Sciences and Engineering Research/ joint PhD with the University of Pretoria MPhil/PhD
Program Overview
Postgraduate Research
Study
Key information
Award:
MPhil
PhD
Study mode:
Full time
Duration:
3-4 years full time
Sciences and Engineering Research/ joint PhD with the University of Pretoria
The focus of the PhD Programme in Sciences and Engineering will be to perform research and generate new knowledge at the interfaces of sciences and engineering, with a transdisciplinary scientific approach. The programme will include topics in:
- Engineering (all disciplines)
- Engineering and Technology Management
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Environmental and Material Sciences
The Department of Engineering
The Department of Engineering has currently about 50 active research staff and covers a range of topics including:
- Communication & Information Engineering
- Design & Mechatronics
- Manufacturing, Materials & Systems
- Signals & Control
- Computational Engineering
- Data-Centric Engineering
The Department of Informatics
The Department of Informatics has currently more than 70 research-active academic staff and covers a range of topics including:
- Software engineering
- Systems
- Programming languages
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Data science
- Computation finance
- Cybersecurity
- Quantum computing
- Computational finance
- Human centred interaction and design
- Ethics
- Computer science/artificial education
Partners
The Department has many partners both industrial and academic, and any individual PhD project may be associated to a partnership.
Programme Structure
In this programme, students will be jointly supervised by a staff member from each university. Supervisors should ideally be from different disciplines.
The final degree will be jointly awarded by KCL and UP.
Students on this programme will be required to select a home institution, where they will spend the majority of their study, and a host institution, where they are expected to spend at least 12 months of their study (consecutively or non-consecutively).
Admissions Tutor
The Admissions Tutor will be Dr Laura Lander in Engineering for Engineering students and Dr Ruba Abu-Salma in Informatics for the Computer Science Students.
How to Apply
1. Search our Research Themes to find your supervisor
Applicants for the Joint PhD programme must contact the relevant departments at both universities before applying in order to discuss the suitability of their topic for the joint programme and to locate potential supervisors.
We welcome applications and research proposals in a variety of areas, and are especially interested in receiving applications from students planning their research projects in fields that will enhance the strength of the Department’s research themes.
Applications should initially be submitted to the proposed home institution only, i.e., where the student will start and finish their programme. Students should note that acceptance onto the programme may take slightly longer than for single-institution PhDs because of the additional steps involved.
Applicants who choose King’s as their home institution should apply through the online system, selecting the appropriate Joint PhD option from the drop-down list. In addition to the standard supporting documentation, applicants should submit a Travel Plan form indicating how they intend to divide their time between the two partner institutions. Students must spend a specified amount of time in each institution, details of which can be found in the ‘Notes’ section of the Travel plan form.
It is recommended that students submit applications for the Joint PhD programme by the end of March to begin the following September.
Fees or Funding
For funding opportunities please explore these pages:
- List of funding opportunities
- External funding opportunities for International students
- King’s-China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarship programme (K-CSC)
UK Tuition Fees 2023/2024
- Full time tuition fees: £6,540 per year
- Part time tuition fees: £3,270 per year
International Tuition Fees 2023/2024
- Full time tuition fees: £28,260 per year
- Part time tuition fees: £14,130 per year
UK Tuition Fees 2024/2025
- Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year
- Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year
International Tuition Fees 2024/2025
- Full time tuition fees: £30,240 per year
- Part time tuition fees: £15,120 per year
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
The English Language Requirement is Band D.
Study Environment
We are a department with many internationally recognised researchers and visiting academics, large groups of PhD students, research assistants, national and international projects, collaborations with other departments as well as links with industry. We offer an exciting environment and excellent opportunities for research.
Our PhD students have access to good library facilities, designated PhD offices within the Department where PhD students can dock an assigned laptop for use throughout their studies. Regular group seminars are organised providing PhD students with the chance to showcase their research and receive feedback from academic staff and peers. PhD students also have access to college-based training in transferable and research skills.
The Department is located on the Strand Campus, in the heart of central London, close to the cultural activities of the West End and the South Bank, to the major departments of state at Whitehall, the leading financial institutions of the City and within easy reach of major transport links. Our facilities are close to the British Computer Society and the Institute of Engineering & Technology (and the IET Library), with access to a formidable collection of scientific journals and other technical material.
Our staff and students come from all over the world, which provides a rich environment for teaching and research. Diversity is positively encouraged.
Postgraduate Training
Faculty and College induction courses are scheduled at the beginning of your degree to prepare you for life as a PhD student. All students are required to complete 10 days of training each year. There is a centrally provided programme of related and transferable skills training coordinated by the Centre for Doctoral Studies.
Research students are also encouraged to submit papers to conferences, and we try to provide financial support for them to travel to present their papers. Our research students are also encouraged to teach alongside their studies to help prepare them for a potential future career in academia.
Entry Requirements
UK requirements
- Bachelors degree with 2:1 honours degree in an Engineering discipline or a closely related subject such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science and a good background in the area of intended research.
- A 2:2 degree may be considered only where applicants also offer a Masters degree with Merit or above
Equivalent International qualifications
Select a country to view the equivalent qualifications.
English language requirements
English language band: D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Research Groups
- Communication & Information Engineering
- Design & Mechatronics
- Manufacturing, Materials & Systems
- Signals & Control
- Computational Engineering
- Data-Centric Engineering
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Overview:
The joint PhD program in Sciences and Engineering Research between King's College London and the University of Pretoria focuses on conducting research and generating new knowledge at the interfaces of science and engineering. The transdisciplinary program includes topics like:
- Engineering (all disciplines)
- Engineering and Technology Management
- Environmental and Material Sciences
Objectives:
- To develop a deep understanding of the relevant field of research.
- To conduct original and innovative research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge.
- To develop strong research and analytical skills.
- To gain experience in presenting research findings at conferences and in publications.
- To prepare for a career in academia or research.
Description:
The program is designed for students with a strong background in science and engineering who are interested in pursuing a research career in a transdisciplinary field. Students will work closely with supervisors from both KCL and UP, and will have the opportunity to conduct research at both institutions. The program is expected to take 3-4 years to complete.
Outline
Program Content:
The program content will vary depending on the student's research interests, but may include a combination of coursework and research. The coursework may include modules on research methods, scientific writing, and advanced topics in the student's field of research. The research portion of the program will involve carrying out an original research project under the supervision of two faculty members, one from each university.
Structure:
The program is structured around a combination of coursework and research. Typically, students will spend the first year taking coursework and completing an MSc degree, followed by 2-3 years of research. The research will be conducted at both King's College London and the University of Pretoria, with students spending at least 12 months at each institution.
Schedule:
The program schedule will vary depending on the student's research project and the requirements of both universities. However, students are required to have full-time enrollment in both the KCL PhD program and the UP PhD program.
Module Descriptions:
The specific modules offered in the program may vary depending on the student's research interests, but may include a combination of coursework and research. The Department of Informatics offers research supervision in the following topics: Software Engineering; Systems; Programming Languages; Artificial Intelligence; Machine Learning; Data Science; Computation Finance; Cybersecurity; Quantum Computing; Computational Finance; Human Centred Interaction and Design; Ethics; and Computer Science/Artificial Education.
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Written assignments
- Oral presentations
- Research thesis
- Research papers
Assessment Criteria:
The assessment criteria will vary depending on the assessment method used. However, all assessments will be assessed based on the student's ability to:
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the relevant field of research.
- Conduct original and innovative research.
- Present research findings clearly and concisely.
- Analyze and interpret research results.
- Effectively communicate research findings both orally and in writing.
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- One-on-one supervision
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of internationally recognized researchers from both King's College London and the University of Pretoria. The Department of Engineering has 50 active research staff and the Department of Informatics has more than 70 research-active academic staff.
Unique Approaches:
The program offers a number of unique features, including:
- The opportunity to study at two world-leading universities.
- The chance to work with top researchers in the field of sciences and engineering.
- The ability to pursue research projects that have a global impact.
- The opportunity to be part of a vibrant and supportive academic community.
Careers
Potential Career Paths:
The program prepares students for a variety of career paths in academia, research, and industry. Examples of potential career paths include:
- Research Scientist
- Professor
- Data Scientist
- Artificial Intelligence Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Engineering Manager
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields. Some of the top employers of graduates include:
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- IBM
- Apple
- Tesla
- SpaceX
- McKinsey & Company
- Boston Consulting Group
Other:
- The program is designed for students with a strong background in science and engineering who are interested in pursuing a research career in a transdisciplinary field.
- Students will work closely with supervisors from both KCL and UP, and will have the opportunity to conduct research at both institutions.
- The program is expected to take 3-4 years to complete.
- The program is funded by a variety of sources, including UKRI, EPSRC, BBSRC, and the Newton Fund.
Conclusion
The joint PhD program in Sciences and Engineering Research is a challenging but rewarding program that can prepare students for a successful career in research.
UK Tuition Fees 2023/2024 Full time tuition fees: £6,540 per year Part time tuition fees: £3,270 per year International Tuition Fees 2023/2024 Full time tuition fees: £28,260 per year Part time tuition fees: £14,130 per year UK Tuition Fees 2024/2025 Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year International Tuition Fees 2024/2025 Full time tuition fees: £30,240 per year Part time tuition fees: £15,120 per year
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Entry Requirements:
UK Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree: A 2:1 honours degree in an Engineering discipline or a closely related subject such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Computer Science. You must also have a strong background in the area of your intended research.
- Master's degree: A 2:2 degree may be considered if you also have a Masters degree with Merit or above.
- Equivalent International qualifications: Applicants with qualifications from outside the UK must have equivalent qualifications to those listed above.
Additional Requirements:
- Research proposal: You are required to submit a research proposal that outlines your proposed research project. This will be reviewed by potential supervisors to assess its suitability for the program.
- English language proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in English. You can do this by providing evidence of having completed an English language test with a minimum score of Band D.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
To study at King's College London, you must be able to communicate effectively in English in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your English language competence before starting your studies.
- English language test: You can take an English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The minimum score required for Band D is as follows:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component
- TOEFL iBT: 90 overall, with no less than 20 in any component
- PTE Academic: 62 overall, with no less than 55 in any component
- Previous study in English: You may be exempt from taking an English language test if you have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
Additional Notes:
- Applicants who choose King's as their home institution should apply through the online system, selecting the appropriate Joint PhD option from the drop-down list.
- In addition to the standard supporting documentation, applicants should submit a Travel Plan form indicating how they intend to divide their time between the two partner institutions.
- Students must spend a specified amount of time in each institution, details of which can be found in the ‘Notes’ section of the Travel plan form.
- It is recommended that students submit applications for the Joint PhD program by the end of March to begin the following September. It only states that applicants need a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent. Applicants need to have a strong academic background in a relevant field, as well as demonstrate proficiency in English. The program also requires applicants to submit a research proposal and a travel plan. It is important to note that the specific GPA and standardized test score requirements are not provided in the context.
