Mechanical Engineering

Entry requirements

PhD applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a masters degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.

MSc by Research applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline and demonstrate readiness to pursue a research degree.

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

Our mechanical engineering research is varied and world-leading, covering topics from clean energy and advanced materials to manufacturing systems, robotics and healthcare. The department hosts members of six research groups covering:

• Dynamics and Control
• Solid Mechanics
• Engineering Systems, Design and Innovation
• Ultrasonics and Non-Destructive Testing
• Robotics
• Fluid and Aerodynamics

Our students collaborate worldwide with industrial partners, other universities, public-sector organisations, research institutes and NGOs, producing novel and multidisciplinary research which addresses technical, societal and environmental challenges. They also make use of extensive and modern laboratory facilities at Queens Building in central Bristol, and at collaborating centres. With a large, diverse and active cohort of PhD, EngD and MScR students, the department forms a close-knit and supportive community of practice in engineering research. Its success is evidenced by consistently high performance in national rankings for research and teaching quality.

As well as postgraduates holding individual research studentships in Mechanical Engineering, the department hosts students from many EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training including Future Autonomous Robotic Systems (FARSCOPE), Composites Science, Engineering and Manufacturing, Nuclear Energy Futures, Digital Health and Care, Future Innovation in NDE, Composites, and others.

Applicants should contact a potential academic adviser to discuss available projects before submitting an application.

Information for international students

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and funding

A number of funded studentships are available each year, supported by research council, industry, University or other funds. View the faculty website for a list of currently available funded projects or visit jobs.ac.uk.

Self-funded or sponsored students are also very welcome to apply.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.