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Introduction
Why choose this course?
All students enrol as probationer research students. During the first year you will formally register your research proposal for one of the below routes.
The degree for which you register will depend on your academic qualifications and research experience.
MPhil (with possibility of transfer to PhD)
Most students initially register for an MPhil with the possibility of transfer to a PhD without submitting for an MPhil. During your MPhil you will:
 critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic
 demonstrate understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field
 present and defend a substantial thesis by oral examination.
Length of study
 Full Time: min 2 years, max 3 years for MPhil component only; for MPhil/PhD, min 3 years, max 5 years.
 Part Time: min 3 years, max 4 years for MPhil component only; for MPhil/PhD, min 4 years, max 6 years.
Entry requirement: the minimum entry requirement for an MPhil degree, or an MPhil with the intention of transferring to a PhD, is:
 a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree
 a relevant master’s qualification
 or an equivalent qualification.
Applications from those holding qualifications other than the above will be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the work proposed.
PhD direct
The criteria for a PhD are similar to those for an MPhil, with the key difference that:
 the research carried out will result in an independent and original contribution to knowledge.
Length of study:
 Full Time: min 2 years, max 5 years.
 Part Time: min 3 years, max 6 years.
Overview
Research in the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics brings together expertise from a broad spectrum of disciplines. The school has an excellent reputation for research and knowledge transfer.
Our research is structured into two large research centres:
Dependable Systems Engineering
The research groups in this centre are focussed on the reliability and integrity of software from a programming and software engineering perspective. Work includes formal methods for programming, the design of cloud and web based systems and applications in data mining, cyber security, e-health and advanced circuit design.
Intelligent Systems Engineering
The research groups in this centre address the application of computing to a range of intelligent computer systems. There are groups on robotics, computer vision and augmented reality as well as transport and medical systems.
As a research student you will be attached to a research group. You will work alongside experienced researchers and collaborators from across the industry and other academic institutions.
Research expertise
We welcome research proposals related to any of the subjects covered by our research groups. For enquiries about research projects in these groups please, contact the group leaders.
Institutes and Centres
 Dependable Systems Engineering Research Centre (DSERC)
 The Institute for Ethical AI
 Intelligent Systems Engineering Research Centre (ISERC)
Groups
 Advanced Reliable Computer Systems Group (ARCoS)
 Applied Software Engineering and Data Analytics Group (ASEDA)
 Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Group (AIR)
 Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity Group (CCC)
 Visual Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (VAIL)
Modules
Entry Criteria
Entry requirement: a recent master’s degree in a discipline appropriate to the proposed research. The master’s needs to have included research training and a research project.
In exceptional cases, applicants who have a good honours degree (or equivalent) may apply for direct registration to a PhD if they have appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment. An unpublished master’s dissertation would not suffice in this instance.
PhD by published work
The degree of PhD on the basis of published work may be awarded to candidates whose submitted work:
 reflects the same academic standards as those which operate for a traditional PhD based upon an approved programme of supervised research
 forms a coherent programme of research
 demonstrates the use of appropriate research methodology
 and makes an original and sufficient contribution to the present state of knowledge in a particular field to the satisfaction of the examiners.
Applicants should normally have had some prior association with Oxford Brookes University. The submission for examination comprises the published work on which the application is based, together with a supporting critical appraisal of this work.
Length of study:
 Part Time: 1 year
Entry requirement: the minimum entry requirement is:
 a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree
 a relevant master’s qualification
 or an equivalent qualification.
Applications from those holding qualifications other than the above will be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the work proposed.
Masters by Research
These research degrees run for one year full time or two years part time and allow students to critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic and combine the equivalent of up to one semester’s taught programme (focusing on research training) with a major research project. As with other research degrees, they are examined by thesis and viva.
Length of study:
 Full Time: 1 year.
 Part Time: 2 years (min).
Entry requirement: a first-class or upper second class honours degree or equivalent qualification.
Additional details
With our industry links and location in the heart of the Motorsport Valley, Oxford Brookes is a great place to study. Our focus is to provide world class, high quality teaching and applied research.
Our teaching staff have exceptional knowledge and expertise in their fields. They include world-leaders in research on sustainable engineering, materials and joining technology.
The results of the most recent REF (2014) exercise showed that 96% of research in the department is internationally recognised. 57% was judged to be of world leading quality or internationally excellent, compared with 45% in 2008. More specifically, 50% of the impact case studies returned were judged to be internationally excellent, and 72% of the research outputs were judged to be internationally excellent or world leading.
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Please see the degree routes section above for specific entry requirements.
You should hold a 1st or Upper Second Class Degree (or recognised equivalent qualification).
Appropriate applications will be considered from outstanding candidates with substantial prior experience at an appropriate level.
International applications
If English is not your first language you will need to provide an IELTS language certificate with an overall score of 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any element).
As a result of very recent changes made by UK Visas & Immigration, please note we no longer regard TOEFL as an acceptable language test for entry to Oxford Brookes. This applies whether you require a Student visa or not. You can find more details on our English language requirements pages.
If you do not meet these requirements you may be able to take our University English as a pre-sessional course.
Application process
1. check you meet entry requirements as well as the financial requirements of the programme.
2. explore our research groups and supervisory staff pages to see how your chosen field of study aligns with the research portfolio within the school.
3. contact postgraduate research tutor Dr Matthias Rolf mrolf@brookes.ac.uk to discuss your proposed research. You’re welcome to contact academics to help you develop your ideas.
4. when you have agreed you research project with Tjeerd, he will ask you to prepare and submit a proposal.
5. If the proposal is acceptable Tjeerd will ask you to make a formal application, or give you advice on how the proposal may be improved.
6. gather required documents and submit.
Supporting documents
Our MPhil/ PhD programme requires additional supporting documentation to be submitted as part of the application process. Before applying through the Oxford Brookes online application system please make sure you gather the following supporting documentation:
 research proposal
 scan of your passport - to confirm your name and date of birth. We will then ensure that any offer letters issued to you correspond with your passport name, this will help when applying for a student visa.
 IELTS Certificate or equivalent (if required) – no older than two years from the proposed start date of your programme.
 scan of your final degree certificates already awarded
 scan of transcripts
 two references (at least one academic) - your references must be on institutional headed paper and be dated and signed by referee(s). They can be sent directly to the Research Administrator in the Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment in a sealed envelope, or emailed. Please note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure their referees supply these documents.
 evidence of funding (if sponsored by an employer or government, you must provide evidence in the form of a recently dated sponsorship letter on official headed paper. If supporting your studies from private funds, you must provide a recently dated bank statement).
We cannot consider your application for admission until all the documents noted have been received, including financial documentation.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Career Opportunities
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