Our research degree programme provides a thorough training in a particular subject area through original exploration and experimentation. The research culminates in a thesis or dissertation which sets out the conclusions of the research undertaken.
Researchers within the School consistently perform extremely well in the UK Government-led Research Assessment Exercise with the majority of the research activity being judged to be either world-leading or internationally excellent.
Within this environment students have the opportunity to undertake research at a range of levels, through either full-time or part-time study. It is possible to complete an MSc by Research, PhD or an EngD (a professional Engineering doctorate) through the School.
All areas of research in the Department are supported by well-founded laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment and computing facilities, the latter including major commercial engineering software.
Study may be undertaken either wholly within the School or in association with other research centres either in the UK or overseas. Students may undertake the majority of their studies off-campus (for example, to carry out their field work); regulations require that full-time students spend a minimum of six months in Aberdeen over the 36 month period of study. However, supervisor(s) may require students to spend additional periods of time in Aberdeen depending on the progress and nature of their studies. Each student is assigned at least one supervisor who is a member of the University's academic staff.
PhD students use a personal development plan (PDP) and are required to present their work at research group seminars at least once per year, and at the annual one-day symposium organised by the School's postgraduate research students.
Graduate studies are supported by a comprehensive monitoring system which has contributed to our excellent completion rates.
Please visit our Engineering postgraduate research page for more information.