EngD "in a nutshell":
The following sections provide key information about the EngD in Systems by addressing frequently asked questions. If you do not find the information you require please contact the Systems Centre
The key information on this page is contained in the EngD in Systems information leaflets
The Engineering Doctorate, or EngD, provides a more vocationally oriented doctorate in engineering than the traditional PhD and is better suited to the needs of industry. The degree was introduced nationally in 1992 and is now well established and highly respected. It combines academic research in an industrial context with taught modules in a range of related subjects.
Through the Industrial Doctorate Centre in Systems, the Systems Centre offers a 4-year EngD programme in Systems, enrolling students with either the University of Bristol or University of Bath. This postgraduate programme is intended for the UK's most able research engineers who have the potential to be tomorrow’s leaders in Industry. Students enrolled on an EngD programme are referred to as Research Engineers. Research Engineers are normally based in Industry, spending the majority of their time (about 75%) working in a company on innovative research projects. The Systems Centre collaborates with companies to identify suitable projects. A list of currently available EngD research projects.
Research Engineers working within a sponsoring company are considered as employed, whereby work done can be used to provide evidence of relevant competence at a Professional Review for CEng registration.On successful completion of the EngD programme, the RE will receive the award of Engineering Doctorate in Systems , which carries with it the title of Doctor.
The RE will also have:
The minimum qualification for entry onto the EngD programme is an Upper Second (2:1) class degree from a UK academic institution (or equivalent), in a discipline relevant to the research project. Applicants without a recognised degree may be acceptable if they can demonstrate significant, relevant industrial experience, e.g. candidates who can provide documentary evidence of peer reviewed technical reports or papers, or who hold responsible positions within a company. Candidates without the full academic qualifications who have achieved Chartered status may also considered acceptable. Please contact the Systems Centre to discuss your individual situation.
There are substantial benefits for EngD graduates and employing companies:
The Research Engineer will be advised by two academic supervisors (one with expertise in Systems, one with expertise in the technical area of the research project) and by an industrial supervisor based within the company.
REs will be encouraged to take the taught units in the first two years of the programme to enable them to apply the knowledge and insights gained to the research work. The taught programme consists of 8 core (i.e. mandatory) units and 2 elective units. All core units are delivered as short courses of up to 5 days at the University of Bristol and the University of Bath. A range of elective units is available, some of which are delivered as short course and others on a term/semester basis. Normally, 4 core units and 1 elective will be taken in each of the first two years. However, to provide flexibility, the RE may take more units in any year, and move units into the third year if necessary.
In the first year, the core units normally taken are:
In the second year, the core units normally taken are:
The research project is undertaken as a partnership between the collaborating company and the IDC in Systems. It can be a single project, or a series of projects, firmly based on a real industrial problem and having significant challenging and innovative engineering content. The company will normally identify the research topic, and will agree the project with the RE, the principal academic supervisor and Systems Centre. The RE spends the majority of their time (about 75%) with the collaborating company working on the research project. The RE will normally start the research project within 6 months of joining the EngD programme.
The RE and all supervisors will hold two formal 6-monthly meetings in the first year and annually thereafter to review the development of the RE and the progress of the research project. The RE will prepare progress reports for review at these meetings, and will also give oral presentations on their research. The RE is also expected to meet with all supervisors at least once every three months and to have additional regular contact with the principal academic supervisor.
At the end of the EngD programme, the RE will submit a thesis on the research. The regulations for the doctorate degree will be followed. The final assessment of the research work as outlined in the thesis will be an oral examination conducted by one internal and one external examiner.
The Universities of Bristol and Bath are leading UK academic institutions situated in historic and vibrant cities. To get a taste of the City of Bristol and the University watch a short film introducing the University of Bristol and a short film introducing the City of Bristol. To get a taste the University and City of Bath, read more about the University of Bath and about the City of Bath
Bristol's engineering heritage is world famous, and the city continues to be an international leader in engineering. Working at the heart of this local industry, the Faculty of Engineering has attracted over £75m in industrial and governmental research awards over the past five years, and has spent over £20m on infrastructure and laboratory equipment that will keep it at the forefront of teaching and research.
For information on the stages in making a formal application, see How to apply for the EngD in Systems.
If you have further questions about any item on this page please contact the Systems Centre
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