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MSc by Research (MScR) in Engineering (2022 Entry)

About this course header
Overview header

We aim to equip all our Postgraduate Researchers with the skills, knowledge and attributes to enable you to thrive as an independent research professional and prepare you for your next career steps with our Professional Development Training Programme.

To satisfy the requirements for a Masters by Research degree, the thesis shall be clearly and concisely written, show evidence of originality in knowledge and interpretation, and shall also be judged on its scholarly presentation. In addition, it shall contain a full bibliography.

The maximum length of the thesis is 40,000 words, which shall be exclusive of appendices, footnotes, tables and bibliography.

The examiners may require the candidate to attend an oral examination. If an oral examination is held, this must be completed in line with University conventions to meet the requirements for the award of the degree. Research degree courses do not contain any interim examinations, but we will expect you to attend lecture modules on appropriate topics.

You are required to submit a project plan and Gantt chart early in your registration. You will have regular meetings with your supervisor/s, which will be recorded on a monthly basis to show the delivery and progression of your research. Three independent review panel meetings will also be arranged to monitor your progress.


Entry requirements header Entry requirements header

2:i undergraduate degree in a related subject or Master’s degree at merit level (or equivalent).


English Language requirements header
  • Band A
  • IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.

International requirements header
Additional requirements header

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Research header

Areas for supervision

Overarching research themes

Our organisational structure connects our research with our study programmes to ensure quality research-led teaching.

We have four disciplines shaping our framework, they are:

  • Civil and Environmental
  • Electrical and Electronic
  • Mechanical and Process
  • Systems and Information

Discipline streams

Our Civil and Environmental researchers work on a broad range of issues underpinning civil engineering.

Combining modelling with practical experimentation, they tackle issues such as:

  • Sustainable housing
  • Dynamic loading of structures
  • Earthquake destabilisation of land
  • Pollution of waterways

Key specialisms include Ground Engineering, Structural Engineering and Water.

The Electrical and Electronic Engineering research group covers a range of Power, sustainability, and improved communications at the heart of our Electrical and Electronic stream.

Key areas of research include:

  • Artificial olfaction (or 'electronic nose')
  • Electrical energy conversion
  • Grid-scale energy storage
  • Nanoscale communications
  • Quantum devices

Key specialisms include Communications, Electrical Power and Sensors and Devices.

Our Mechanical and Process Engineering research group are our largest and most diverse stream, their activities include:

  • Fluid mechanics
  • Fire and explosion hazards, chemical engineering
  • Precision and surfaces
  • 3D printing
  • Thermal energy technology

Key specialisms include Fluids and Modelling, Measurement and Machines, Reaction and Materials Engineering, Sustainable Thermal Energy Technologies.

The Systems and Information research group bring together expertise in:

  • Nonlinear and stochastic systems
  • Modelling of human activity
  • Neural engineering
  • Telemedicine
  • Imaging
  • Synthetic biology

Much of the research undertaken is around health and security and the nature of the work means that many labs are cross-group. Key specialisms include Biomedical and Biological Systems, Information Engineering and Systems Modelling and Control.

Explore our research areas on our Engineering web pages.

Supervisor header

Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

Explore our Engineering Academic Staff Directory where you will be able to filter by your disciplinary interest.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.

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