An EngD (Engineering Doctorate) is a professional, industry-focused doctoral degree designed to prepare engineers for high-level technical and leadership roles. It sits at the same academic level as a PhD but has a different emphasis.

Key Features of an EngD

• Industry-Driven Research:
  Instead of focusing mainly on theoretical or academic research (as in a PhD), an EngD centres on solving real engineering problems in collaboration with an industry partner, supported by academia.
• Work-Based Format:
  Candidates typically spend most of their time embedded within a company, working on long-term applied research projects that directly benefit the organization.
• Taught Components:
  EngD programs usually include taught modules—such as advanced engineering topics, project management, innovation, or business skills—alongside the research.
• Practical Impact:
  The outcome is expected to have clear industrial relevance, whether it’s a new process, technology, system, or major improvement to an existing one.

Degree Outcome

Graduates earn the title Doctor of Engineering (EngD), reflecting both the academic rigor of doctoral-level work and the practical, applied nature of their contribution to industry.

Hear from one of our Researchers, describing their motivations for chosing an EngD over a PhD:

The shape of the IDCORE EngD

EngD in Offshore Renewable Energy - programme regulations

The University of Edinburgh is the administering university for the IDCORE programme. The programme regulations and assessment regulations applicable to a Research Engineer are: the General Postgraduate Degree Regulation; Taught Assessment Regulations; and Research Assessment Regulations of the University of Edinburgh. The regulations are available here: https://registryservices.ed.ac.uk/academic-quality-and-standards 
These guidelines are supplemented by specific regulations applying to the EngD in Offshore Renewable Energy.