PhD Automotive Engineering
Course overview
The PhD in Automotive Engineering at the University of Surrey places you in a multidisciplinary environment focused on applied engineering research. This doctoral programme typically takes around three years to complete full-time and is designed to give you the advanced knowledge, skills, and expertise needed for a career in engineering, research, or academia.
This PhD will challenge you intellectually, helping you develop advanced research and management skills while becoming a true expert in your chosen field. You will be assigned a minimum of two supervisors who will guide you throughout your studies. You will learn how to conduct literature reviews, develop original research ideas, verify those ideas with experiments, and perform interdisciplinary research. Over time, you will develop the confidence to become an independent researcher.
Your final assessment is based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis. This thesis will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option to prepare your thesis as either a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in a publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to your supervisors' approval. The PhD in Automotive Engineering from the University of Surrey offers the resources and guidance you need to make a direct impact on society through vehicle technology.
Entry requirements
Grade Requirements:
- Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree in a relevant discipline, or a lower-second (2:2) UK degree plus a good UK master's degree.
English Proficiency:
- International students are to show proficiency in English by having an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each category.
Scholarships
Discounts for Surrey Graduates
As graduate of Surrey you may be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on our taught masters programme fees.
Up to 20% of feesEarly Payment Discount
The discount is awarded as a £2,000 fee waiver for eligible students in the first year of their studies.
Up to £2,000ICAEW Foundation Bursary
The ICAEW Foundation Bursary will be given as a one-off payment of £5,000 for one year of postgraduate study.
Up to £5,000International Alumni Discount for Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS
The discount of 20% only applies to the first year of the Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS programme.
Up to 20% of feesInternational Excellence Award (Postgraduate)
This prestigious £5,000 award recognises academic excellence and is awarded to selected students starting a masters degree at Surrey.
Up to £5,000International Excellence Award (Undergraduate)
The scholarship is awarded as a £5,000 fee waiver.
Up to £5,000ISTAT Foundation Scholarship Program
Contributing to the development of future aviation professionals by providing funds and avenues for students with a keen interest in commercial aviation.
Surrey MBA AI Pathfinders Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Eastern Europe Bridge Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Employer Partnership Scholarship
This scholarship allows the Surrey MBA to match employer contributions towards the tuition fee up to 40%.
Surrey MBA Enterprise Trailblazer Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Service Stewardship Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Women in Leadership
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10 – 50% of the tuition fee.
The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship
The total value of the award is £30,000 (£10,000 x 3 years).
Up to £30,000
Career opportunities
A PhD in Automotive Engineering from the University of Surrey opens doors to exciting career opportunities in roles such as the following:
- R&D Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Autonomous Vehicle Specialist
- Robotics Engineer
- University Professor/Lecturer
Cost of study
The annual tuition fee to study a PhD in Automotive Engineering at the University of Surrey is £27,200. Kindly note that fees are paid annually and are, thus, subject to change.
Admission
Applications for this course can be made online through the university’s online application platform. For details about this process, feel free to reach out to our counsellors at AHZ.
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