University of York

What you'll study

The programme is centred on an extended, individual research project carried out under the supervision of academic staff in one of York's engineering research groups. Projects may span areas such as materials and manufacturing, structural and civil engineering, mechanical systems, control and robotics, electronics and micro‑systems, energy systems and sustainable engineering. Research projects typically comprise literature review, experimental or computational work, data analysis and a written thesis, and may include collaborative elements with industry partners or other departments.

Alongside the project, students typically participate in research training and supporting modules to build transferable skills. These may include:

• Research methods and experimental design – planning experiments, statistics, measurement and uncertainty, reproducible workflows.
• Computational modelling and simulation – finite element methods, computational fluid dynamics, numerical methods or custom software development where relevant to the project.
• Advanced topics seminars – departmental research seminars, journal clubs and reading groups exposing students to current research across engineering disciplines.
• Professional and transferable skills – science communication, project management, ethics, and intellectual property awareness.

Assessment is dominated by the research thesis and viva voce examination, with additional assessment from practical reports, presentations and any taught coursework required by supporting modules.

Entry requirements

Typical entry is a good honours degree (equivalent to a UK upper second class, 2:1) in engineering, applied science, physical sciences or a closely related discipline. Applicants with a strong lower‑second class degree plus relevant industrial experience or prior research experience may be considered. Prospective students should have a clear research proposal or indicate research interests that align with the expertise of York supervisors; informal contact with potential supervisors before application is encouraged.

International applicants must meet the University's English language requirements; common evidence includes IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent qualifications accepted by the University. Applicants may also be asked to provide academic transcripts, references, and a CV. Where appropriate, shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSc Engineering by Research follow a range of careers. Many progress to doctoral research (PhD) either at York or other research institutions. Others move into research and development roles within industry, taking positions as design engineers, test and validation engineers, research engineers, or technical specialists. The research experience and transferable skills developed on this programme also prepare graduates for roles in consultancy, technology management, product development, and organisations where advanced problem‑solving and project leadership are valued.

Because projects sometimes involve industry partners, students can gain direct exposure to industrial research environments and networks that support placement and employment opportunities.

Why study at University of York

York offers a research‑focused environment with strong interdisciplinary collaboration across materials, mechanical, electronic and systems engineering. The engineering research groups are supported by well‑equipped laboratories, workshop facilities and high‑performance computing resources, and supervisors are active in research areas that address real‑world engineering challenges.

The University encourages close student–supervisor interaction, structured research training and participation in departmental seminars. There are also established links with regional and national industry partners, which can provide opportunities for applied projects and knowledge exchange. The collegiate campus and support services at York provide a supportive setting for concentrated research in a peaceful academic community.