Active Noise Control of Automotive Tyres
Not stated
- Location
- Loughborough, United Kingdom
- Funding
- Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services.
- Application deadline
About the project
- Active Noise Control of Automotive Tyres: Qualification(s) available: PhD
Qualification(s) available: PhD
- Entry requirements: PhD in an engineering topic.
- Fees for 2026-27 (per academic year): (Self-funded) UK: £5,238 International: £29,500
- Full-time: 3 years
- Start date: October 2026
- Application deadline: 10 January 2027
- Project reference: AAE-DOB-2518
- Location: Loughborough
- Subject area(s): Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering
Project details
Automotive vehicles are becoming heavier with wider tyres to support this weight. Above a speed of around 30 miles per hour, the noise produced by the tyres is the dominant source. Environmental noise pollution is only one design attribute for vehicles and yet is one of the most important attributes relating to people who don't purchase the vehicle but are impacted by it. Society is relying on building homes closer to roads, yet the mitigation methods currently predicted will be limited by the higher vehicle weights. Traditional barriers are also insufficient and take up valuable road space. Instead in this PhD, it is the source of the sound which will be reduced.
This PhD will aim to reduce the environmental noise pollution from automotive tyres using active noise control techniques. This will advance the possible methods used to reduce the impact of vehicles on society. As the tyre rolls on the rough road surface, it vibrates, causing noise to be radiated in all directions. This noise pollution reflects from the road surface, and underside of the vehicle, scattering in a 3D sound field. Due to the shape of the tyre meeting the road surface, the sound can be amplified significantly, which complicates the mitigation.
Reducing the noise has traditionally relied on passive damping methods to wheel arches, however, in this project, you will apply active noise control techniques to reduce the carcass vibration frequencies in a 3D environment. Typically, the cancellation sound field is generated by a loudspeaker, however, this is impractical as it would then cause more sound radiation and pollution in some directions. Instead, a highly novel directional noise generation source will be employed to direct the cancellation sound to exactly the location where the noise is produced, whilst being located away from the tyre surface. This will involve making 3D maps of the sound field using an acoustic camera and creating directional cancellation signals. You will have access to experimental tyre test rigs and vehicles.
Active noise control of the vehicle interior has been successfully implemented to reduce the interior tyre noise, but this PhD research is focused on the impact on society and the potential reductions which can be achieved. The directional sound source will be used to generate sound waves which are focused in a tight beam, which cannot be achieved with traditional speaker designs which radiate unwanted sound in all directions. The project will augment the experimental tyre sound radiation measurements with simplified, real time models of the tyre surface, to aid the controller in mitigating the surrounding 3D sound field which includes scattering.
A key question is whether it is feasible to reduce any of the tyre external noise at frequencies important for pedestrians or urban dwellings. This external modification of the sound field from a vehicle is a vision for reducing the noise on the ecosystem. The student will be expected to set up a real-time Simulink model of the tyre vibration to tune a Simulink control model which provides the active noise cancellation signals. It is possible that reinforced machine learning will be used to tune the controller gains for the spatial 3D noise optimisation.
The focus will be on a joint theoretical and experimental PhD with skills developed of use to the automotive industry. Research questions to answer include the nonlinear demodulation which occurs in the presence of scattering surfaces, the interaction of microphones in the presence of both the original sound and a cancellation field and what the practical implementation of technology looks like.
Loughborough has access to a full size anechoic chamber for experimental measurements, and a full series of data acquisition equipment. It also has access to a full sized tyre test trailer for prototype or baseline experimental measurements.
You will be working with Dr Dan O'Boy and others from the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering who have a proven track record working with industrial manufacturers such as Ford and Jaguar Land Rover. Your supervision team will include experts in machine learning applied to acoustic signals and control. You will have access to other noise experts, control, experimental and machine learning specialists as needed.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Dr Dan O'Boy
Dr Miguel Martinez (secondary supervisor)
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
A PhD in an engineering topic such as mechanical, automotive or electrical engineering. Experience in those degrees of wave propagation, control technology or acoustics would be beneficial. Interest in vehicle design.
Afghanistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters | 95% | 85% | 70%
Albania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8
Algeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures | 16 | 14 | 12
Argentina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.0
Armenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum | 90% or 3.9 | 80% or 3.5 | 70% or 3.0
Australia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree (AQF level 8) | First Class, 80% | Upper Second, 70%, H2A | Lower Second, 60%, H2B
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) | High Distinction (80% or 85%) | Distinction (75% or 80%) | Distinction (70% or 75%)
Austria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree / Diplomstudium / Fachhochschuldiplom (Diplom (FH)) | A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden | 60% / B / (or 2) | 60% / B / (or 2)
Azerbaijan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 80% | 3.5 or 70%
Bahamas
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Bahrain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5
Bangladesh
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degrees awarded up to 2024: 4 Year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB or BAETE accredited courses only) All other Bachelor degrees awarded up to 2024 also require a Masters (see grading below) | 1st (70%) / 3.5 | 2nd (60%) / 3.0 | 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Degrees awarded from 2025 onwards: Any 4 year Bachelor degree from an ECCTIS recognised university | 1st (70%) / 3.5 | 2nd (60%) / 3.0 | 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree | 80% / 4.0 | 65% / 3.25 | 50% / 2.5
Barbados
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
University of the West Indies, Honours degree | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Barbados Community College | 1st or GPA 3.75 | 2:1 or GPA 3.5 | 2:2 or GPA 3.0
Belarus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Specialist Diploma (5Yr) | 9 | 7 | 5
Belgium
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree/Licenciaat/Licencie | 80% or 17 | 70% or 14 | 60% or 12
Belize
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Benin
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise | 18 | 15 or Bien | 12 or Assez Bien
Bermuda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Bolivia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) | 85/78 | 75/66 | 67/55
Bosnia and Herzegovina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani | 10 | 9 | 8
Botswana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's degree | A or 80% | B or 70% | C or 60%
Brazil
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5
Brunei
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brunei | First | Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) | Lower Second (50% or C or 2.5)
Bulgaria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) | 6 | 5 | 4
Burundi
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters or Diplôme d'Études Approfondies or Diplôme Ingénieur (professional title) | 18 | 15/20 (Bien) | 12.5/20 (Assez Bien)
Cambodia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters | 80% or B+ or 3.5 | 70% or B or 3.0 | 60% or C+ or 2.5
Cameroon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce or Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise, 4 year Licence or Master 1 (M1) | 1st / 3.6 or 15/Tres Bien | 2:1 / GPA 3.0 or 14 / Bien | 2:2 / GPA 2.5 or 12.5/ Assez Bien
Canada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0/Percentage | 3.7/85% | 3.3/75% | 2.7/68%
Out of 9 | 8 | 6 | 5
Out of 12 | 10 | 8 | 6
Chile
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) | 6 | 5.5 | 5
China
Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses a tiered ranking system to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below.
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First class (70%) | Mid 2:1 (65%) | 2:1 (60%) | Mid 2:2 (55%) | 2:2 (50%)
Tier 1 | 80% | 76% | 72% | 70% | 67%
Tier 2 | 83% | 79% | 75% | 73% | 70%
Tier 3 | 86% | 82% | 79% | 77% | 75%
Colombia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.2
Costa Rica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado | 9 | 8 or 80 | 7 or 75
Croatia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.0
Cuba
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura | 5 | 4 | 3
Cyprus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Cyprus | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.5
Czech Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr | 1 | 1.5 | 2
Denmark
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) | 12 | 10 | 7
Dominican Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] | 3.8 | Magna Cum Laude or 3.5 or 85% | Cum Laude or 3.2 or 82%
Ecuador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 8.5 / 85% | 8 / 80% | 7 / 70%
Egypt
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Egypt | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.8
Universities only | BA 90%, BSc 85% | BA 80%, BSc 75% | BA 65%, BSc 65%
El Salvador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero/Arquitecto | 8.5, 85% | 7.5, 75% or Muy Bueno | 6.5, 65% or Bueno
Estonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad | 5 or 91% or A | 4 or 81% or B | 3 or 71% or C
Ethiopia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters (up to 2025) | A / GPA 4.0 | A / GPA 3.5 | B / GPA 2.8
4-year Bachelor degree with thesis (from 2024) | A / GPA 4.0 | A / GPA 3.5 | B / GPA 2.8
5-year Bachelor degree (from 2025) | A / GPA 4.0 | A / GPA 3.5 | B / GPA 2.8
Finland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidaattii/Kandidat or the Maisteri/Magister | 3 (out of 3) or 4.5 (out of 5) | 2 (out of 3) or 3 (out of 5) | 1 (out of 3) or 2.5 (out of 5)
France
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur | 14 | 13 | 11
Georgia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year degree (% = new system) | 5 (95%) | 4.0 (85%) | 3.5 (75%)
Germany
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.0
Ghana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Ghana | 65% / 3.4 GPA | 57% / 3.0 GPA | 50% / 2.5 GPA
Greece
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Universities | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6
TEI and non-University Institutions | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5
Grenada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of West Indies - classification | 1st, 70% (GPA 3.6) | 2:1, 60% (GPA 3.00) | 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage | A | B / 75% | C / 55%
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.0
Guatemala
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4 years | 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) | 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) | 60% (public university) / 70% (private university)
Guyana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's | GPA 4 | GPA 3.5 | 3.0
Honduras
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 | GPA 5 or 90% | GPA 4 or 80% | GPA 3.5 or 70%
Hong Kong
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree (Honours) | 1st or 3.5/4 | 2:1 or 3/4 | 2:2 or 2.5/4
Hungary
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3
Iceland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5
India
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Institutions listed on the National Institutional Ranking Framework | 61% | 55% | 50%
All other Indian institutions | 68% | 62% | 57%
Indonesia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities | 3.2 | 3.0 | 2.8
Iran
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iran | 17 | 15 | 13
Iraq
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iraq | 80% | 75% | 70%
Ireland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Republic of Ireland | First (70%) | Upper second (60%) | Lower second (50%)
Israel
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
3 yr Bachelor Degree | 90% | 80% | 70%
Italy
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma di Laurea | 109/110 | 100/110 | 90/110
Ivory Coast
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures | 16 | 14 (Bien) | 12 (Assez Bien)
Jamaica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B | 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
Japan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Gakushi – GPA 4.0 scale | 85% or A or 3.5 | 80% or B or 3.0 | 70% or C or 2.0
Jordan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% | 2.5 (or 3.0/5) / 63%
Kazakhstan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 5.0/percentage scale | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 85% | 3.5 or 80%
GPA 4.33 scale | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.2
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6
Kenya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kenya | First / 70% / A | Upper second / 60% / B | Lower second / 50% / C
Kosovo
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kosovo | 10 | 9 | 8
Kuwait
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.6
Latvia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Latvia | 9 | 7 | 6
Lebanon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
American | 85% (3.5) | 75% (3.0) | 62% (2.6)
French | 18 | 15 | 12
Liberia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's | 4.0 or 90% | 3.5 or 85% | 3 or 80%
Libya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine | 85 (3.6) | 75 (3.0) | 65 (2.5)
Other bachelor's degree from a university | 90 (4.0) | 85% (3.6) | 75% (3.0)
Lithuania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lithuania | 9 | 8 | 7
Luxembourg
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Luxembourg | 18 (excellent) | 16 (tres Bien) | 14 (bien)
Macau
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macau | 1st or GPA 3.7 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5
Macedonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) | 10 | 9 | 8
Malawi
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's only | MSc 75% | MSc 70% | MSc 65%
Malaysia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification | First Class | 2.1 | GPA 2.5
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8
Malta
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Malta | 1st (80%) | 2:1 (70%) | 2:2 (55%)
Mauritius
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mauritius | 1st or 70% | 2:1 or 60% | 2:2 or 50%
Mexico
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura / Licenciado/ Título (Profesional) de [subject area] | 8.5 | 8 | 7
Moldova
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) | 9 | 8 | 7
Mongolia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or 3.5 | 80% or GPA 3.2 | 70% or GPA 3.0
Montenegro
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma of Completed Undergraduate Studies or Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies | 10 (or 5.0) | 9 (or 4.5) | 8 (or 4.0)
Morocco
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplôme d'Ingénieur d'État, Diplôme d'Écoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion, Licence / Licence d'Études Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle | 16 | 14 | 12
Mozambique
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre | 16 | 14 | 12
Myanmar (Burma)
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
2 year Master's degree | 5 or 85% | 5 or 75% | 4.5 or 65%
Namibia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Bachelor Honours (post 2008) or Masters | 80% or A | 70% or B | 60% or C
Nepal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 -year professional degree or Masters (after 3-year Bachelor degree) | 80% or 3.7 GPA | 65% or 3.3 GPA | 60% or 3.0 GPA
Netherlands
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Netherlands | 8 | 7 | 6
New Zealand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 | First (7.0) | Upper Second (6.0) | Lower Second (4.0)
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 | A+ (9.0) | A- (7.0) | B+ (6.0)
Nicaragua
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura (4 year) | 90% | 80% | 70%
Nigeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
7 point Scale | 6 | 5 | 4
5 point scale | 4 | 3.4 | 2.7
4 point scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5
Norway
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Norway | A / 1.8 | B / 2.3 | C / 3.0
Oman
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5
Pakistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 options) | A- or GPA 3.7 | B or GPA 3.0 | C+ or GPA 2.6
2 or 3 year Bachelor or Associate Degree plus Masters | 1st (60%) plus GPA 3.7 | 2nd (55%) plus GPA 3.0 | 2nd (50%) plus GPA 2.6
Palestine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (4-years) | (85%) 3.5 | (80%) 3.0 | (70%) 2.5
Panama
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 91 (A) | 81 (B) | 71 (C)
Papua New Guinea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) Degree | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2
Paraguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 (85%) | 4 (80%) | 3.5 (75%)
Peru
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 14 | 13 | 12
Philippines
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) | Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 | Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 | Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0
Poland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) | 5 | 4.5 | 4
Portugal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) or Licenciado | 18 | 16 | 14
Qatar
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8
Romania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer | 9 | 8 | 7
Russia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5
Rwanda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) | 1st, 16/20 (80%) | 2:1,14/20 (70%) | 2:2, 12/20 (60%)
Saudi Arabia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.0
Senegal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees | 16/20 or Tres Bien | 14/20 or Bien | 12/20 or Assez Bien
Serbia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree | 9 | 8 | 7
Sierra Leone
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree or masters | 1st (70%) | 2:1 (60% or B) | 2:2 (50% or C)
Singapore
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Hons) | First | Upper second | Lower second
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.7 | 3.0 | 2.7
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.0
Slovakia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (from 2005) Magister / Inzinier | 1.5 or B | 2.0 or C | 2.5 or C/high D
Slovenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
University Diplom | 9 | 8 | 7
South Africa
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) or B Tech after 4 yrs study | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 70% | 2:2 or 60%
South Korea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA out of 4.5 | 3.8 / B+ | 3.2 / B | 2.8 / C+
GPA out of 4.3 | 3.8 / B+ | 2.9 / C+ | 2.7 / C+
Spain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5
UCM grading | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.5
Sri Lanka
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree | 90%, GPA 3.70 | 80%, GPA 3.30 | 70%, GPA 3.0
Sudan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year degree | 1st, 70%, B+ | 2:1, 66% | mid 2:2, 60%, B
Sweden
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidatexamen or Magisterexamen | Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 120 credits at VG | B or Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG | C or Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G
Switzerland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5) | 10 / 5.5 / 1 | 8 / 5 / 2 | 6 / 4 / 3
Syria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
State universities 4 years of study | 80% | 70% | 60%
Private universities 4 years of study | 90% | 80% | 70%
Taiwan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year degree | 76% 3.0 GPA | 70% 2.8 GPA | 65% 2.6 GPA
Tajikistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma | 5 | 4.5 | 4
Tanzania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tanzania | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2
Thailand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.2 | 2.8 | 2.6
Trinidad and Tobago
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT | 1st or GPA 3.6 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5
Tunisia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu | 16 (tres bien) | 14 (bien) | 11 (assez bien)
Turkey
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi | 3.3 | 2.9 | 2.4
Turkmenistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr | 5 | 4.5 | 4
Uganda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Uganda | 1st or 4.4 | 2:1 or 3.8 | 2:2 or 3.0
Ukraine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5
United Arab Emirates
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6
United States of America
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.6
Uruguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado (4 year) | 9 | 8 | 7
Uzbekistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Majistr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or GPA 4.5 | 80% or GPA 4.0 | 70% or GPA 3.5
Venezuela
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) | 18/20 or 8/9 | 16/20 or 7/9 | 14/20 or 6/9
Vietnam
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
10-point scale | 8.0 | 7.0 | 6.0
4-point scale | 3.2 | 2.8 | 2.4
Zambia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's | A or 4.0 or 80% | B+, 3.5 or 70% | B or 3.0 or 60%
Zimbabwe
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
3/4 year degree | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 65% | 2:2 or 60%
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website .
UK fee
£5,238 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£29,500 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2026-27 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2026, February 2027 and July 2027.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
How to apply
Stage 1:
You are strongly advised to contact Dan O'Boy in the first instance with a CV, academic transcripts, a reference letter, and confirmation of funding source. Informal discussions are also welcome. There is flexibility in the project so discussions can be aligned with your own interests.
Stage 2:
Following discussion with Dan O'Boy, applicants will be invited to make a formal application at online. Under programme name, select Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering and quote the advert reference number AAE-DOB-2518 in your application
Contact us
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