The School of Engineering provides a strongly multidisciplinary research environment, where you have the opportunity to undertake research through either full-time or part-time study, including MSc by Research, PhD or an EngD level.
Our research degree programme provides thorough training in a particular subject area through original exploration and experimentation and culminating in a thesis or dissertation which sets out the conclusions of the research undertaken.
Our research spans the engineering disciplines and ranges from theoretical analysis and computational modelling to laboratory experiments and full-scale testing of concepts and designs. Our aim is to conduct fundamental and applied research that ranks among the best in the UK and internationally.
Applied dynamics, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, internet engineering, power, and chemical engineering are areas of established research strength within the School, while new research strengths are rapidly developing in, biomedical engineering, AI and robotics.
Research in the School is supported by state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, instrumentation and computing hardware and software. There is excellent technical support provided by laboratory-based technicians and well-equipped electronics and mechanical engineering workshops.
The Graduate School offers an induction programme and skills training opportunities for all research students to support their studies and to help with career planning.
MSc by Research
Students undertake a research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor and, unlike a postgraduate taught degree by coursework and dissertation, there are no formal lectures or seminars and work is not formally examined until after the final thesis is submitted. The thesis is required to display evidence of originality or present a satisfactory, orderly and critical exposition of existing knowledge within the field concerned.
PhD
A PhD is a Doctorate of Philosophy, a prestigious qualification that demonstrates talent, academic excellence and a thirst for knowledge. It usually culminates in a thesis based on research carried out over the course of 3-4 years. The research must “make a distinct contribution to knowledge and afford evidence of originality as shown by the exercise of independent critical powers”. There are no formal lectures or seminars but your work will be periodically qualitatively monitored by the Graduate School.
Research within the School of Engineering is conducted within five research groups as follows.
The Applied Dynamics and Structures Research Group is a multidisciplinary Research Group conducting interlinked research in the areas of (i) Dynamical Systems (ii) Sustainable Structures (iii) Renewable Energy and Energy Transition, and (iv) Energy Systems’ End of Life, in close collaboration with Centre for Applied Dynamics Research (CADR) and the National Decommissioning Centre (NDC).
The Electrical Systems and Electronics (ESE) Research Group advances fundamental knowledge in EEE and is at the forefront of developing innovative applications across the spectrum of engineering. It enjoys an international reputation and profile, which spans the development of new semiconductor devices and laser components for holographic cameras to techniques for high power DC transmission; design of algorithms and AI techniques; Internet engineering, bioengineering and the design and control of novel robotic platforms.
The analytical, computational and experimental work of the group covers a wide range of advanced structural and functional materials and material systems. It is aimed at understanding and predicting their mechanical behaviour at different lengths scales.
The Fluid Mechanics Research Group covers a spectrum of research across four major areas: (1) Environmental and Industrial Fluid Mechanics; (2) Soil Mechanics; (3) Structural Mechanics; and (4) Transport Studies.
The Chemical Processes and Materials Research Group has an international profile in many aspects of activity in the area of functional materials (preparation, characterisation and application) and includes research in the areas of: cementitious materials, biomaterials, magnetic/electronic materials and materials for catalysis and photocatalysis.
Engineering research is also embedded across several research centres of excellence:
Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
Our Engineering postgraduates are sought by a wide range of employers in the UK and worldwide. Many take up positions in the engineering industry, in engineering consultancy companies, and in the computing industry. Others go on to work in research and academic institutions, both government and private.
