Engineering, Product Design and Textiles Specialisms, PhD

Mode of attendance: Full-time

Duration: 3 years

Start dates: Throughout the year: the date for commencement of study will be agreed with your supervisor.

Course overview

The doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree is aimed at students with a master's degree in a relevant field, in addition to a good honours degree (or significant work experience and professional qualifications), who wish to undertake a research-based doctorate.

On the PhD programme you are expected to demonstrate the creation and interpretation of new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship of a quality to satisfy peer review, which extends the forefront of the discipline and merits publication.

You will also be expected to acquire an understanding of a substantial body of knowledge in your particular subject area in the field of engineering or design, as well as a general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge. You will also gain a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry in the engineering or design subject area.

If you wish to develop research and analytical skills and conduct an original piece of research, this course is appropriate for you. Your research may be applied research or action research, and may be based on your work in industry if you choose to study part-time.

Subject overview

With over thirty years experience in teaching, practice and research in engineering the University of Bolton leads the field. The engineering and design research group works in collaboration with industry and our strengths lie in applied research. The group encompasses a number of different engineering and design disciplines, including electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, product design and textiles.

Research topics

Research topics include:

• applications of electronics
• applied physics
• technology enhanced learning (e-learning)
• manufacture of electronics-enabled products
• engine design
• structural crashworthiness
• impact biomechanics
• accident investigation
• manufacturing systems
• general textile technology
• textile supply chain
• advanced composite materials
• inclusive design
• design education.

Profiles of research active staff in this subject area can be accessed at the 'engineering, design and textiles research' web page.

Projects

See examples of current and recent research projects in this subject area by visiting our 'engineering, design and textiles research' web page.

Careers and professional development

Recent graduates from the PhD programme are following careers in academia and industry.

On graduation you will become a member of the University's alumni association. You will be a lifelong member of the University's community, able to access careers information, the library, professional periodicals and journals, as well as a range of other facilities.

Funding opportunities

International students can apply for Commonwealth or other scholarships. More information regarding scholarships is available through the British Council.

Additional costs

Split site overseas students shall be responsible for the cost of their travel and stay in the UK during the period of study.

Entry requirements

Normally, if you have a first or second class honours degree, or a comparable qualification granted by a professional or other body, you will be registered for the degree of MPhil with transfer to PhD.

You may be permitted to register directly for the degree of PhD providing you hold a master's degree in a relevant subject that included training in research and the execution of a research project.

If your first language is not English you must demonstrate a sufficient level of competence in English for example via an IELTS score of at least 6.5, or equivalent evidence deemed acceptable by the admitting authorities.

If you hold qualifications other than those detailed, your application will be considered on its merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed. If you wish to considered under this regulation your application must include the names of two suitable persons whom the University's Board of Studies for Research Degrees may consult concerning your fitness to carry out a programme of research.

How to apply

Please visit our 'how to apply for an MPhil or PhD research degree' web page for details.

Further Information

For an informal discussion and further details about the course please contact:

Prof. Peter Myler (Programme Leader)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903661
E-mail: P.Myler@bolton.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding application forms and other administrative issues please contact:

Stacy Hobson (Research Student Administrator, School of the Built Environment and Engineering)
Tel: +44 (0) 1204 903647
Email: S.Hobson@bolton.ac.uk

For general information about the University of Bolton please contact:

Enquiry Team (Student Services)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk