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The University of Cambridge Department of Engineering is one of the leading centres of engineering in the world, renowned for both its teaching and its research. Since its foundation in 1875, it has grown to become the largest department in the University, and the largest integrated engineering department in the UK, with approximately 150 faculty, 260 contract research staff and research fellows, 1,000 postgraduate students, and 1,200 undergraduates.
The Department of Engineering offers MPhil studies in a wide variety of subjects. The Department is broadly divided into six Research Divisions, the strategic aims of which are broadly described below:
Energy, Fluid Mechanics and Turbomachinery
Building on research in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics to develop a systems view of energy generation and utilisation, particularly in the ground and air transport, to mitigate environmental impact. This Division's research focus includes acoustics, aerodynamics, combustion, energy use and generation, fluid mechanics and turbomachinery.
Electrical Engineering
Pursuing fundamental electrical, electronic and photonic research at the material, device and system levels with a focus on creating integrated solutions in the fields of nanotechnology, sensing, energy generation, energy conversion, displays and communications. The research in this division covers all aspects of electrical engineering from the nano-scale to heavy-duty power applications.
Mechanics, Materials and Design
Extending fundamental and applied research in mechanics, materials, bio-mechanics and design, exploiting cross-disciplinary partnerships across the University; and building on existing strengths to develop excellence in bioengineering and healthcare systems research.
Civil Engineering
Advancing the mechanics of civil and structural engineering systems within the broader context of the design, construction and operation of sustainable infrastructure and the stewardship of Earth's resources and environment.
Manufacturing and Management
Developing a new understanding of manufacturing technology, operations, strategy and policy, in close partnership with industry, in order to improve industrial performance.
Information Engineering
Developing fundamental theory and applications relating to the generation, distribution, analysis and use of information in engineering and biological systems.
The MPhil programme is offered by the Department of Engineering as a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) course of research, introducing students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:
- to give students with relevant experience at a first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research under close supervision in the discipline of Engineering; and
- to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.
This general MPhil programme is very flexible, and can be tailored to suit each student's particular interests, provided a suitable supervisor is available. Potential applicants should contact potential supervisors in advance of applying in order to determine the viability of any proposed research project, and the potential supervisor's capacity to accept an MPhil student.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will have:
- a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
- demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
- shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
- demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.
Continuing
Students wishing to apply for the PhD are expected to pass the MPhil programme.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:
- Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
- Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in the autumn each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.
For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.