Introduction
The School of Engineering provides a strongly multidisciplinary research environment, where you have the opportunity to undertake research through either full-time or part-time study, including MSc by Research, PhD or an EngD level.
Our research degree programme provides thorough training in a particular subject area through original exploration and experimentation and culminating in a thesis or dissertation which sets out the conclusions of the research undertaken.
Our research spans the engineering disciplines and ranges from theoretical analysis and computational modelling to laboratory experiments and full-scale testing of concepts and designs. Our aim is to conduct fundamental and applied research that ranks among the best in the UK and internationally.
Applied dynamics, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, internet engineering, power, and chemical engineering are areas of established research strength within the School, while new research strengths are rapidly developing in, biomedical engineering, AI and robotics.
Research in the School is supported by state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, instrumentation and computing hardware and software. There is excellent technical support provided by laboratory-based technicians and well-equipped electronics and mechanical engineering workshops.
The Graduate School offers an induction programme and skills training opportunities for all research students to support their studies and to help with career planning.
MSc by Research
Students undertake a research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor and, unlike a postgraduate taught degree by coursework and dissertation, there are no formal lectures or seminars and work is not formally examined until after the final thesis is submitted. The thesis is required to display evidence of originality or present a satisfactory, orderly and critical exposition of existing knowledge within the field concerned.
PhD
A PhD is a Doctorate of Philosophy, a prestigious qualification that demonstrates talent, academic excellence and a thirst for knowledge. It usually culminates in a thesis based on research carried out over the course of 3-4 years. The research must “make a distinct contribution to knowledge and afford evidence of originality as shown by the exercise of independent critical powers”. There are no formal lectures or seminars but your work will be periodically qualitatively monitored by the Graduate School.
