Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering
(R3/521/8/0040) (12/29) (A8419)
Introduction
The
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical Engineering by Research at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) is a premier research-based doctoral programme designed for individuals who aspire to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation in the field of mechanical engineering. This programme focuses on fostering intellectual growth, critical thinking, and advanced research skills to address global challenges and contribute to cutting-edge advancements in mechanical engineering.
Programme Objectives
1. Experts who are able to practice the knowledge acquired and generate innovative and creative solutions for research and scholarly activities in Mechanical Engineering related fields.
2. Experts who promotes lifelong learning and are able to contribute to knowledge creation, innovation and creative solutions for the well-being and betterment of societies.
Programme Outcomes
1. Demonstrate in-depth and frontier knowledge and understanding in the Mechanical Engineering related fields.
2. Synthesise existing and new knowledge in Mechanical Engineering areas to develop new concepts or interpretations or applications.
3. Conduct rigorous and independent research or investigation with minimal supervision.
4. Perform research adhering to legal, ethical, professional and sustainable practices.
5. Demonstrate intellectual leadership qualities and management skills.
6. Communicate congently in the Mechanical Engineering related field.
7. Select and use suitable digital and analytical tool techniques to research problems.
8. Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and personal development.
Programme Highlights
Core specialization:
Mechanical System Design
Vehicle Design
Advanced Engine Development
Advanced Materials and Processing
Manufacturing System Optimization
Energy Systems
Corrosion and Reliability
Specialized Technical Certifications:
Students may obtain specialized certifications through training and workshops on advanced engineering software such as Altair, ANSYS, MATLAB, and other relevant tools.
Independent Research Excellence:
The programme is fully research-oriented, allowing students to develop a deep understanding of specialized areas while contributing to novel findings in mechanical engineering.
World-Class Facilities:
Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, high-performance computing resources, and advanced engineering software like Altair, ANSYS, MATLAB, and more.
Expert Academic Supervision:
Renowned faculty members with extensive research experience and industry linkages guide students in achieving groundbreaking research outcomes.
Industry-Focused Research:
UTP’s strong partnerships with industries (SIRIM, STRIDE, CELESTICA, PETRONAS) enable students to work on impactful, real-world engineering problems that drive industrial innovation.
Programme Details
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Intakes: January, May, and September
Mode of Delivery:
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical Engineering by Research programme at UTP is designed to provide a flexible and research-intensive learning environment. Below are the key modes of deliverance:
1. Research-Centric Approach
2. One-on-One Supervision
3. Access to State-of-the-Art Facilities
4. Workshops and Seminars
5. Online and On-Campus Support
6. Collaborative and Industry-Driven Research
7. Flexible Study Plan
Duration:
Full Time : Min 3 Years Max: 8 Years
Part Time: Min 4 Years Max: 10 Years
Mode of Delivery: Full Time and Part Time
Entry Requirements
1. Candidates must hold a Master Degree* in the relevant field OR equivalent from a recognized university.
2. Candidates to enrol in Engineering/ Engineering Technology & Computing programmes but having qualification from different disciplines must undergo pre-requisite courses.
*Master degree must be equivalent to Malaysian Qualifications Framework, Level 7 Master’s Degree.
English Requirements
-
IELTS - 5.0, TOEFL – 500
However, this requirement is waived if candidate;
have obtained Bachelor / Master or other relevant degree from Malaysian recognised institution whereby all courses are fully conducted in English or;
a native of an English speaking countries or;
graduated from English speaking countries institutions
Pre-requisite courses
Candidates with BSc Degree qualification from different discipline, must undergo pre-requisite courses of Dynamics and Heat Transfer.
Career Prospects
A PhD opens up advanced career opportunities such as:
• Academic roles as university professors or researchers
• Senior R&D positions in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy sector.
• Leadership roles in engineering consultancy firms
• Entrepreneurial ventures in innovative mechanical systems and technologies
PhD graduates are also highly sought after for their problem-solving, analytical, and technical expertise.
Contact Information
Programme Leader
Dr. Mazli Bin Mustapha
Email: mazli.mustapha@utp.edu.my
Direct Line: +6053687208
Academic Executive
Ms Farah Abdul Latif
Email: farahlatif@utp.edu.my
Direct Line: +6053687030
General Inquiries
Ms Nurul Asmira Sulaiman
Email: asmira.sulaiman@utp.edu.my
Direct Line: +6053688192
FAQ
1. What research areas are available for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
Common research areas include:
Advanced manufacturing and materials
Fluid dynamics and heat transfer
Renewable and sustainable energy systems
Robotics and mechatronics
Computational mechanics
Corrosion & Reliability
Structural analysis and design optimization
Candidates can also propose new topics aligned with their interests and faculty expertise.
2. What funding options are available for PhD research?
Funding options may include:
University GA scheme
Research assistantships linked to funded projects
Industry collaborations or grants
Government or private scholarships
3. What are the career prospects after completing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
A PhD opens up advanced career opportunities such as:
Academic roles as university professors or researchers
Senior R&D positions in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy
Leadership roles in engineering consultancy firms
Entrepreneurial ventures in innovative mechanical systems and technologies
PhD graduates are also highly sought after for their problem-solving, analytical, and technical expertise.
