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Mechanical Engineering PhD

Most students complete this programme in 6 years part-time

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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, Units and groups.

Find out more about our research

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 may start this programme at any time. Most students start in September.

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

  1. Registration
  2. Induction
  3. Candidature
  4. Confirmation
  5. Research
  6. Writing up
  7. Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
  8. Submission for examination
  9. Examination (Viva Voce)
  10. Examiners report
  11. Final submission of thesis / portfolio
  12. Graduation

Programme content

Learning

  • 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

Assessment methods

  • Thesis

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, Island or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

These fees are for the academic years stated only. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.

Home and Island students

Tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23

£2,300

Overseas students

Tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23

£12,700

Legal information

You should budget for an increase of up to 5% each year for every further year of study; we will not increase your fees each year by more than this percentage and the amount will be set out on our fee page in December for the following academic year.

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.

Paying your tuition fees

Application information

  • Programme title
    Mechanical Engineering PhD
  • Final award
    PhD
  • Mode of study
    Part-time
  • Course code
    REME-APM02
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Application deadline
    • International applicants: three months before the planned start date
    • Home applicants: two months before the planned start date

    For example, to start at the end of September the deadline would be 30 June for international and 31 July for home.

  • 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). Unless you are a UK, EEA or Swiss national you will need an ATAS Certificate to join this course. Find out more about applying for an ATAS certificate.

All non-native speakers of English are required to have passed English language tests.

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

If you are an international student applying for this course, find out more about the visa requirements for studying in the UK.

Programme enquiries

Apply for this programme

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