It may be that initial study at the Masters level can be converted later to a PhD, for example, or bridging courses could perhaps be taken to bring a student to a suitable level for further study.

Either way, advisors will help you create a program that will work for you.

Distinction between Masters Research and Doctoral Programs

Research Masters Program

This program is designed primarily as a training course in advanced work. The candidate learns the fundamentals of research and acquires certain new techniques. The candidate must undertake an original investigation but this would normally be more limited in scope and degree of originality than for a doctorate.

Although originality is to be encouraged as much as possible, careful supervision is necessary at all times: the work should be closely supervised in the early stages and whenever a new technique is being used.

Most Masters research programs normally require three academic sessions of full-time study and preparation of theses. The length of a Masters research thesis normally should not exceed 75,000 words of text.

Doctoral Program

The Doctoral degree is recognition of successful research experience. The candidate must make a distinct contribution to knowledge - of fact and/or theory. For a doctorate considerably more original work is required than for a masters research degree.

Unless the candidate already has a master's degree or equivalent research experience, the work must be closely supervised in the early stages and the supervisor must make sure that the training in research methods is adequate. In the later stages, however, the candidate must be allowed increasing scope to exercise initiatives and demonstrate originality. In the last year of the program the candidate should be able to work alone and be guided rather than directed by the supervisor. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy normally requires three years full time study and preparation of a thesis. The length of a doctoral thesis normally should not exceed 100,000 words of text.

For both Masters research and doctoral programs it is highly desirable that a research proposal emerge as the result of a process of consultation between the candidate and supervisor. Prospective candidates can view the Research interests of academic staff in the Faculty of Engineering or Browse Or Search For A Supervisor.

All new PhD and Masters research candidates in the Faculty of Engineering must concurrently complete and pass three courses as approved by the Head of School, normally in the first year of candidature.