Overview
Examples of MPhil and PhD supervision in our research areas include:
- micro and nanoscale design, fabrication, manufacturing and manipulation
- top-down and bottom-up fabrication
- nanoscale materials and electronics
- applications of nano and microelectronics in medical science (cell biology, neuroscience, human genetics and ageing)
- polymers
- self-assembly
- chemistry of nanoscale systems
- biomolecular engineering – microfluids, bioprobes and biosensor systems, MEMS/NEMS-based sensors and devices
Many research projects cross the disciplinary boundaries of:
- medicine
- engineering
- the physical sciences
Depending on the source of funding, your project may involve collaboration with:
- an industry partner
- working in a team with other students
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
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.
MPhil
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
PhD
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
Assessment methods
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Thesis
- Viva
Additional assessment information
We offer a wide range of projects for the master’s thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.
Postgraduate research student support
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
Your development
There are opportunities for you to develop your business awareness and skills. This includes training in topics like intellectual property protection. NanoLAB also hosts regular research seminars, conferences and workshops
Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) 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
You’ll build your transferable skills and increase your confidence. This will be through workshops and activities. 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.
Doctoral training and partnerships
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 interdisciplinary PhD students.
Available opportunities are found in the fees and funding section of each course page. The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities:
- Discovery Medicine North – MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership
- Newcastle Liverpool Durham BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership
- 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 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
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
nanoLAB, one of the University’s research centres, brings together our cross-disciplinary research in:
- biomedical science
- nanoelectronics
- nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS)
- chemistry
- materials
Our facilities include some of the best-equipped micro/nano device fabrication facilities in the UK. This includes:
- clean rooms for fabrication of bio-nano devices, electrical and material characterisation
- specialist equipment that can operate with nanometre scale resolution
- the national X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) service, NEXUS
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
Faculty of Medical Sciences
MPhil
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a science or medicine related subject.
PhD
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Further research experience or a master’s degree would be advantageous.
Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering
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.
