Engineering, MSc by Research
This Engineering MSc by Research is ideal for active engineers to explore an industry project and gain an academic award.
Two-thirds of this course is a research project that helps you develop expertise in a specific subject. The remainder is made up of options from the department's portfolio of master's courses. It is ideal for industry-based projects and popular with employed students who can pursue research projects related to their industrial careers.
Your research project can draw from across the faculty's areas of expertise, including manufacturing systems, control and instrumentation, and bulk solids handling. Recent projects include the design and construction of a test rig, the development of an automated elutriation tester, and the use of standpipes to develop full outlet area activation.
The faculty has invested over £1 million in specialised equipment to support teaching and research. You'll benefit from world-class facilities at our Medway Campus in Kent, including 3,000 square metres of state-of-the-art engineering laboratories.
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School
Location
Duration
- 1-2 years full-time
- 3 years part-time
Start month
September; January
Home/international fees 2025/26
£11,325 /£17,975
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
Core lectures will be delivered by members of the School of Engineering who are specialists in their fields. We often host guest lectures from industrialists or renowned researchers to bring additional perspectives and to keep ourselves informed of the latest international research, development and standards.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above, including a research element.
Applicants who don’t meet the above but have significant experience may be considered.
Suitable applicants will be required to attend an interview.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
Two-thirds of this course (120 credits) is a research project that will help students develop significant expertise and research skills in particular subjects. Alongside this, students have the freedom to choose courses of 60 credits from the School's master-level portfolios that are relevant and/or required for the research project. The programme is ideal for industry-based projects and has been a popular/preferred option for part-time students who are in employment while carrying out research.
Class sizes
There are around 20 students on the MSc by Research Programme in the School of Engineering. For specialist modules, our classes are usually limited to 6 students in lab sessions and 20 in lectures. This helps to create familiarity between students and staff and ensure a great learning experience. Because students carry out research projects in different areas and thus choose different taught courses from a wide range of options, the class size is normally not a problem in lectures and laboratory work.
Independent learning
The main assessment of this course is a research project. For this, much of your study time will be spent working independently.
There are taught elements from other master's courses, where your independent study will include any reading, preparation and assessments required to complete these successfully.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Assessment
The taught courses (60 credits) are assessed through examinations, assignments, presentations and group working. The research project (120 credits) is assessed by a written thesis and a viva including an external examiner, an internal examiner and a panel chair.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date. Examination results will be available within 28 days. Feedback of thesis viva will be provided within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
Each academic year runs from September to June. You can begin this course in September or January.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £11,325 | £5,663 per year | N/A |
| International | £17,975 | £8,988 per year | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Engineering graduates from this course can pursue opportunities in research and development in their chosen field.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.
Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
You are assigned at least two supervisors who have complementary technical knowledge and project management experience in your research area. One will be designated the lead supervisor. The Programme Leader and members of related research groups will provide further advice and support as required.
Support from the department
All students prepare a research proposal identifying their programme of work and the equipment, materials and resources required. The School of Engineering is fully equipped to support students across a range of disciplines, through a number of centres of excellence and research groups. Students also have the opportunities to access to the state of the art industrial technologies during projects with our local engineering collaborators including BAE Systems, Cummins Power Generation, Ford, Delphi, Thales, Atlas Copco and 3M. In addition, advice, guidance and support is available to the student from a range of sources in the Faculty of Engineering and Science and across the University.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Studying engineering at the University of Greenwich
Gain a solid foundation in all aspects of engineering in specialist labs on our Medway Campus and choose the area you want to specialise in later in your studies.
Visit our engineering degrees page.
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Engineering technology degrees
Learn how to apply engineering to a range of real-world problems. Studying on our Medway Campus, you will develop the skills and knowledge you need to drive changes in product design using the latest technological advances.
Mechanical engineering degrees
This is one of the broadest areas of engineering. You will learn about the design, construction and operation of mechanical systems. Studying at our Medway Campus, you’ll benefit from our strong links with local industry.
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