MPhil/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.

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.

Full time: 3-4 years.

Applicants are expected to have completed a masters level qualification to a high standard (e.g. at 'merit' or 'distinction' level) as well as either a good 2:1 or first class honours undergraduate degree in an area of study appropriate to your project proposal. We are happy to consider equivalent qualifications.

If you do not have a masters level qualification, we recommend you consider applying for our MSc Advanced Engineering Design programme.

You will also need to provide evidence that you are ready to pursue the project you propose in your application. This will take the form of a sample of critical writing, and if relevant, documentation of relevant creative or professional practice.

If English is not your first language, you must have proficiency in written and spoken English (normally a minimum test score of 6.5 for IELTS, or equivalent). Given the nature of the programme, you'll be expected to read and engage with complex theoretical texts and debates for which fluency in English is essential.

Remote supervision of overseas students is possible subject to identification of a supervisor local to the candidate.

TOEFL IBT – 90
Minimum Component Scores - Component scores of listening 17, reading 18, speaking 20, writing 18