Course summary
Why study this course with LJMU? The Professional Doctorate in Engineering, also referred to as the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) advances professional practice through the application and development of theoretical frameworks. The EngD at LJMU’s School of Engineering and Built Environment offers key advantages: • A qualification equal in standing to a PhD, designed for professionals who wish to continue working • Research is rooted in real workplace challenges, ensuring relevance and impact • Participants develop new theoretical insights while applying them directly to practice • Students gain advanced methodological skills to design and evaluate high-quality research • Individual projects deliver tangible benefits to employers and wider industry • Engagement with supervisors and peers promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange • The programme strengthens critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving abilities for strategic roles About this course EngD suits candidates who wish to pursue their studies on a part-time basis while holding senior professional or leadership roles, enabling them to achieve the highest level of academic qualification without stepping away from full-time employment. An EngD from LJMU enhances professional credibility and offers globally recognised academic and practical expertise. Candidates are expected to make significant contributions within their organisations, demonstrating the practical application of both new and established theories. The programme promotes research, collaboration with employers, and the cultivation of leadership capabilities, preparing candidates to drive innovation and promote sustained professional and personal growth within their respective fields. The EngD Ethos Designed as an alternative to the traditional PhD, the EngD suits those seeking the highest academic qualification either to progress to or maintainer their leadership roles in engineering and related sectors. Like a PhD, it requires a theoretical contribution, but its distinguishing feature lies in its emphasis on practice. Candidates must demonstrate tangible impact, whether through contributions to their own organisation, professional bodies, or wider industry. For employers, this engagement can be highly advantageous, with outcomes such as innovation, knowledge transfer, and even significant cost savings directly benefiting the organisation. The EngD offered at LJMU’s School of Engineering and Built Environment is distinctive both in its structure and the extensive support it provides to candidates throughout their research journey. It is particularly valuable for experienced engineers and professionals, including those working in maritime and related industries, who are seeking to enhance their expertise and career prospects. Earning an EngD will strengthen professional credibility, expand networks, and provide a robust foundation for career progression or even a major transition into new roles. Employers who invest in supporting candidates will gain significantly by attracting, developing, and retaining key talent while simultaneously building new knowledge that contributes directly to organisational competitiveness. As part of the course, you will benefit from the following:
- Supervision throughout the duration of your doctoral studies by a qualified supervisory team
- Participation in the Faculty Doctoral Conference and PhD/EngD Seminars
- Participation in research methods training
- Access to thousands of academic journals and books including e-books
Assessment method
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme. The assessment approach reflects the dual nature of EngD, which integrates advanced research with practical application in a workplace or industry context. EngD candidates will be assessed through a combination of methods that focus on both academic rigor and professional impact. Key elements of the assessment include: The first year students will be required to submit a research proposal (approx. 5,000 words), learning agreement (approx. 3,000 words) and submit an application for LJMU Ethical Approval for their research. In the subsequent years, students will complete the remaining modules culminating in a thesis (approx. 80,000 words) leading finally to completion of a reflective portfolio (final module). During this process, students are also expected to publish research papers and/or journal articles highlighting the impact of your studies. The individual modules will be assessed through reports, presentations and reflective journals demonstrating student’s progress and their relevance to professional practice. The thesis may be submitted no earlier than the completion of Year 3. Students will defend their thesis in an oral examination (viva voce) with an academic panel, conducted by two examiners who are experts in the relevant field. One of these examiners will be an internal independent from LJMU and with the other, external to the University. These examiners will evaluate understanding, critical thinking, originality, and the practical significance of students’ work.
Entry requirements
Applicants may only join the programme at the Doctoral level (Level 8) and must have 180 credits at Level 7 from a Masters degree in an appropriate discipline which must have included training in research and the execution of a research project. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be awarded following confirmation that the learning outcomes of the applicant's Masters degree map to the learning outcomes stipulated in the Programme Rules section. Applicants must make the RPL claim, and the credits must be awarded, before enrolling on the EngD programme. If the applicants Masters qualification is older than five years, then they will need to demonstrate they have maintained and extended their professional competence through continuing professional development activities, which can include formal and informal activities. This should be evidenced through a portfolio of CPD against the five core competences A to E defined by the Engineering Council in UKSpec. International requirements: An English language capability of at least IELTS 6.5 (with 5.5 in each component).
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5100 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5100 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5100 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5100 | Year 1 |
| International | £11400 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Liverpool John Moores University
Student Life Building
Copperas Hill
Liverpool
L3 5AJ