Eng Science Marine Environment Integrated PhD
Engineering and Science in the Marine Environment Integrated PhD
Full time: 48 months, part time: 72 months
Profile
Our Integrated PhD provides research training, supervision and collaboration to international standards. Your research project will be in one of the areas addressed by our research groups.
The research project comprises an original piece of work combining both experiment and theory. Your thesis should explore, in detail, some element of engineering or science as applied in the marine environment. Where appropriate, you will be encouraged to take advantage of our strong links with the marine industry to carry out your research project in an industrial context. Recent partnerships and collaborations include International Paint, Lloyds Register and BAE Systems.
Your research project is normally in one of the areas addressed by our research groups:
- Oceans and Climate (OC)
- Marine Biology Ecosystems and Governance (MBEG)
- Marine Resources and Renewable Energy (MRRE)
- Marine Hydrodynamics and Structures (MHS)
- Sustainable Shipping and Marine Engineering (SSME)
Delivery
The Integrated PhD involves the study of 120 credits worth of Master's level taught modules. These will be taken during the first three years of the course alongside your research project. You can choose from one of the following:
- International Marine Environmental Consultancy, MSc (*)
- Marine Engineering, MSc (**)
- Naval Architecture, MSc (**)
- Marine Transport Management, MSc (**)
- Offshore Engineering, MSc (**)
- Pipeline Engineering, MSc
- Subsea Engineering and Management, MSc (**)
(*) You take an additional 10 credits of modules from another MSc course
(**) You take an additional 20 credits of modules from another MSc course
Our substantial marine technology research community includes 50 research students, 140 MSc students, six to 10 post-doctoral students, six technicians and 16 full-time academic staff. This provides you with opportunities to progress your career, whether in industry or academia. Our annual Postgraduate Research Conference gives you an opportunity to share research experience and practise vital presentation skills.
We hold joint meetings of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), which you are invited to join as they offer vital insight into the workings of professional bodies.
Our research students have been very successful at finding employment across a wide range of sectors. Professional institutes hold Newcastle research degrees in high regard when assessing work applications.
Accreditation
Our course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf of the Engineering Council. This means that you are automatically recognised as satisfying the educational requirements leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

The Royal Institution of Naval Architects is an internationally renowned professional institution whose members are involved at all levels in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of marine vessels and structures. Members of RINA are widely represented in industry, universities and colleges, and maritime organisations in over 90 countries.

IMarEST is the first Institute to bring together marine engineers, scientists and technologists into one international multi-disciplinary professional body.
Our accreditations give you an additional benchmark of quality to your degree, making you more attractive to graduate employers. It can also open the door to higher-level jobs, most of which require Chartered Engineer status.
Facilities
You have access to a wealth of excellent facilities within the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, including extensive laboratories such as the:
- Hydrodynamics laboratory
- Emerson Cavitation Tunnel
- Princess Royal, a versatile twin-hulled locally designed and built vessel supported by a dedicated shore station at Blyth Harbour
In the news
You will receive a tailored package of support from the University to ensure you maximise your research and future career. There are also opportunities to undertake your research at Newcastle within a Doctoral Training Centre, Centre for Doctoral Training or Doctoral Training Partnership.
Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme and Student Support
Our Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme is a community made up of postgraduates from the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering.
It will help you to develop the skills and experience that the UK Research Councils expect you to have, or to develop, during your research degree.
Our programme will help you to:
- complete a training needs analysis, so that you know what your current skills are and where you need help and development
- use your training needs analysis to create your personal development plan
- identify appropriate workshops or other events that will help you most and best address your development needs
- gain the personal and professional key skills development for the successful completion of your research degree
Postgraduate Research Student Support
Our Research Student Support Team will provide support and advice throughout your studies. The team can help you on a variety of issues from registration to producing your transcripts.
Doctoral training centres and partnerships
Being part of a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) or Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) means that you can benefit from the research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics. You'll also be studying alongside a cohort of other PhD students.
These centres are often interdisciplinary, combining expertise and training from multiple subject areas. You may also be able to collaborate with an industrial or commercial organisation.
Your PhD will be funded. Normally the fees are covered and you'll receive a tax-free stipend or living expenses. Additional funding is sometimes available to cover things such as conference attendance and research materials.
The centres/ partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area.
Fees & Funding
2020-2021 fees
If your studies last longer than one year your fee may be subject to an annual inflationary increase.
The fees displayed here are per year.
Integrated PhD
UK
Full time: £4,327*
Part time: £2,164*
EU
Full time: £4,327*
Part time: £2,164*
*The fees stated above are for 2019 entry only. We are aligning our 2020 entry tuition fees for UK/EU students with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Once these fees have been confirmed (typically February), we will update this page.
International
Full time: £23,800
Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.
EU students starting at Newcastle in 2020 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.
Entry Requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant engineering or science discipline.
We also consider applicants on an individual basis with non-standard qualifications.
Find out the equivalent qualifications for your country.
Use the drop down above to find your country. If your country isn't listed please email: international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.
English Language Requirements
Select an English language test from the list to view our English language entry requirements.
Please email us at international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.
How to Apply
You apply online, track your application and contact the admissions team via our applicant portal. Our step by step guide can help you on your way.
Before you apply you should find and contact a research supervisor from the Science, Agriculture and Engineering Graduate School.
Start dates
The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Deposit
If you live outside the UK/EU you must:
- pay a deposit of £1,500
- or submit an official letter of sponsorship
The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.
Contact
Carol Barnett
Postgraduate Programme Co-Ordinator
School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 6661
Email: snes.pgr.enquiries@ncl.ac.uk