Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

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Students looking to become world-leading experts as they push the boundaries of knowledge in their field should pursue a research-based Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (PhD Thesis) degree. With the support of leading researchers, students will perform innovative and cutting-edge research, publishing their knowledge in peer-reviewed manuscripts and disseminating their findings through everything from conferences to peer-reviewed publications and technical papers. The program usually takes three years of full-time study following a master’s degree, or four years following a bachelor’s degree. PhD students are typically funded through the duration of their studies under various mechanisms offered by the faculty, department, and supervisor.

Completing this program

Manufacturing Engineering: Topics may include computer integrated manufacturing, optimization methods with robotics, CAD/CAM/CAE and more.
Mechanical Engineering: Topics may include combustion processes, mechanics of compressible flow, instrumentation, mobile robotics and more.
Research Seminar: Prior to candidacy, PhD students present at the annual Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Conference.
Additional Courses: Students without an MSc complete Numerical Methods for Engineers and/or others.
Pipeline Engineering Specialization: Students wishing to complete the Pipeline Engineering Specialization must include 2 approved courses with a Pipeline Engineering project.
Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.
Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

Specializations

Outcomes

Consulting, research and development, forensic engineering, management, process control.

A PhD in mechanical engineering is usually considered a final degree.

Thesis-based program

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Courses

Two courses minimum with conference presentation

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment

Three years full-time; six years maximum

Supervisor

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted

Fees and funding

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.

GPA

A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

An MSc degree or equivalent.

Work samples

None

Documents

None

Reference letters

Two

Test scores

None

English language proficiency (ELP)

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iB T including TOEFL iBT Home Edition) minimum score of 86 (Internet-based, with no section less than 20).
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (with no section less than 6.0).
Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 180.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59 or higher
Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) overall score of 70 (no section less than 60).
Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) minimum of B+ in each course.
Duolingo English Test obtaining a minimum score of 125 (with no sub-score below 105). (temporary until Fall 2024 intake)

Deadlines

For admission on September 1:

Canadians and permanent residents: June 1 application deadline
International students: Jan. 15 application deadline

For admission on January 1:

Canadians and permanent residents: Oct. 1 application deadline
International students: May 1 application deadline

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements