Differences Between PhD and EngD

An engineering graduate has a number of options for postgraduate studies namely MSc, MPhil, and Masters by Research, among them are PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and EngD (Engineering Doctorate). These two advanced degrees are alternative of each other but take different approaches during postgraduate research and may result in different career paths. It’s advised to compare both programs thoroughly before making a decision for postgraduate study program. EngD is an industry oriented doctorate where it involves completing some taught modules, viva and thesis defense. As far as prestige is concerned its same as PhD giving a title of ‘Dr.’ to a successful candidate. Some believe PhD is scientifically more meticulous but EngD also requires novel contribution in area of research.  

  

Research Environment

PhD program is set in a university environment where most of the research is academic in nature. It’s not to say there are no industrial collaboration but the issues on which scholar work, are not of commercial nature, while EngD is focused to solve engineering problems in industrial context where a scholar spend most of his time at company’s premises.

Research Supervisor

EngD students sometimes have two or more than two supervisors, one from industry and one from university. While in PhD, mostly there is only one supervisor and he is a Professor from a specific department.

Career Path

EngD graduates get more executive level jobs as compared to PhDs. It is said that since EngDs spent their most of time at Industry, it’s easy for them to jump start and excel in corporate culture. EngD people are more suitable to industry and PhDs for academic careers.

Location

EngD is offered only in UK while PhD can be taken in any country including UK. Therefore, if you are interested in EngD as an international student, try to arrange for expenses as most of funding resources are restricted to UK/EU nationals.

The Program

 Course Work

PhD programs focus more on major area of research and involve course work related to field of study. On other hand, EngD involves more cross disciplinary courses, from law, humanities and management.

 

Sponsorship

PhD is mostly funded by Universities, labs or departments but EngD is sponsored by an industry.

We hope this article will help you decide your postgraduate program. To know more details about EngD, Please visit following link:

What is EngD?