Programme structure

General structure

The programme starts every year in September and runs in parallel to the academical year.

1. First year:
   Mostly courses, to develop your technological expertise and professional skills.
   

   - Fundamental: Master-level courses to complement your knowledge on Mechanics or computing science/AI
   - Advanced EngD: Courses above Master level, on computing science/AI and on control, robotics & mechatronics
   - Professionalisation: Courses to further develop your professional skills
   - Project: 10-week design project applying the fundamentals of systems engineering

2. Second year:
   Mostly at a company developing innovative design solutions for a project for the automation of systems.

Focus of the Autonomous Systems EngD programme

Our EngD programme focuses on the integration of technologies and classic techniques of model-based engineering to create autonomous systems. This will include areas of mechanical engineering, robotics, computing science, AI, among others.

This integration is not done anywhere else yet. In effect, we aim to strengthen the design methods and tools for the development of high-tech software-intensive systems (such as mechatronics, smart manufacturing systems, Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics systems).

Difference between an EngD and PhD

Both EngD and PhD programmes are post-master programmes where you deepen your technological knowledge. However, they differ in terms of focus.

Where a PhD aims to establish you as an independent researcher in the academic world, an EngD prepares you for a more applied use of the knowledge and for a position in industry. Moreover, a PhD-programme lasts 4 years and an EngD programme only 2 years.