Program Overview

DProf Reliability Engineering & Asset Management / Overview

Overview

The Professional Doctorate (DProf) Programme is a unique opportunity for practising engineers and professionals already working in industry to do applied research in the area of plant maintenance, reliability and asset management. As this is a distance learning programme, candidates can study the DProf from outside the UK while continuing their employment.

Entry Requirements

• The minimum academic entry requirements for a Doctorate programme are either:
  • i) a First class UK Honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD
  • ii) an undergraduate degree at 2:1 or above and Masters award at Merit level in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD
  • iii) equivalent international qualifications

Application and Selection

• Apply online
• Include:
  • The name of this programme
  • Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
  • Your proposed supervisor’s name
  • If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
  • A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
  • Details of your previous university level study
  • Names and contact details of your two referees.

Programme Details

Degree Awarded

• Professional Doctorate in Reliability Engineering

Duration

• 72 months Part Time

Programme Options

| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning
---|---|---|---|---
| N | Y | N | N

Programme Description

Research in mechanical and aerospace engineering covers five broad research areas:

• Aerospace engineering
• Innovative manufacturing
• Nuclear engineering
• Solid mechanics
• Thermofluids

The Professional Doctorate (DProf) Programme is a unique opportunity for practising engineers and professionals already working in industry to do applied research in the area of plant maintenance, reliability and asset management. As this is a distance learning programme, candidates can study the DProf from outside the UK while continuing their employment.

At the end of the programme, candidates will make a significant and original contribution to knowledge in general, and to their workplace specifically. The results of this research shall then be published in high standard/quality journals and finally needs to be submitted in the thesis form for the final examination.

The research project is intended to address a real plant issues in maintenance (reliability) engineering and asset management. The research outcome must be innovative work e.g. development of new method(s) in the plant maintenance and reliability engineering, novel industrial application of different methods, innovative field trials to reduce plant maintenance overhead and enhance plant reliability etc. To achieve this aim, candidates will demonstrate an ability to meet the intended learning outcomes:

• To discover, interpret and communicate new knowledge through original applied industrial research in maintenance, reliability and asset management.
• To produce research outputs that are publishable in high quality journals.
• To present and defend research outcomes which extend the forefront of a discipline or relevant area of professional practice.
• To systematically demonstrate extensive knowledge of the subject area and expertise in generic and subject/professional skills.
• To independently and proactively formulate ideas and hypotheses to design, develop and implement plans by which to evaluate these.
• To critically and creatively evaluate current plant issues, research and professional practice.
• To develop advanced levels of interests and informed decisions about a discipline and/or professional practice.
• To clearly communicate research findings and conclusions.
• To make an original contribution to their chosen field.

Sustainable Development Goals

• Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

• (part-time)
  UK students (per annum): Band A - £2,503.00; Band B - £3,700; Band C - £5,250; Band D - £7,600; Band E - £12,850
  International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £14,700; Band B - £15,750; Band C - £18,650; Band D - £22,600; Band E - £29,950

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.