PhD Mechanical Engineering at University of Kent

Programme overview

Research-led PhD in the Mechanical Engineering Group of the School of Engineering at Canterbury, running over three years of full-time study. Projects cover advanced fields of mechanical engineering.

Department: School of Engineering | Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time, 6 to 7 years part-time | Intake: September, January, April | Study mode: full-time or part-time; campus or distance learning (Canterbury) | Location: Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research fields include computer aided design, failure of materials and structures, computational fluid dynamics, automation and manufacturing, risk and reliability, industrial maintenance, robotics and autonomous systems, and digital mechanics. Facilities include a 3-D printer, wind tunnel, dynamic testing machines, mechatronic units and non-destructive testing equipment.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2:1 or higher honours degree, or an MSc with Merit or above, in a suitable subject such as mechanical, materials, civil or structural engineering, or mathematics. Additional and professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. English language (international applicants): Good level (CEFR B2), for example IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component or PTE Academic 63 with at least 59 in each sub-test; a UK degree or a degree from a majority English-speaking country is also accepted.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Indicative full-time UK postgraduate research fee for 2026/27 given as a guide only; the 2027/28 rate had not yet been set. Source

International applicants: GBP 23,950 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual tuition fee from the 2027/28 fee table Source

Intake: September, January, April

Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time, 6 to 7 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply

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