DPhil in Engineering Science

University of Oxford

The DPhil in Engineering Science is a research-based course offering advanced study in areas like biomedical, energy, materials, civil, and information engineering, with interdisciplinary projects and strong industry collaboration. A key aspect of your research experience in the department will be exposure to the broad sweep of today's engineering research.To learn more about the research topics you’ll have the opportunity to explore, please refer to the Research areas section on this page.In the first year, you will develop research skills in two ways. Firstly, you will read the current literature, often in reading groups, and attend research seminars, relevant lectures and training courses. Secondly, you will design and build apparatus, develop software, or both to address your own research topic. Often there is external involvement and you will develop your work in collaboration with researchers from industry and other research organisations.AssessmentYou will receive ongoing assessment and feedback from your supervisors. At the end of your first year (second year for a part-time student) you will be required to Transfer your Status from a Probationary Research Student (PRS) to DPhil Student. For the transfer process you need to write a report and give a presentation on your research to date and your plans for progressing. Your work is assessed by two faculty members or researchers in the department who are not your supervisors and involves an oral exam. At the beginning of your third year of study (beginning of fifth year for a part-time student) your progress towards completion is again formally assessed, by a Confirmation of DPhil Status process. A report of your progress and your plan for completion is submitted and is assessed by two faculty or researchers in the department who are not your supervisors and involves an oral exam.At the end of your research you will be required to submit a substantial thesis which is read and examined by experts in the field, one from the department and one from elsewhere. You will then defend this thesis at a Viva Voce examination with the two examiners. It is anticipated that the thesis will result in the publication of two or three journal papers.