MPhil and PhD - Mechanical Engineering

The MPhil and PhD programmes combine taught research training and applied research practice. Candidates join the Department as a member of the Research Centre in which they initially have a broad research interest and that will have overseen their acceptance into the Department.

Most research students who ‘do a PhD’ register in the first instance as probationer for the degree of PhD. Confirmation of PhD registration is subject to your passing an assessment process, which normally involves submission of written work and an oral examination.

Candidates are expected to carry out supervised research at the leading edge of their chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis.

The final stage of the PhD degree is the oral or viva voce examination, in which students are required to defend the thesis to a Board of Examiners.

First or good second class honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate engineering, science or mathematics subject.

International students

See the International students website for details of entry requirements based on qualifications from your country.

All non-native speakers of English are required to have passed English language tests as follows:

• Either IELTS: a score of at least 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all four parts (Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing)
• Or TOEFL: 580 (paper-based test) or 237 (computer-based test) with a score of not less than 4 in TWE or 100 (internet-based test) with not less than 24 in each of the components
• Or PTE Academic: minimum of 62 and no less than 59 in any component

If you need to develop your English language skills, the University’s English Language Centre offers a number of courses.

The research proposal

You must make contact with a potential supervisor before applying. A potential supervisor should be able to provide advice on the preparation of a research proposal and reassure that your research area is viable. Contact details for our academic staff can be found on the Department website.

Application process

To apply for an MPhil or PhD in the Department of Mechanical Engineering you must complete our online application. You will be required to register for the online application system, after which you will receive a username and password to log-in to your application.

Indicate on the form what cohort you wish to join (October, January, April, July).

If you supply contact details (including email) for your referee we will contact them automatically for a reference.

Documents to upload with your application

• Copies of your transcripts and certificates. If you have not completed your studies please provide copies of the transcripts you have to date.
• A full academic CV (maximum 2 pages). This must include all schools, colleges and universities attended, along with all grades and other verifiable evidence of academic ability and achievement, plus any working experience
• Research summary document containing the following:
  • The names of two academic staff that you think might be appropriate doctoral supervisors for your research interests;
  • an additional statement up to 200 words of why you want to study for a PhD;
  • a statement of whether or not you are also applying to us for funding, and if you are, statements of (i) exactly which funding you are applying for, and of (ii) why you consider an award of funding should be granted to you (in no more than 100 words).
• Copies of IELTS or TOEFL or PTE Academic results (for non-native speakers of English). These should have been taken within two years of your chosen start date. These can be uploaded later if you are waiting for results or have not taken the test yet

You will be required to produce the originals of all documents at registration (transcripts/degree certificates/IELTS or TOEFL or PTE Academic results).

Applications are processed as quickly as possible.

Please be aware that we experience peak times for admissions so an early application is advisable. Your application will not be considered until we have received an academic reference, copies of your transcripts, your CV and your research summary document.