Program Overview

Overview

The Mechanical and Systems Engineering MPhil and PhD allow students to deepen their theoretical understanding of their chosen topic while improving their technical skills and analytical capabilities. Research degrees are offered through four research groups: bioengineering, fluid dynamics and thermal systems, design, manufacture and materials, and future mobility.

How You'll Learn

Delivery and teaching methods include intensive subject-specific supervision and training in research methodologies and core skills. Students may also have opportunities to undertake paid laboratory demonstrations and tutoring to gain teaching experience. Assessment methods depend on the modules and may include a thesis and viva.

Your Development

The School of Engineering runs a postgraduate training programme, which is compulsory for all new students and involves selected taught modules. Students receive research training from the Science, Agriculture and Engineering Graduate School, covering professional/key skills, personal development, and research techniques. The Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development programme helps students perform better as researchers, boost their career prospects, and broaden their impact.

Your Future

The Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, with strong links to employers. Students can access a wide range of workshops covering research and professional skills, careers support, wellbeing, health and safety, public engagement, and academic development.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked 42% for world-leading research, with a 65% increase in research power since 2014. The university is also ranked as a Global Top 140 University and a Global Top 160 University.

Facilities

Depending on the research area, students have access to various facilities, including:

• Bioengineering: dedicated biomaterials, biotribology, and co-ordinate measuring machine labs
• Design, manufacture and materials: facilities for materials testing and failure analysis, product development and mechanical testing, metrology, and more
• Fluid dynamics and thermal systems: high-performance computing facilities, water tunnel, wind tunnel, particle image velocimetry (PIV), and more
• Future mobility: a full-scale test site at Barrow Hill in the UK for experimenting and instrumenting

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry are:

• MPhil Full-time: £Not set (Home), £33,500-£41,450 (International)
• MPhil Part-time: £Not set (Home)
• PhD Full-time: £Not set (Home), £33,500-£41,450 (International)
• PhD Part-time: £Not set (Home) The university offers various scholarships, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

The academic entry requirements are:

• A 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject
• Combinations of undergraduate qualifications, master's qualifications, and relevant work experience may be considered English language requirements vary depending on the qualification, with options including IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, and TOEFL.

How to Apply

Before applying, students should find and contact a research supervisor from the School of Engineering. The application portal has instructions to guide students through the application process. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students who need a visa to study in the UK. The programme codes are:

• MPhil Full-time: 7090F
• MPhil Part-time: 7090P
• PhD Full-time: 8090F
• PhD Part-time: 8090P

Open Days and Events

The university regularly travels overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Students can also visit the university in person or virtually.