Mechanical Engineering
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | PhDEntry Year
Academic Year 2022/23
Entry Requirements
2.1
Overview
Doing a PhD in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is a highly rewarding experience. You will carry out your research in a friendly and supportive environment, supervised by academics who are leaders in their field, using well-equipped laboratories and research facilities, alongside students from all over the world. At any time we have around 100 students enrolled on a PhD. The School has a vibrant PhD student mentoring programme and a student led Research Culture Committee.
The School’s research is focused around six interconnected research themes: Advanced Manufacturing and Processing, Future Aircraft, Composite Materials and Structures, Simulation Technologies, Clean Energy and Biomaterials and Biomechanics.
PhD opportunities are available in a wide range of subjects aligned to the specific expertise of our PhD supervisors. Many are linked with leading companies and organisations.
Key Facts
Research students are encouraged to play a full and active role in the research activities undertaken within the School. Students attend international conferences and participate in academic and industrial networks worldwide.
- The School has strategic partnerships with Rolls-Royce and Wrights supported by multiple large programmes (funders EPSRC, Innovate-UK, Advanced Propulsion Centre etc). There are opportunities for cutting edge, impactful PhDs within vibrant teams.
- The school also partners with a number of leading companies on a range of research challenges, including: Airbus, Artemis Technologies, Caterpillar, Ferrari, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover
- PhDs contribute to major centres, including:Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre (NIACE), Polymer Processing Research Centre (PPRC), Northern Ireland Technology Centre (NITC)
- The School has well equipped laboratories and great research facilities. PhD students share offices alongside postdoctoral staff. The School has Research Culture Committee to enhance the research environment of the School and support PhD students.
Course content
Career Prospects
Employment after the Course
Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles in industry, industry or become entrepreneurs.
People teaching you
Dr Trevor Robinson
Doctoral Programme Director
Mech & Aerospace Engineering
Email: t.robinson@qub.ac.uk
Learning Outcomes
Course structure
You will carry out leading research under the guidance of your supervisory team. A full time student will normally complete in three years (up to a maximum of four), or part time over six years (up to a maximum of eight).
Research will usually be in one of the key, interlinked research themes in the School, and the subtopics they cover, include:-
Advanced Manufacturing and Processing - cost modelling, ergonomics, intelligent control, laser processing, life cycle analysis, material characterisation, mechatronics, parallel kinematic machines, polymer processing, robotics and ultra-precision manufacturing.
Future Aircraft - aero engines, aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, aircraft operations, design and analysis, optimisation and structural testing
Composite Materials and Structures -damage mechanics and crashworthiness, material characterisation, multifunctional composites and nano-enhanced composites
Simulation Technologies - FEA/CFD/EFG/DES/MD, kinematic modelling, meshing, multiscale/Multiphysics, optimisation, simulation intent, systems modelling, uncertainty quantification, virtual testing and design visual analytics and big data
Clean Energy - biofuels, catalysis, life cycle assessment, power systems, turbomachinery and waste management
Biomaterials and Biomechanics - biomimetics, material characterisation, mechanobiology and medical devices.
Also, over the course of study, you can attend postgraduate skills training organised by the Graduate School, or other internal and external training courses organised through your supervisor.
| Project name | School | Funding | Subject | Status | Sort | Timestamp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Biohaviour: Generative Design Systems for Airship StructuresSchool of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | PHD Generative design, geometry modelling, additive manufacturing, parameterisation, digital twin, air Professor Mark Price
Supervisor
Professor Mark Price
Funding
Funded
DFE/EPSRC
Application deadline
None specified
|
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | Funded | Mechanical Engineering | Open | 2 | |
Biohaviour: Genes for Green Power - Rolls-Royce genetic designSchool of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | PHD Engineering Design, Generative Design, Design systems, Aerospace Dr Trevor Robinson
Supervisor
Dr Trevor Robinson
Funding
Funded
DfE rate plus Industrial contribution
Application deadline
None specified
|
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | Funded | Mechanical Engineering | Open | 2 | |
Interaction-aware Intelligent Vehicle Decision-making and ControlSchool of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | PHD Human-centric, Reinforcement learning, Interaction-aware, Automated vehicles, Autonomous driving Dr Trevor Robinson
Supervisor
Dr Trevor Robinson
Funding
Funded
Application deadline
31 May 2022
|
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | Funded | Mechanical Engineering | Open | 2 | 1653951600 |
Uncertainty propagation across scales for composite laminatesSchool of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | PHD Computational modelling ; Mechanics of composites; Stochastic modelling; Advanced statistics Dr Humberto Almeida Jr
Supervisor
Dr Humberto Almeida Jr
Funding
Funded
Application deadline
None specified
|
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | Funded | Mechanical Engineering | Open | 2 |
Entrance requirements
Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component (*taken within the last 2 years) is required.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £4,500 |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £4,500 |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £4,500 |
| EU Other 3 | £22,000 |
| International | £22,000 |
1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees, in line with the Common Travel Agreement arrangements. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2021-22, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Mechanical Engineering costs
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.
How do I fund my study?
1.PhD OpportunitiesFind PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.
2.Funded Doctoral Training ProgrammesWe offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.
3.PhD loansThe Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.
4.International ScholarshipsInformation on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students.
Funding and Scholarships
The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Find a supervisor
If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.