MPhil Civil Engineering

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Master of Philosophy
Duration
12 Months [Full-Time] / 24 Months [Part-Time]
Entry requirements
The standard academic entry requirement for this MPhil is a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the MPhil (or international equivalent).

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Apply online

In your application you’ll need to include:

  • The name of this programme
  • Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
  • Your proposed supervisor’s name
  • If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
  • A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
  • Details of your previous university level study
  • Names and contact details of your two referees.
Before applying we recommend that you read the 'Advice to Applicants' section.

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MPhil Y Y N N

Programme description

Research in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering covers six broad research themes ; aerospace engineering, innovative manufacturing, modelling and simulation, nuclear engineering, resilient systems, and structures in extreme environments.

Our postgraduate research programmes in Civil Engineering offer the opportunity to study in a multi-disciplinary team alongside leading academics in the field.

Drawing on our expertise in structural engineering, geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering, hydraulic and fluid dynamics, material behaviour, computational modelling and dynamics of structures, we deliver world leading and industry relevant research and solutions.

Your research will be supported by state-of-the-art computational and experimental facilities. We have strong links with industry and excellent employability in a diverse sector of civil engineering.

Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects. 

Open days

Visit our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Research page to find out about upcoming open days and webinars.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MPhil (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A £4,786; Band B £7,000; Band C £10,000; Band D £14,500; Band E £24,500
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £28,000; Band B £30,000; Band C £35,500; Band D £43,000; Band E £57,000
  • MPhil (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A £2393; Band B £3,500; Band C £5,000; Band D £7,250; Band E 12,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit the postgraduate fees page .

Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Contact details

Department
Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering
Contact name
Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 529 3049
Email
Website
https://www.mace.manchester.ac.uk/
School/Faculty

The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way.  Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

The standard academic entry requirement for this MPhil is a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the MPhil (or international equivalent).

English language

All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language.

Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain a minimum IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in writing and listening, and 5.5. in all other sub-tests.

TOEFL iBT: At least 90 overall with no subtest below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'.

Pearson Test of English (PTE): At least 70 overall with no subtest below 59. Further information on language requirements can be found on our website .

Pre-sessional English: We also accept successful completion of a pre-sessional English course run by the University Language Centre to meet our English language requirements.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For general requirements for each country - including English language - see entry requirements for your country .

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply online

In your application you’ll need to include:

  • The name of this programme
  • Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
  • Your proposed supervisor’s name
  • If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
  • A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
  • Details of your previous university level study
  • Names and contact details of your two referees.
Before applying we recommend that you read the 'Advice to Applicants' section.

Advice to applicants

Before you start your application, you should have: You'll also need to make sure you have:
  • Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research, the area(s) of research you’re interested in, why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed.
  • Certificates and transcripts: Certificates and final transcripts of any completed university-level qualifications and interim transcripts for qualifications in progress. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must provide an official English translation. If your current weighted average mark or GPA is not included on these documents, please also include an official document from your university verifying this information.
  • CV: Summarising your academic record and highlighting experience that demonstrates your potential to conduct research.  
  • English language proof: A certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency. Applications can be considered without this evidence but any offer would be conditional on meeting minimum requirements.  
  • Referees: Names and contact details of two academic referees who we can get in contact with and will support your application.

Interview requirements

An interview is required for entry to this programme of study.

Deferrals

It is normally possible to defer entry to another entry point within the academic year, with the approval of your supervisory team and funder (if applicable).

You can request a deferral by contacting the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team by emailing fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk .  If you request deferral for entry in a subsequent academic year you may be required to re-apply.

Programme details

Programme description

Research in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering covers six broad research themes ; aerospace engineering, innovative manufacturing, modelling and simulation, nuclear engineering, resilient systems, and structures in extreme environments.

Our postgraduate research programmes in Civil Engineering offer the opportunity to study in a multi-disciplinary team alongside leading academics in the field.

Drawing on our expertise in structural engineering, geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering, hydraulic and fluid dynamics, material behaviour, computational modelling and dynamics of structures, we deliver world leading and industry relevant research and solutions.

Your research will be supported by state-of-the-art computational and experimental facilities. We have strong links with industry and excellent employability in a diverse sector of civil engineering.

Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects. 

Aims

Our MPhil students relish the opportunity to undertake a research project with intellectual, scientific, industrial or commercial challenges. Individuals with relevant industrial experience are also encouraged to apply for this level of graduate work, which is of particular value for personal and professional development. If satisfactory progress is made by the end of the first year you may be considered for progression onto the second year of a PhD programme. This is decided on a case by case basis.

Our research students have the opportunity to develop their skills through robust and flexible training that is designed to:

  • Develop the research skills needed to plan and conduct research, write a thesis and disseminate research findings to stakeholders and the wider research community;
  • Gain understanding of the wide variety of research undertaken within the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering;
  • Equip each student with the broader skills to become leading industry professionals and researchers in the next generation.

Our research degree programmes are based on supportive supervision in our outstanding research environment. You will carry out a programme of research in a particular area under the supervision of a primary supervisor and one or more co-supervisors. Your primary supervisor would be a research active member of academic staff in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. Co-supervisors may be from another discipline, another institution or even an external organisation, such as an industrial partner, selected to suit the project scope and specific skills required.

Additional programme information

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities.

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles.

We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder), carer support funds for conferences, and peer support networks for parents and carers.

All appointments are made on merit.  The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Teaching and learning

All candidates for the degree of MPhil must undertake a skills review at the beginning of their degree to determine their research, transferable and generic skills requirements. The review will provide the basis for a planned programme of skills training and development. The outcomes of the review and programme of skills development must be discussed and agreed by the student and the supervisory team. The supervisory team will be responsible for ensuring that the student has access to the required skills training and development opportunities.

An MPhil Degree provides research opportunities if you wish to qualify for a master's degree by the submission of a research thesis. This should detail the results of original work in your chosen field. The total time required to complete this programme is a minimum of 12 months full-time or the equivalent part-time study. You will also be permitted to register as a writing-up student for 6 months at the end of the degree to complete your dissertation. Subject to satisfactory progress, it is possible to transfer to a PhD at the end of the degree, requiring a further two years full-time study, or four years part-time.

The Degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a period of supervised research and training, the results of which show convincing evidence of the capacity of the candidate to pursue research and make an original contribution to knowledge. The thesis is assessed by oral examination (viva voce).

Scholarships and bursaries

In the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

Funding is also available at university and faculty level and can be viewed on our funding page . Alternatively, you can use our funding database to find scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

We'd recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor before applying. They can advise what funding may be available to you, and ensure you meet nomination and application deadlines.

Facilities

The Department has an extensive range of experimental facilities .

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk .

Careers

Career opportunities

Undertaking an MPhil in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering is both challenging and rewarding. Not only does it provide you with the opportunity to strengthen your research ability but it will also help you to develop a much wider range of skills, required to develop your career in business and industry or in research and an academic environment.

Graduates from our Department leave with a breadth of strong technical and inter-personal skills and expertise far beyond their particular degree specialism. They progress into a wide variety of careers within engineering (e.g. consulting engineers, R&D companies, construction sector) academia, public services (e.g. civil service, policy change) and commerce (e.g. IT, finance). The acquisition of an MPhil degree provides a significant career acceleration and facilitates entry into positions with greater responsibility and diverse opportunities. Furthermore, it increasingly provides entrepreneurial opportunities, exploiting skills and knowledge acquired during the programme.