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We have 685 Mechanical Engineering PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
Mechanical Engineering PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
We have 685 Mechanical Engineering PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
PhDs in Mechanical Engineering are doctoral research degrees that allow students to deeply explore a particular aspect of mechanical systems and processes.
Specifics vary drastically between programmes, but may involve research into the complexities of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, material science, and the development of innovative mechanical solutions.
Entry requirements typically include an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics. A relevant Masters degree may also be required depending on the programme.
Why study a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
Develop Skills and Knowledge
A PhD in Mechanical Engineering allows you to not only develop your own knowledge of Mechanical Engineering, but also to make a unique, original contribution to the subject as a whole. By doing so, you will hone a variety of transferable skills, such as:
- Research and Analytical Skills: Ability to design, conduct, and analyse complex research projects.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Expertise in evaluating engineering theories and practices to address challenges.
- Communication and Presentation Skills: Proficiency in effectively conveying ideas and findings to diverse audiences.
Further Career Development
If you're hoping for a career in academia, a PhD is typically required. Other research-based careers may likewise require a PhD, and even when they don't, employers will value the research skills and knowledge developed during your degree. For more information, please visit our PhD employability guide.
After completing your PhD in Mechanical Engineering, a potential career option might be employment as a Consulting Engineer. According to UK salary data from Glassdoor, a Consulting Engineer earns an average of £51,877 per year, dependent on factors such as experience, employer and employment location.
Improve Employability
Completing a PhD may also improve your employability. According to the UK government's LEO Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes survey, 81% of Engineering PhD students were in further education or employment three years after graduation.
What do prospective Engineering PhD students think about study?
We host the Pulse postgraduate survey to understand the motivations, concerns and expectations of students just like you. For prospective Engineering PhD students in 2023:
- 76% were either positive or very positive about employment after graduation.
- 79% preferred on campus learning, 6% preferred online/distance learning, and 15% preferred a blended approach.
- 12% were interested in part-time study.
- In order of popularity, the top three study motivations were:
- Subject interest
- Career progress
- Challenge
If you'd like to make your voice heard, why not complete our survey? Your feedback will help us ensure our site is as helpful as possible for students like you!
Note: This guidance was produced with the assistance of AI. However, all data is derived from reliable, authoratitive sources, and all content has been reviewed by humans.
Next-Gen Wind Turbine Blades: Whisper-Quiet Innovations with Aerodynamic Efficiency
. Applications are invited for one full-time PhD Studentship within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering funded by Vestas Technology (UK) Ltd. Read more
Research on AC loss of HTS fusion magnets
The project. Compared to low temperature superconductors (NbTi & Nb. 3. Read more
Mobile Robot Automation of Large Volume Inspection and Data Fusion (Ref: FP-CG-2025/MTC002)
This project is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). Read more
Laser surface engineering of solid-state batteries for functionalisation of electrochemical performance (Ref: FP-MP-2025)
Applications are invited to undertake a 3-year PhD programme to explore new laser surface engineering methods for functionalising the electrochemical performance of solid-state batteries. Read more
3-Directional Frictional Mechanical Metamaterials (3DFMMs) (Ref: FP-AZ-2025)
Metamaterials have extraordinary properties and functionalities not typically found in conventional solids. Read more
Optimised laser textured surfaces for preventative electrical erosion damage (Ref: FP-RR-2025/MTC002)
This project is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research at Loughboorugh University in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). Read more
Structural Health Monitoring Sensors for Extreme Environments
About the project. The University of Cincinnati has been developing a suite of ultrasonic sensors for structural health monitoring in extreme, typically high temperature (550°C+) environments. Read more
Development of a robotic device for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery
Research Group:
Intelligent Systems and Robotics
Up to 25% of patients who undergo Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery report unsatisfactory functional outcomes (Lord et al., 2019). Read more
Fibre-optic Instrumentation for Aerospace Manufacturing (Ref: FP-JC-2025/MTC002)
This project is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). Read more
Novel Hydrogen Energy Materials
Hydrogen represents a clean and sustainable energy source but its safe use depends on the reliability of the materials used for the production, transport and storage of hydrogen. Read more
Ceramic 3D printing for reactor engineering
In this project you will develop the method for fabricating ceramic chemical reactors using desktop scale stereolithography and digital light projection 3D printing technology. Read more
Investigation into the Impact of Material Properties on the Gas Transport Behaviour of Polyolefin Materials
The sustainable use of polymeric materials is underpinned by ensuring long service life in all industries and applications. Understanding durability requires research into the effects of both manufacturing methods and environmental storage conditions on the material properties and performance over time. Read more
Prediction of dynamic behaviour of lightweight alloys in extreme conditions for sustainable mobility.
Lightweight engineering materials offer a promising avenue for achieving carbon neutrality from the transport sector, with titanium alloys emerging as particularly attractive due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to extreme conditions. Read more
Reversing Hydrogen Embrittlement Sustainably: finding a pathway to facilitate long-term hydrogen storage and distribution (Ref: FP-AR-2025)
The goal of this project is to invent a rapid, sustainable technique for healing hydrogen-induced embrittlement in metals and alloys using high-frequency, low-density electric currents. Read more
Applied PhD Opportunity: Advancing Elite Cycling Aerodynamic Performance
This new PhD project offers a unique opportunity to reveal the detailed aerodynamics of New Zealand Olympic and Paralympic cyclists. Read more