Mechanical and Design Engineering Research (MPhil/PhD)
Engineer the future through mechanical and design research that improves products and systems.
Key information
PhD
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Fees (UK / Overseas): Annual tuition fees apply and vary by student status and study mode.
See fees and funding
Start date: April 2026 / October 2026 / February 2027
Other research degree routes
MPhil:
A shorter research degree, often a pathway to PhD
PhD by Publication:
For researchers with an existing body of published work
Course summary
- Research engineering that shapes everyday life and take your your expertise in Mechanical and Design Engineering into an independent research degree focused on practical solutions to real-world challenges.
- Join research that searches for creative, workable engineering answers to society鈥檚 most pressing issues 鈥 and make your own contribution to that work.
- Follow in the footsteps of students improving powered wheelchairs with AI, developing more efficient solar panels, supporting local clinicians and enhancing medical devices.
- Explore innovations such as lightweight manufacturing materials and other advances that improve performance, sustainability and usability.
Find a supervisor
Why choose Mechanical and design engineering at 兔子先生 for research?
Advanced testing and imaging capability
Carry out mechanical testing (tensile, fatigue and impact in a temperature-controlled environment) and 3D X-ray investigation down to sub-micron resolution using Zeiss Xradia systems.
From discovery to impact
Take on research in mechanical and design engineering that can shift understanding and solve problems in the real world; you鈥檒l be supported to test ideas, challenge assumptions and turn results into meaningful outcomes.
Expert support, every step
You鈥檒l be backed by your supervisory team and our Doctoral College, with training, workshops and events through the Doctoral Development Programme.
Research areas in Mechanical and design engineering
Explore the work we're doing across the areas of expertise in our Mechanical and design engineering research. Including funded and self-proposed research opportunities.
View available PhD projects and see funded opportunities.
Research degree options in Mechanical and design engineering
We offer several postgraduate research routes in Mechanical and design engineering, including PhD, MPhil and PhD by Publication. Find out about our research degree opportunities below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. You can apply for an existing project or propose your own research idea. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Available PhD and MPhil projects
You can apply for a pre-approved PhD or MPhil project, or develop your own research proposal.
- A stereo vision based craft shock correlation on rough sea
- Bio-polymer based multi-functional disposable face mask with biodegradability
- Collision avoidance and assistance for powered wheelchairs and vehicles
- Developing a computational tool to predict the optimal location for arterio-venous fistula (AVF) creation in end stage renal failure and haemodialysis patients
- Development of a non-destructive testing strategy for effective detection of defects in additively manufactured stainless steel parts using selective laser melting process
- Development of lightweight high performance sustainable composites for transport applications
- Development of New Design and Manufacturing Strategy for Additive Manufacturing 3D Metal Printing
- Fluid Structure Interaction of composite materials
- Fluid-structure modelling of spring mounted wings aimed at drag reduction
- Guidance, navigation and control strategies for seakeeping and shock mitigation of fast marine crafts
- In-silico assessment tool for reducing the risk of failure of arterio-venous fistula (AVF) in patients subjected to haemodialysis
- Investigation of the mechanical behaviour of newly formed bone
- Investigating the physiological deformation of heart valves using in vivo and in vitro techniques
- Machinability of GLARE fibre metal laminates and its constituents for aerospace applications using experimental and numerical techniques
- Modelling the Fluid-Structure Interaction of membranes with anisotropic material properties to provide performance improvements
- Musculoskeletal modelling of human responses to mechanical shocks on fast mari
If you already have a research idea, find a supervisor whose research interests match yours by searching our Find a PhD Supervisor page. Once you've identified someone suitable, contact them to discuss your idea.
PhD by Publication
A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.
Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6鈥12 months after registering with us.
From October 2026, all PhD by Publications will be completed by distance learning. However, there is no expectation that any student applying for a start date before this should be on campus.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate include an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master鈥檚 degree in an appropriate subject.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.
If English is not your first language, you'll need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Fees and funding
April 2026
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
(Including EU Scholarship)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢19,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢9,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: 拢5,006
- Members of staff: 拢2,000
- All fees are subject to annual increase. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2025/26 please visit this page.
October 2026 and February 2027
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢5,238 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢2,619 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢19,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢9,975 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students may be eligible to receive our EU Scholarship.
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢19,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢9,975 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: 拢5,238
- Members of staff: 拢2,100
- Tuition fees terms and conditions
Additional fees
Some PhD projects may include additional bench fees for equipment and other consumables. These will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.
Funding support
Government Postgraduate Loan
Eligible for MPhil full-time and part-time courses (UK/EU students).
Government Doctoral Loan
Eligible for PhD full-time and part-time courses.
Other funding options
For information on other sources of funding, visit our funding your postgraduate research degree page.
What do my tuition fees cover?
If you are self-funding your PhD, your tuition fees cover the full cost of your postgraduate research programme and access to a wide range of academic, professional and support services, including:
Research training and development
Bespoke training, professional development courses, seminars, workshops and researcher-led events delivered through The Doctoral College.
Research community and support
Access to our research environment, Research and Innovation services, and researcher networking (77% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent, REF 2021).
Facilities, equipment and resources
Libraries, laboratories, computer rooms, laptops, electronic journals, specialist software (Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite), funding guidance and LinkedIn Learning. Explore our facilities.
Student support services
Including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support, including access to personal tutors. Read more on our guidance support.
Your PhD programme
Registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and viva administration.
Conference and development support
A contribution towards attending conferences or research-related development activities.
Students' Union membership
Giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice.
Graduation
Your graduation ceremony will recognise the significant contribution your research has made to your discipline.
Support and facilities
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Support from our Doctoral College, helping you become part of a thriving, collaborative research community
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Guidance from a dedicated supervisory team throughout your research degree
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Access to the , offering specialist training, workshops and research events to develop your skills as a researcher
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Access facilities to carry out mechanical testing including tensile testing, fatigue, impact in a temperature controlled environment. We're equipped with a large suite of 3D printers including a multi material 3D printer and a laser sintering machine
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We also have a water jet cutter, a 5 axis CNC machine and can perform 3D X-ray investigation, su-micron resolution (voxel size 70nm), via the Zeiss Xradia 510 Versa and the 520 Versa
What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?
A postgraduate research degree develops advanced expertise and transferable skills valued across academia, industry and the public sector.
You鈥檒l graduate with:
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Advanced research and analytical expertise
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Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
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Experience managing complex, independent projects
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Strong communication and presentation skills
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Leadership and research management capability
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Deep subject knowledge in your chosen field
How to apply
You can apply for a research degree in Mechanical and design engineering by completing our online application form. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Not ready to apply just yet?
Get in touch
We're here to help. Feel free to ask us a question.
Come to an Open Evening
Why not come to our next open evening? Open evenings are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campus and get all the information you need.
- MPhil: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
- PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time
We recommend you get in touch with the relevant subject area supervisor using our 鈥Find a Supervisor鈥 tool ahead of applying. You can discuss your research ideas with them and ensure we have supervisory expertise to support you.
Yes. You can apply with your own research proposal, or apply for one of our advertised funded projects.
Where next?
Find out more about 兔子先生's postgraduate opportunities and community.
Postgrad Research Degrees Webinar series
From applications to flexible study 鈥 get the insights you need to plan your research degree.
Find a PhD Supervisor
If you've already got your own research idea, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours.
How to apply for postgraduate research
Read our guide on how to complete and submit your postgraduate research application. Take the next step in your academic career today.
