15 courses offered in the Department of Engineering
2D Materials of Tomorrow EPSRC CDT - PhD
This four-year doctoral training programme in 2D Materials of Tomorrow is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in 2D Materials of Tomorrow (CDT), and aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills for cutting edge, cross-disciplinary research in the science and applications of two-dimensional materials – a new class of advanced materials with potential to transform modern technologies, from clean energy to quantum engineering. The first six months of the programme are based at the University of Manchester, during which time students will engage in a rigorous training programme with a strong emphasis on experimental skills and techniques underpinning the development of 2D Materials applications. Some students will then transfer to Cambridge, depending on final project allocation. Full funding is available for eligible students.
Potential applicants should contact the CDT directly though its University of Manchester website and receive instructions before accessing this application portal. Home students will be registered at Manchester in the first instance and will use this portal to transfer their registration. International students will be registered at Cambridge from the beginning of the degree (but will still live and undertake the training in Manchester with the rest of the cohort).
Aerosol Science EPSRC CDT - PhD
This four-year doctoral training programme in Aerosol Science is part of the multi-institutional EPSRC Aerosol Science Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) and aims to provide scientists and engineers with a broad overview of the aerosol science sector in addition to in-depth training in detailed measurements, analysis and application approaches. The first seven months of the programme are based at the University of Bristol, during which time students will receive training in the underlying physical science governing the properties and transformation of aerosols. After this time, students will undertake a research project at Cambridge for five months, prior to commencing the main body of their doctoral research.
Full funding is available for eligible students.
Construction Engineering - MSt
The Construction Engineering Master's (CEM) programme is a Master of Studies (MSt) course offered by the Department of Engineering in association with the Cambridge Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge.
The aim of the course is to equip leaders to transform the construction industry. This is an advanced leadership programme aimed at future leaders of the construction industry.
Energy Technologies - MPhil
The world faces major challenges in meeting the current and future demand for sustainable and secure energy supplies. The Energy Technologies MPhil course is designed for graduates who want to help tackle these problems by developing practical engineering solutions, and who want to learn more about the fundamental science and the technologies involved in energy utilisation, electricity generation, energy efficiency, and alternative energy.
Engineering - MPhil
This course is designed to provide further study and training in research in the field of engineering through a supervised research project and the writing of a thesis. There is a small (32-hour, plus assessment) taught element to the course; the marks for the taught element do not form part of the formal assessment for the MPhil degree.
Potential applicants should contact potential supervisors in advance of applying in order to determine the viability of their proposed research subject, and the supervisor's capacity to accept an MPhil student.
Engineering - PhD
The University of Cambridge Department of Engineering is one of the leading centres of engineering in the world, renowned for both its teaching and its research. It is also the largest integrated engineering Department in the UK. By the end of the PhD, students are expected to have produced original work making a significant contribution to knowledge in the field of engineering. At the same time, the Department expects that students will leave with the wider skills necessary to be successful in either an academic or a non-academic career.
Engineering for Sustainable Development - MPhil
The Engineering for Sustainable Development MPhil course is designed for graduates who want to help tackle pressing global problems by developing practical engineering solutions. The course is about recognising that engineers have to operate within an increasingly complex set of constraints, and therefore must be capable of dealing with a range of challenges. The subject is based on some very straightforward principles: it is about living within Earth’s finite limits and resources, helping everyone on the planet to achieve an acceptable quality of life; acting as stewards of the environment for future generations; dealing with complexity; and handling the many trade-offs which have to be made.
Future Infrastructure and Built Environment EPSRC CDT - MRes + PhD
This new iteration of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment (FIBE3 CDT) will develop the next generation of PhD graduates to champion the urgent, complex, inter-connected and cross-disciplinary transition to net zero infrastructure. We will transform their potential by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and qualities to collaboratively engineer the infrastructure that will unlock net zero through conducting world-class, cutting-edge and user-need-focused cohort-based training and research to lead the design and implementation of the infrastructure net zero agenda in the UK.
This four-year course comprises an initial MRes year, followed by a three-year PhD programme. Continuation on to the PhD is conditional on satisfactory performance in the MRes year. Full funding is available for eligible applicants.
Future Infrastructure and Built Environment (part time) EPSRC CDT - MRes + PhD
This new iteration of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment (FIBE3 CDT) will develop the next generation of PhD graduates to champion the urgent, complex, inter-connected and cross-disciplinary transition to net zero infrastructure. We will guide and help them to fulfill their potential by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and qualities to collaboratively engineer the infrastructure that will unlock net zero through conducting world-class, cutting-edge and user-need-focused cohort-based training and research to lead the design and implementation of the infrastructure net zero agenda in the UK.
This version of the programme comprises an initial part-time MRes degree, followed by a part-time PhD phase. Continuation on to the PhD is conditional on satisfactory performance in the MRes. Full funding is available for eligible applicants.
Healthcare Innovation - PGCert
Industrial Systems, Manufacture, and Management - MPhil
The aim of ISMM is to equip numerate graduates with the academic skills, personal development and industrial experience to be immediately effective in their early careers in industry. ISMM is very different from any other academic course: it combines traditional academic teaching material with a series of industrial visits, industrial seminars, skills development and projects in industry. ISMM is a very intensive programme that gives a direct experience of many different industries, cultures and working environments. In addition to the lectures, the industry-based projects present real challenges in genuine industrial and business environments.
Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence - MPhil - Closed
This is an 11-month MPhil programme, taught from within our Information Engineering Division, with a unique, joint emphasis on the expanding areas of machine learning and machine intelligence. The course aims to teach the state of the art in machine learning and machine intelligence; to give students the skills and expertise necessary to take leading roles in industry; and to equip students with the research skills necessary for doctoral study. The course is split into four specialised pathways, which define the area in which the dissertation will fall, and which each have different compulsory and permissible module combinations.
The four pathways are:
- Machine Learning;
- Speech and Language Processing;
- Computer Vision and Robotics;
- Human-Computer Interaction.
Nuclear Energy - MPhil
The MPhil programme in Nuclear Energy, offered by the Department of Engineering in collaboration with the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, is a one-year full-time nuclear technology master's programme for engineers and scientists who wish to make a difference to the problems of climate change and energy security by developing nuclear power generation.
Photonic and Electronic Systems EPSRC CDT - MRes + PhD
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Photonic and Electronic Systems offers a four-year MRes + PhD course in collaboration with University College London. The four-year course comprises an initial year undertaking the Photonic and Electronic Systems MRes programme, followed by a three-year PhD programme. Continuation on to the PhD is conditional on satisfactory performance in the MRes year. Full funding is available for eligible applicants. The programme is designed to produce engineering leaders with a high level of understanding and skills in photonic and electronic systems, in particular, the fundamentals of the field together with the necessary research expertise, and technology, systems and applications knowledge.
Photonic and Electronic Systems - MRes
The programme is designed to begin to equip students for engineering leadership positions, developing a high level of understanding and skills in photonic and electronic systems: in particular, the fundamentals of the field together with technology, systems and applications knowledge, and some research experience. The MRes is run in conjunction with students from the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Photonic and Electronic Systems.
14 courses also advertised in the Department of Engineering
Antarctic Studies - PhD
From the British Antarctic Survey
This PhD course takes place under the joint supervision of a research scientist at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and a University supervisor. Students may be based at BAS but will be registered for their degree with one of the partnering departments: Archaeology, Land Economy, Plant Sciences, Zoology, Earth Sciences, Geography and Scott Polar Research Institute, Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science and Technology.
Biological Sciences - PhD - Closed
From the School of the Biological Sciences
The Cambridge Biosciences DTP is a four year fully-funded PhD programme that aims to create highly skilled and employable people. The programme offers training across 23 University Departments/Institutes and 3 Partner Institutes providing access to a wide range of research areas related to the strategic themes of the BBSRC. We offer three types of DTP studentships:
- DTP Standard
- Targeted
- iCase
During the programme, DTP Standard and Targeted students will undertake two ten-week rotations in different labs before commencing their PhD. They will receive training in a variety of areas including but not limited to statistics, programming, ethics, data analysis, scientific writing and public engagement. Students will also undertake a 12-week internship (PIPS).
iCase students are not required to undertake rotations but may do so if they feel that this training would be useful. They must undertake a placement with their Industrial Partner for a minimum of three months and a maximum of 18 months.
Students will be expected to submit their thesis at the end of the fourth year.
Part-time study, whilst not the norm, may be viable, depending on the project, and will be considered on a case by case basis so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before making an application for this mode of study.
Clinical Medicine Wellcome Trust - PhD - Closed
From the Faculty of Clinical Medicine
We provide high-quality research training to clinical health professionals with an aptitude for research to enable them to become future leaders in medical and healthcare science. We offer training in an outstanding environment, spanning basic science, translational medicine, interdisciplinary, behavioural and applied health research.
We take great pride in our track record of successfully training health professionals to undertake the highest quality research across Cambridge and Norwich. We offer one of the most rewarding environments in which you could pursue your research training with world-leading researchers in The Schools of Clinical Medicine and Biological Sciences at the Universities of Cambridge, Wellcome Sanger Institute and other MRC, Wellcome & Cancer Research UK funded Institutes, Centres & Units in the wider Cambridge area, as well as the School of Health Sciences and Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia with other partners on the Norwich Research Park. The most important criteria we are looking for are the pursuit of research excellence, hard work and the will to make a difference to health.
The programme faculty provides mentoring and guidance on opportunities to undertake pre-doctoral research placements, enabling successful candidates to make an informed choice of PhD project and supervisor. Bespoke training and support for career development for fellows, together with support to supervisors, ensures a successful research experience. Post-doctorally, we will guide fellows based on their individual progress, to make the transition into higher research fellowships and clinical pathways, enabling ongoing training with continuance of research momentum.
Computational Methods for Materials Science CDT - MPhil + PhD
From the Department of Physics
The development of new materials lies at the heart of many of the technological challenges we currently face, for example creating advanced materials for energy generation. Computational modelling plays an increasingly important role in the understanding, development and optimisation of new materials.
This four-year doctoral training programme on computational methods for material modelling aims to train scientists not only in the use of existing modelling methods but also in the underlying computational and mathematical techniques. This will allow students to develop and enhance existing methods, for instance by introducing new capabilities and functionalities, and also to create innovative new software tools for materials modelling in industrial and academic research.
The first year of the doctoral training programme is provided by the existing MPhil course in Scientific Computing, which has research and taught elements, as well as additional training elements. The final three years consist of a PhD research project, with a student-led choice of projects offered by researchers closely associated with the CDT. (https://ljc.group.cam.ac.uk)
Decision Making for Complex Systems UKRI AI CDT - PhD - Closed
From the Department of Computer Science and Technology
The Department of Computer Science and Technology undertakes research in a broad range of subjects within the disciplines of computer science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. Current research themes include Algorithms and Complexity, Computer Architecture, Graphics, Vision and Imaging Science, Human-Centred Computing, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (ML and AI), Mobile Systems, Robotics and Automation, Natural Language Processing, Programming Languages, Semantics and Verification, Security, and Systems and Networking.
The UKRI AI CDT in Decision Making for Complex Systems is a programme offered in conjunction with the University of Manchester that aims to enable students to develop new fundamental AI capabilities in the context of a diversity of complex systems. Rather than working in isolation, as is usual in AI, the students will learn to develop these in a collaborative manner tied to a specific application domain. The CDT is focused on three areas, Uncertainty in complex systems, Decision-making with humans in the loop and Decision-making for ML systems. Model interpretability and explainability will be transversal to the three topics. Decision making with AI needs to be interpretable and explainable to facilitate interrogation of decision processes such that trust can be built by the human, and it is essential for understanding and meeting ethical and legal implications.
This CDT programme requires students to complete one year of training at the University of Manchester leading to award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence, followed by research for a PhD degree at either the University of Manchester or Cambridge. Applications for admission to the CDT programme are made to the University of Manchester in the first instance. Successful applicants who chose a research project at the University of Cambridge will be invited to apply for admission to this PhD. Further information about the course and how to submit an application can be found here https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk/admissions/phd.
Important: Applications to this PhD programme will only be considered from students who are registered on the UKRI AI CDT in Decision Making for Complex Systems at the University of Manchester.
Developing National Capability for Materials 4.0 EPSRC CDT - PhD
From the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy
This PhD course is part of the EPSRC Centre of Doctoral Training (CDT) in Developing National Capability for Materials 4.0 led by the University of Manchester.
Success in achieving net zero, delivering a healthy nation and driving increased national resilience and productivity, will be critically reliant on novel materials and devices. This demands rapid delivery, but it typically takes up to 20 years to bring new materials to commercial use. To move faster we need scientists and engineers able to exploit new developments in high-throughput approaches to making, characterising and testing new materials, and able to deploy materials modelling and materials informatics to generate and exploit materials data. We need to digitalise the materials innovation process to accelerate development, certification and deployment of new materials, and materials systems. We need researchers adept at working across interfaces between machine learning, informatics, physical and cyber systems and modelling, learning from advances in other disciplines and breaking silos. In other words, we need graduates proficient in ‘Materials 4.0’.
The goal of this PhD program is to develop leaders in the field of Materials 4.0 and ambassadors for a broader cultural shift in the practice of materials science. Working across boundaries between fields, the students will develop and advocate for new capabilities (methods and techniques) to drive forward the digitalisation of materials research and innovation.
The CDT will develop the necessary skills in a significant number of new scientists, but our ambition is to build an even broader skills base for UK academia and industry. The training programme is therefore designed to take our students from learners to leaders over the course of the programme. The students will begin by learning core skills, but as they develop proficiency and confidence they will play a role in training others, within and external to the CDT. Their research projects will focus on developing new methods and tools within Materials 4.0 and in their last two years the students will take the lead in developing training materials for these new methods, delivering training and disseminating the new capability.
By training a new generation of researchers in the digitalisation of materials science, the CDT will provide the skilled recruits that UK industry and academia need to shorten time to market, improve productivity and resilience and maintain industrial competitiveness. Moreover, through the innovative delivery mechanism of our national CDT bringing together the strengths of three national institutes, we will drive broad culture change, disseminating skills across industry and academia, making Materials 4.0 a ubiquitous way of doing materials science.
Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment - PGCert
From the Department of Architecture
Awaiting ApprovalInterdisciplinary Nanoscience and Nanotechnology - PhD
From the Department of Physics
The vision of this PhD programme is to deliver bespoke cohort-based interdisciplinary training that promotes holistic problem-focused thinking for nanoscientists, drives new scientific directions, and impactful and responsible translation of research to technologies. A particular emphasis will be exposure to a broad range of world-class research environments to allow students to discover their individual research and technology interests and develop strong ownership of their PhD topic.
The first six months of the programme will provide advanced-level training, specifically designed for students, through an integrated lectures + practicals module on Applied Nanoscience, a module on System Integration for Experimentalists and one short and one longer experimental project prior to the final selection of an interdisciplinary PhD research project between two research groups in the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science or another relevant department within the University. An additional module on Innovation for Scientists will help students develop a wider perspective, including training on innovation, sustainability and responsible research.
Throughout the programme, there will be an environment that supports creativity, resilience, peer-to-peer learning, networking, and connectivity. The programme will offer professional skills training to support students on different career paths in industry, academia, and beyond, and it will help students discover and nurture their leadership approach in varied contexts. Cross-cohort events will include student-led conferences, research seminars, onsite and offsite research, career development workshops led by internal and external experts, and other activities.
Micro and Nanotechnology Enterprise - MPhil
From the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy
The MPhil in Micro and Nanotechnology Enterprise is an exciting opportunity in which world-leading scientists and successful entrepreneurs are brought together to deliver a one-year master’s degree combining an in-depth multidisciplinary scientific programme with a global perspective on the commercial opportunities and business practice necessary for the successful exploitation in the rapidly developing fields of nanotechnology and nanomanufacturing.
The programme is intended for those with a good first degree in the physical sciences and relevant areas of engineering, who wish to develop research skills and commercial awareness of the cutting-edge disciplines of micro- and nanotechnology. The course will provide an unparalleled educational experience for entrepreneurs in these fields.
National Institutes of Health Oxford/Cambridge Programme NIH Ox/Cam - PhD
From the Department of Medicine
This innovative programme was established in 2002 as a collaboration between the University of Cambridge and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US. Its aim is to train outstanding students in biomedical research, taking advantage of the excellent research environments in Cambridge and the US. Students work on collaborative projects organised by co-supervisors in Cambridge and the NIH, spending two years at each institution. Students have access to all NIH facilities and are paid by the NIH. The PhD is awarded by the University of Cambridge.
Scientific Computing - MPhil - Closed
From the Department of Physics
The MPhil programme in Scientific Computing provides world-class education on high performance computing and advanced algorithms for numerical simulation at continuum and atomic-scale levels. The course trains early-career scientists in the use of existing computational software and in the underlying components of the simulation pipeline, from mathematical models of physical systems and advanced numerical algorithms for their discretisation, to object-oriented programming and methods for high-performance computing for deployment in contemporary massively parallel computers. As a result, course graduates have rigorous research skills and are formidably well-equipped to proceed to doctoral research or directly into employment. The highly transferable skills in algorithm development and high-performance computing make our graduates extremely employable in all sectors of industry, commerce and finance.
The MPhil in Scientific Computing is suitable for graduates from any discipline of natural sciences, technology or engineering, who have good mathematical and computational skills.
Superconductivity: Enabling Transformative Technologies EPSRC CDT - PhD - Closed
From the Department of Physics
This PhD course is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) programme in Superconductivity: Enabling Transformative Technologies led by the University of Bristol.
The CDT will create a step change in superconductivity training in the UK by using a cohort-based approach to provide a diverse new generation of researchers with the interdisciplinary and teamwork skills required to develop transformative technologies needed to engineer Net-Zero, advance healthcare, and deliver novel quantum devices.
Bringing together the universities of Bristol, Oxford, and Cambridge, the CDT will deliver comprehensive graduate training across their Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, and Chemistry departments.
The programme will be co-delivered with partners encompassing industry, research facilities, and the educational sector. The CDT will serve as a vibrant hub for the wider UK superconductivity community, with the added value of providing training and networking opportunities to those outside of the CDT.
Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment - MSt
From the Faculty of Architecture and History of Art
The Master of Studies (MSt) in Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment is a transformative part-time master’s programme at the University of Cambridge for global practitioners working in the built environment. The master's was created by a powerful partnership between the University of Cambridge’s world-leading Architecture and Engineering Departments. It is designed for professionals working in the built environment who want to deliver the kind of sustainable and resilient places and spaces which are crucial to our common future. Interdisciplinary awareness and related management skills are seldom part of standard architecture, engineering and other built environment qualifications. The master's helps ambitious built environment professionals meet the increasing demands of their market, their sector and invigorate their personal development.
The learning approach is highly interactive and designed to encourage reflection and debate. Students are supported by a team of expert tutors and supervisors. The speakers, lecturers and facilitators are leading experts and practitioners from both academia and industry. A key feature of the programme is the collaborative learning experience. The programme facilitates shared learning between peers, and networking with the extensive range of contributors, together providing a rich learning environment.
Sustainable Energy Materials Innovation - PhD
From the Department of Physics
The Sustainable Energy Materials Innovation PhD course at the University of Cambridge will provide diverse training in the design and discovery, development, scale-up, life-cycle analysis, and systems integration of advanced energy materials and devices in areas strongly guided by the needs of the ‘net-zero’ industry. It will train the future leaders needed for a rapid transition to a zero-carbon society and make transformational, incremental, and disruptive materials discoveries facilitating the energy transition.