Program Overview

---

PhD, MPhil, Industrial Doctorate Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management

The Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management (DMEM) welcomes speculative research proposals across all research degrees throughout the year.

Research Opportunities

• Advanced Forming Research Centre
  • Centre for Precision Manufacturing
  • Design Research Group
  • Engineering Management Group
  • Sustainability & Remanufacturing Research Group
  • Robotics & Autonomous Systems Group

The Place of Useful Learning

The University of Strathclyde is recognized as the UK University of the Year and Scottish University of the Year.

Current Research Opportunities

• Large Language Models for Accelerating Industrial Ultrasonic Data Analysis: A 42-month fully funded PhD position.
• Cobot-enabled nondestructive quality control in production lines with advanced vision and machine learning for smart manufacturing: An open-ended funded project.
• In-process monitoring of microstructure evolution during ingot-to-billet conversion of the aerospace grade Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) material: An open-ended funded project.
• John Anderson Research Studentship Scheme (JARSS): Doctoral studentships available annually for excellent students and research projects.

Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management

The department is focused on 'Delivering Total Engineering' through research excellence, effective industrial partnerships, and creative engineering education.

Research Space and Specialist Facilities

• Access to the bespoke Leonardo Suite, a postgraduate research community area.
• Specialist facilities, equipment, and workshops, including the Digital Design and Manufacture Studio and the Centre for Precision Manufacture.

Our Doctoral Programme

PhD

• A cutting-edge research work for a period of up to three-and-a-half years.
• The outcomes of this research are expected to represent a significant and original advancement of knowledge in the chosen field.

EngD

• A four-year doctoral research programme involving a significant taught component.
• Offers a unique opportunity to carry out in-depth study and research in advanced manufacturing techniques.

Industrial Doctorate

• An industrially-focused three-year equivalent research project and PhD education.
• Conducted jointly by a private sector company, an Industrial PhD candidate, and the University of Strathclyde.

Fees & Funding

• All fees quoted are per academic year unless otherwise stated.
• Entrants may be subject to a small fee during the writing-up period.
• Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy.

Annual Revision of Fees

• Students on programmes of study of more than one year should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually.
• Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study.

Tuition Fees

• Scotland: £4,786 (2024/25), £5,006 (2025/26)
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £4,786 (2024/25), £5,006 (2025/26)
• Republic of Ireland: Same as England, Wales & Northern Ireland if meeting specific criteria.
• International: £28,250 (2024/25), £31,100 (2025/26)

Support & Development

Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PgCert RPD) Programme

• Designed to support research students with their research and rewards them for activities they'll do as a research student.
• Helps improve skills important to professional development and employability.

Departmental Events

• Research seminars to give students the opportunity to present their work.
• Poster presentation showcases, a research stand-up event, and monthly PGR information sharing sessions.

Careers

• The University Careers Service can help with everything from writing a CV to interview preparation.

Student Support

• A wide range of support for all students, including financial advice and IT facilities.

Apply

Entry Requirements

• A first-class or upper second-class UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in a relevant discipline from a recognised academic institution.

The Application

• A CV.
• Full contact details.
• Transcripts and certificates of all degrees.
• Proof of English language proficiency if English isn't the first language.
• Two references, one of which must be academic.
• Funding or scholarship information.
• Research proposal of 250 to 1,000 words in length, detailing the subject area and topic to be investigated.

Supervisors

• Research supervisors are assigned by the Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering.
• Students can indicate their preferred supervisor in their application, but the department will team them up with the best supervisor for their project.