Advanced Manufacturing, Automation and Metrology
Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom
Course overview
Join a world-leading Engineering School pushing the boundaries of intelligent, sustainable and high-precision manufacturing. Manufacturing has been central to Loughborough University since its foundation in 1909, and our research now spans advanced manufacturing processes, intelligent automation, sustainability and the circular economy. The Wolfson School is internationally renowned for pioneering research in advanced manufacturing, robotics, automation, systems engineering and light-based precision metrology.
With state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, additive manufacturing suites, robotics labs, and advanced optics and photonics instrumentation facilities, we offer an exceptional environment for doctoral study. Manufacturing is changing rapidly as automation, digitalisation and sustainability reshape the way components and systems are designed, produced and inspected. As a PhD researcher, you will be part of this transition—working on challenges that connect fundamental engineering with real industrial needs.
Your project may involve smart production systems, autonomous equipment, precision metrology, or approaches that reduce waste and energy use in modern manufacturing. Research in this area drives the evolution of smart factories and digitally enabled production, aligned with Industry 4.0 principles and supporting emerging Industry 5.0 capabilities. Example research areas: 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
REF 2021
Key highlights
- Research spans advanced manufacturing, intelligent automation, sustainability and circular economy
- Access to additive manufacturing suites, robotics labs and photonics instrumentation
- Projects may cover smart production, autonomous equipment or precision metrology
- Research connects fundamental engineering with real industrial needs
- Work aligned with Industry 4.0 and emerging Industry 5.0 capabilities
- 94% of research impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — or above
Scholarships
Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of feesAlumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of feesQatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship
Careers this course leads to
- Manufacturing research engineer
- Automation and robotics engineer
- Metrology engineer
- Postdoctoral researcher
- University lecturer in engineering
- Additive manufacturing specialist
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a October 2026 place.