PhD Engineering Materials
The study of engineering materials bridges the gap between the physical sciences, where understanding of atomic and molecular phenomena helps explain fundamental behaviours, and engineering structures, where practical applications of such phenomena are realised. It gives you the chance to explore cutting-edge science to make new discoveries.
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Why choose this
programme?
Our Centre for Engineering Materials provides world-class analysis of ceramics, metals and polymers, as well as composite materials consisting of two or more of these materials. It explores a range of applications where such materials are being used to bring about improved performance or new products.
We provide a multidisciplinary environment where doctoral students from different disciplines can meet and work together on applied engineering research topics with a direct impact on society.
Our researchers also regularly collaborate with key players in industry, including Rolls-Royce, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Jaguar Land Rover. We’re host to the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Thermo-Fluid Systems.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, the University of Surrey ranks 15th in the UK for research power for engineering and top 20 in the UK for the overall quality of research outputs (research papers and other published works).
What you will study
Our Engineering Materials PhD will give you the knowledge, skills and expertise needed for a career in engineering, research or academia. You’ll be intellectually challenged, develop research and management skills, and become an expert in your chosen field of study.
It normally takes around three years to complete a full-time PhD. You’ll be assigned a minimum of two supervisors, who’ll guide you through your studies. You’ll learn how to conduct literature reviews, develop your ideas and verify them with experiments, and collaborate and perform interdisciplinary research. You will develop your skills over time to become an independent researcher.
Assessment
Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.
Location
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Research themes
- Adhesive bonding
- Additive manufacturing and printing
- Ceramics
- Composites
- Design
- Energy generation, harvesting and storage
- Engineering materials
- Materials for infrastructure
- Nanomaterials
- Smart materials
- Surface and interface reactions
- Structural health monitoring
- Non-destructive testing.
Research centres
See a full list of all our academic staff within the School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences.
Research support
The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.
Facilities
As a PhD student within the School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, you’ll have access to all our facilities, including our Surface Analysis Laboratory and Nanomaterials Laboratory. You’ll also have access to hardware in our Microstructural Studies Unit.
UK qualifications
Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower-second (2:2) UK degree plus a good UK masters degree - distinction normally required (or equivalent overseas qualification).
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
Selection is based on applicants:
- Meeting the expected entry requirements
- Being shortlisted through the application screening process
- Completing a successful interview
- Providing suitable references.
Fees per year
Explore UKCISA's website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.
* Please note: any start date other than September will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).
October 2025 - Full-time
- UK
- £5,006
- Overseas
- £27,200
October 2025 - Part-time
- UK
- £2,503
- Overseas
- £13,600
July 2026 - Full-time
- UK
- £5,006
- Overseas
- £27,200
July 2026 - Part-time
- UK
- £2,503
- Overseas
- £13,600
January 2026 - Full-time
- UK
- £5,006
- Overseas
- £27,200
January 2026 - Part-time
- UK
- £2,503
- Overseas
- £13,600
April 2026 - Full-time
- UK
- £5,006
- Overseas
- £27,200
April 2026 - Part-time
- UK
- £2,503
- Overseas
- £13,600
- Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100 (subject to legal requirements).
Additional costs
There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.
Funding
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
Studentships
Browse our frequently updated list of funded studentships open for applications.
Application process
Applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors before they submit an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our application guidance.
After registration
Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Code of practice for research degrees
Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.
Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF).
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions at offer stage and are shown again at registration. You will be asked to accept these terms and conditions when you accept the offer made to you.
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2025/26 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.