FAQ’s for Research Engineers

• As a potential Research Engineer, whom do I contact to discuss the programme further?
If you are interested in discussing the Programme please contact the EngD Centre Administrator, Ms Dawn Ford, or the Centre Director, Professor Richard Paige.
• How is the Programme financed?
The Programme is supported by a grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and by funding from industrial, or public sector, Sponsoring Organisations. The fees for Home/EU students are paid in full by the EPSRC and Sponsoring Organisations.
• Am I eligible for an EPSRC Studentship?
Applicants not in employment with their preferred Sponsoring Organisation can apply for a studentship; however, there are eligibility requirements pertaining to studentships, for further information see Eligibility Requirements for Funding.
• How much is the Studentship stipend?
It is £16,328 per annum for 2009/010.
• How do I apply for a Studentship?
The application process for studentships is completed at the same time as the application for the Programme. Studentships are awarded on a competitive basis.
• I am an overseas student - can I apply for the Programme?
Applications for the October 2010 intake are now open, and applications should be made on the Centre application form which can be downloaded from here. A hard copy of the application pack can be requested from the Centre Administrator, Ms Dawn Ford.
• How do I apply for the EngD?
Applications for the October 2009 intake are now open, and applications should be made on the Centre application form which can be downloaded from here. A hard copy of the application pack can be requested from the Centre Administrator, Ms Dawn Ford.
• Who do I contact to see how my application is progressing?
The application process can take several weeks to complete and you will be kept up to date with its progression. Should you want to check on its progress, please contact the Centre Administrator, Ms Dawn Ford.
• Are there any suggested research projects available to apply for?
There are a number of research projects available, please visit our research projects page for more information.
• I already have a Masters degree, do I still need to take the taught element of the programme?
Yes. However, you may be able to apply for the recognition of prior accredited learning against some of the Programme’s taught modules, up to a maximum of 60 credits.
• Can the Programme be undertaken part-time?
No, the Programme can only be taken full-time.
• Who pays for the Research Engineer’s travel expenses?
The Sponsoring Organisation meets a Research Engineer’s travel expenses, e.g., travel expenses incurred by the RE attending taught modules.
• Whilst on the Programme, would I be able to work and study from home?
No. Research Engineers are primarily based at their Sponsoring Organisation, and they should attend the partner universities as necessary to participate in the taught modules, to attend skills training, and to meet with their Academic Supervisors.

FAQ’s for Representatives of Sponsoring Organisations

• As a potential sponsor, whom do I contact to discuss the Programme further?
If you are interested in hosting a Research Engineer, please contact the Centre Administrator, Ms Dawn Ford, or the Centre Director, Professor Richard Paige.
• How does the LSCITS EngD Centre assess individual applicants’ suitability?
Applicants have to submit an application form, demonstrating their suitability for the Programme and highlighting their research interest. The LSCITS EngD Centre will assess the application form to ensure the candidate meets the requirements and will check references. The applicant is then matched with a suitable Sponsoring Organisation, if they do not have one already, and an interview is arranged between the prospective Academic and Industrial Supervisors and either the Centre Director or the Programme Director of the Academic Supervisor’s university.
• Where is the Research Engineer based?
The Research Engineer normally spends 75% of their time conducting their Research Project, with the vast bulk of that time spent on site at the Sponsoring Organisation’s premises. The RE is also expected to attend the partner universities for meetings with the Academic Supervisor and to attend the taught modules of the Programme, which are normally held in one-week blocks.
• How do Sponsor Organisations pay the Centre contribution?
The LSCITS EngD Centre will annually invoice the company direct for the Centre contribution, which is set at £10,100 for 2009/2010.
• Who pays for the Research Engineer’s travel expenses?
The Sponsoring Organisation meets a Research Engineer’s travel expenses, e.g., travel expenses incurred by the RE attending taught modules.
• What happens if a Research Engineer resigns?
Should a Research Engineer resign, the LSCITS EngD Centre will use all reasonable efforts to find a replacement RE who is acceptable to the Sponsoring Organisation.
• What about Intellectual Property Rights?
The LSCITS EngD Centre will negotiate with each Sponsoring Organisation a contractual agreement that covers IPR.
• Why does the Research Engineer need an Academic and Industrial Supervisor?
The Academic Supervisor will normally be an expert in the field of the Research Engineer’s project and is responsible for advising the RE academically and for providing pastoral care. The Industrial Supervisor will normally have experience of career and professional development and will have technical knowledge of the industrial problem to be addressed by the RE’s research project, and is responsible for advising the RE at their work place.
• Is the Sponsoring Organisation expected to top up stipends?
The Sponsoring Organisation should consider stipend enhancements, taking into account a Research Engineer’s prior experience and performance, as well as the cost of living in the area of the Sponsoring Organisation’s premises.