Doctor of Philosophy

Mechanical Engineering PhD

Queen's University BelfastBelfast, United Kingdom
Level
Doctor of Philosophy
Duration
4 years
Subject
Aerospace Engineering
Location
United Kingdom
IELTS
6.0 overall, no part below 5.5

At a glance

Summary by AI

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Overview

Our society needs exceptional engineers who can understand, create and harness technology to address our shared global challenges. Without these individuals our long-term success as technologically advanced societies and economies will be diminished. Undertaking a PhD in the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering will enable you to make a real difference, positively impacting your career and through your research improving engineering methods and practice, and ultimately society. Research undertaken by PhD students in the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering forms a critical part of our research portfolio. Our research portfolio is ranked 24th in the UK with 96% of our Engineering research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent [REF 2021/ Times Higher Education]. What is more the REF2021 assessment, which is carried out by panels of academics and international experts, rated over 99% of the university research environment as world-leading or internationally excellent. Within this environment our PhD students research within the broad topics of design, materials, manufacturing, and energy. Joining us as a PhD student you will be part of a dynamic environment and will study alongside students from many countries worldwide. It is a lively community of over 100 students, in which you will have the opportunity to develop both career and life skills, for example by participating in cohort training and mentoring programmes and student led social and cultural activities. A PhD studentship is an investment in your personal development, worth over £100,000. Many of our PhD graduates take-up academic roles, while others go on to play leading roles in industry or become entrepreneurs. A PhD provides many benefits, among others it provides a range of “transferable skills”, such as independent and critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills, leadership, and self-confidence. Because of these developed characteristics we see that many industry leaders hold a PhD. You will likely get a higher salary after graduation from a PhD than you do three years after an undergraduate degree. More importantly, you will get a different type of job and likely make progress faster through promotion and reward mechanisms. This, of course, depends on your ambition, but a PhD builds an exceptional career foundation.

English language requirements

IELTS6.0 overall, no part below 5.5

IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component (*taken within the last 2 years) is required. International students wi

Fees

International students: £28,000

UK students: £5,238

Campus

  • Belfast, United Kingdom

If you studied in United States

138 countries

Postgraduate Research

Academic

Students interested in undertaking a PhD at Queen’s University need good grades in their Bachelor and Master's degree programs (if applicable) awarded by a recognized university, in addition to a strong research proposal. Please consult the Coursefinder for details of the specific entry requirements for individual PhD programs. How to Apply Applications for Postgraduate Taught Masters and PhD programmes must be made using the University's online application system. There is no application fee to apply for Postgraduate programmes. All Masters degree programmes at Queen’s begin in September each year. Postgraduate research programmes can begin at different times throughout the academic year. The start date has to be agreed with your PhD supervisor. Applications should be submitted online via the Queen's Portal for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes. Find out more about applying for Postgraduate Taught and Postgraduate Research programmes. How to Apply Prepare for your university degree with tailored, academic pathway programmes from Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre. You'll benefit from university-style teaching for subject-based modules and high academic standards. Then, when it comes to progressing to your chosen degree, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre will support you with your university application. Courses include: International Foundation courses in Architecture, Business and Engineering, providing a pathway to the first year of a wide range of undergraduate degrees. International Year One courses in Management and Finance, Engineering disciplines, and Computer Science, allowing direct entry to year two of Undergraduate degrees. Pre Master's that prepare you for direct entry to selected Master's courses in Finance, Management and Social Sciences.

English language

Applicants will normally need to demonstrate a level of English equivalent to 6.5 IELTS or 90 TOEFL IBT (Internet based test). However, some degree programmes have higher or lower requirements (please check individual courses for programme requirements). The full list of acceptable English Language qualifications is available here. Improve your English language skills to prepare for further academic study or the level required for your degree. Academic English For students who need to increase their IELTS level in order to progress to university. Pre-sessional English For students who are academically qualified and hold an offer from Queen’s but need to improve their English language skills to the level required for their degree. Search Courses Featured Courses BA Anthropology BA International Relations and Politics BA History BSc Psychology MA Conflict Transformation and Social Justice MA Creative Writing MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development MSc City Planning and Design Queen's offers lower tuition fees and living expenses than many other similarly well-regarded universities in the United Kingdom. The fees you will pay will vary depending on the course you choose and the…

From Queen's University Belfast's published requirements for students from United States. Your counsellor confirms what applies to you.

Scholarships at Queen's University Belfast

3 for this level
  • International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship£2,000.00 (US$ 2,583) - £5,000.00 (US$ 6
  • The Burdett Trust MSc Nursing Scholarships
  • Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship - Postgraduate Taught50% of fees
All scholarships at Queen's University Belfast

Plan your first year

Change the figures to your own
TuitionGBP 28,000
Visa application, from outside the UKGBP 558
Health surcharge, first year how it is chargedGBP 776
First year in totalGBP 43,386

The health surcharge is paid for the whole visa when you apply; one year is counted here. Figures as gov.uk showed them on 24 October 2026.

After your offer

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  1. 1

    Your offer

    The university sends a conditional or unconditional offer. We follow it until every condition is met.

  2. 2

    Accept and pay the deposit

    You accept the offer and pay any deposit the university asks for, by its deadline.

  3. 3

    Your CAS

    The university issues your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, the number your visa application needs. We help you get it.

  4. 4

    Your Student visa

    You apply with your CAS and show GBP 38,539 for your first year: tuition plus living costs. We help you prepare the documents.

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Where you will study

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Study in BelfastNorthern Ireland

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