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Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (AAPS) PhD

Most students complete this programme in 5 years full-time

Combine distinctive training with doctoral research in automotive propulsion to equip you to become the research and technology leaders of the future.

Describe the research areas covered by this programme and explain the facilities and expertise available to support research students taking this programme.

We have at least seven studentships available to join our new Centre for Doctoral Training in September 2020. You'll receive funding for four years, full-time study on our integrated MRes and PhD programme. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, you'll generate new and holistic ideas in automotive propulsion. You'll develop detailed knowledge in a specific subject area but you'll do this within the larger context of propulsion systems. This gives you the depth and breadth of knowledge needed to collaborate with professionals across disciplines in the automotive industry. Your training will help prepare you to work with the future engineers, scientists, policy makers and thought leaders in propulsion systems. Subject areas include: mathematics and data science mechanical engineering electrical engineering environment, emissions and sustainability biology and chemistry chemical engineering social science and psychology business and management

Programme structure

Most students complete this programme in 5 years. You cannot take less than 3 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 5 years.


Explain why the programme length can vary and how this could affect students.

You will start this programme in September.

Explain anything that affects a prospective student's start date if needed. This may include specific start dates, recommended start dates or dates of residentials

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.

Academic milestones

  1. Registration
  2. Induction
  3. Taught phase
  4. Candidature
  5. Confirmation
  6. Research
  7. Writing up
  8. Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
  9. Submission for examination
  10. Examination (Viva Voce)
  11. Examiners report
  12. Final submission of thesis / portfolio
  13. Graduation

Describe any academic milestones specific to this programme that are not included above.

Our programme integrates a one-year MRes with a three to four-year PhD to give you comprehensive training in advanced automotive propulsion.

Programme content


Learning

  • 100% online lectures, seminars and practicals
  • Design projects
  • Doctoral skills online
  • Doctoral skills workshop
  • Field course
  • Fieldwork
  • Interaction and networking
  • Laboratory sessions
  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Practical sessions
  • Real-life case studies
  • Research project
  • Seminars
  • Supervisory team
  • Tutorials
  • Video materials
  • Workshops

Taught content

List the units for this section of the course, using Markdown to create a bullet list and add links. If appropriate, you can link out to the Programme and Unit Catalogue to add detail. Year 1: MRes Your first year will focus on building a strong network within your cohort. This taught year will immerse you in the technologies, business processes, stakeholders and working practices of automotive propulsion. Teamwork with fellow students in our CDT will help you grow your skills in interdisciplinary collaboration. You'll also begin planning your thesis and finding academic and industrial partners to support your research. Group projects A key part of your MRes study involves a nine-month group project on the innovation process. You'll gain hands-on experience of user research, insights framework, developing prototypes and business cases. Units Taught units in your first year include: student-led symposia and integrative think tanks automotive propulsion system technology strategic and critical thinking automotive propulsion systems evaluation automotive business processes automotive propulsion systems innovation thesis formulation project Integrative Think Tanks (ITT) You'll take part in week-long workshops called Integrative Think Tanks. These are in research distillation and include academics, industrial partners and CDT students. The workshops give you the chance to explore and identify research opportunities that could become your PhD topic. As a cohort, you'll also have the opportunity to organise guest speakers, as well as deliver your own presentation at symposia.

Placement

Describe any formal placements included or required as part of this programme.

Take advantage of our established links with a range of companies and organisations in the automotive industry and go on placement.

We encourage all our students to take a placement during their PhD research phase. Placements in academia or industry are a great opportunity to gain experience of the workplace and develop valuable professional skills. They can help to build cross-disciplinary links and train you in other disciplines' research language. You'll continue with your research while you're on placement.

Research content

Describe the support and expectations for the research part of the programme. Years 2 - 4: PhD After your MRes, you'll move on to our integrated PhD where you'll conduct a substantial research project. You'll continue to be involved in student-led symposia and integrative think tanks where you'll present your developing research. Research themes future fuels next generation electric propulsion real-world emissions and driver behaviour digital systems integration and optimisation applications of mathematics in propulsion systems responsible research and innovation along the road to zero

Find out who are supervisors are

Professional Development

Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our DoctoralSkills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Read more about professional development support

Assessment


Assessment methods

  • Attendance
  • Blog
  • Business Report
  • Clinical examination
  • Coursework
  • Data analysis practical
  • Dissertation (MSc route only)
  • End point assessment
  • Essay
  • Multiple choice examination
  • Online assessment
  • Online web-forum contributions
  • Other
  • Peer evaluation
  • Policy brief
  • Policy evidence and data review
  • Practical work
  • Presentations
  • Public Policy case report
  • Residential
  • Seminar
  • Take-home examination
  • Team Working
  • Thesis
  • Work-based placement
  • Written examination

Assessment description

Explain the details of the methods of assessment at different stages of the programme for example what methods are used for MRes and those used at PhD level.

Explain the details of the methods of assessment at different stages of the programme for example what methods are used for MRes and those used at PhD level.

Entry requirements


Academic requirements

At least an upper second class honours degree or equivalent.

Professional requirements

Describe any professional experience required for this programme

Other requirements

Describe any professional experience required for this programme

English Language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

References

Explain what kind of references are required for this programme, if any.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (AAPS) PhD


Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students. If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.

Find out more about student fees

Extra costs

Describe any extra costs associated with the programme, including residentials, bench fees, textbooks, printing, fieldwork, travel, accommodation, training and admin

How to pay

Funding options

Describe any funding opportunities that are relevant to applicants. This should include information about different application deadlines if applicable.

Find funding for doctoral research

Payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.

Read about your payment options

Application information



Applicant profile

Describe what a student should include in their application, including any desirable criteria for entry to the programme.

Selection process

Explain if applicants need to attend an interview, complete a test, or go through any security vetting as part of the application or selection process.

Immigration requirements

Describe any immigration requirements for this programme, including visas and ATAS clearance certificates.

Programme enquiries


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