Doctorate in Engineering (DEng)

DEng

This is a new programme for scientists, technologist and engineers in employment who are able to engage in major projects inside their employing organizations. It benefits you professionally, makes a contribution to knowledge, and can significantly develop your organization. The programme design reflects the move within science, engineering and technology into the digital domain. Digital technology now provides facilities to plan, design, investigate, develop, simulate, prototype test and manufacture through computer-based technology.

The DEng is a structured research degree for technology, engineering and information technology professionals in a broad range of disciplines that incorporates this new reality. You advance your standing and recognition in the field and achieve an understanding of technology and engineering practice that cannot be attained by other means. The DEng provides a vocational and professional doctorate that is better suited in timing and structure to the needs of industry and its participants than the more traditional PhD.

The programme has four assessed modules before the research phase. The initial modular element lasts 18 months, after which you present your formal research plan. You then enter the research phase, which takes a further eighteen months (minimum). Your extended research investigation must focus on a topic of importance to both you and your organization. At its conclusion, you present and defend a thesis in viva voce. DEng students achieve the standards demanded for all doctoral-level work. The DEng modules are taken through blended learning, using materials provided and include tutorials and seminars in small groups of staff and fellow professionals and students who benefit from our focus on their development and the collaborative learning environment.

Collaborative learning ensures you have many opportunities to benefit from the experiences of others – and to share your own.

Some of our modules

The modular element consists of:

Systematic Literature Review
This module introduces participants to the theoretical frameworks and the many approaches to literature review. Through encouraging a systematic engagement with a substantive body of relevant literature, this module aims to critically analyse and evaluate the previous research work. This leads to the development of further research problem(s) with reference to relevant ideas in the discipline. It also enables you to synthesize ideas at a high level of understanding and begin to create new knowledge through the development of a conceptual framework relevant to your research problem.
Research Methodology and Methods
This module examines the role of research philosophy and methodology in a professional doctorate. It reviews the approaches, tools and techniques you can use to generate and apply knowledge. The particular methodological schools that characterize science and engineering research are reviewed and critiqued to establish the applicability of each. You then consider a variety of methods for collecting, analysing and using data in developing a systematic understanding of a field of your study. You demonstrate a mastery of elements of research method germane to their intended study. You begin the process of conceiving and designing a substantial research project with scholarly integrity.
Research Design for Engineering
Here you further develop the basis created in the previous module. You extend your consideration to the specific challenges often faced in science, technology and engineering research. This includes detailed consideration of experimental design, prototyping, modelling, testing and data collection with reference to optimization and issues such as automation and sustainability.
Experimental Design and Analysis
This module introduces you to both the theoretical principles and practical applications of experimental design and analysis. It is specifically designed for those studying the design and analysis of experiments in the areas of technology, engineering and industrial application. However, the underlying principles can be also be applied to the other areas such as information systems, physical, chemical, agricultural, biological, medical, social, psychological, and economic sciences. The course examines how to design small and large scale controlled experiments and to analyse the resulting data.

Entry requirements

Relevant postgraduate (or professional) qualification
At least two years’ experience in an engineering-related role and discipline, or ability to demonstrate professional competence of a high standard in the relevant research area.