To satisfy the requirements of the degree of the PhD, a thesis must constitute a substantial original contribution to knowledge and is, in principle, worthy of peer reviewed publication. The thesis shall be clearly and concisely written and well-argued and shall show a satisfactory knowledge of both primary and secondary sources. It shall contain a full bibliography and, where appropriate, a description of methods and techniques used in the research.

The maximum length of the thesis is 70,000 words for PhD in the Faculty of Science. These limits are exclusive of appendices, footnotes, tables and bibliography. The total length of all appendices combined may not exceed 5,000 words in length.

A student must attend an oral examination (viva voce), which shall cover the thesis itself and the field of study in which the thesis has been written. The examiners may also require the student to take a written and/or practical examination. The student must complete satisfactorily the oral examination and written and/or practical examination, in order to satisfy the requirements for the degree.

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Areas for PhD supervision

Overarching research themes
Our organisational structure connects our research with our study programmes to ensure quality research-led teaching. We have four disciplines shaping our framework, they are; Civil and Environmental, Electrical and Electronic, Mechanical and Process, Systems and Information.

Discipline streams
Our Civil and Environmental researchers work on a broad range of issues underpinning civil engineering. Combining modelling with practical experimentation, they tackle issues such as: sustainable housing; dynamic loading of structures; earthquake destabilisation of land; and pollution of waterways. Key specialisms: Ground Engineering, Structural Engineering and Water.

The Electrical and Electronic Engineering research group cover a range of Power, sustainability and improved communications that are at the heart of our Electrical and Electronic stream. Key areas of research include: artificial olfaction (or 'electronic nose'); electrical energy conversion; grid-scale energy storage; nanoscale communications; and quantum devices. Key specialisms: Communications, Electrical Power and Sensors and Devices.

Our Mechanical and Process Engineering research group are our largest and most diverse stream, their activities include; fluid mechanics, fire and explosion hazards, chemical engineering; precision and surfaces; 3D printing; and thermal energy technology. Key specialisms: Fluids and Modelling, Measurement and Machines, Reaction and Materials Engineering, Sustainable Thermal Energy Technologies. The Systems and Information research group brings together expertise in: nonlinear and stochastic systems; modelling of human activity; neural engineering; telemedicine; imaging; and synthetic biology. Much of the research undertaken is around health and security and the nature of the work means that many labs are cross-group. Key specialisms: Biomedical and Biological Systems, Information Engineering and Systems Modelling and Control.

Entry requirements 2:i undergraduate degree in a related subject or Master’s degree at merit level (or equivalent)

English language requirements Band A
IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0

International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.

For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.