine learning for embedded systems
• Oxidation of fossil organic matter as a source of atmospheric CO2
• Partnership dissolution and re-formation in later life among individuals from minority ethnic communities in the UK
• Personalized multimodal human-robot interactions
• Preventing disease by enhancing the cleaning power of domestic water taps using sound
• Quantifying riparian vegetation dynamics and flow interactions for Nature Based Solutions using novel environmental sensing techniques
• Quantifying the response and sensitivity of tropical forest carbon sinks to various drivers
• Quantifying variability in phytoplankton electron requirements for carbon fixation
• Resilient and sustainable steel-framed building structures
• Resolving Antarctic meltwater events in Southern Ocean marine sediments and exploring their significance using climate models
• Robust acoustic leak detection in water pipes using contact sound guides
• Silicon synapses for artificial intelligence hardware
• Smart photon delivery via reconfigurable optical fibres
• The Gulf Stream control of the North Atlantic carbon sink
• The Mayflower Studentship: a prestigious fully funded PhD studentship in bioscience
• The calming effect of group living in social fishes
• The duration of ridge flank hydrothermal exchange and its role in global biogeochemical cycles
• The evolution of symmetry in echinoderms
• The impact of early life stress on neuronal enhancer function
• The oceanic fingerprints on changing monsoons over South and Southeast Asia
• The role of iron in nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis in changing polar oceans
• The role of singlet oxygen signaling in plant responses to heat and drought stress
• Time variability on turbulent mixing of heat around melting ice in the West Antarctic
• Triggers and Feedbacks of Climate Tipping Points
• Uncovering the drivers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression using patient derived organoids
• Understanding recent land-use change in Snowdonia to plan a sustainable future for uplands: integrating palaeoecology and conservation practice
• Understanding the role of cell motility in resource acquisition by marine phytoplankton
• Understanding the structure and engagement of personal networks that support older people with complex care needs in marginalised communities and their ability to adapt to increasingly ‘digitalised’ health and social care
• Unpicking the Anthropocene in the Hawaiian Archipelago
• Unraveling oceanic multi-element cycles using single cell ionomics
• Unravelling southwest Indian Ocean biological productivity and physics: a machine learning approach
• Using acoustics to monitor how small cracks develop into bursts in pipelines
• Using machine learning to improve predictions of ocean carbon storage by marine life
• Vulnerability of low-lying coastal transportation networks to natural hazards
• Wideband fibre optical parametric amplifiers for Space Division Multiplexing technology
• Will it stick? Exploring the role of turbulence and biological glues on ocean carbon storage
• X-ray imaging and property characterisation of porous materials
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PhD in Engineering

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The University of Cambridge Department of Engineering is one of the leading centres of engineering in the world, renowned for both its teaching and its research. Since its foundation in 1875, it has grown to become the largest department in the University, and the largest integrated engineering department in the UK, with approximately 150 faculty, 260 contract research staff and research fellows, 900 postgraduate students, and 1,200 undergraduates.

By the end of the PhD, students are expected to have produced original work making a significant contribution to knowledge in the field of engineering. At the same time, the Department expects that students will leave with the wider skills necessary to be successful in either an academic or a non-academic career.

The Department of Engineering offers PhD studies in a wide variety of subjects.  The Department is broadly divided into six Research Divisions, the strategic aims of which are broadly described below:

Energy, Fluid Mechanics and Turbomachinery

Building on research in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics to develop a systems view of energy generation and utilisation, particularly in the ground and air transport, to mitigate environmental impact. This Division's research focus includes acoustics, aerodynamics, combustion, energy use and generation, fluid mechanics and turbomachinery.

Electrical Engineering

Pursuing fundamental electrical, electronic and photonic research at the material, device and system levels with a focus on creating integrated solutions in the fields of nanotechnology, sensing, energy generation, energy conversion, displays and communications. The research in this division covers all aspects of electrical engineering from the nano-scale to heavy-duty power applications.

Mechanics, Materials and Design

Extending fundamental and applied research in mechanics, materials, bio-mechanics and design, exploiting cross-disciplinary partnerships across the University; and building on existing strengths to develop excellence in bioengineering and healthcare systems research.

Civil Engineering

Advancing the mechanics of civil and structural engineering systems within the broader context of the design, construction and operation of sustainable infrastructure and the stewardship of Earth's resources and environment.

Manufacturing and Management

Developing a new understanding of manufacturing technology, operations, strategy and policy, in close partnership with industry, in order to improve industrial performance.

Information Engineering

Developing fundamental theory and applications relating to the generation, distribution, analysis and use of information in engineering and biological systems.

It is not necessary to have a Master's degree to gain entry to the PhD; applicants can apply on the basis of their undergraduate degree (subject to international students meeting the minimum criteria for postgraduate entry to the University). Students applying with a taught Master's degree from Cambridge are expected to have achieved a mark of at least 70% overall on their programme.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of engineering, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Michaelmas 2024 (Closed)

Funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• Engineering MPhil
• Construction Engineering MSt
• Nuclear Energy MPhil
• Biotechnology PhD
• Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology MPhil

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Mechanical engineering careers guide

• Find a graduate scheme

If you're a graduate mechanical engineer in the UK looking for work experience in the industry, a company graduate scheme can improve your career prospects.

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Graduate schemes and internships are a fantastic way to begin your engineering career. You’ll receive all the training and support you need and you’re likely to progress quickly. Often, you get the chance to work across different parts of the company so you can find out which areas of work you’re best suited to.

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Find out more about our services aimed at graduates , such as opportunities we offer, how to keep your skills up to date, events and training and our Young Members network.

We produce a list of Accredited in-company training schemes that operate under our Monitored Professional Development Scheme (MPDS) .

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Mechanical and Systems Engineering MPhil, PhD

The Mechanical and Systems Engineering MPhil and PhD allow you to deepen your theoretical understanding of your chosen topic but also improve your technical skills and analytical capabilities.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

• September 2024
• January 2025

Research degrees are offered through four research groups:

• bioengineering
• fluid dynamics and thermal systems
• design, manufacture and materials
• future mobility

By pursuing research in the School of Engineering you will join a successful research group. Our mission is to foster, promote and conduct research of international quality. We attract high-quality graduates and researchers and train them to international standards.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

Qualifications explained.

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

How you'll learn

Off-campus study may be available in some circumstances. This is particularly if you have industrial sponsorship. Our programme includes:

• intensive subject-specific supervision
• training in research methodologies and core skills

You may also have an opportunity to:

• undertake paid laboratory demonstrations
• do tutoring to gain teaching experience

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

The following subject group pages outline our specialist research areas:

Bioengineering

• Design, Manufacture and Materials
• Fluid Dynamics and Thermal Systems

 You'll be able to:

• explore possible research programmes
• find out more about staff working in these research areas
• identify a potential research supervisor

Your development

The School of Engineering runs a postgraduate training programme. It is compulsory for all new students and involves selected taught modules. You'll receive research training from the Science, Agriculture and Engineering Graduate School. This covers professional/key skills, personal development and research techniques.

You may supplement your income by leading laboratory demonstrations and tutorial classes.

Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development programme 

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact

Through workshops and activities, you'll build your transferable skills and increase your confidence. Here you’ll cover:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements

Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within:

• a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
• a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits. They combine research expertise and training of many leading universities and academic schools. You’ll study alongside a cohort of other interdisciplinary PhD students.

PhD's are usually funded. You’ll find funding opportunities in the fees and funding section of each PhD course page.

• EPSRC Aura Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind Energy and the Environment
• IAPETUS2 Doctoral Training Partnership

Your future

Our careers service.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

Depending on your research area you will have access to the following facilities.

You have access to dedicated biomaterials, biotribology and co-ordinate measuring machine labs.

Design, manufacture and materials

You have access to facilities for:

• materials testing and failure analysis
• product development and mechanical testing
• pultrusion, filament winding, resin infusion and vacuum bag moulding
• selective laser sintering and fused deposition modelling
• full-scale rail vehicle and track investigations at NewRail's regional office and working railway centre, Barrow Hill
• dedicated labs for both 3D printing and biofabrication
• micro machining

Fluid dynamics and thermal systems

Facilities include:

• high performance computing facilities
• water tunnel and wind tunnel
• particle image velocimetry (PIV)
• hot wire anemometry facilities
• IC engine test bench
• high pressure and high temperature combustion vessel

Future mobility

A full-scale test site at Barrow Hill in the UK for experimenting and instrumenting. The facility offers:

• a Class 37 loco
• track and testing facilities for wear, fatigue and chemical and bio-chemical analysis of low adhesion leaf films
• a fully equipped workshop

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year), home fees for research degree students.

For 2024-25 entry, we have aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee was confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI.

For 2025-26 entry, we will be aligning our standard  Home research fees  with those set by  UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2025 by UKRI.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

• How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

• Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Postgraduate Research Administrator School of Engineering Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 5634 Email:  [email protected]  

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Receive regular updates by email

Chat to a student

Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.

Social media

Get involved with the School of Engineering social media. 

• How You'll Learn
• Your Development
• Your Future
• Quality and Ranking
• Fees and Funding
• Entry Requirements
• Open days & events

Imperial College London Imperial College London

Latest news.

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PRESTIGE-AF Escape Room returns to STEM Futures

Three Imperial researchers have won prestigious Royal Society awards

• Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Faculty of Engineering
• Departments, institutes and centres

How to apply

Information about applying for a phd.

When you are applying for a PhD in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, please ensure you follow the process outlined on this page and on the College’s advice on how to apply page. This will ensure that we can process your application as efficiently as possible.

It is a good idea to ensure you allow plenty of time to submit your PhD application and for it to be processed, particularly if you are also applying for funding, such as scholarships.

The application process is outlined below. You can also download flow charts which show the typical proccess:

• Flow chart - contacting a supervisor with a research proposal
• Flow chart - applying to a supervisor for an advertised studentship

Students who are interested in applying to a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) should follow the application process for the relevant CDT as detailed on the CDT’s website, as the process may be different from that detailed below.

More information on the PhD application process

Application process.

• Check you meet the College’s entry requirements. 
• Review the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s website to work out if you are going to apply for an advertised studentship, contact a research group, or apply to a Centre for Doctoral Training; or if you are going to propose a research project of your own to a potential supervisor. 
• It is essential that you contact the relevant member(s) of academic staff to discuss the project you are interested in, and to discuss eligibility and funding, before you submit your formal application to the College. Unfortunately, we are not able to process applications which do not have the support of a prospective supervisor, who should be clearly named in the application. 
• Once your potential supervisor has agreed to support your PhD application, you should formally apply for a PhD position by submitting your application form online.

What happens next?

• Your application will then be vetted and reviewed by the Registry and the Department. If successful, you will receive an offer via your e-service account. This offer will include conditions (e.g. ATAS clearance, English Language requirements, etc.) which need to be met. 
• You will receive a welcome email from the Department which will give you instructions on how to accept your offer. 
• Once all the conditions of your offer are met, you will be able to register online and then all you need to do is arrive on your official start date. Please note, you won’t be able to register online until all your conditions are met and this can have an impact on your start date.

Key information for when applying

Please remember to:

• Check you meet the eligibility and English Language requirements
• Discuss your potential PhD with a prospective supervisor before applying and gain their support
• State clearly on your application form who is your potential supervisor;
• Submit your application form online

Useful links 

• Frequently asked questions  
• Advice on How to apply
• Find out more about Postgraduate Study at Imperial College London

Key information

Entry requirements.

• We usually require applicants to hold a 2:1 or 1st (or equivalent) at undergraduate level and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics, Materials Science, Mathematics, or other relevant science/ engineering subjects. Please contact the Postgraduate Administrator  for further information, or if you have queries about entry requirements. 
• We look for enthusiastic and self-motivated applicants, and value  your excellent communications and team-work skills, and strong work ethics.

English Language requirements

• Students are required to achieve the College’s Standard level of attainment in English language before registration. Find out more on the English language requirements page.