Students enrolled on an EngD programme are called Research Engineers (REs).
We welcome applicants from all nations and backgrounds: the University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Applications are particularly welcome from women, who are under-represented in Research and Development posts.
If you are interested in applying for the EngD, please first read the information below, including the guidance for the applying.
Why should I pursue an EngD?
An Engineering Doctorate is a research doctorate for those who are focussed on a career in industry. It is recognised as being equivalent to a PhD. It has the academic training and rigour of a PhD, but the student – a Research Engineer (RE) – tackles research challenges that are presented by the Industry Sponsor. The RE is placed with the Industry Sponsor, and is appointed a mentor, the Industrial Supervisor, to complement the Academic Supervisor at the University.
Benefits of being an RE include:
- work closely with an Industry Sponsor, tackling real-world challenges in industry, business, commerce, government, or non-government organisations.
- work with small, medium or large Industry Sponsors.
- gain research training and experience – the Research Training Component (RTC) of the EngD.
- gain practical experience in applied research with the Industry Sponsor – the Individual Research Component (IRC) of the EngD.
- time spent on an EngD is recognised for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
What qualifications do I need?
For admission, we would normally expect at least a Bachelors degree in a relevant subject from Computing, Informatics, Mathematics or Engineering. We would expect an applicant for the EngD to have achieved a First Class honours degree at Bachelors level, or a Distinction at MSc level.
However, we recognise that some applicants, e.g. employees of Industry Sponsors, may have other suitable experience and qualifications. So, we are keen to work with Industry Sponsors to recognise other qualifications as well as practical experience, and explore routes for entry onto the EngD programme. This may involve an interview and other ad hoc assessment of an applicant’s suitability, as deemed appropriate, on a case-by-case basis. We will enter into discussion with the applicant, the Industry Sponsor, as well as taking advice from the St Andrews admissions team on qualifications, as required.
How does it work?
Currently you can only apply for admission on to the EngD programme with an Industry Sponsor in place.
Normally, an RE will spend the majority of their time on the IRC at the site of the Industry Sponsor. The Industry Sponsor will provide the funding for the RE, as well as an Industrial Supervisor who will act as mentor and contact person at the Industry Sponsor’s site.
The RE must complete the following components of the programme in order to be considered for the award of an EngD:
- the Research Training Component (RTC) .
- the Individual Research Component (IRC) .
- prepare and submit a dissertation containing a write-up of the the work conducted as part of the IRC.
- defend the work presented in the dissertation in a viva voce examination.
How do I apply?
Before you start, you will need:
- A working email address.
- A CV (PDF document)
- A research proposal (PDF document)
- A sample of academic writing (PDF document)
- A copy of any certificates for qualifications (PDF document)
- The names and contact details of two referees.
The application process has two parts:
- Make an application to the University, as a postgraduate research student.
- Providing additional information for the EngD to the School of Computer Science.
For making an application to the University, you will need:
- An up-to-date CV.
- A research proposal.
- If applying with a Prospective Industry Sponsor, then this is a document that you have agreed with the Sponsor.
- If applying for a specific vacancy you have seen on our web site, then this is a document that presents your statement of what you think the research challenges are for that vacancy and how you might address them.
- If applying for no specific vacancy, and without a Prospective Industry Sponsor, then this is a document detailing your specific technical interest.
- A sample of academic writing. This could be a report you have prepared, a paper or technical article you have written, or a previous dissertation, e.g. your undergraduate or Masters dissertation or project.
- A copy of any certificates. Please scan your certificates ready for upload.
- The names and contact details of two referees. These should be two people who we can contact, in confidence, in order to get their opinion of your ability and your suitability for the EngD programme.
When you have that information, you can go to the University web site and start the application process.
Please note that you must submit your application by the end of January 2023 for a August 2023 start date.
After you have filled out the University application you will need to provide some additional information for the EngD, which the School needs. This is very simple: please send by email your CV (as in 2. above), information about any specific vacancy you are applying for (as in 7. above), with a covering or letter/email to engd-admin-cs@st-andrews.ac.uk. Both the University application and the additional information for the School must be completed.
What accommodation options are there for when I am undertaking the RTC?
During the RTC, you might need to stay in St Andrews for the Semester. We have a range of accommodation options, including University accommodation as well as private accommodation.
I want to find out more or talk to someone – how do I do that?
- If you have any queries, please send email to engd-admin-cs@st-andrews.ac.uk.
- You can also phone the School during normal office hours, 0900-1700 UK time, Monday to Friday, on +44 (0)1334 463253 (please note that there is no voicemail service on this line).