Research student numbers have remained at healthy levels as a consequence of both internal and external studentship awards and partnerships with external funders. For example, two overseas students have had fees paid for by UK companies.

The University supports its research students and requires them to participate in personal and professional development. Research students are issued with documentation including the Quality Assurance Procedures and the Research Student-Supervisor Agreement, which records progress on programmes of related studies, including relevant modules from taught masters' programmes. Participation in external, discipline-focussed postgraduate courses, attendance (and participation) at internal and external research conferences and seminars and training in specific approaches, techniques, etc., is encouraged. 

An annual university research forum enables all research students, Post Doctoral Research Associates, research staff and administrators to contribute and encourages presentations and discussions on the national context, university policy and strategy, individual research projects, etc.

Taught MSc course in the areas of engineering structures encourage transfer to MPhil/PhD programmes and in collaboration with the School of Materials, Manchester and pathfinder funding (approx. £500k, 2007), co-credited masters/CPD and doctorate-level training are being developed to address the specific needs of composites in the aerospace sector.