Engineering Doctorate programmes

The Engineering Doctorate (EngD) provides a more vocationally oriented doctorate in engineering than the traditional PhD and is better suited to the needs of industry (see our EngD/PhD comparison). The degree was introduced nationally in 1992 (see History) and is now well established and highly respected. It combines academic research in an industrial context with taught modules in related subjects.

• The EngD is a doctorate, equivalent to a PhD. However, the EngD student - or research engineer (RE) - pursues a research project while based within a company.
• The EngD is a qualification for practising researchers who aim to lead and innovate the development of products, processes and services in industry; REs develop academic strengths and leadership skills, both technical and managerial.
• The research itself is identified by the sponsoring company and confirmed as appropriate by the EngD centre (formerly industrial doctorate centre, IDC; now Centre for Doctoral Training, CDT).
• The company commits itself to support the research project over the duration of a four-year EngD programme, and releases the RE to attend taught course modules. Further guidance about operation of EngD programmes has been provided in 2011 EPSRC guidelines.
• REs typically spend about 75% of their time working directly with a company.
• Within the company, an RE is otherwise treated as an employee, working normal company hours and holiday periods.
• All time spent on EngD programmes is recognised by relevant institutions as contributing towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status (see news).
• REs receive an enhanced stipend (tax-free in most cases) that is typically £5000pa more than for a PhD. Eligibility for full stipends and fees follow EPSRC rules (prospective applicants are advised to consult these rules before submitting an application).
• The EngD programme merges experience of industrial involvement (and today's real-world issues) with a doctorate's immersion in professionalism. The result: a unique individual with relevant industry knowledge and academic depth, grounded by up to four years of experience.

Since 1992 the worth of the EngD has been proven. EngDs work at the cutting edge of development, being equipped to address the challenges facing today's industry and broader society. They have advanced innovation in UK industry, collecting many 'wins' and delivering economic benefit to Britain. Many of these individuals enjoy rapid advancement and are maturing into today's top managers.

Note: in April 2015, the AEngD made a submission to the QAA seeking the removal of the EngD from the 'professional doctorate' category, preferring an 'integrated doctorate' description instead (see news release). The AEngD has produced a short summary of the Key features of UK EngDs.