Program Overview

Introduction to the Engineering Design PhD Program

The Engineering Design PhD program at Brunel University uniquely integrates engineering and design within a research-intensive university, emphasizing both impact and technical applications. This program offers a multidisciplinary environment with access to a dedicated technical experiment centre, a graduate school, and strong industry connections.

Research Profile

The research environment at Brunel Design School thrives within a research-intensive UK university, fostering innovation at one of the largest engineering and design colleges. With a dynamic research centre, five specialized research groups, and a vibrant, multicultural PhD community, the school encourages collaboration, diversity, and excellence in cutting-edge academic and industry-driven research.

Research Environment

Postgraduate researchers with appropriate training can access general engineering and design labs, providing valuable hands-on experience. Specialized labs are also available upon request, offering access to advanced equipment and resources for specific research needs. This flexible access supports a wide range of experimental work, fostering innovation and technical expertise.

Research Areas

Some ideas for research areas include:

• AI and machine learning
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Creative computing
• Data technologies, communications, and networks
• Computer communications and networks
• Smart automation, environments, and systems
• Smart health
• Smart wearable technology
• Smart manufacturing
• Sustainable and equitable systems
• Innovative materials

Research Impact

The research drives significant impact through government and industry-sponsored projects, alongside independent PhD work. It has influenced policy change, advanced industry practices, and transformed user behavior. Additionally, the work contributes to business success by fostering innovation, enhancing efficiency, and providing solutions that address real-world challenges across various sectors.

Research Community

The staff members at Brunel Design School bring diverse expertise spanning engineering design, electronics engineering, human factors, multimedia, computer science, physics, and more. This breadth of knowledge enables strong support for cross-disciplinary research, fostering innovation at the intersection of various fields and promoting groundbreaking solutions to complex engineering challenges across multiple domains.

Finding a Supervisor

Researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learned for the benefit of society. Applicants are welcome to approach their potential supervisor directly to discuss their research interests.

PhD Topics

While the university welcomes applications from students with a clear direction for their research, some ideas for PhD topics include:

• PhD project in human augmentation through artificial intelligence (AI), supervised by Fotios Spyridonis and Yongmin Li

Research Journey

This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in January, October, or April. The research degree progress structure outlines what progress might look like at each stage of study.

Research Support

Excellent research support and training are provided through the Graduate School, which offers a range of personal, professional, and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching, and events to enable students to enhance their professional profile, refine their skills, and plan their next career steps as part of the Researcher Development Programme.

Library Services

Brunel's Library is open 24 hours a day, has 400,000 books and 250,000 ebooks, and an annual budget of almost ｣2m. Subject information specialists train students in the latest technology, digital literacy, and digital dissemination of scholarly outputs.

Careers and Your Future

Students will receive tailored careers support during their PhD and for up to three years after they complete their research at Brunel. The university encourages students to actively engage in career planning and managing their personal development right from the start of their research.

Entry Requirements

The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1). An interview will be required as part of the admissions process.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
• Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
• BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
• TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all)

Fees and Funding

2025/6 Entry

• International: ｣24,795 full-time, ｣12,395 part-time
• UK: ｣5,006 full-time, ｣2,503 part-time

Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase. Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses, or both.