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Engineering (School of Engineering) (MPhil/PhD) (2024 Entry)

a group of postgraduate engineering students

Find out more about our MPhil/PhD in Engineering (School of Engineering).

Our MPhil/PhD in Engineering offers an effective mix of academic and practical application. Warwick's School of Engineering has expertly designed this programme to allow you to gain valuable research skills and knowledge.


Course overview

Students register in the first instance for the degree of MPhil unless otherwise approved by the Board of Graduate Studies. Subject to satisfactory progress, registration may be upgraded to the degree of PhD. 

To satisfy the requirements of a PhD, the thesis must constitute a substantial original contribution to knowledge and is, in principle, worthy of peer-reviewed publications. The thesis shall be clearly and concisely written and well-argued and shall show a satisfactory knowledge of both primary and secondary sources. It shall contain a full bibliography and, where appropriate, a description of methods and techniques used in the research.

The maximum length of the thesis is 70,000 words for PhD in the Faculty of Science. These limits are exclusive of appendices, footnotes, tables and bibliography. The total length of all appendices combined may not exceed 5,000 words in length.

You must attend an oral examination (viva voce), which shall cover the thesis itself and the field of study in which the thesis has been written. The examiners may also require that you take a written and/or practical examination. You must complete the oral examination and written and/or practical examination satisfactorily to satisfy the requirements for the degree.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree in a related subject or Master’s degree at merit level (or equivalent).


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

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

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

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.

Find a supervisor

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

Explore our Engineering Academic Staff DirectoryLink opens in a new window where you will be able to filter by your disciplinary interest.

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


School of Engineering Scholarships:

School of Engineering MPhil/PhD Scholarship Scheme

Research Vacancies

Live chats

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Department content block about careers

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window

Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.

Postgraduate Fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Live chats

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.