LJMU's School of Engineering

Unlocking potential and inspiring excellence

The world could not operate without the important and innovative work done by engineers. LJMU is proud to be a centre of excellence for the development of highly trained, sustainability led engineers who are equipped with the necessary skills to drive the country forward.

In 1825 we opened England’s first Mechanics’ Institute in Liverpool, teaching mechanics, arithmetic, and engineering draftsmanship. In 1892 we made history again and opened England’s first Nautical College.

Today, the School of Engineering, which has grown out of both of these landmark institutions, is one of the UK’s leading centres for mechanical, electrical, and maritime engineering education. We have an outstanding reputation for producing world-leading research and have business partners across the world.

By combining theoretical teaching and practical training we can unlock every student’s potential, while our excellent links with industry and our innovative academic culture helps us to produce quality research.

Maritime and Mechanical Engineering

We are one of the UK’s leading centres for maritime and engineering education. We have an outstanding reputation for producing world-leading research and have business partners across the world.

Maritime and Mechanical Engineering’s key research themes include:

  • Safe maritime operations.
  • Offshore renewable energy generation.
  • Energy efficiency.
  • Design of large maritime engineering systems such as ships, offshore installations, and port terminals.
  • Shipbuilding and management.
  • Efficient maritime operations and logistics.
  • Engineering and systems design.
  • Advanced manufacturing technology and materials.
  • Internet of Things.

To cement our distinguished research reputation, we have developed an international network of knowledge partners within the maritime and engineering sectors. The School leads the University’s engagement in marine and maritime research and, through its International Association of Maritime Universities membership, is connected to a world-wide network of 53 maritime universities from around the world.

Electronics and Electrical Engineering

Members from our School have specialist expertise within the following key areas:

  • New materials and devices for the future microelectronic industry.
  • New characterisation techniques for VLSI devices.
  • Development of advanced techniques for variable-speed electric drives.
  • Qualification, modelling, and aging prediction.
  • Development of novel control techniques for power electronic converters.
  • Modelling, simulation, and experimental characterisation of power electronic converters and variable speed drives.

To cement our research reputation, we have developed an international network of research and industry partners. The School, for example, has worked closely with leading organisations, such as: the BBC, Ericsson, ITV, Jaguar Land Rover, Network Rail, Optare, Sellafield, Sky, Telegenic, Tyco Electronics and United Utilities.

Find out more about the School of Engineering’s activities.

A global reputation for excellence in research

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, Engineering had 48 members submitted. 97% of the research outputs were rated world-leading or internationally-excellent. Its research impact was rated 100% world-leading or internationally-excellent. 92% of the Engineering submission was rated world-leading or internationally-excellent.

The marine and maritime research activities can be found in Liverpool Logistics, Offshore and Marine Research Institute.

The School of Engineering has three other research institutes or centres:

Other research activities in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology are: