Program Overview

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Overview

The Energy MPhil, PhD program at Newcastle University allows students to specialize in areas such as bio-energy, sustainable power, and fuel cell and hydrogen technologies. The program is designed to foster, promote, and conduct research of international quality, attracting high-quality graduates and researchers and training them to international standards.

Research Areas

The program focuses on topics including:

• Novel geo-energy
• Power electronics
• Drives and machines
• The sustainable development and use of key resources
• Bio-energy
• Sustainable power
• Fuel cell and hydrogen technologies

Qualifications Explained

The program offers two qualifications:

• MPhil (Master of Philosophy): a research training program that leads to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.
• PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): a doctorate or doctoral award that involves original research leading to the completion of an 80,000 - 100,000 word thesis.

How You'll Learn

The program includes:

• Intensive subject-specific supervision training in research methodologies and core skills
• Opportunities to undertake paid laboratory demonstrations and tutor to gain teaching experience
• Assessment through a combination of thesis and viva

Your Development

The program provides a researcher development program that helps students:

• Perform better as researchers
• Boost their career prospects
• Broaden their impact The program covers techniques for effective research, methods for better collaborative working, and essential professional standards and requirements.

Your Future

The program is designed to help students develop their careers, with opportunities for:

• Work placements
• Careers service support
• Boosting their CV
• Developing their skills and knowledge in a specific area of research

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked:

• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• Global Top 140 University (QS World University Rankings 2026)
• Global Top 160 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025)

Facilities

Students will have access to:

• A modern open-plan office environment
• A full range of chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and marine engineering laboratories
• Dedicated desk and PC facilities for each student within the research centre or partner schools

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):

• MPhil: Home students - not set, International students - £33,500-£43,700
• PhD: Home students - not set, International students - £33,500-£43,700 The program offers various scholarships and funding opportunities, including the Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

The program requires:

• A 2:1 Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject
• Combinations of undergraduate qualifications, masters qualifications, and relevant work experience may be considered
• English language requirements: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or other equivalent qualifications

How to Apply

The program has no application closing date, but specific deadlines for funding may apply. International students are advised to apply at least two months before the course starts. The application process involves:

• Finding and contacting a research supervisor from the Science, Agriculture, and Engineering Graduate School
• Submitting an application through the university's application portal
• Paying a deposit of £1,500 (for international students who need a visa to study in the UK)