Heriot-Watt University

PhD Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering

Heriot-Watt University

Course overview

The IMPEE PhD program is offered full-time at the Edinburgh campus and focuses on multidisciplinary research across four main themes: Biomedical Engineering, Computational & Digital Engineering, Energy Harvesting & Conversion, and Multiphase Flow. The institute is home to more than 30 academics and approximately 100 postgraduate researchers, creating a thriving and collaborative research environment.

IMPEE maintains strong industrial connections, collaborating with a wide range of sectors to identify cutting-edge research challenges. Students benefit from extensive laboratory and workshop facilities, alongside engagement in high-profile regional, national, and international projects.

Graduates emerge well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, or public sector research, especially in fields aligned with net-zero and sustainable technology goals.

Entry requirements

To apply, you will need to submit a personal statement outlining your interest and qualifications, a reference from an academic or employer, and a CV detailing your relevant work experience.

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants are required to hold relevant UK degree qualifications for the programme.
  • Relevant equivalent international qualifications will also be considered.

English Proficiency:

  • Applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds must achieve a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
  • Equivalent test scores, such as TOEFL or PTE, are also accepted.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount Scheme

    A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Coaching Scholarships Programme

    Varies – up to a 100% Tuition fee Reduction (dependent on experience and number of coaching hours across the year).

  • Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

    The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence awards the successful recipient(s) with a 20% reduction on their tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships

    Please contact the provider.

  • Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary

    We are offering up to £525 from the access to learning funding to students to help cover costs. This could be to purchase a laptop, pay for WiFi access or travel expenses.

    Up to £525

  • International Merit Scholarship

    Award value: Varies by region

  • Remission of Fees (Families of Staff)

    Please contact the provider.

  • Staff Scholarships

    Please contact the provider

  • The Brodie Family Scholarship (PGT)

    The Brodie Family Scholarship provides financial support of £2,500 per year (or £2,000 per year for students enrolled in a five-year programme) to four undergraduate students.

  • The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

  • The New Dawn Energy Scholarship

    The New Dawn Energy Scholarship provides £1900 towards living costs to two students enrolling on our MSc in Petroleum Engineering in September 2026.

    Up to £1,900

Career opportunities

This program prepares graduates to pursue diverse careers, with potential roles including:

  • Product Development Engineer
  • Data Scientists
  • Patent Attorney/Engineer
  • Consultant (Technical/Engineering)
  • R&D Engineer/Engineer

Cost of study

For international students enrolling in the PhD Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering in Heriot-Watt University for the 2025/2026 academic year, the tuition fee is £25480.

Admission

Applications for this course may be submitted through UCAS or the university's international application form. For additional assistance, please consult with our trained counsellors.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide