Overview
- Degree awarded
- Postgraduate Research
- Duration
- 48 months Full-time
- Entry requirements
-
We have the following pathways with varying entry requirements:
Standard: 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant subject.
Experienced: As per 'Standard' with evidence of Accredited Prior Learning (APL) in research training already undertaken.
- How to apply
Before applying we strongly recommend that you:
- Identify the research project, CDT or dual-award you'd like to apply for or determine your own research proposal (including research project title)
- Find a supervisor and speak to them about supervising your research
- Decide how you will be funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor
In your application you'll need to include; your chosen research project or the name of the project you are proposing (and your research proposal) , the name of your supervisor , how you plan on funding your research , details of your previous study , and names and contact details of your two referees .
Once you have all of this information, you’re all set to apply online:
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this programme aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 4: Quality education
- Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
- Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
Programme options
Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
---|---|---|---|---|
EngD | Y | N | N | N |
Programme overview
As one of the largest Departments of Computer Science in the UK we cover a huge spectrum of Computer Science research. We currently have ten individual 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 can be found in the research section of our website.
Open days
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2023, the tuition fees are as follows:
-
EngD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A £4,712; Band B £6,500; Band C £9,500; Band D £13,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £26,500; Band B £28,500; Band C £33,500; Band D £40,500
Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.
Please note for the majority of projects where experimentation requires further resource: higher fee bands (where quoted) will be charged rather than the base rate for supervision, administration and computational costs. The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.
All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit: postgraduate fees . Always contact the department if you are unsure which fee applies to your project.
Scholarships/sponsorships
There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.
To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.
For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our programmes address.
Goal 4: Quality education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Computer Science
- Contact name
- Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 275 0699
- fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/
- School/Faculty
-
The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way. Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Programmes in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
Standard: 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant subject.
Experienced: As per 'Standard' with evidence of Accredited Prior Learning (APL) in research training already undertaken.
English language
All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain the required English Language score:
IELTS: At least 6.5 overall with a 6.5 in the written component and no other subtest below 5.5.
TOEFL iBT: At least 90 overall with 22 in the written component and no other subtest below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'.
Pearson Test of English (PTE): At least 58 overall with 58 in the written component and no other subtest below 42.
Further information on language requirements can be found on our website .
Pre-sessional English: We also accept successful completion of a pre-sessional English course run by the University Language Centre to meet our English language requirements.
English language test validity
Other international entry requirements
Professional entry qualification
Other entry requirements
Application and selection
How to apply
Before applying we strongly recommend that you:
- Identify the research project, CDT or dual-award you'd like to apply for or determine your own research proposal (including research project title)
- Find a supervisor and speak to them about supervising your research
- Decide how you will be funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor
In your application you'll need to include; your chosen research project or the name of the project you are proposing (and your research proposal) , the name of your supervisor , how you plan on funding your research , details of your previous study , and names and contact details of your two referees .
Once you have all of this information, you’re all set to apply online:
Advice to applicants
Before you start your application, you should have:
- Identified the specific research project, CDT or dual-ward you’d like to apply for, or, determined your own research proposal and project title and discussed this with a supervisor.
- Found a supervisor and spoken to them about supervising your research.
- Decided how you’re planning on funding your research and discussed this with your supervisor.
- The names and contact details of your two referees.
You’ll also need to make sure you have the following to hand:
- Certificates: Certificates and final transcripts of any completed university-level qualifications and interim transcripts for qualifications in progress. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must provide an official English translation.
- CV: Summarising your academic record and highlighting experience that demonstrates your potential to conduct research.
- Research proposal: If you are proposing your own project, your proposal should typically range between 1,000-1,500 words and should clearly outline your project title and supervisor. For information on how to write a research proposal, visit our research proposal page .
- English language proof: All applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English language so you'll need to include a certificate or evidence of your English language ability. Applications can be considered without this evidence but any offer would be conditional on meeting minimum requirements.
Interview requirements
Deferrals
It is normally possible to defer entry to another entry point within the academic year, with the approval of your supervisory team and funder (if applicable).
You can request a deferral by contacting the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team by emailing fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk .
If you request deferral for entry in a subsequent academic year you may be required to re-apply.
Programme details
Programme description
Do you work in data science? Are you looking to undertake a research level qualification whilst still doing your job?
The EngD in Data Engineering is firmly couched in real world data science with a focus on practical application in industry. From machine learning to knowledge management, our academics work with a range of stake holders in cutting edge and industry relevant research that addresses real world challenges. If you already work on data intensive technologies, or need training to make the move into this area of science 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 Data Science 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.
Aims
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 Department 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.
Scholarships and bursaries
There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.
To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.
For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Opportunities exist in a diverse range of areas such as finance, films and games, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, consumer products, and public services.
The University of Manchester Careers Service can offer support and guidance.