Program Overview

Overview of the Engineering (MSc by Research) Program

The Engineering (MSc by Research) program at the University of Huddersfield is a one-year full-time research degree that allows students to explore a research topic in-depth. This type of study provides students with the opportunity to develop their research skills by taking part in training courses and events.

Key Information

Entry Requirements

• The normal entry requirements for enrollment on an MSc by Research is an upper second honors degree (2:1 or above) from a UK university or a qualification of an equivalent standard, in a discipline appropriate to that of the proposed program to be followed.
• If the first language is not English, students will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent.

Start Dates

• 1 October 2025
• 12 January 2026
• 20 April 2026

Application Deadlines

• For September 2025:
  • 13 June 2025 for International and Scholarship Students
  • 04 July 2025 for Home Students
• For October 2025:
  • 13 June 2025 for International and Scholarship Students
  • 04 July 2025 for Home Students
• For January 2026:
  • 17 October 2025 for International and Scholarship Students
  • 14 November 2025 for Home Students
• For April 2026:
  • 23 January 2026 for International and Scholarship Students
  • 20 February 2026 for Home Students

Duration

• The maximum duration for an MSc by Research is 1 year (12 months) full-time or 2 years (24 months) part-time with an optional submission pending (writing-up) period of 4 months.
• Sometimes it may be possible to mix periods of both full-time and part-time study.

What Can I Research?

There are several research topics available for this degree, including:

• A Semi-Analytical Approach to Determining Velocity Profiles in the Near to Middle Distance Behind A Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine
• Advanced Co-Simulation Procedures and Application on Pantograph-Catenary Interaction
• Aerodynamic Effects in Pantograph-Catenary Interaction Dynamics
• Characterisation of Multi-component and Multi-phase flows through complex industrial systems
• Characterisation of the dynamic behaviour of vortex rings to optimise the cooling process in a prilling tower
• Correlation Analysis of Heaviness and Clarity in Metal Music Production
• Development of a Computational Fluid Dynamics based model for online monitoring of pollution leak for risk mitigation
• Development of a non-invasive flow metering system for the single phase and multiphase flow measurement
• Finite Element Modelling of Flexible Structures with application in Pantograph-Catenary Interaction
• Foil backed aerodynamic bearings for automotive turbocharger applications
• Hardware-In-the-Loop (HiL) Simulation and Testing of Pantograph-Catenary Interaction
• Inverse design of wind turbine blades' surfaces and shape for ice accretion resistance
• Mix Visualisation
• Multibody Methods for Pantograph Dynamic Analysis
• Performance Assessment of Friction Management products in the Wheel Rail Interface of Railway Vehicles
• Signal Processing Algorithms for millimetre Wave (mm-Wave) communications
• Weather forecasting using Data Mining

Teaching and Assessment

• As a minimum, students can expect to meet with their supervisors at least once a month (once every two months for part-time students).
• Self-directed study is to be agreed in liaison with the student and their supervisor.
• Self-directed study and supervision time should equate to 35 hours per week (for full-time research degrees).
• A research degree has no compulsory taught element, the study period is for 52 weeks a year with a 35-day annual leave allowance.
• Students are expected to study for at least 35 hours a week for full-time study.

Fees and Finance

• In 2025/26 the full-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate researchers will be £5,050.
• In 2025/26 the part-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate researchers will be £2,525.
• Tuition fees will cover the cost of study at the University.
• Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years of study may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X).

Why Choose Huddersfield?

• The University of Huddersfield has teaching staff that rank first in England for the proportion with higher degrees and teaching qualifications.
• The average salary of postgraduates fifteen months after graduating is £36,101.44.
• 97% of postgraduate students go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating.

Researcher Environment

• The University of Huddersfield is in the top 50 UK universities for research power.
• Nearly two-thirds of the research environment is classified as world-leading and internationally excellent (REF2021).
• Postgraduate researchers contribute to the thriving research culture at Huddersfield and have access to world-leading facilities, advanced research skills training, and expert careers advice.