Engineering

Most students initially register for an MPhil with the possibility of transfer to a PhD without submitting for an MPhil. During your MPhil you will:

• critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic
• demonstrate understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field
• present and defend a substantial thesis by oral examination.

Length of study

• Full Time: min 2 years, max 3 years for MPhil component only; for MPhil/PhD, min 3 years, max 5 years.
• Part Time: min 3 years, max 4 years for MPhil component only; for MPhil/PhD, min 4 years, max 6 years.

Entry requirement: the minimum entry requirement for an MPhil degree, or an MPhil with the intention of transferring to a PhD, is:

• a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree
• a relevant master’s qualification
• or an equivalent qualification.

Applications from those holding qualifications other than the above will be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the work proposed.

The criteria for a PhD are similar to those for an MPhil, with the key difference that:

• the research carried out will result in an independent and original contribution to knowledge.

Length of study:

• Full Time: min 2 years, max 5 years.
• Part Time: min 3 years, max 6 years.

Entry requirement: a recent master’s degree in a discipline appropriate to the proposed research. The master’s needs to have included research training and a research project.

In exceptional cases, applicants who have a good honours degree (or equivalent) may apply for direct registration to a PhD if they have appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment. An unpublished master’s dissertation would not suffice in this instance.

The degree of PhD on the basis of published work may be awarded to candidates whose submitted work:

• reflects the same academic standards as those which operate for a traditional PhD based upon an approved programme of supervised research
• forms a coherent programme of research
• demonstrates the use of appropriate research methodology
• and makes an original and sufficient contribution to the present state of knowledge in a particular field to the satisfaction of the examiners.

Applicants should normally have had some prior association with Oxford Brookes University. The submission for examination comprises the published work on which the application is based, together with a supporting critical appraisal of this work.

Length of study:

• Part Time: 1 year

Entry requirement: the minimum entry requirement is:

• a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree
• a relevant master’s qualification
• or an equivalent qualification.

Applications from those holding qualifications other than the above will be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the work proposed.

These research degrees run for one year full time or two years part time and allow students to critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic and combine the equivalent of up to one semester’s taught programme (focusing on research training) with a major research project. As with other research degrees, they are examined by thesis and viva.

Length of study:

• Full Time: 1 year.
• Part Time: 2 years (min).

Entry requirement: The minimum entry requirement for the degree of MA, MSc and LLM by Research is a lower second-class UK honours degree or equivalent qualification.

The pioneering Professional Doctorate in Engineering offers a unique blend of academic excellence and industry relevance. Available to employed individuals seeking to develop cutting-edge research that aligns with the needs of their employer.

The Professional Doctorate in Engineering comprises two stages, a Masters stage (180 level 7 credits), and a Doctorate stage, an independent 360 credit doctoral level project undertaken and assessed using existing research degree committee processes and procedures for other research degrees.

Length of study: Part time: min 4 years, max 7 years

Entry requirements:

Candidates should hold a minimum of a second class honours degree (2:2) in an Engineering discipline or a closely related (or cognate) area or equivalent overseas degree from a recognised institution or equivalent professional or other qualification.

Candidates who already possess a level 7 qualification in a cognate subject area may be eligible to enter the programme at the doctoral stage with up to 180 credits.