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Mechanical Engineering PhD/MSc by Research

Start date
Contact the School directly for further information
Duration
PhD: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
Course Type
Postgraduate, Doctoral research
Fees
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2024/25:
£4,778 (UK)
£27,360 (International Students)
Further fee information is available.

By studying a PhD/MSc by Research in Mechanical Engineering you will be leading pivotal change. Unlock new discoveries in an internationally acclaimed research environment that is leading innovative and transformational changes in the manufacturing sector.

Our impactful research culture is proven with our strong Research Excellence Framework (REF) results. Research degrees in Mechanical Engineering are offered through three research specialist centres: Biomedical and Microengineering; Advanced Manufacturing Centre; and Vehicle Technology. Our research is often interdisciplinary, involving not only other areas of engineering but also biological sciences, chemistry, medicine, physics and psychology.

Guided by our high-profile academic staff in a supportive environment, our PhD options are designed to allow you to release your full potential. From nanotechnology to vehicle and aero-technology, our research scales the full range of engineering disciplines to examine some of the most challenging issues today and supports the manufacturing industry worldwide.

Studying a PhD / MSc by Research at the University of Birmingham offers you a wealth of opportunities to expand and transform your thinking through independent inquiry. By undertaking an intensive research project, backed by intellectual and scientific knowledge, you will be joining a vibrant and proactive research environment. All doctoral researchers are brought together by the University Graduate School, providing an abundance of opportunities to meet fellow researchers. 

Why study Mechanical Engineering PhD/MSc by Research at Birmingham?

  • By studying a PhD with us, you will be at the forefront of developing industry and making a pivotal change to society.  As well as this, you'll have access to an unparalleled support network. In addition to the supervisors associated directly to each researcher, the school have two mentors who can be approached to discuss specific issues that affect their progress. Also, the school has a postgraduate research administrator who advises all researchers on procedures followed by the school.  
  • As a doctoral researcher at Birmingham, you will have easy access to the materials and facilities you need to undertake world-class research. In recent years, over £5 million has been invested in new laboratories for advanced manufacturing, micro-engineering and biomedical engineering and we are continually expanding our facilities.
  • Our Design Centre houses over 80 networked computers for computer-aided engineering including computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacture (CAM), finite-element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and systems modelling (engine systems; 1-d gas dynamic). There are also facilities for group design work, two new RP3D printing machines complementing the existing Denford table top four axis Compact 1000 Pro CNC router and milling machines.
  • Our £2.5 million machining research equipment is housed in a single purpose-built laboratory, enabling us to complete research contracts with industrial partners involving aeroengine manufacture, new materials evaluation (including titaniums and carbon fibre composites) and micro-sensor development for a whole range of applications. Our new engines laboratories are being used to research engines for hybrid vehicle power-trains in highly realistic transient speed/load conditions, including the effects of very cold start and combustion air (from -20°C) on emissions and performance.
  • We have a biomedical engineering laboratory within a Class 2 containment area, equipped with the latest electro-mechanical testing machines for evaluating surgical implants, enabling us to work with surgeons and with the healthcare industry. Our clean room houses nanotechnology equipment used to make micro-electro- mechanical systems (MEMS).
  • We also have recently invested in a cryogenic energy laboratory, a £1 million purpose built facility for energy storage using cryogenic liquids, state-of-the-art equipment and a major demonstration plant.

A PhD degree is a necessary experience / training for anyone wishing to start an academic career. However, during the PhD course, I not only gained the essential scientific skills and research methods, but also have improved my interpersonal ability.

Yang Yang, PhD Mechanical Engineering

Fees

Annual Tuition Fees 2024/25 academic year

  • £4,778 UK students, full-time
  • £27,360 International students, full-time

Learn more about fees and funding.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD.

Scholarships

We offer a range of postgraduate scholarships for taught programmes and research opportunities to ensure the very best talent is nurtured and supported at postgraduate level.

We currently offer up to 10 scholarships for doctoral research degrees per year. These cover fees and maintenance for UK students and fees only for overseas applicants. Applications to the doctoral scholarships are made in consultation with the potential supervisor.

How To Apply

Applications for research degrees will be considered for research topics that are related to the research interests of the academic staff within the School. 

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject, or an alternative qualification and/or relevant experience. Learn more about entry requirements. 

International Requirements



International Students

English language

For students whose first language is not English, one of the following English language qualifications is required:

 
  • IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
  • TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
 

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

Mechanical Engineering research at Birmingham  is organised into three focused research centres:

  • Advanced Manufacturing Centre
    Manufacturing is the life-blood of the world economy, transforming ideas and inventions into real products. Our Advanced Manufacturing Centre has strong industrial collaboration with approximately 80 manufacturing organisations participating in projects. 
  • Bio-medical and Micro Engineering
    There is an increasing trend to make smaller devices for the healthcare sector. Our combination of sills in biomedical and micro-engineering from the use of nanotechnology makes us uniquely positioned in the UK to bridge the gap between engineering research and society. 
  • Vehicle Technology
    We are exploring the sustainability and efficiency to create the engines of the clean engines of the future with high-profile automotive companies.

Find a PhD

University Careers Network

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.

If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.