School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

EngD Engineering

Duration

4 years

Course type

Full-time

Study location Plymouth

Our four year professional engineering doctorate provides an alternative to a traditional PhD, tailored for students who want a career in industry. It gives you experience of cutting-edge research in a business context, where you will be co-supervised by an industry partner.

Industry aligned

Gain real-world industry based research experience, delivering research that reflects the needs of the wider engineering sector.

Expertise

Our enthusiastic staff offer a diversity of expertise, industry knowledge, work experience, and research interests.

Expand your learning

Benefit from a broad range of taught modules from numerical modelling to engineering design, innovative technologies to management and policy.

How does this course differ to a traditional PhD?

  • Our four year programme integrates one year of taught modules followed by three years of research.
  • You'll be based in industry for the majority of the research phase.
  • The doctorate is usually co-supervised by the industry partner.
  • The research project is normally an applied industry project.
The programme aims to provide:
  • an alternative to a traditional PhD - we focus on providing experience of cutting-edge research within a business context to boost your career potential
  • a rigorous academic programme that combines taught elements with industry focused research
  • a challenging research project that has strategic importance for industry and the sponsoring organisation
  • integration with the sponsor’s project team as a research engineer, building links with industry and academia.

Course details

  • Year 1 - Taught element (180 credits)

  • Spend your first year based at the University where you will complete the first year 120 credits in the form of Level 7 (Masters) taught modules and an ‘Evidence in Professional Research Practice’ project at Level 8 (60 credits).
    The programme provides some flexibility with one 20-credit elective module.
    This taught element will help to prepare you for more advanced study.

    Core modules

    ENGR800
    The Offshore Power Station

    You will prepare a detailed research project proposal, based on the topic defined by supporting industry. This will develop a clear aim, objectives and a methodology for the doctoral research including engineering and socio-economic considerations. Aspects of Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and EDI will be considered. You will critically evaluate existing research, evaluate information and prepare professional project research proposals.

    ENBS542
    Project Management and Professional Practice 20 credits

    This module combines the examination of project management process and practice together with the essential requirements of both operating as a professional, and operating in, a professional environment. The module focuses on embedding knowledge and understanding issues faced by modern construction professionals in delivering construction projects in a professional and ethical manner.

    85% Coursework

    15% Practicals

    MAR513Z
    Research Skills and Methods

    This module aims to equip students with the practical skills and contextual framework for conducting high quality research. Emphasis is placed on workshop opportunities to acquire and practice research planning, analysis, communication, writing and oral presentation skills.

    MAR534
    Introduction to Offshore Renewable Energy

    This module explores a wide range of offshore renewable energy technologies, including wave energy converters, tidal energy, and offshore wind power. You'll learn resource assessment, environmental impact, and the latest industry standards. Key topics include offshore operations, electrical systems, seabed geology, dynamic power cables, and emerging areas like autonomy and hydrogen.

    MAR535
    Economics, Law and Policy for Offshore Renewable Energy

    This module explores the economic, legal, and policy landscape of offshore renewable energy. Topics include global and UK policy, project costs and returns, electricity pricing, government support schemes, marine planning and consenting, legal and safety regulations, and the wider economic and social impacts of offshore energy development.

    PRCE514
    Sustainable Engineering Scheme Design 20 credits

    This module immerses learners in a real-world interdisciplinary design project, tackling interconnected challenges in Civil and Coastal Engineering. Working in managed teams, students will refine sustainable solutions and present progress in simulated design meetings. The project spans the full lifecycle from concept to construction, equipping students with collaborative problem-solving skills.

    100% Coursework

    Optional modules

    ELEC519
    Advanced Power Systems 20 credits

    Electrical power systems are the foundation upon which the modern world is built. Learn about three phase electrical power generation, transformation, protection, distribution and rotating machines. This module provides the essential theory and practice you require to understand and design three phase power systems. Teaching is achieved via 12 lectures supported by a mix of seminars and lab sessions.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    MAR537Z
    Applied Marine Autonomy

    This module introduces students to marine autonomous platforms for marine environmental data collection. It focuses on the appropriate use of platforms, covering theory of operation and developing practical skills in autonomous marine data collection through workshops and fieldwork. The module also allows direct interaction with scientific researchers and industry practitioners through seminars.

    MARN501
    Advanced Naval Architecture 20 credits

    In this module, you will have a solid understanding of the mathematical models used in marine hydrodynamics and marine structures including their limitations and how to interpret data from them. You will learn how ships navigate and handle different conditions, understand how marine structures react to various forces and dive into the complexities of unpredictable sea conditions.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    MATH518
    Applied Data Modelling and Artificial Intelligence 20 credits

    We'll teach you state-of-the-art modelling and analytics techniques for Data Science, so that you can provide informed strategic advice in a broad range of business and related situations. You'll meet techniques to extract knowledge from data and to update that knowledge when new observations become available. We'll also discuss popular Machine Learning algorithms for making classification decisions.

    100% Coursework

  • Years 2-4 - Research phase (360 credits)

  • For the three year research phase you will be physically based (if feasible) witinh your supporting company, which may be elsewhere in the UK.
    Research projects are driven by the supporting company and reflect the research needs of a wider engineering sector, as agreed between the university, the industry partner and you as the research student. The industry-based approach provides you with real-world industry experience and an opportunity to really contribute to the activities of the supporting company. As with traditional PhDs, assessment is by viva following the submission of a doctoral thesis, meeting the sector-recognised standards alongside the University’s academic regulations.
The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

EngD Engineering Doctorate Programme Specification September 2025 6276

Entry requirements

UK/EU

A relevant degree with honours or an equivalent professional qualification. Other qualifications accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered. Non-standard applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

International

Please view the country specific pages for further information regarding the equivalency of your degree. International applicants will be required to provide evidence of their English language ability, for example by achieving an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent, see our English language requirements. Pre-sessional English language courses are available if you do not meet these requirements.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for postgraduate taught programmes. Tell me more about scholarships and bursaries.

Fees, costs and funding

Please visit tuition fees for postgraduate research for information about fees.
Please visit our postgraduate research money matters page to find out more about issues related to fees, funding, loans and paying for your programme of study.

How to apply

Apply online

In addition to completing the online application form (which includes space for a personal statement), you must also upload a research project proposal. Your research proposal should outline your research topic, your key aims and the research question/problem you are addressing, a brief literature review, your proposed methodology, and an explanation of why this topic is significant or important.
Your personal statement should briefly explain why you have chosen to apply to our programme and what you feel you can offer our research community.
Submitting your application
Complete your application and upload supporting documents to the Doctoral College by completing our online application form.
Questions on the application process?
We're here to help. Please contact the Doctoral College and we'll be happy to assist you.
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
 
 
 

Meet your expert teaching staff

Professor Lars Johanning Associate Head of School - Research


Associate Head of School - Research

 
 
 
 

Doctoral College

Find out more about the Doctoral College and the support it offers students, supervisors and examiners of postgraduate research at the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓÆµ.
 
Postgraduate research students listening to a talk