Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The Engineering Doctorate in Systems Engineering aims to develop a thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques required for the application of the systems approach to multi-disciplinary and complex engineering problems.

The programme aims to develop:

• Expert knowledge of engineering/science areas relevant to the research project(s).
• An appreciation of industrial engineering and development culture including: The role of research, product development, marketing awareness, minimisation of environmental impact.
• Project and programme management skills - financial planning and control.
• Teamwork, leadership and communication skills - oral, written, technical, non-technical.
• The ability to apply skills/knowledge to new and unusual situations.
• The ability to seek optimal solutions to complex or multifaceted problems.
• Research capability and the ability to undertake research in association with an industrial partner.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence; Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer Standard, Engineering Council UK, 2013.
• UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence; The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes, Engineering Council UK, 2013.
• Subject Benchmark Statement: Engineering, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, February 2015
• Master's degree characteristics, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, September 2015.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of

• Mathematical methods appropriate
• Principles of engineering science appropriate
• Principles of Information Technology and Communications
• Relevant codes of practice and regulatory frameworks
• Relevant operational practices and requirements for safe working

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Select and apply appropriate mathematical and/or computer based methods for modelling and analysing practical and hypothetical engineering problems
• Model and analyse engineering systems, processes, components and products
• Develop engineering solutions to practical problems
• Integrate, evaluate and use information, data and ideas from a wide range of sources
• Develop new systems, processes, components or products by integrating ideas from a wide range of sources

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Use appropriate mathematical methods for modelling and analysing relevant engineering problems relevant to complex systems
• Use relevant test and measurement equipment
• Plan and execute safely experimental laboratory work
• Use computational tools and packages (including programming languages where appropriate)
• Design systems, components or processes
• Undertake testing of design ideas and analyse and critically evaluate the results
• Search for and retrieve information, ideas and data from a variety of sources
• Manage a project and apply appropriate processes
• Produce technical reports, papers, diagrams and drawings

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Manipulate, sort and present data in a range of forms
• Use evidence based methods in the solution of complex problems
• Work with limited, incomplete and/or contradictory information in the solution of unfamiliar problems
• Use an engineering approach to the solution of problems in unfamiliar situations
• Be creative and innovative in problem solving
• Work effectively as part of a team
• Use a wide range of information and communications technology
• Manage time and resources
• Communicate effectively orally, visually and in writing at an appropriate level
• Learn effectively, continuously and independently in a variety of environments

4. Programme structure

The curriculum-based component of the programme will follow the taught modules drawn from the School’s MSc Programme in Systems Engineering. Research Engineers should refer to these regulations for an up-to-date module listing.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

As well as being read in conjunction with  Regulation XXI and the relevant module specifications, this programme specification should also be read in conjunction with Regulation XXVI Higher Degrees by Research. 

5.1 All Research Engineers who are registered on the Systems Engineering Doctorate (EngD) programme are required to register for and satisfy the regulations for the curriculum-based component of the programme. 

5.2 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.3 Each module in the curriculum-based component of the programme will be assessed and credit awarded in accordance with the levels of achievement specified in Regulation XXI.

5.4 Candidates will be eligible to progress on the EngD programme when they have accumulated 180 credits from the curriculum-based component within the period of time specified under 'Programme Length and Type' in this specification, except where exemption has been granted in accordance with 'Exemptions' under 'Admissions Criteria' in this specification. 

5.5 Candidates who have completed part or the entire curriculum based element of their programme, but who subsequently do not complete the requirements for the award of EngD, may be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master, the Postgraduate Diploma or the Postgraduate Certificate. In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.6 Candidates who have, because of their previous study or experience, been allowed to reduce the curriculum-based component of the programme may not qualify for an award

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification