| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-23 | 2023-07-04 |
| 2024-01-23 | - |
Program Overview
Study your PhD in a department covering the breadth of mechanical engineering research including automotive, aerodynamics, manufacturing and biomechanics.
Join a department with a strong ethos to proactively better the world through taking mechanical engineering research and development to the next level. Our research activities cover fundamental investigations to applied research, and are often carried out collaboratively with industry and other universities.
Your PhD can be in any of the areas of research covered by our Research Centres, Units and groups.
Find out what our research graduates go on to do
Find out more about our research
Study your PhD in a department covering the breadth of mechanical engineering research including automotive, aerodynamics, manufacturing and biomechanics.
Join a department with a strong ethos to proactively better the world through taking mechanical engineering research and development to the next level. Our research activities cover fundamental investigations to applied research, and are often carried out collaboratively with industry and other universities.
Your PhD can be in any of the areas of research covered by our Research Centres, Units and groups.
Find out what our research graduates go on to do
Find out more about our research
Program Outline
Programme structure
Most students complete this programme in 6 years. You cannot take less than 3 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 6 years.
You will start this programme in October.
You may also start mid-year, subject to agreement with your supervisor and the Doctoral College.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.
Academic milestones
- Registration
- Induction
- Candidature
- Confirmation
- Research
- Writing up
- Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
- Submission for examination
- Examination (Viva Voce)
- Examiners report
- Final submission of thesis / portfolio
- Graduation
Programme content
Learning
Research content
You'll be welcomed into the Department as a junior academic colleague rather than a student. We expect you to play a full and professional role in contributing to the Department’s objective of international academic excellence.
Often our postgraduate projects are linked to industry so you could collaborate with companies on your research, as well as other departments at Bath and other universities. This gives you the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects relevant to industry as well as fundamental engineering topics.
We expect you to carry out supervised research at the forefront of your chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis. Presenting your research findings is an important part of research training so we encourage you to prepare papers for publication throughout your PhD.
Professional Development
Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our DoctoralSkills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.
Read more about professional development support
Assessment
Assessment methods
Assessment description
Most of our research students register as probationers for the PhD programme to begin with. Your PhD registration is confirmed subject to your passing an assessment process. This normally involves submitting written work and an oral examination.
The final stage of the PhD programme is the oral or viva voce examination, where you must defend your thesis to a Board of Examiners.