MPhil Environmental Engineering

Our postgraduate research programmes in Environmental Engineering offer the opportunity to study in a multi-disciplinary team alongside leading academics in the field. Drawing on our expertise in Bioenergy and biomass, sustainable nuclear energy, low carbon transport, renewable energy socio-economics and carbon capture and storage we develop practical solutions to some of society's most pressing environmental challenges.

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

We would also encourage you to have a look at our department's virtual tour or to get in touch with us at pgr-mace@manchester.ac.uk if you have questions about our research programmes.

Apply online

You should include details of your previous study, your research project title and the name of the academic member of staff you would like to supervise your research.

We strongly recommend that you make contact with your proposed supervisor before submitting an application.

We require the following documents before we can consider your application.

• Research Proposal outlining your research project. Please see the guidance about what we would expect to be included in a research proposal.
• Bachelor's transcripts and certificates.
• Master's transcripts and certificates (where available).
• Two academic references. These can be scanned and uploaded when you apply or emailed to  pgr-mace@manchester.ac.uk . We do not request references on an applicant's behalf and it is your responsibility to ensure your referees know how to provide your reference to us.
• CV

Further documentation may be required relating to funding applications. The stages and documentation differ between funding schemes and so this information will be provided following consideration of your application.

If English is not your first language, we also require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application. We may be willing to consider your application without this document, but if we choose to make you an offer, the conditions will include IELTS (or equivalent qualification).

The following information sources may also be of use:

• MACE Virtual Open Day
• Types of research degrees available in the Department of MACE
• Research themes and staff expertise in the Department of MACE
• Overview of the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
• Information regarding funding opportunities
• Alternative funding sources
• Overview of The University of Manchester

Our postgraduate research programmes in Environmental Engineering offer the opportunity to study in a multi-disciplinary team alongside leading academics in the field. Drawing on our expertise in Bioenergy and biomass, sustainable nuclear energy, low carbon transport, renewable energy socio-economics and carbon capture and storage we develop practical solutions to some of society's most pressing environmental challenges.

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

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.

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 12 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).

Graduates from the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering 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.