Research Focus
Advanced energy and power systems, including:
- Zero-carbon and low-carbon fuel technologies;
- Research into the mechanisms of thermofluid and combustion processes;
- Conceptual design of novel power systems and high-efficiency engines;
- Marine and transportation power and propulsion systems;
- Clean energy propulsion and transport decarbonisation technologies;
- AI-assisted modelling, simulation and optimisation design;
- Hybrid power and intelligent energy systems;
- Research and development of green energy and future sustainable transportation technologies.
Programme Structure and Funding
This is a full-time PhD programme with a duration of 3.5–4 years (42–48 months). Only 1 place is available.
Durham University and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) jointly offer a full PhD scholarship programme covering all disciplines. Approximately 25 scholarship places are offered each year (across all disciplines), with funding for up to 48 months. It includes full tuition fees, an annual stipend, overseas student health insurance, return flights and the visa application fee. The CSC–Durham University joint scholarship usually opens for applications between December of the year before entry and January of the following year; applicants must complete their application for the Durham University PhD programme by mid-January and obtain an unconditional offer (or a formal offer of admission meeting CSC requirements). In addition, outstanding students may be offered paid research assistant (RA) and teaching assistant (TA) positions in the research group during their PhD.
Entry Requirements
Energy and power engineering, mechanical engineering, fluid mechanics, naval architecture and ocean engineering, aerospace engineering, engineering thermophysics, vehicle engineering, control science and engineering, intelligent engineering, applied mathematics
- Academic background: a master’s degree in energy, power, fluids, mechanical, marine and intelligent engineering or related disciplines (bachelor’s applicants with an undergraduate GPA ≥3.7/4.0 may also apply through a special selection process).
- Grade requirements: master’s GPA ≥3.3.
- Language requirements: TOEFL: 80 (before 21 January 2026) or 4.5 (after 21 January 2026); TOEFL iBT Home Edition accepted; or IELTS: 6.5 (with no component below 6.0); Applicants who have obtained a degree in an English-taught country may apply for an exemption from the language requirement.
- References: 2 letters of recommendation
Application Materials
- A research proposal of no more than 2,000 words (excluding references), clearly stating the research topic, aims and objectives, proposed research methods and ethical considerations;
- CV;
- Previous academic transcripts; if not in English, a professional translation is required;
- 2 letters of recommendation;
- English language test report.
Application Period
Applications are accepted throughout the year; the main entry point is October, with January and April also available.
Application Process
From now until March, applicants submit an English CV and relevant materials, and we will conduct an initial assessment. In March–April, those who pass the initial screening will be invited to interview with a potential supervisor. In May, after passing the interview, applicants must formally submit their application materials through the official website. In June, shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the faculty admissions committee. In July, offers are issued. Note: the above process assumes October entry.
Tuition and Living Costs
- Tuition fees: for the 2025/26 academic year, £30,750 per year (note: tuition fees rise slightly each year).
- Living costs: approximately £10,800–15,600 per year (the exact amount depends on individual circumstances).
Career Prospects
Graduates of Durham University’s engineering PhD have broad development prospects. In the UK, the employment rate of engineering and technology graduates is noticeably higher than that of other disciplines, with 73.2% in employment 15 months after graduation; salaries for engineering and technology roles are also generally better than in other industries.
Durham University has been ranked among the UK’s top 10 universities most favoured by employers for three consecutive years, with graduates earning an average annual salary of approximately £33,617, and engineering graduates earning an average salary of around £38,686 five years after graduation. In terms of career choices, PhD graduates mainly move into the following areas:
- Academia and research: PhD graduates can enter universities or research institutions worldwide to undertake postdoctoral research or academic posts and become independent researchers.
Durham University’s engineering discipline covers civil, mechanical, electrical and other fields, and its PhD degrees are professionally recognised by authoritative bodies such as the UK’s Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, laying a solid foundation for research careers.
- Energy and environmental engineering: graduates can join energy companies to work on new energy technology R&D and engineering project management, or participate in traditional energy industries such as oil and gas exploration.
In fields such as carbon capture and storage and renewable energy, an increasing number of PhD graduates are active in frontier projects such as the energy transition and energy storage systems.
- Manufacturing and engineering technology: graduates can work in technical R&D departments in mechanical manufacturing, the automotive industry, aerospace and other fields, engaging in product design, process optimisation and high-end equipment manufacturing.
Multinational companies offer a wealth of technical positions for PhDs in this field.
- Technology consulting and data analysis: some PhD graduates join management consulting, technical consulting or data analysis firms, providing engineering technical solutions and strategic advice.
The systematic analysis and modelling skills of engineering PhDs give them a unique advantage in these fields.
