university of edinburgh phd courses

School of Engineering

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SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Study for a PhD

A PhD degree from Edinburgh is your chance to connect with internationally renowned researchers and innovators, with a unique opportunity to experience one of Europe's leading universities in one of the world's most iconic cities.

We carry out world class research and provide high quality training in research for both students and postdoctoral researchers.

Our world-leading research is conducted through our seven Research Institutes . These span across and connect between our core disciplines of Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Electronics & Electrical Engineering.

You will carry out independent research resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area, guided by your supervisor. You will submit a thesis and defend it in an assessed oral exam.

Alongside this research, all our researchers follow a comprehensive training programme that is an integral part of our research degrees. You will gain skills that will equip you for a wide range of future careers beyond your specialist research project. These will serve you for the rest of life, making you a more confident and knowledgeable person, and equipping you in both technical and soft skills. You can find additional information on our training and support here: https://edin.ac/3f7KyhE . This includes a link to the current handbook for postgraduate research students in the School of Engineering.

The School of Engineering has an active research community. PhD students present at research seminars in their research institutes, and attend talks by visiting speakers. Our Engineering Graduate Society organises networking, training, and social events across the School.

We have a very wide range of high-quality engineering facilities, including specialised test laboratories, fabrication workshops, and computing resources. Information on these facilities can be found on our research web pages .

Our graduates are amongst the most highly sought-after candidates for academic, commercial or consulting positions, entering careers around the world. The majority of our research graduates enter the engineering profession in a wide range of fields, including automotive, bioengineering, communications, medical imaging, engineering consultancy, fire safety, renewable energy, chemical processing, oil and gas, fast moving consumable goods, high-technology and the semiconductor industry.  Other graduates from our programmes continue to further research including postdoctoral fellowships, lecturing roles and research contracts in universities and research institutes.

Funding Required

• Tuition fees : All students pay tuition fees. Further information on the fee rates for Home, EU, and International students can be found here: Full time fees and Part time fees
• Research costs:  "Additional programme costs" are in addition to the tuition fees, and include the costs of carrying out research project, such as the costs of laboratory and experimental work, software licenses, or travel costs. The costs of research depend upon the nature of the research project.   Further information .
• Living Expenses / Stipend:  The University gives information on living costs in Edinburgh, which will be a substantial commitment: Latest estimates of living expenses .

Scholarships Available

The School of Engineering offers several scholarships for excellent students. The deadlines for scholarships applications are early in each year. Please view our scholarship options .

Academic Grades

You will need a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in your first degree, which must be in a relevant subject.

A good MSc result, relevant work experience, or some other exceptional achievement will be considered for applicants who do not meet this requirement.

English language requirements

Information on our English language requirements can be found on the Engineering PhD degree finder page , with additional information for International applicants given on this web page .  Please note that our English language requirement cannot be waived.

Before applying for a PhD, you should look at our research pages  to help identify the field of research that you would be interested in studying.

Our list of Current PhD Opportunites gives several possible research projects, but it is not exhaustive, and you should contact a member of our academic staff to see whether they would be able to supervise your research.

Before you Apply

Before applying for a PhD in Engineering you should:

• Identify a possible academic supervisor working in the area that you would like to carry out research. You can find information on our academic staff on our research web pages , or view our list of PhD Opportunities .
• Check that you meet the entry requirements and that you have degree certificates and transcripts for your application.
• Established how you will fund your PhD: Funding and Scholarships

To apply for a PhD you will need the following documents:

• Degree certificates, transcripts, and evidence of meeting our English language requirements (as appropriate).
• Two references on official letterheads, with signatures.
• A  Research Proposal , which should be in your words even if your are applying an advertised project. This helps evaluate your writing skills and research ideas. It can help with both assessing your suitability for a research degree and whether we can offer supervision. It should be no more than 2 A4 pages.

​Potential students in all of our engineering disciplines and all of our research institutes should apply for our  PhD in Engineering  programme.  Apply here using the University's online application system .

Additional information for PhD applicants (and for our EngD, MPhil, MScR or visiting student programmes) can be found in these two documents:

• Additional information for postgraduate research students
• Postgraduate Research Student Handbook (School of Engineering)

Part-time Study

A small number of our students study part-time. This must, however, be discussed with your potential supervisor, as whether this is possible will depend upon the nature of the research project. As a part-time student you would be required to spend 50% of your time on your PhD and you are expected to be in the University 50% of your time. It is consequently not possible to pursue a part-time PhD in addition to full-time employment.

Distance Learning

Our PhD students usually study here in the University of Edinburgh, where they benefit from the research community, expert networks, training and activities that are an integral part of a PhD. It is occasionally appropriate to study remotely, for example, to make use of research facilities that are uniquely available at a different location. Distance learning requires careful planning and the arrangements need to be agreed in advance, to ensure adequate supervision, training, and opportunities to engage with our research community. Please discuss a possible distance learning proposal with an academic supervisor before applying.

THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

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Why study at Edinburgh?

How to apply for a phd, what funding is available for your phd study, visiting research students.

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• School of Mathematics
• Studying Here
• Postgraduate Research Studies

Research Degrees (PhD)

Our Graduate School is supervised by internationally-leading researchers spanning a wide spectrum of topics, making our School a world renowned centre of excellence in mathematics.

Watch a recording of the School of Mathematics' Graduate School Virtual Open Day 20-21

The School of Mathematics welcomes applications to our Visitors Programme from research students who are registered at another university.

MAC-MIGS CDT

MAC-MIGS is a prestigious EPSRC-funded PhD programme in Mathematical Modelling, Analysis and Computation, run jointly by Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt universities, as part of the Maxwell Institute Graduate School, that offers fully-funded scholarships.

MAC-MIGS website

The Maxwell Institute Graduate School in Analysis and its Applications (MIGSAA) is a Centre for Doctoral Training that provides high quality instruction in analysis and the applications of analysis to a wide range of areas. MIGSAA has been made possible by a grant from the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Scottish Funding Council.

MIGSAA website

Graduate School staff

Schools & departments

PhD Study with Edinburgh Neuroscience

Edinburgh Neuroscience currently has about 250 PhD students working on a wide variety of neuroscience-related projects that cover health and disease across the life course, from early development to old age. Our PhD students are an integral part of our dynamic neuroscience community and we are keen to recruit motivated and collaborative students.  There are a variety of PhD opportunities, advertised throughout the year and, in addition to the numerous individual PhD projects offered via our research centres, we have two PhD programmes.

EdNeuro.PhD is our PhD portal

To find out more about studying for a PhD with Edinburgh Neuroscience, currently available funded studentships and how to apply, please visit our dedicated PhD portal  EdNeuro.PhD

Visit EdNeuro.PhD for all our PhD training information

Our PhD Programmes

SPRINT-MND/MS PhD Programme . Led by Edinburgh Neuroscience, Scottish PhD Research & Innovation Network Traineeships in MND/MS’ is a PhD programme in partnership with the Universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and St Andrews and promotes research into all aspects of motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis.

Wellcome Trust 4 year PhD in translational Neuroscience . Our flagship PhD programme  ‘Translational Neuroscience: Lifecourse influences on human brain health’ is a ‘ training to translate ’ programme for non -clinical students that addresses a current global need by focussing on the advancement of knowledge, expertise and skills in clinical translation, drawing on unique Edinburgh research strengths in diseases across the life-course to achieve this goal.

• Schools & departments

What is the Doctoral College?

The University of Edinburgh Doctoral College is a coordinating structure for all postgraduate researchers, supervisors and relevant staff at the university, designed to enhance and support the postgraduate student experience. 

For information and resources for research staff, please see the Research Staff Pages:   https://www.ed.ac.uk/researchers

A Doctoral College Welcome Event for all Postgraduate Researchers was held on 12th September 2023. A recording of this event is available to watch here -  https://edin.ac/3PIYbYv 

A Town Hall Event for all Postgraduate Researchers ran on the 23rd January 2024 - A recording of this event is available to watch here - Recording

PhD stories

Our extraordinary PhD students come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. In this collection of short videos, some of them share their experiences -   PhD Stories

Vision and strategy

The purpose of the Doctoral College, our vision and strategic objectives.

People and structure

About the Doctoral College leadership and management structure, and the wider Doctoral College team.

Personal and professional development and training

Information about professional, careers and personal development training and opportunities for  UoE   PGR  students.

Wellbeing, community and representation

Information on student representation, wellbeing services and opportunities for engagement.

Support for PGR supervision

Information and guidance for staff who supervise research students.

Doctoral training centres

Information on funded PhD training programmes and support for directors and administrators of these programmes.

Essential information for postgraduate researchers

Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students (PDF)

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - PGR pages

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine - PGR pages

College of Science and Engineering  (EASE log in required)

Information for prospective postgraduate research students

New student pages

Postgraduate study degree finder

This article was published on 2023-12-07

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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd degree at the university of edinburgh.

135 courses available

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Philosophy PhD

The university of edinburgh.

Research profile We are one of the world’s leading philosophy departments for research. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree
• 6 years Part time degree

Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine PhD

Research profile We offer a comprehensive research programme suitable for PhDs and MSc students, covering a diverse range of Read more...

Respiratory Medicine PhD

Research profile Our major areas of research interest are cellular and molecular mechanisms of the resolution and persistence of lung Read more...

Surgery PhD

Research profile The department of Surgery is headed by Professor Stephen Wigmore. Research themes include systemic inflammation, cancer Read more...

Dentistry PhD

Who is this programme for There are opportunities for both full-time and part-time research. In addition to our formal research degrees, Read more...

European Theatre PhD

Thanks to its rich artistic heritage – which includes the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Read more...

History PhD

Research interests within History are extremely wide-ranging and include medieval culture, religion, gender, and law; historical theory; Read more...

• 3 years Distance without attendance degree
• 6 years Distance without attendance degree

Doctorate-level study is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise in a community that really values research; and to make Read more...

History of Art PhD

The MSc by Research programme is for students with a good general knowledge of the subject area, who wish to focus their interests and Read more...

Korean Studies PhD

The Korean peninsula lies at the centre of landmark geopolitical developments in the early 21st century. A PhD in Korean Studies is an Read more...

Russian PhD

Social anthropology phd.

Our Social Anthropology group forms an international centre of excellence for postgraduate training, recognised as one of the premier Read more...

Social Policy PhD

Social Policy has been taught in Edinburgh since 1918. Today the University of Edinburgh is one of the UK’s leading centres of social Read more...

Nuclear Physics PhD

We have established an enviable reputation for producing impactful work and sought-after graduates. Our group boasts the greatest breadth Read more...

Mathematics Education PhD

By joining the School of Mathematics, you will have opportunities to interact with educational research groups in Mathematics as well as Read more...

Socio-cultural Studies PhD

Research profile Sociology at Edinburgh is one of the premier research units in the UK, as indicated by our excellent rating in the latest Read more...

Genomics and Experimental Medicine PhD

Research profile The University of Edinburgh Centre for Genomics and Experimental Medicine (CGEM) is part of the MRC / University of Read more...

Inflammation PhD

Research profile The Centre for Inflammation Research (CIR) aims to promote the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory Read more...

Infection Medicine PhD

Research profile Infection Medicine (IM) is a multidisciplinary centre at the University of Edinburgh that consists of academic and Read more...

African Studies PhD

Research profile The Centre of African Studies offers a PhD programme with an international reputation, awarded from one of the world's Read more...

1-20 of 135 courses

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School of Social and Political Science

Postgraduate research courses.

The Social and Political Science Graduate School provides a broad range of social science research methods training for postgraduate researchers across the University of Edinburgh.

These courses form the shared core of our programme of research training in social and political science. The programme aims to equip postgraduate researchers with skills in key research methods, and in the use and interpretation of techniques for the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.

The Graduate School research training programme is designed to meet the generic requirements of the ESRC Postgraduate Research Training Guidelines , and to provide additional subject-specific, and more advanced, training for students working in the core social science disciplines represented in the School.

Students beginning research degrees normally take a full programme of training courses in their first year of study. The courses are chosen in discussion between the student, supervisor, and Programme Director (for MSc students) or Postgraduate Advisor (for PhD students). The courses are also open to all postgraduate researchers, including students from outwith the School of Social and Political Science, students on some taught Masters programmes, and research students in the later stages of their degrees.

Most research training courses have their first meeting in week 1 of the semester, and run for 10-11 weeks. Schedules for each course are available via the links below.

We offer a set of ‘core skills’ courses.

• Research Design | PGSP11208
• Research Skills in the Social Sciences: Data Collection | PGSP11016
• Core Quantitative Data Analysis 1 and 2 | SCIL11009

Almost all our research students take one or more of these. The key introductory course in Data Collection is essentially made up of four two-week sections on what we see as the principal methods: documents and archives; interviews and focus groups; ethnographic observation; survey method. Each of these is explored in detail in more advanced, specialist options.

• Qualitative Methods and Ethnographic Fieldwork | PGSP11188
• Analysing Qualitative Data | PGSP11110 
• Multi-Level Modelling in Social Science | PGSP11424
• Statistical Modelling in the Social Sciences | PGSP11486
• Evaluation Research Methods | PGSP11373 - Not Running 2023/24
• Principles and Practices of Higher Education | PGSP12001

As well as in methods relevant to particular fields and topics, for example:

• Comparative Analysis of Social and Public Policy | PGSP11104
• Research in Africa | PGSP11340

How to choose your courses

• Schools & departments

Postgraduate Researchers

Transferable skills and career management training, resources and support for researchers completing a Postgraduate Research Degree.

The 2023/24 Postgraduate Researcher brochure is now available.  You can download a copy below. The PDF is best viewed in MS Edge or Firefox.

IAD 2023/24 Postgraduate Researcher Brochure (PDF)

Courses & events

Information on our training courses and events for Postgraduate Researchers, including course details, eligibility, and how to book.

At a glance - workshops this month

Postgraduate Researcher workshops quick-glance schedule. Workshops this month and next.

Advice & support

A selection of online resources and guides for Postgraduate Researchers. Advice and training suggestions aimed at different stages of your PhD, plus useful guidance and contacts.

Newsletter for Postgraduate Researchers

Our newsletter, blog and Twitter for Postgraduate Researchers.

Career management

Information and advice on how to plan your career and develop the skills you will need now and in the future.

Networks & forums

Suggestions for finding networks and forums within which to engage with other researchers.

Get funding to run your own development initiatives, support further research, or start up a business.

International 3 Minute Thesis Competition

Information about the University of Edinburgh Three Minute Thesis Competition 2024

Resources for staff who support Postgraduate Researchers

Downloadable resources designed to help staff facilitate activities and training for Postgraduate Researchers

Related Links

Our Postgraduate Researchers blog: iad4phd

This article was published on 2024-02-26

PhD in Financial Technology

Building on our established PhD in Management programme, we have developed an innovative new doctoral programme in the field of Financial Technology.

PhD in Financial Technology allows students to pursue their own research topic in the area of Financial Technology or apply for specific industry projects, where students will be able to address complex industrial challenges to gain real-world experience.

This programme aims to prepare students for a diverse array of careers in finance. Approximately 50% of students who pursue the industry pathway, can expect to build on the networking opportunities available to them from studying at the international partners' premises during their study and move into a permanent career in that company, or the industry after graduation.

PhD in Financial Technology at a glance

• Study over three years full-time or six years part-time, with an additional 'writing-up' year available to all.
• Develop advanced techniques and in-depth knowledge in the field of Financial Technology.
• Study an independent research topic or participate in fully funded opportunities working with leading industry partners.
• For those on the industry pathway, study both at the University of Edinburgh campus and at an industrial partner's location, with guidance from academic colleagues and industry specialists at all times.
• We encourage our students to aim higher, presenting papers at prestigious conferences and submitting articles for publication.
• Access to a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities during your studies.
• While we invite students from around the globe to join our community, we don't offer this programme online or by distance learning.

Entry requirements

Find out our academic, English language, and application requirements for the PhD in Financial Technology.

Programme overview

View the learning outcomes and a typical training course schedule for a first-year student.

Fees and living expenses

When budgeting please consider associated administration fees and expenses as well as our funding support.

Ready to apply?

Review our application checklist and make your application to the PhD in Financial Technology.

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• Schools & departments

Masters degrees

Our taught masters programmes are normally aimed at those who have completed an undergraduate degree and want to develop more specialised knowledge in the same subject area.

However, some of our  taught programmes act as conversion routes, allowing you to change or develop your area of specialisation from that undertaken at undergraduate level.

You should think about whether you want to develop a deeper understanding of a specific area of knowledge, or if you need to acquire expertise in a field that you haven’t studied academically before.

If your career aspirations are vocational - for example, in teaching, social work or architecture - your choice will usually be prescribed by the relevant professional requirements. These degrees will have a more practical emphasis and may include work placements. Check the relevant professional body in your field for information on approved or accredited academic programmes.

Programme structure

Most masters programmes involve 12 months of full-time study. If you study part-time - either on-campus on online - it will take you longer to complete the programme.

Some programmes - often those offered in collaboration with EU universities - take 24 months to complete.

Taught masters programmes generally include coursework with assessments that are chosen to suit the circumstances and practice of the discipline you are studying. You will also undertake independent work, which is normally submitted as a dissertation.

Find a masters programme on our degree finder to find out more about the structure of the specific programme you are interested in.

Find a masters programme

Master of Arts (MA)

Most of our Master of Arts (MA) awards are undergraduate awards given to students who have completed an undergraduate programme in a humanities-related subject. However, Edinburgh College of Art also offers some postgraduate MA programmes.

Postgraduate programmes offered by Edinburgh College of Art

Master of Science (MSc)

Our MSc is an internationally recognised postgraduate award that is given to students who have completed postgraduate programmes in science or humanities subjects across the University.

Some specialised subject areas may call the award something other than an MSc, such as the LLM (Masters of Laws). All of these programmes are of equal value and are Bologna compatible.

You normally need to have an undergraduate degree to be accepted onto one of these masters programmes, although you may be accepted on the basis of equivalent work experience. Contact the Programme Director to find out if you may be eligible.

Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) - primary or secondary

For graduates interested in teaching, our Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) programmes will give you the skills and qualification you need to teach at primary or secondary school level.

These programmes are taught full-time over 36 weeks, starting in mid-August each year. You will need to apply through UCAS and the application deadline is early January.

• Professional Graduate Diploma in Education - primary
• Professional Graduate Diploma in Education - secondary