Engineering research degrees
The length of programme registration will be longer as it includes the maximum writing-up phase. See further details on how research degrees are structured at Hull and thesis submission expectations.
Choose to study an MSc by Thesis or a PhD research degree in Engineering at Hull and benefit from a wide range of expertise, experience and facilities.
About our Engineering research degrees
The challenges facing the world today are complex and require a multidisciplinary approach. As a general engineering department, we are able to bring together a wide range of expertise, experience and facilities to solving such problems - encompassing mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, and energy engineering.
We have a long history of excellence in research and in the application of research to address real-world problems. In the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise (REF 2021), 82% of our research was recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent.
We welcome applications from potential graduate students who are interested in working with us for PhD or MSc by Thesis. Our PhD programmes prepare you for academic, research, and other high-level careers.
Research topics
Our research interests are broadly themed around the following key areas. Current and recent supporters of our research include The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering, EPSRC, British Council, EU, and industry.
The Postgraduate Training Scheme
It is now widely recognised by employers, professional bodies and research funding agencies that specialist expertise alone is not sufficient preparation either for research or a subsequent career. With this in mind, we require all our postgraduate research students to follow a research training programme relating both to their particular field of study and to generic skills; for example, information technology and communication skills.
Programme structure
Masters structure
| Full time | Part time |
|---|---|
| 1 year of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required | 2 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required |
PhD structure
| Full time | Part time |
|---|---|
| 3 years of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required | 6 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required |
Writing up and thesis submission
A standard full-time PhD programme comprised three years of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation (also referred to as “writing-up”). Part-time is six years plus up to 24 months thesis finalisation if needed. Full-time standard Masters programmes are comprised one year of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation needed; and part time Masters programmes have two years of research with up to two years of thesis finalisation.
For full-time students, the thesis finalisation phase should take three months but may be extended to one year without further paperwork. For part-time students, thesis finalisation should take six months, but may be extended to two years without further paperwork. The maximum thesis finalisation period is included in your overall programme length, which means that international PGRs will not need to apply for an additional visa to cover this phase.
If you need to move into the thesis finalisation period of your research degree, you must enrol for this phase and you will be liable to pay a continuation fee.
Thesis submission timelines
It is expected that you will submit your thesis within the timeframes outlined below:
Masters degrees
- Submission by one year and 3 months full-time.
- Submission by 2 years and 6 months part-time.
Doctoral degrees
- Submission by 3 years and 3 months full-time.
- Submission by 6 years and 6 months for part-time.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
You should normally have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a related discipline appropriate to your intended research.
Contacting your prospective supervisor before you submit your application is not essential but may be helpful.
Typical offer
2:1 in a relevant subject area
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Ready to get started?
Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.
Make your application online now, and our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible to make you an offer.
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International student? Please use the link below to get in touch with our international team for answers and advice.