Engineering Materials PhD
Key information
Why choose this course
The study of engineering materials bridges the gap between the physical sciences, where understanding of atomic and molecular phenomena help explain fundamental behaviours, and engineering structures where practical applications of such phenomena are realised.
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, and 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 direct impacts on society.
A PhD course in engineering materials will allow you to test the cutting-edge of science and make new discoveries. Our excellent characterisation and manufacturing laboratories and facilities are nationally and internationally recognised, and a stage for world-class research.
Our researchers also regularly collaborate with industry, including work with Rolls-Royce, Dstl, and Jaguar Landrover. We’re host to the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Thermo-Fluids Systems and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Micro and Nanomaterials and Technologies.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, 80 per cent of our ‘general engineering’ research outputs were rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
Frequently asked questions about doing a PhD
Read moreWhat you will study
Our PhD in Engineering Materials 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 will guide you through your PhD. You’ll learn how to conduct literature reviews, develop your ideas and verify them with experiments, and collaborate and perform interdisciplinary research. Over time, we’ll develop your skills and transform you into an independent researcher.
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.
Research themes
- Adhesive bonding
- Additive manufacturing & printing
- Ceramics
- Composites
- Design
- Energy generation and harvesting
- Engineering materials
- Materials for infrastructure
- Nanomaterials
- Smart materials
- Surface and interface reactions.
Our academic staff
See a full list of all our academic staff within the Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences.
Schools and departments
Research areas
Research facilities
As a PhD student within the Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, you’ll have access to all our facilities, including our Surface Analysis Laboratory, our Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory and our hardware in our Microstructural Studies Unit.
Entry requirements
Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper-second class degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower second plus a good Masters degree (distinction normally required).
View entry requirements by country
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.
View the other English language qualifications that we 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, assessment of application, successful interview and suitable references where required.
Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.
Fees
For fees payable in 2020/1, these will increase by 4 per cent, rounded up to the nearest £100 for subsequent years of study. Any start date other than October 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).
Overseas students applying for 2020 entry should note that annual fees will rise by 4% rounded up to the nearest £100.
View a complete list of all fees for our research programmes.
Additional costs
There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey. Find out more.
Funding
We will be offering over 150 Doctoral College studentships for outstanding prospective postgraduate researchers starting in October 2020.
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
Studentships
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Course |
Status |
|---|---|
|
Engineering Materials PhD Full-time, July 2020 |
Applications open Closing date: Wednesday 22 April 2020 |
|
Engineering Materials PhD Full-time, April 2021 |
Applications open Closing date: Sunday 26 January 2020 |
|
Engineering Materials PhD Full-time, October 2020 |
Applications open Closing date: Monday 20 July 2020 |
|
Engineering Materials PhD Part-time, July 2020 |
Applications open Closing date: Wednesday 22 April 2020 |
|
Engineering Materials PhD Part-time, April 2021 |
Applications open Closing date: Sunday 26 January 2020 |
|
Engineering Materials PhD Part-time, October 2020 |
Applications open Closing date: Monday 20 July 2020 |
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 of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations, and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read more.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682 222
- Email: admissions@surrey.ac.uk
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH