AI in Mechanics of Nonwoven Materials

About the project

• AI in Mechanics of Nonwoven Materials: Qualification(s) available: PhD

Qualification(s) available: PhD

• Entry requirements: 2:1
• Fees for 2026-27 (per academic year): (Self-funded) UK: £5,238 International: £29,500
• Full-time: 3 years
• Start date: Oct 2026, February 2027, July 2027
• Application deadline: 31 October 2027
• Project reference: SF-ED-2026
• Location: Loughborough
• Subject area(s): Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

Project details

In contrast to composites and woven fabrics, nonwoven materials have a unique web structure, which is composed of randomly oriented fibres bonded via mechanical, thermal or chemical techniques. Nonwoven materials are engineered fabrics, which could be disposable or durable, and the properties of these materials such as, strength, softness, filtration, flame retardancy, absorbency, stretch etc., could be designed according to their specific purposes (hygiene, filtering etc.). Nonwovens had a vital role during COVID’19 pandemic as they were utilized in fabrication of disposable masks, tissues, overalls, bonnets and hygiene products, since these products are mostly made of polymers-based nonwovens.

The main aim of the proposed project is to develop a novel artificial intelligence (AI) scheme for designing nonwoven materials considering required microstructure and mechanical performance. This novel scheme will analyse 3D orientation distribution function (ODF) of the nonwoven fibres and their corresponding manufacturing parameters (bond pattern, basis weight, speed, angle, stretch, temperature, etc.).

The outcomes of the proposed project are vital for developing, prototyping and simulating real-life performance of the nonwoven materials (strength, filtration, absorption, wear, cost, basis weight, etc.), and will lead to design and manufacturing of innovative advanced nonwoven materials with minimum time and cost based on AI driven machine learning system. The AI based software tool will lead to various innovations in manufacturing of nonwovens with reduced basis weight, cost, waste, buckling and local damage associated with the traditional processes. The proposed scheme will forward-predict and optimise process parameters considering their short- and long-term effects, time influence, loading conditions and fibre-to-fibre interaction.

This project will answer the following question: “What should be done to design a new nonwoven or improve an existing one at the design stage before manufacturing?”, and lead to more diverse and innovative advanced materials and efficient processes with improved sustainability, efficiency and fabric performance.

Major aims of this project are as follows:

94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

• Analysis of 3D microstructure of nonwovens experimentally (X-ray micro-CT and SEM) and numerically (3D ODF, 3D crimp), and develop an algorithm system (in MATLAB) to parametrically and mathematically capture, illustrate and mimic their fibrous microstructural composition before, during and after deformation.
• Development and validation of multi-scale 3D parametric nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) model (within MSC. Marc & Python) to simulate tension, compression, folding and recovery (spring-back) behaviour of nonwovens for various application-relevant scenarios.
• Designing an AI software tool (with Python) based on machine learning for predicting and optimizing the microstructure and manufacturing parameters of nonwovens considering the desired / required real-life usage performance and behaviour. This novel AI software tool will incorporate FEA and 3D ODF software algorithms developed within this proposal and use them within the machine learning system for learning, storing, and providing designs and solutions.

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr Emrah Demirci

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

Undergraduate and MSc degrees in Mechanical Engineering or relevant fields.

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.

You can search for your institution (university or affiliated college) via our look-up tool .

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.

Bench fees: £5000

How to apply

All applications should be made online . Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering’. Please quote the advertised reference number ‘SF-ED-2026’ in your application under the ‘Finance’ section.

Applications must include a personal statement , up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV), details of two referees (one from your highest degree qualification), certified certificates and transcripts for all completed degree programmes, and a reference to the project ‘SF-ED-2026’.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents .

Contact us

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Research areas