Program Overview

Overview

The MPhil and PhD programmes in Marine Technology provide research training, supervision, and collaboration to international standards. Your research project will be in the marine technology research groups, with flexibility in how your research outputs are achieved. Supervisory inputs and collaborations with other Schools and Faculties are common.

Qualifications Explained

• MPhil: A Master of Philosophy is available in all subject areas, involving research training and original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.
• PhD: A Doctor of Philosophy is a doctorate or doctoral award, involving original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject, leading to the production of a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis.

How You'll Learn

• Delivery and teaching methods: The programme operates through the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme (PGRDP), part of the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) Graduate School.
• Your original research project is managed in the marine technology research groups, with flexibility in how your research outputs are achieved.
• Supervisory inputs and collaborations with other Schools and Faculties are common.
• Aside from the PGRDP, the programme of work suits you and your project requirements.
• You'll achieve a certain number of credits through the PGRDP and School in your first two years.
• You'll also:
  • Write a thesis for viva voce examination.
  • Have the opportunity to attend regional and international conferences in your chosen subject area.
  • Prepare papers for publication in academic journals.

Assessment Methods

• Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
  • Thesis.
  • Viva.

Your Development

• Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development programme: Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students, designed to help you perform better as a researcher, boost your career prospects, and broaden your impact.
• Through workshops and activities, it'll build your transferable skills and increase your confidence, covering techniques for effective research, methods for better collaborative working, and essential professional standards and requirements.
• Your programme is flexible, and you can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Your Future

• Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.
• Visit our Careers Service website for more information.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our 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.
• Top 145 for Engineering and Technology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024.

Facilities

• You'll be part of the School of Engineering and you'll learn in state-of-the-art labs and fantastic facilities, many of which are unique to Newcastle University.
• You'll have access to our:
  • Unique large-scale laboratories to help you learn and understand concepts taught in class.
  • Blythe Marine Station and our high-speed research vessel, The Princess Royal.
  • Cavitation tunnel to test models of propellers, turbines, submarines, and more.
  • Towing tank to conduct ship model experiments.
  • Combined wind, wave, and current tank to experience modeling of the full offshore environment.
  • Hydrodynamics laboratory with wave-making and electronic recording equipment.
  • Engine laboratories, which include facilities to test diesel engines.
  • Dedicated computer cluster running specialist marine design software.
  • University, regional, and national HPCs (High-Performance Computing).
  • Specialist marine technical library and historical archive.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):
  • Qualification: MPhil Full time: Home students - Not set, International students - £33,500-£43,700.
  • Qualification: MPhil Part time: Home students - Not set.
  • Qualification: PhD Full time: Home students - Not set, International students - £33,500-£43,700.
  • Qualification: PhD Part time: Home students - Not set.
• Why is this fee shown as a range? We are unable to give an exact fee, this is why the fee is shown as a range. This fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.
• Your research topic is unique, so it will have unique resource requirements. Resources could include specialist equipment, such as laboratory/workshop access, or technical staff.
• If your research involves accessing specialist resources, then you're likely to pay a higher fee. You'll discuss the exact nature of your research project with your supervisor(s). You'll find out the fee in your offer letter.

Entry Requirements

• The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.
• Academic entry requirements: A 2:1 Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject. However, combinations of the following can be taken into consideration:
  • Undergraduate qualifications.
  • Masters qualifications.
  • Relevant work experience.
• Please contact us if you wish to discuss your individual circumstances.
• Qualifications from outside the UK: Select your country to find the equivalent qualifications.
• English Language requirements: Select your qualification to find the equivalent English language requirements.

How to Apply

• Before you start: Start Dates - There are usually three possible start dates, although in some circumstances an alternative start date can be arranged: September, January, April.
• Closing Dates: There is no application closing date for this course, but specific deadlines for funding may apply.
• We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
• Specialised application information: Before you apply, you should find and contact a research supervisor from the School of Engineering. Getting the right supervision is critical for your research. You should contact the School to begin discussions about your proposed research at the earliest opportunity.
• If you are based in the UK, we may invite you to interview.
• Deposit: If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must:
  • Pay a deposit of £1,500.
  • Or submit an official letter of sponsorship.
• The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.
• Programme codes:
  • Qualification: MPhil Full time: 7070F.
  • Qualification: MPhil Part time: 7070P.
  • Qualification: PhD Full time: 8070F.
  • Qualification: PhD Part time: 8070P.