Overview
Our research areas within Materials Engineering include
- kinetics and formation mechanisms of new materials
- predictive modelling based upon mechanistic understanding
Work covers the production, property measurement and performance assessment of:
- ceramics
- polymers
- metals
- composites
Your research will focus on understanding the physical and chemical descriptions that underlie material’s performance. You’ll also work towards developing property and performance models of materials
We focus on developing new materials for advanced engineering applications. This includes microelectronics, optics and power transmission
Current research projects include:
- developing novel surface engineering processes and materials (such as fullerene-like coating materials)
- energy-based methods for performance modelling
- nanomaterials and nanocharacterisation techniques
- novel materials for intensified processes
One of our research strengths is measurement and modelling of the mechanical response of materials at high-spatial-resolution. This is particularly in microelectronic and optical devices. A combination of unique equipment and interdisciplinary expertise supports this. Another research focus is the materials requirements for sustainable development. This includes the use of key resources, in particular water and energy. We have significant research into the generation of:
- energy from novel sources
- low carbon and renewable technologies
- application of materials for the healthcare sector
- the clean-up of effluent and wastewater.
Our major research topics include:
- fuel cells
- bio-fuel cells and energy systems
- gasification, cold plasma gasification
- biofuel production
- gas, water and solid treatment
- nano-structured polymer composites for pollution control
- sustainable and environmental electrochemical systems
- photochemical processes and electrochemical synthesis
Our mission is to foster, promote and conduct research of international quality. We attract high-quality graduates and researchers and train them to international standards.
Find out more about our research areas:
- Materials Concepts and Reaction Engineering (Materials, Concepts & Reaction Engineering – School of Engineering – Newcastle University
- Advanced materials and Electrochemical Engineering (Advanced Materials and Electrochemical Engineering Group – School of Engineering – Newcastle University
- Process intensification (Process Intensification – School of Engineering – Newcastle University
- Design Manufacture and Materials (Design, Manufacture and Materials
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 – 50,000 word thesis.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
How you’ll learn
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Thesis
- Viva
We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Find out more about our postgraduate research student support
The Design, Manufacture and Materials and Materials, Concepts and Reaction Engineering subject group pages outline our specialist research areas. You’ll be able to:
- explore possible research programmes
- find out more about staff working in these research areas
- identify a potential research supervisor
Your development
The School of Engineering runs a postgraduate training programme. It is compulsory for all new students and involves selected taught modules. You’ll receive research training from the Science, Agriculture and Engineering Graduate School. This covers professional/key skills, personal development and research techniques.
You may supplement your income by leading laboratory demonstrations and tutorial classes.
Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development programme
Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
- perform better as a researcher
- boost your career prospects
- broaden your impact
Through workshops and activities, you’ll build your transferable skills and increase your confidence. Here you’ll cover:
- techniques for effective research
- methods for better collaborative working
- essential professional standards and requirements
Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.
There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within:
- a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
- a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits. They combine research expertise and training of many leading universities and academic schools. You’ll study alongside a cohort of other interdisciplinary PhD students.
PhD’s are usually funded. You’ll find funding opportunities in the fees and funding section of each PhD course page.
The following centres/partnerships may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area:
- EPSRC Aura Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind Energy and the Environment
- Sustainable Electric Propulsion Centre for Doctoral Training
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities (ReNU)
Your future
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 140 for Engineering and Technology – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Facilities
The School of Engineering has a wide range of attractive facilities.
It has an exceptional range of laboratories equipped with a wide range of analytical instrumentation supporting our research, teaching and contract research projects.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject. However, combinations of the following can be taken into consideration:
- undergraduate qualifications
- masters qualifications
- relevant work experience
Please contact us if you wish to discuss your individual circumstances.
