Admissions Open • Year 2026/2027
MSc by Research: Mechanical Engineering
PETRONAS built a university because it needed leaders who can challenge the standard. UTP is Malaysia’s top-ranked private university — discover hands-on engineering, science and computing programs tailored for industry 4.0.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Level | Postgraduate (research) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering – Department of Mechanical Engineering |
| Duration | 24–48 months FT / 36–72 PT |
| Intakes | January, May, September |
| Accreditation (EAC/BEM, MQA ref) | JPT/BPP(R3/521/7/0022)03/27; MQA A8048 |
| Tuition (Total, Malaysian) | RM7,600/yr Eng & Geoscience · RM5,220 Mgmt · RM5,500 IS (Jan 2020 figures, UPDATE) |
Who is this programme for?
For candidates with an Engineering/Engineering Technology bachelor's degree (CGPA 2.50+, or lower with work experience and internal assessment) who want to research mechanical system design, vehicle design, engine development, advanced materials, manufacturing, energy systems, or corrosion/reliability.
What will I learn, year by year?
Early stage — prerequisite programmes (Dynamics, Heat Transfer) if coming from a non-engineering background, plus Research Methodology ahead of your Research Proposal Defence.
Core stage — hands-on research using high-performance computing and software such as Altair, ANSYS, and MATLAB, under expert academic supervision.
Final stage — thesis writing, submission, and viva.
Full-time: 2–4 years; part-time: 3–6 years.
Where do graduates work? Name employers and roles
R&D roles in engineering industries; academic roles as lecturers/researchers; advanced positions in mechanical design and product development; consultancy in mechanical systems and energy solutions; or progression to a PhD.
Industry partners named: SIRIM, STRIDE, CELESTICA, PETRONAS
One thing that makes it different at UTP
State-of-the-art laboratories and high-performance computing resources, industry-standard software (Altair, ANSYS, MATLAB), and direct industry partnerships with SIRIM, STRIDE, CELESTICA, and PETRONAS.
The Research Behind It: Which area, centre and academics?
Mechanical System Design, Vehicle Design, Advanced Engine Development, Advanced Materials & Processing, Manufacturing System Optimization, Energy Systems, Corrosion and Reliability. No single named research centre. Programme lead: Dr Mazli Bin Mustapha.
Cost & Funding: Which scholarships and aid apply to this programme?
UTP's current page does not identify a programme-specific scholarship. Eligible research students should check Graduate Assistantship/Graduate Research Assistantship (GA/GRA) availability, supervisor-funded projects and external sponsorships.
Student Life: What should an applicant to this programme know?
Research students have one-to-one supervision, access to state-of-the-art laboratories and HPC resources, workshops/seminars, online and on-campus support, and opportunities for collaborative, industry-driven research.
Next Intake + Application Deadline
January, May, September. UTP confirms these three intakes. The programme page does not state a specific application deadline, so applicants should confirm the deadline with UTP Admission for their intended intake.
Placement or internship route for this programme
No compulsory internship is specified. Industry exposure comes through collaborative research and projects involving organisations such as SIRIM, STRIDE, CELESTICA and PETRONAS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between this and a taught Master's?
This is a research-based MSc, culminating in an independent thesis rather than programmework.
How do I choose a research topic?
Based on the seven core specialisation areas and available supervisors in the Mechanical Engineering Department.
What career paths does this open up?
R&D, academia, mech
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Programme Lead
More than 70% of UTP students receive financial sponsorship, study loans, or merit scholarships from PETRONAS, governmental bodies, or corporate partners.
Program Leader, MSc by Research: Mechanical Engineering
Dr Mazli Bin Mustapha
mazli.mustapha@utp.edu.my (+6053687208)
Target: Straight A SPM / IGCSE
Academic Executive
Ms Farah Abdul Latif
farahlatif@utp.edu.my (+6053687030)
Target: Straight A SPM / IGCSE