Learning
- Doctoral skills online
- Doctoral skills workshop
- Research project
- Supervisory team
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)
Programme structure
Most students complete this programme in 6 years. You cannot take less than 3 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 6 years.
You will start this programme in October.
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
- Induction
- Candidature
- Confirmation
- Research
- Writing up
- Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
- Submission for examination
- Examination (Viva Voce)
- Examiners report
- Final submission of thesis / portfolio
- Graduation
Programme content
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.
Assessment
Assessment methods
- Thesis
- Viva Voce
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.
References
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
Fees
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.
How to pay
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.
Application information
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Programme titleMechanical Engineering PhD
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Final awardPhD
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Mode of studyPart-time
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Course codeREME-APM02
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Department
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Related departments
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LocationUniversity of Bath
Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY -
Application deadline
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).
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Regulator
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
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