Research in mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering covers six broad research themes aerospace engineering, innovative manufacturing, modelling and simulation, nuclear engineering, resilient systems, and structures in extreme environments.

Our postgraduate research programmes in Management of Projects offer the opportunity to study in a multi-disciplinary team alongside leading academics in the field.

Drawing on our expertise in conflict and dispute resolution, risk management, contracts and procurement, supply chains and inter-organisational relations and sustainable development we drive innovative solutions to promote successful project management. We have strong links with industry and excellent employability.

The Degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a course of supervised research, the results of which show evidence of originality and independent critical judgement and constitute an addition to knowledge.

Our MPhil students relish the opportunity to undertake a research project with intellectual, scientific, industrial or commercial challenges. Individuals with relevant industrial experience are also encouraged to apply for this level of graduate work, which is of particular value for personal and professional development. If satisfactory progress is made by the end of the first year you may be considered for progression onto the second year of a PhD programme. This is decided on a case by case basis.

Our research students have the opportunity to develop their skills through robust and flexible training that is designed to:

Develop the research skills needed to plan and conduct research, write a thesis and disseminate research findings to stakeholders and the wider research community

Gain understanding of the wide variety of research undertaken within the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering

Equip each student with the broader skills to become leading industry professionals and researchers in the next generation.

All of our research degree programmes are based on supportive supervision in our outstanding research environment. You will carry out a programme of research in a particular area under the supervision of a primary supervisor and one or more co-supervisors. Your primary supervisor would be a research active member of academic staff in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. Co-supervisors may be from another discipline, another institution or even an external organisation, such as an industrial partner, selected to suit the project scope and specific skills required.

Career opportunities

Undertaking an MPhil in mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering is both challenging and rewarding. Not only does it provide you with the opportunity to strengthen your research ability but it will also help you to develop a much wider range of skills, required to develop your career in business and industry or in research and an academic environment.

Graduates from the department leave with a breadth of strong technical and inter-personal skills and expertise far beyond their particular degree specialism. They progress into a wide variety of careers within engineering (e.g. consulting engineers, R&D companies, construction sector) academia, public services (e.g. civil service, policy change) and commerce (e.g. IT, finance). The acquisition of an MPhil degree provides a significant career acceleration and facilitates entry into positions with greater responsibility and diverse opportunities. Furthermore, it increasingly provides entrepreneurial opportunities, exploiting skills and knowledge acquired during the programme.