EngD Computer Systems Engineering / Programme details

Year of entry: 2024

Programme description

Are you a hardware or embedded systems engineer? Are you looking to undertake a research level qualification whilst still doing your job?

The EngD in Computer Systems Engineering is tied into advanced processor technologies and embedded systems development in as well as advanced FPGA systems development. We work with a range of stake holders in cutting edge and industry relevant research that addresses real world challenges. If you already work on computer hardware or in embedded systems, or need training to make the move into this area of engineering then this EngD is for you. You'll spend 75-80% of your time with your company, working on 4-6 flexible but research level projects. The remainder you'll spend with us training in Advanced processor topics, while being guided by your academic supervisor building on your industrial work and solving it's associated research problems.

An EngD gives you a solid industry application focus and offers a range of flexible pathways of differing duration to suit your individual needs. The research conducted as part of the EngD is applied to specific problems faced by the industrial partner, each problem couched as a research challenge.

Throughout the programme, students can undertake a tailored range of Advanced Masters courses that supplement the in-built research skills training and development provided as standard in the EngD programme.

Academia and industry work together in mentoring and training the student, who will graduate with the academic rigour necessary to undertake applied research, with skills and experience to apply that research capability directly within industry.

The Department of Computer Science is one of the largest in the UK covering a huge spectrum of Computer Science topics. We currently have research groups ranging from Advanced Processor Technologies to Text Mining.

Our core Computer Science research is augmented by interdisciplinary research taking place at the interface with discipline areas including mathematics, physics, medicine and biology.

A detailed overview of the Department's research groups and core and interdisciplinary research themes is available in the 'research' area of our website and you can identify a possible project from our list of available projects .

Aims

The Engineering Doctorate (EngD) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a course of supervised research, the results of which show evidence of originality and independent critical judgement and constitute an addition to knowledge.

Our research students have the opportunity to develop their skills through robust and flexible training that is designed to:

  • Develop the research skills needed to plan and conduct research, write a thesis and disseminate research findings to stakeholders and the international research community;
  • Develop competencies which will equip you for a diverse range of roles in industry whilst also contributing to the body of knowledge of a particular technical discipline, industrial sector or multi-disciplinary theme.
  • Equip each student with the broader skills to become world leading industry professionals and researchers in the next generation.

All of our research degree programmes are based on supportive supervision in our outstanding research environment. You will carry out a programme of research in a particular area under the supervision of a primary supervisor and one or more co-supervisors. Your primary supervisor would be a research active member of academic staff in the School of Computer Science with a co-supervisor from the industrial partner, selected to suit the project scope and specific skills required.

Additional programme information

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities.

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles.

We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder), carer support funds for conferences, and peer support networks for parents and carers.

All appointments are made on merit.  The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Coursework and assessment

As a research student you will be offered a study space in our new student study facility. You will be encouraged to present papers at conferences and publish your results in academic journals. We run several research training course-units and you can take course-units on a number of our Masters programmes.

Scholarships and bursaries

In the Department of Computer Science we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

Funding is also available at university and faculty level and can be viewed on our funding page . Alternatively, you can use our funding database to find scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

We'd recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor before applying. They can advise what funding may be available to you, and ensure you meet nomination and application deadlines.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk .