This PhD programme offers the opportunity to contribute to world-leading research in materials, design and manufacturing, with strong industrial, clinical and academic collaborations. Researchers tackle global challenges through interdisciplinary innovation, from atomic-scale materials to advanced manufacturing technologies.
The PhD programme in the Department of Materials, Design and Manufacturing Engineering offers a dynamic and collaborative research environment, empowering postgraduate researchers to address complex engineering challenges. The programme spans a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines, from atomic layer material development to full-scale product manufacturing.
Our postgraduate researchers engage in pioneering research in areas such as biomedical engineering, sustainable materials, laser and surface engineering, and healthcare technologies. We also have a wide variety of specialist research facilities spanning functional thin film materials, additive manufacturing, soft matter, biomaterials, biomedical/healthcare devices, and materials characterisation, laser processing, nuclear, renewable energy technology, product design, virtual technology and advanced simulation.
We foster a research culture that values user-centred design, collaboration with industry partners, and real-world impact. You’ll be trained in advanced techniques and supported in publishing, commercialising innovation and building your career. Our graduates emerge as globally-aware and solutions-focused engineers, ready for roles in academia, industry and research-intensive settings.
The research conducted in the Department of Materials, Design and Manufacturing Engineering encompasses a wide range of topics that fall under the broad categories of materials, manufacturing or design. There is extensive opportunity for multidisciplinary research, so your research may often span well beyond the traditional borders of these three engineering disciplines.
The list of topics below is intended to give a broad overview and does not cover all the possible research opportunities that our staff can offer PhD supervision in.
The Department of Materials, Design and Manufacturing Engineering is part of the School of Engineering. It fosters a vibrant and inclusive research culture, driven by innovation and collaboration. Research spans diverse areas, including sustainable infrastructure, advanced materials, robotics, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. Postgraduate researchers benefit from access to world-class facilities, interdisciplinary research centres, and industry partnerships, promoting impactful, real-world solutions.
The school encourages knowledge exchange through seminars, workshops and conferences, creating a stimulating environment for academic growth. Postgraduate researchers are supported by a network of peers and experienced researchers, making Liverpool an inspiring place to develop as an independent, forward-thinking engineer.
View the staff list for the School of Engineering for details of potential supervisors in this area.
If you’d like any help finding a supervisor, please email pgeng@liverpool.ac.uk.
You may need the following documents to complete your online application:
Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees for a full-time place on this programme in academic year 2025-26 are:
Tuition fees for a part-time place on this programme in academic year 2025-26 are:
Please note, the tuition fee you pay will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others, for example if you’re required to undertake laboratory work. You’ll be informed of the fee for your intended PhD in your offer letter.
Typical bench fees within the School are currently:
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this degree.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.
There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.
If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £17,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
PhD researchers have access to cutting-edge equipment and dedicated research space within the Digital Innovation Facility (DIF), Albert Crew Microscopy Centre and the Liverpool Materials Innovation Factory (MIF).
These centres support advanced characterisation, prototyping, and digital innovation. Ongoing investment in strategic equipment and infrastructure ensures support for both core and emerging research areas.
These are the trailblazers, the leaders, the true originals. Our postgraduate researchers are shaping their future, and the future of the world we live in, advancing knowledge with each discovery.
Want to find out more about studying a PhD with us? Chat with our postgraduate research student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Discover the qualifications you'll need to apply for this course.
The typical entry requirement is an Honours degree in an Engineering, Physical Sciences or Computer Sciences subject at a level of:
Each application is assessed individually to reflect your qualifications with respect to the requirements for each individual programme.
Mature students are eligible via standard University requirements, which allow appropriate qualifications plus experience as an alternative to an Honours degree.
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.