Cranfield University

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We offer exciting industrially orientated research programmes to students across a wide range of topics. Our researchers are either involved in supporting mainstream applied industrial research, or investigate fundamental scientific ideas. Our research community is a vibrant group in which students work closely with academic staff. Our researchers are encouraged to publish their work. 

Research Programme Structure
Based within a relevant Doctoral Training Centre students are associated with a group of scientists and engineers working in a similar research area. This team includes the academic supervisor, members of academic and research staff, technicians and other research students. The wide expertise within these teams enables industrial problems to be tackled by people with different backgrounds. This offers a flexible basis for research and development work. Our multidisciplinary approach is valued by sponsors. Underpinning our research are extensive facilities and associated equipment.

Each student is assigned an academic supervisor who is responsible to the Director of Studies for the student’s progress. Progress is monitored continually by meetings and discussions. The student is required to submit written reports, give presentations and also attend any lectures and short courses considered relevant to the course of study. The welfare and progress of each student is overseen by a research course director and a monitoring panel. A formal review of progress of PhD students is undertaken during each year of study.

Entry Requirements
A minimum of a UK 2nd class honours degree or its international equivalent.

Awards offered
We offer an extensive range of research programmes that can be undertaken on a full or part-time basis:

• MSc by Research
  A programme of research is undertaken which typically involves review of literature, production or collection and analysis of data and presentation of results in a thesis. The one-year programme should allow the candidate to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles of the subject and their application.
• MPhil
  An MPhil degree leads to an advancement in knowledge and normally consists of experimental or survey work designed to collect data that are subjected to critical analysis. The time period available for completion of an MPhil is two years.
• PhD
  A PhD involves an extended programme of study and research that may be entirely original or concerned with the application of existing ideas to a new area of study. A greater degree of originality, critical evaluation, independence of thought and more significant contribution of knowledge is required than for an MPhil degree. The time available for completion of a PhD programme is normally three years. Students are usually initially registered for a PhD/MPhil and the transfer to PhD level takes place after one year of satisfactory progress. A PhD may also be taken on a part-time basis, normally over a period of six years.
• Engineering Doctorate (EngD)
  Cranfield is able to train engineers through a four-year Engineering Doctorate programme supported by EPSRC funding and in partnership with industrial sponsors. Within the EngD there is a specific taught business management component. The research element is of the same standard as a conventional PhD. Cranfield University has been participating in the EngD programme since 1993.
• PhD with Integrated Studies (New Route PhD)
  Suitable for those wishing to enhance the depth of a doctoral course with a broad foundation of knowledge and skills related to the subject. The three-and-a-half-year full-time course starts with taught modules in the first six to nine months, followed by a highly innovative research project culminating in a thesis that demonstrates a high level of initiative and critical thought.

Start dates
By arrangement in relation to the project.

Funding
Funding for research students and the level of funds depends upon the background and qualifications of the candidate and the area of research interest. Funding ranges from research assistantships, which are directly tied to an industrial research programme, through industrial studentships, to research council grants. Research assistantships and research council grants are normally only available to students from the European Union. 

Assessment
Based on the submission of a thesis followed by a viva voce examination.

Application process
Please apply online. Successful applicants are likely to be invited for interview.