Postgraduate - research prospectus
Engineering - Research, MPhil/PhD
Enjoy world-class specialist laboratories and a diverse community when you study a research degree in Engineering (MPhil/PhD) at the University of Greenwich.
The Department of Engineering is home to around 50 MPhil and PhD students across seven research groups. We focus on important real-world issues, supported by research funding of around £1.6 million per year. As a research student, you'll receive guidance and support from expert supervisors throughout your registration. You'll normally enrol as an MPhil student and progress to PhD following a review of your first year's work.
Research groups in the faculty focus on areas including product development, infrastructure management, sustainability in civil engineering, internet security, mobile and wireless communications and manufacturing engineering. You'll be able to take advantage of our world-class specialist engineering laboratories, which have recently been refurbished with unique facilities.
Department
Duration
- 3-4 years full-time
- 5-7 years part-time
Start month
September, March, April and October
UK/international fees
2019/2020 fees *
2020/2021 fees
TBA
* March, April and October 2020 starters pay the 2019/2020 fees.
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
The School of Engineering has specialist academic and senior research staff, as well as highly skilled technical support staff. Our Research Groups have strong industrial and academic connections to an extended team of experts, which keeps us informed of latest research, standards and industrial practice. You'll also receive comprehensive training from our Research and Enterprise Training Institute (RETI) throughout your studies.
Come and visit us
You can find out a lot about a university online, but to really get a feel for what it's like to live and study here you should come and visit. Come take a look at our historic campuses in London and Kent.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
If you are
Applicants should have:
- A taught Master's degree, with a minimum average of 60% in all areas of assessment (e.g. Merit level or above), in a generic subject area relevant to the subject matter of the proposed research project, and/or
- A First Class or Second Class, First Division (Upper Second Class) Honours degree in a subject area relevant to the proposed research project.
In addition to the above, applicants whose first language is not English must also meet the English Language requirement, which is:
- a Bachelor or Master's degree transcript from the UK or UKVI recognised Majority English Speaking Country (MESC).
OR
- an IELTS certificate demonstrating that you have achieved a minimum of 6.5 in all elements, or an acceptable, demonstrable equivalent to this.
For further information and the application form, see applying for a postgraduate research degree.
If you would like to contact the Faculty, please email: fes_research_office@gre.ac.uk.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.
Alternatively, please contact us:
- By telephone: +44 (0)20 8331 8136.
- By email: international@gre.ac.uk.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use prior learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
MPhil/PhD students are usually allocated two supervisors to guide you through your research project. Your supervisors are usually research staff from within the faculty, although one may be appointed from another department or from outside the university.
Class sizes
The School of Engineering is home to around 60 MPhil and PhD students across four research groups.
Independent learning
A research degree is a major piece of original work. Most of your study time will be spent working independently, with support from your supervisory team.
You may also wish to factor in other research activity, such as participation at seminars, events and conferences, or working towards publications.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job over a 3-year period. For part-time students, this will adjust accordingly.
Assessment
The MPhil/PhD Programme is assessed by a written thesis and a viva including an external examiner, an internal examiner and a panel chair. For PhD study, you will register for the MPhil initially and undergo an upgrade review after a year of research to determine your readiness for full PhD registration.
Feedback summary
You receive regular feedback from your supervisory team, which meets formally every two weeks, but informally much more often. A faculty-level committee reviews your progress annually and helps to shape the direction of the project.
The oral examination (or viva) takes place a few weeks after the submission of the thesis and is assessed by an external researcher knowledgeable in the field of study.
Dates and timetables
Enrolment on the PhD/MPhil programme can take place at any time during the academic year.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
2019/2020 fees
| Full-time (per year) | Part-time (per 30 credits) | |
|---|---|---|
| View fees |
* March, April and October 2020 starters pay the 2019/2020 fees.
2020/2021 fees
TBA
* For full fees information please visit our fees information pages.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. We have dedicated accommodation for postgraduate students (Devonport House) available from just £160 per person per week, with bills included. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost. Students based at the Medway Campus can also reside in student halls in Chatham or rent privately in the local area.
There is a range of financial support available to support your studies. This includes postgraduate loans, international scholarships, and options for current students and alumni to continue studying at the university.
We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates from this programme can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in industry, government and academia.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. Our Employer Partnerships Manager develops relationships with companies to provide employment opportunities.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
You will be assigned at least two supervisors, with one as lead supervisor. Your supervisors have complementary technical knowledge and project management experience in your area of research. In many cases, industrial supervisors form part of your supervisory team to provide timely industrial requirements, knowledge and support. You'll also have access to support from the members of related research groups and the Programme Leader.
We provide comprehensive research training through our Research and Enterprise Training Institute (RETI) throughout the MPhil/PhD study.
Support from the department
All students prepare a research proposal identifying a programme of work and the equipment and resources required.
The School of Engineering is fully equipped to support students across a range of disciplines. You also have access to state-of-the-art industrial technologies during projects with our local engineering collaborators including BAE Systems, Cummins Power Generation, Ford, Delphi, Thales, Atlas Copco and 3M.
Advice, guidance and support is available from a range of sources in the Faculty of Engineering and Science and across the University.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate research prospectus or check our related courses below.
Engineering at the University of Greenwich
As an engineering student at our Medway Campus, you will gain a solid foundation in all aspects of engineering. This allows you to choose the area you want to specialise in later in your studies.
Visit our engineering subject page.
Make advances. Study engineering.
Interested in the pursuit of innovation and discovery? We offer a range of engineering courses to suit all industries and interests. Explore the opportunities.