PhD in Mechanical Engineering

The University of Tokyo, Japan's oldest national university, was founded in 1877 with a stated mission of fostering globally minded graduates who can take on leading roles at home and abroad. The university operates 10 faculties and 15 graduate schools and enrolls students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. Its Mechanical Engineering program at the doctoral level builds on that setting with a research-focused course of study that runs 3 years, taught entirely in English, with entry points in April or October. Doctoral study in mechanical engineering generally centers on an original research project carried out under a faculty supervisor, often within a laboratory group working on solid mechanics, thermofluids, dynamics and control, materials processing, or robotics and manufacturing systems, and culminating in a dissertation. Coursework and seminars alongside the research track help candidates develop technical writing, experimental design, and presentation skills expected of engineering researchers. Mechanical engineering applies principles from physics and mathematics to the design, analysis, and improvement of machines, structures, and systems, and the field touches sectors from automotive and aerospace to energy, robotics, and consumer products. For international candidates, a doctoral program at a Japanese national university offers exposure to Japan's engineering research culture and industrial base, plus the chance to work alongside peers from many academic and national backgrounds. Because instruction is delivered in English, students are not required to already speak Japanese to take part in coursework and research discussions, though many use the 3 years of study to pick up some working knowledge of the language. Graduates of doctoral programs in mechanical engineering commonly move into advanced manufacturing, product design, research institutes, or academic posts, applying the research skills built during their dissertation work to industry or scholarly problems.