Engineering

Program Overview

Engineering

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.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Degree Qualification: EngD, MSc or PhD

Research Interests

Applied Dynamics and Structures Research Group

The Applied Dynamics and Structures Research Group is a multidisciplinary Research Group conducting interlinked research in the areas of (i) Dynamical Systems (ii) Sustainable Structures (iii) Renewable Energy and Energy Transition, and (iv) Energy Systems’ End of Life, in close collaboration with Centre for Applied Dynamics Research (CADR) and the National Decommissioning Centre (NDC).

Electrical Systems and Electronics Research Group

The Electrical Systems and Electronics (ESE) Research Group advances fundamental knowledge in EEE and is at the forefront of developing innovative applications across the spectrum of engineering. It enjoys an international reputation and profile, which spans the development of new semiconductor devices and laser components for holographic cameras to techniques for high power DC transmission; design of algorithms and AI techniques; Internet engineering, bioengineering and the design and control of novel robotic platforms.

Solid Mechanics and Materials Research Group

The analytical, computational and experimental work of the group covers a wide range of advanced structural and functional materials and material systems. It is aimed at understanding and predicting their mechanical behaviour at different lengths scales.

Fluid Mechanics Research Group

The Fluid Mechanics Research Group covers a spectrum of research across four major areas: (1) Environmental and Industrial Fluid Mechanics; (2) Soil Mechanics; (3) Structural Mechanics; and (4) Transport Studies.

Chemical Processes and Materials Engineering Group

The Chemical Processes and Materials Research Group has an international profile in many aspects of activity in the area of functional materials (preparation, characterisation and application) and includes research in the areas of: cementitious materials, biomaterials, magnetic/electronic materials and materials for catalysis and photocatalysis.

Centres of Research Excellence

Engineering research is also embedded across several research centres of excellence:

• Centre for Applied Dynamics Research
• Centre for Micro- and Nanomechanics (CEMINACS)
• Aberdeen HVDC Research Centre
• Leverhulme Centre for Doctoral Training in the Sustainable Production of Chemicals and Materials
• Centre for Transport Research

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.

Fees and Funding

View the tuition fee rates

International Applicants

More information about Fee status, living costs, and work allowances for international students is available here.

Scholarships

Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.

To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.

Careers

Our Engineering postgraduates are sought by a wide range of employers in the UK and worldwide. Many take up positions in the engineering industry, in engineering consultancy companies, and in the computing industry. Others go on to work in research and academic institutions, both government and private.

Related Postgraduate Taught Degrees

• Advanced Chemical Engineering
• Advanced Mechanical Engineering
• Advanced Structural Engineering
• Energy Transition Systems and Technologies
• Industrial Robotics
• Petroleum Engineering
• Process Safety
• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Safety and Reliability Engineering

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.