PhD in Model-Based Systems Engineering

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This intensive programme will graduate engineering doctoral students with:

• Strong research skills and experience in cutting edge applied research within an engineering business context
• In-depth knowledge, skills, and behaviours associated with practical application of Systems Engineering
• Formal education in Model-Based Systems Engineering
• Comprehensive appreciation of industry experience

Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degrees
• Doctoral Degree Characteristics Statement (QAA)
• Credit Level Descriptors for Higher Education (SEEC)
• 含羞草视频 Quality Reviews
• Research Council Mid-term and Annual Reviews
• Systems Engineer Masters Degree Apprenticeship Standard, ST0107, v1.2, 2022.

• Create and interpret new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, to extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication.
• Conceptualise, design and execute a complex systems project for the creation of new knowledge.
• Apply creativity, innovation and problem-solving techniques to system development or operation.
• Apply an inclusive approach to system development.
• Appreciate the application of Systems Engineering processes and tools within an industrial context
• Act independently and with initiative, in a professional capacity with responsibility for self and others working in the field.

Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, Doctoral Researchers should be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of:

• the techniques applicable to applied research in both systemic and systematic engineering problems.
• Systematic acquisition and understanding of Model-Based Systems Engineering at the forefront of professional practice.
• the risks and criteria for selecting modelling and analytical techniques applied to complex systems
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding the behaviour of a system within its context and propose an approach for managing its interactions over its lifecycle.

Skills and other attributes

Subject-specific cognitive skills:

• Critically appraise the application of Systems Engineering within commercial or public service
• Critique and form judgements on complex matters related to systems, often in the absence of complete
• Generate, implement and critically evaluate a mathematical, or logical representation of a system entity, phenomenon or process associated with contemporary systems.
• Select and integrate scientific, technological, and engineering knowledge from multiple disciplines and sources to create solution strategies for complex problems.
• Demonstrate effective management of requirements, including generation, maintenance, and
• Systematically apply an advanced awareness of ethical and professional codes of conduct, environmental, and health and safety considerations, in the context of system development and operation.
• Define and document the role of a system within a super-system of which it is a part.

Subject-specific practical skills:

• Define and evaluate appropriate Systems Architecture from a set of requirements to create implementable solutions that consider requirements across all stages of the system’s lifecycle.
• Identify, design, and evaluate interactions across a system's boundaries or system component's boundaries, incorporating requirements from specialists.
• Assess risks associated with system development and operation, and create a suitable risk management strategy including, safety, security, project and commercial risks.
• Create and evaluate plans for verification, validation, and acceptance of a system
• Design, apply and evaluate trade space analysis in the context of system design.

Key transferable skills:

• Demonstrate interpersonal and networking skills to enhance team performance and effectiveness by encouraging the team to think holistically and apply a logical critique of work (including assumptions, approaches, arguments conclusions and decisions).
• Negotiate requirements with stakeholders in the creation of system
• Develop advanced project management skills, including consideration of commercial, legislative, and intellectual property, to strategically enhance own and/or others learning or practice.
• Communicate ideas and conclusions to complex problems to specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

University Regulations for Postgraduate Research study are set out in Regulation XXVI (Higher Degrees by Research).

Please see the Terms and Conditions of Study for detailed information on your contract with the University.

All students registered on the Doctorate (PhD) programme are required to register for and satisfy the requirements of curriculum-based component of the programme. The purpose of the taught modules is to develop knowledge, understanding, and skills in Model—Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).

The curriculum-based component of the programme requires a minimum modular weight of 75 credits. Credit must be achieved in all modules to enable progression on the programme. The curriculum-based component of the programme must be completed in R0 of the PhD Programme.

All candidates shall register at the beginning of their programme and subsequently at the beginning of each academic year for the modules specified during that year, subject to their satisfactory progress in research and the extension of their registration for the Degree of PhD in accordance of paragraph 4.3 of the regulations for Higher Degrees by Research. Candidates are not eligible to register for modules whilst they remain in debt to the University.

The programme is split into a taught and research element. The taught element is undertaken in the first year of full- time study, typically on campus in lectures, tutorials and workshops. Coursework is used as assessment.

The research is undertaken over the whole 3.75 years of the programme. The Research Students must submit an PhD Thesis, which is examined by Viva Voce.

The taught component is assessed and forms an integral part of the degree. Participants will be expected to attend the University to take these modules. Only modules specified for this programme will provide the credit required for this degree.

Part R0

Full time Doctoral Researchers are expected to complete Part R0 in 9 months (over 2 Semesters).

Part time Doctoral Researchers are expected to complete Part R0 in 21 months (over 4 Semesters).

Commence consultation with academic supervisors and industry/impact partners to identify and agree on research topic.

75 credits in modular courses in accordance with Regulation XXI, as follows:

1. WSP762 Applied Systems Thinking (15 credits)
2. WSP772 Systems Architecture (15 credits)
3. WSP768 Validation and Verification (15 credits)
4. WSP766 Systems Design (15 credits)
5. WSP785 Group Systems Project (15 credits)

Progression assessment

By the end of R0, it is expected that students should have accumulated 75 credits from taught modules

in accordance with Regulation XXI, students who fail to gain credit in a module at the first attempt shall be eligible to take on further reassessment in that module. Failure to attain required modular credit will not be eligible to progress on the PhD programme. In exceptional circumstances, R0 modules may be completed in R1.

Submission of a satisfactory 2000,word research report (end of part report) towards the end of Part R0 in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.

Part R1

Doctoral Researchers will complete the following:

Submission of a 1000-word research report at 6 months for part-time Doctoral Researchers.

Submission of a 2,000-word research report at the mid-way point of Part R1 and submission of a satisfactory 10,000- word research report (end of Part report) towards the end of Part R1 in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.

Typically, the timetable for reports in R1 will follow the schedule below.

Part R2

Doctoral Researchers will continue PhD research under the direction of their assigned supervisors.

Progression Assessment

Submission of a mid-part review for part time Doctoral Researchers, and a satisfactory 10,000-word research report (end of Part report) towards the end of Part R2 in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.

Typically, the timetable for reports in R2 will follow the schedule below.

Part R3

Doctoral Researchers will complete the following:

Submission of a mid-part report for part-time Doctoral Researchers.

At the end of R3, submission of a formal PhD thesis for examination in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI. 

Typically, the timetable for reports in R3 will follow the schedule below.

To progress from Part R1 to Part R2 and from Part R2 to Part R3, and to be eligible for an award, candidates must satisfy the assessment requirements set out in Regulation XXVI.

Candidates must complete all the requirements for each Part outlined above in order to progress to the next Part. If an end of part report does not meet the standards required for progression, candidates may undertake further work and resubmit the report on one occasion only in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.