The Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford offers a range of postgraduate research courses that help students build deep knowledge and research skills. These programmes allow learners to explore advanced areas in engineering and make meaningful research contributions. With strong academic support and access to cutting-edge labs, Oxford’s engineering students gain hands-on experience while working on real-world challenges.
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Postgraduate Research Degrees Offered
Oxford provides three key research-based postgraduate degrees in Engineering Science.
- MSc by Research (MSc(R))
- Doctor of Engineering (DEng)
- Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil)
Each programme is designed for students who are passionate about in-depth research and innovation.
Key Highlights of Research Degrees
- MSc(R) requires a minimum of 3 terms of full-time study.
- DPhil requires a minimum of 6 terms, but students usually complete it in about 9 terms.
- DEng is a professional doctorate focused on practical engineering applications.
Comparison of Oxford Research Degrees
| Degree | Minimum Duration | Typical Duration | Focus Area | Structure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc(R) | 3 terms (1 year) | 6 terms (2 years) | Early-stage research | Thesis-based |
| DEng | 6 terms (2 years) | 9 terms (3 years) | Engineering innovation in industry | Applied research |
| DPhil | 6 terms (2 years) | 9 terms (3 years) | Academic or industrial research | Independent research and thesis |
Admission and Application Process
Admission to these programmes is competitive and based on a candidate’s academic background, research interest, and proposed topic. Oxford encourages applicants to align their research goals with the department’s ongoing work.
Important Points for Applicants
- Research Interests: Be specific when listing your research interests. Mention particular subtopics or questions rather than broad fields like “mechanical engineering.”
- Supervisor Matching: Review faculty profiles and find researchers whose interests match yours.
- Pre-Application Contact: Applicants may contact faculty members directly or email the admissions team at postgraduate.admissions@eng.ox.ac.uk for help in identifying suitable supervisors.
Steps to Apply
- Choose the course: MSc(R), DEng, or DPhil.
- Select a research area that fits Oxford’s strengths.
- Find potential supervisors through the department website.
- Prepare a strong research proposal.
- Submit your application through Oxford’s Graduate Application Portal.
Our Graduate Programmes and Support
Oxford’s Department of Engineering Science supports students with excellent facilities and well-structured research programmes. Students benefit from:
- Access to advanced laboratories
- Regular academic reviews
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
- Workshops and seminars for skill development
EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)
Several postgraduate students are trained under EPSRC-funded Centres for Doctoral Training. These centres focus on collaborative research with industry partners and other universities. They provide cohort-based learning and often lead to a DPhil degree.
Highlighted Programme: Engineering Biology DPhil
One of the featured research programmes is the DPhil in Engineering Biology, offered in collaboration with the University of Bristol.
Key Features of Engineering Biology DPhil
- Synthetic Biology Focus: The programme uses engineering tools to design biological systems.
- Real-World Impact: The training focuses on turning research into practical applications.
- Joint Delivery: Students benefit from resources and expertise at both Oxford and Bristol.
- Bespoke Training: Students receive cohort-based education, lab training, and project mentoring.
Applications of Engineering Biology
| Area | Application |
|---|---|
| Medicine | Synthetic tissues and drug delivery |
| Agriculture | Bio-based fertilizers and pest control |
| Energy | Biofuels and clean energy production |
| Environment | Biodegradable materials and pollution control |
Research Areas at the Department
Students can explore a wide range of research topics within the department. Some major areas include:
- Biomedical engineering
- Energy systems
- Robotics and automation
- Solid mechanics and materials
- Information engineering
- Environmental engineering
Examples of Research Themes
| Research Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Renewable Energy Systems | Developing sustainable power generation technologies |
| Tissue Engineering | Creating artificial tissues for medical use |
| Autonomous Vehicles | Designing self-driving systems with AI |
| Smart Infrastructure | Using sensors and data to manage urban systems |
Supervision and Progress Monitoring
Each research student is assigned a supervisor who guides their work. Progress is reviewed regularly through:
- Termly reports
- Research seminars
- Annual reviews
- Thesis development discussions
Fees and Funding
Students pay tuition fees based on the duration of their programme. Scholarships and grants are available for qualified candidates.
Funding Options
- University scholarships (e.g., Clarendon Fund)
- Departmental funding
- EPSRC studentships
- Industry-sponsored research projects
Support for International Students
Oxford offers dedicated support to international applicants through:
- Visa guidance
- English language assistance
- Cultural orientation
- Housing support
Facilities Available
- Modern labs and clean rooms
- High-performance computing systems
- Collaborative workspaces
- Dedicated postgraduate student areas
Useful Contacts and Resources
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Department Website | www.eng.ox.ac.uk |
| Email for Enquiries | postgraduate.admissions@eng.ox.ac.uk |
| Application Portal | Oxford Graduate Admissions |
The Bottom Line
The postgraduate research programmes at Oxford’s Department of Engineering Science offer a rich academic environment for motivated students. From foundational research degrees to specialised programmes like Engineering Biology, students receive top-class training and supervision. With a clear research focus, strong academic planning, and access to funding, learners can make real contributions to engineering research and innovation.
