Why you should join us

Our research degrees will help you advance or change your career, deepen your expertise, and expand your research and practical skills.

Work with leading experts

100% of our research impact in engineering is world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Choose from our flexible pathways

You can study full- or part-time, so our degrees fit your circumstances.

Discover our advanced facilities

Including a heavy engineering workshop, 3D printing suite, and specialist genetics and bioengineering facilities.

Get personal and professional training

We provide a comprehensive development programme for research students.

Benefit from our industry links

Our close professional network includes local and national engineering partners.

Research for the real world

We meet the real-world needs of industry and society, from healthcare engineering to materials research.

Our research areas

Discover our areas of expertise and browse our experts. We encourage you to discuss your research ideas with us – even if your topic is not listed.

  • Advance functional materials and catalysis
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Bioengineering
  • Biosensors
  • Communications
  • Computer and network engineering
  • Electrical and electronic engineering
  • Electrochemistry
  • Healthcare engineering
  • Industrial applications and development
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Microbiology at interfaces
  • Nanotechnology
  • Product design
  • Sensing and imaging
  • Simulation, modelling and analysis
  • Smart infrastructure and the internet of things
  • Sports engineering and materials
  • Surface engineering
  • Sustainable engineering
  • Transport engineering
  • Wearable technologies

Qualifications you can study

Choose from one of these programmes:

  • PhD Engineering — three years full-time, six years part-time
  • Masters by Research — one year full-time, two years part-time
  • MPhil — two years full-time, four years part-time

Find out about the research degrees we offer.

Start dates

Most of our students enrol in October. You can also join us in January and April.

Application information

Entry Requirements

To apply, you’ll need a first or 2.1 honours degree, or an equivalent qualification.

International students must have strong English language skills.

We welcome applicants from non-standard backgrounds. We’ll take subject knowledge, professional experience, publications, or other relevant achievements into consideration.

Find out more about our standard entry requirements.

How to apply for a research degree

Discover the key steps in the application process.

Scholarships, fees and funding