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 Management of Projects offer the opportunity to study in a multi-disciplinary team alongside leading academics in the field.
Drawing on our expertise in conflict and dispute resolution, risk management, contracts and procurement, supply chains and inter-organisational relations and sustainable development we drive innovative solutions to promote successful project management. We have strong links with industry and excellent employability.
Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects.
Aims
The Degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a course of supervised research, the results of which show evidence of originality and independent critical judgement and constitute an addition to knowledge.
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.
All of 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.