PhD (ENGINEERING SCIENCE) at University College Cork

The PhD (Engineering Science) is a full-time programme that runs for a minimum of 36 months from the date of initial registration.

The PhD (Engineering Science) and Postgraduate Certificate in Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship is a 48 month full-time programme.

The PhD (Engineering Science) is a thematic structured PhD programme and students are required to successfully complete a minimum of 30 ECTS of taught modules by the end of Year 3. The programme provides 2 streams of study for students. These are:

• PhD – Stream 1: 36 months, 30 ECTS credits of taught modules
• PhD – Stream 2: 48 months, 55 ECTS credits of taught modules

Both streams include a structured (i.e. taught modules) element designed to provide candidates with:

• advanced technical modules in areas related to the candidates research;
• transferable skills modules to provide candidates with the communication skills required to work in industry and academia;
• an awareness of how innovative research couples with innovation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship (ICE).

Students registering for PhD – Stream 2 undertake a total of 30 ECTS credits from modules related to innovation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship. Successful completion of these modules leads to the students being awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship (NFQ Level 9).

Programme Streams
All students on the PhD Engineering Science programme will register in the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS) and follow one of 2 streams leading to the qualifications of PhD:

• PhD - Stream 1 (36 months)
• PhD - Stream 2 (48 months) - with requirement of completing ICE related modules to the total value of 30 credits leading to the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship (NFQ Level 9).

It is expected that students would select the stream they will follow at the commencement of the programme. However, in certain cases, and subject to approval by the programme committee and Colleges of SEFS and Business and Law; students may be permitted to switch between streams.

The primary component of the PhD programme is original research. At the end of the programme, candidates are required to submit and defend a thesis on the candidate’s research topic.

In addition, Stream 1 candidates are required to successfully complete 30 credits from modules selected according to the procedure below before submission of the PhD thesis is allowed. Stream 2 candidates are required to successfully complete 55 credits from modules selected according to the procedure below before progression to final-year registration.

Programme Learning Outcomes for PhD (Engineering Science) (NFQ Level 10, Major Award)
The following learning outcomes apply to all candidates on the programme.
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate their ability to advance knowledge in microtechnologies, nanoscience, nanotechnology, or photonics as evidenced by a body of original research described in a doctoral thesis;
• Identify important concepts from affiliated scientific and engineering disciplines and to incorporate these concepts into research projects as required;
• Effectively communicate and present scientific and technological results to inform specialist and non-specialist audiences and be able to express the value of their research to society;
• Work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multi-disciplinary settings;
• Execute the steps needed to identify and protect intellectual property that may arise from original research.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
The following additional learning outcomes apply to candidates who elect to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship stream.
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Communicate and work effectively to a high professional standard;
• Demonstrate advanced analytical and problem solving skills associated with effective practice;
• Engage in the application of advanced frameworks and techniques in organizational settings;
• Conduct research for business/policy sponsors and academic audiences;
• Self-direct career development.