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Courses

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (PhD/MPhil/EngD)

PhD 3 years; EngD 4 Years; MPhil 1-2 years (Full-time) / opportunities available (Part-time) / n/a (Distance / E-Learning)

Programme Description

Postgraduates on the MPhil/PhD programme in Engineering at Cardiff can pursue research across a wide range of areas via the School's seven multidisciplinary research institutes. Within these Institutes are a number of research groups working across the three engineering disciplines of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering on major research themes such as Energy, Environment, Health, Communication, Security and Materials.

Special Features

Institute of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Research is conducted within a vibrant environment which has benefited from major strategic investment via directed SRIF funds of £2.4M into the Cardiff University Structural Performance (CUSP) laboratory and collaborative industrial partnerships.

The focus of our research is on the development of innovative, advanced and environmentally friendly technology, together with its effective and sustainable implementation via suitable hardware, software or management systems to applications within the transport, energy generation and manufacturing industries.

Our close involvement with industry ensures our research has both relevance and meaning. Our focus on applied research enables us to work with some of the world’s most renowned engineering companies. Partners include Airbus, BAe Systems, Bosch, Tata Steel, Daimler, EADS, Fiat, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Messier-Dowty, Mitutoyo, Network Rail TWI, Parametric Technology, Physical Acoustics, Renault, Rolls-Royce, SAP, Siemens, Silicon Graphics, Stile Bertone, The Highways Agency, TRL, Water Development Services and Microchip, and WS Akins.

Our three strategic research areas are:

Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace

Priority research topics: structural health monitoring, manufacturing and performance of lightweight structures including composites, energy harvesting, performance of transmissions and lightning strike.

Automotive

Priority research topics: vehicle/pedestrian safety, low carbon vehicles, energy recovery, life extension and enhancement of transport infrastructure, vehicle dynamics, lightweight structures, and human machine interfaces.

Manufacturing Engineering

Sustainable manufacturing

Priority research topics: sustainable technologies, product design and innovation, design for sustainability and sustainable manufacturing, eco-innovation and manufacturing, products and services for sustainable living, sustainable supply chains, condition monitoring for sustainability, improved, effective and sustainable management systems.

Advanced manufacturing technologies

Priority research topics: multi-point forming, laser technology, metrology, high-speed machining, rapid manufacturing, CAD/CAM, fit manufacturing, manufacturing strategy, technologies for the factories of the future including digital, virtual, networked and adaptive manufacturing.

Micro/nano manufacturing

Priority research topics: precision and micro manufacturing, nano manufacturing, dimensional and surface micro and nano metrology, design and characterisation of materials with microstructure optimised for atom cluster and atomic processing, CAD/CAM tools for layer-based micro and nano patterning, technology maturity assessment.

Systems Engineering

Intelligent and knowledge based systems

Priority research topics: knowledge engineering, knowledge management, decision support, expert systems, information retrieval, intelligent content, semantic-based systems, AI including data mining, machine learning and fuzzy systems, optimisation, pattern recognition.

Smart systems

Priority research topics: embedded intelligence, marine renewable energy system design, predictive models, adaptive systems, adaptive control and condition monitoring, smart sensors, intelligent control, microprocessors, mechatronics, systems integration, converging technologies, robotics, systems of systems.

Entry Requirements

Suitable for graduates in in mechanical manufacturing, materials or structural engineering.

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

Tuition Fees:

  • UK & EU Full Time for 2013/14
    £3,900.00
  • UK & EU Part Time for 2013/14
    £1,950.00
  • International Full Time for 2013/14
    £16,000.00
  • International Part Time for 2013/14
    £8,000.00

Next intake: The University has four entry points for research degrees; 1st October, 1st January, 1st April or 1st July

School Contact

Name: Research Office, School of Engineering  

Telephone: +44 (0)29 2087 4642 

Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 4939  

Email: engineering-pgr@cardiff.ac.uk  

School Website: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin

More information

Postgraduate