Marine Engineering PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for Self-funded Students

A PhD in Marine Engineering is an opportunity to conduct independent research into the engineering challenges of the maritime environment. You'll be looking at improving and optimising the way our coasts, waterways and oceans are utilised in order to improve the lives of millions of people.

What's it like to study a PhD in Marine Engineering?

As a PhD student in Marine Engineering, you'll work with an expert supervisor and a team of fellow researchers, who will help guide your research. Your study will likely incorporate elements of other subjects such as oceanography, environmental science and civil engineering.

Possible research areas include:

• Offshore energy
• Marine environmental engineering
• Contaminated water treatment
• Marine structures and engineering
• Underwater robotics
• Marine geoscience

You'll likely divide your time between lab-based analysis and the writing up of your thesis. You may also have the opportunity to connect with the wider academic community through attending conferences and publishing papers.

Entry requirements for a PhD in Marine Engineering

The minimum entry requirement for a PhD in Marine Engineering is usually a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, though a Masters may sometimes be required.

PhD in Marine Engineering funding options

The main body funding PhDs in Marine Engineering in the UK is the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Some projects have funding attached, meaning you'll automatically be awarded funding if you are accepted onto the programme.

Some projects also have funding available to self-funded students. You may be able to self-fund by combining the UK government's doctoral loan with additional sources of funding such as support from your university or from a charity or trust.

PhD in Marine Engineering careers

A PhD in Marine Engineering will provide you with the skills to enter a number of careers in areas such as maritime technology, naval architecture and ocean engineering. You may decide to continue your research career, working for a university or research centre.

You may also work for maritime industries, such as shipping and oil and gas, or in areas such as water and waste management, coastal planning and disaster management.