MPhil Mechanical Engineering

University of Plymouth

The degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded for a research study which makes a significant contribution to knowledge. Candidates must demonstrate that they have made an original personal contribution to the understanding of a problem in a specific field, the advancement of knowledge, or the generation of new ideas.

Key features

Mechanical engineering research is embedded in two research groups; Autonomous Marine Systems, Materials and Structures, and supports Coastal, Ocean and Sediment Transport.

Autonomous Systems and Control research group comprises a multidisciplinary team with expertise across artificial intelligence (AI), advanced control systems engineering theory, multi-sensor data fusion, dynamics, thermodynamics and fluids, smart materials, marine power plant, marine vehicle performance prediction, propulsors, integrated navigation systems and marine renewable energy.

MAterials and STructures (MAST) research (including Civil and Structural Materials, Composites Engineering, and Structural Integrity) covers many aspects of mechanics in materials and structures. This includes structural integrity focusing on fatigue and fracture of materials, multi-scale and multi-phase modelling of materials, and structural modelling using FEA.

Composites Engineering addresses fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composites with specialisations in composites manufacture, process-property-mesostructure relationships, marine composites, natural fibre reinforcements, or smart materials and intelligent structures.

Programme overview

• This is a 2 year full-time or 4 year part-time research degree (including a 1 year writing up period for full-time or part-time students).
• This programme is suitable for people who have a particular research question or topic in mind, and wish to explore this through independent study in order to produce an original contribution to the subject. If you aspire to a research career this is the most appropriate research degree to undertake.
• You will be guided by a small supervisory team of academic experts under the direction of a Director of Studies.
• You will be expected to fully engage with skills development and training and to present your research in a range of scholarly contexts.