Your programme during COVID-19

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.

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University study experience.

Terms and conditions and student complaints

The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.

About this course

Your research project will be in one of the areas addressed by the marine technology research groups:

• Marine Hydrodynamics and Structures (MHS)
• Sustainable Shipping and Marine Engineering (SSME)

Depending on your previous academic training and the requirements of the project, you may receive formal instruction through taught modules in important areas.

The substantial marine technology research community including 50 research students, 140 MSc students, six to 10 post-doctoral students, six technicians and 16 full-time academic staff provides you with opportunities to progress your career, whether in industry or academia. 

Our annual Postgraduate Research Conference provides you with an opportunity to share research experience and practise vital presentation skills. We also instigated the UK Marine Technology Postgraduate Conference which involves research student presentations from leading UK universities involved in Marine Technology research.  These universities take turns to host the conference which is sponsored by Lloyds Register, the Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

Delivery

This research degree operates through the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme (PGRDP). This is part of the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) Graduate School.

Your original research project is managed in the marine technology research groups. There is flexibility in how your research outputs are achieved. Supervisory inputs and collaborations with other Schools and Faculties are common.

Aside from the PGRDP, the programme of work suits you and your project requirements. You will achieve a certain number of credits through the PGRDP and School in your first two years. You will also:

• write a thesis for viva voce examination
• have the opportunity to attend regional and international conferences in your chosen subject area
• prepare papers for publication in academic journals

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.

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

Funding opportunities

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English course. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering our Pre-sessional courses online only from June to September 2020.

Before you apply you should find and contact a research supervisor from the School of Engineering.

Start dates

There are usually three possible start dates, although in some circumstances an alternative start date can be arranged:

• January
• April
• September

There is no application closing date for this course, but specific deadlines for funding may apply.

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.