PhD

Engineering

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Foreign:$ 23.7 k / Year(s)  
187 place StudyQA ranking:3466 Duration:3 years

Photos of university / #dtudk

The Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a comprehensive undergraduate programme designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the field of mechanical engineering. Throughout the programme, students delve into fundamental disciplines such as mathematics, physics, and engineering sciences, laying a solid foundation for advanced topics. The curriculum emphasizes core areas including mechanics, thermodynamics, material science, manufacturing processes, and design. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, project-based assignments, and collaborations with industry partners, ensuring they develop the ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges. The programme also integrates courses on sustainable development, innovation, and digitalization, reflecting contemporary trends and demands within engineering professions.

DTU’s focus on innovative thinking and problem-solving prepares graduates to work in various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing industries. The programme encourages students to participate in internships, student projects, and international exchange opportunities, fostering a global perspective and professional network. The teaching approach combines lectures, workshops, and team-based projects to enhance collaborative skills and prepare students for leadership roles. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped for careers as designers, analysts, project managers, or entrepreneurs within the mechanical engineering domain. After completing their Bachelor's degree, students may choose to pursue a Master’s degree at DTU or in other reputable institutions worldwide, further deepening their expertise and career prospects. The Mechanical Engineering programme at DTU is committed to nurturing innovative engineers who can contribute to sustainable development and technological advancement globally.

About programme

DTU’s departments often have pre-defined projects. You can find these projects advertised under Vacancies at DTU. There is also the possibility of designing a PhD project together with an academic supervisor if you have an area in which you are particularly interested. Each of the departments of DTU has a homepage for their PhD students.

The PhD study is a learning process where you as a PhD student learn to conduct research by working closely with your academic supervisor. The supervisor and PhD student work together as a team in order to achieve the best results.

The PhD programme consists of:

  • an independent scientific project
  • a study programme corresponding to 30 ECTS
  • teaching and dissemination activities corresponding to approximately 3 months
  • an external research stay
  • a PhD thesis
  • a public defense

Admission of international students to the PhD programme

The examinations of international students are evaluated on the basis of information as to the length and content of their studies. Such examinations must at least be at a level equivalent to a Danish examination qualifying the holder for direct admission. The evaluation of the level of an applicant may take place using tests conducted by the potential PhD school and approved by the head of the PhD school.
 
The PhD school and PhD committees request that foreign grades are translated into the 7 grade scale. On the right you can find a link to an Excel sheet for calculating the weighted average. The sheet must be enclosed with the application.

An official translation of the foreign MSc diploma must be submitted together with the application.

We recommend that if possible, applicants include a statement from their home university regarding their relative ranking (e.g. what percentage of the student population of their year they belong to, e.g. top 5%, or 10th place out of 250).


Previous exam

To be admitted as a PhD student, an applicant must have satisfactory results from one of the following exams: 

  • A Danish Master’s degree in engineering. (Corresponding to an M.Sc. in Engineering)

  • A Master’s degree (based on two years of master’s studies) from a Danish, long-cycle higher educational programme which, in the estimation of the relevant PhD school, gives the applicant the qualifications necessary to complete the course of study in question. An individual evaluation will always be made in relation to the planned PhD study programme.

  • A degree from abroad which, in the estimation of the head of the PhD school, is equivalent to one of the degrees/examinations mentioned above in 1) and 2). DTU adheres to the EU qualification framework under which students who have completed the MSc level by a minimum of 300 ECTS points. Admission may also depend upon submission to tests which are further determined by the head of the PhD school.

  • Or, if the head of the PhD school concludes that the applicant in some other way has acquired the necessary academic qualifications, which may require documentation by means of special tests. 

The Technical University of Denmark offers various financing options for students enrolled in its engineering programmes. Tuition fees vary depending on the type of student and nationality; for non-EU/EEA students, tuition fees are applicable, whereas students from the EU/EEA typically do not pay tuition fees for bachelor's degrees, though some master's programmes may have fees. For international students, scholarships are available based on academic merit, which can significantly offset the cost of education. These scholarships are offered by the university itself, as well as via external organizations and funding agencies. Applicants are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities early, as competition is often intense. In addition to merit-based scholarships, some students may qualify for government grants or financial aid programs, depending on their home country and personal circumstances. Danish students and residents have access to student grants and loans through the Danish State Education Grant and Loan Scheme (SU), which provides financial support for living and study expenses. The university also collaborates with industry partners, which sometimes offer funded internship positions or project-based funding, enabling students to gain practical experience while earning stipends. Students are advised to consider part-time employment opportunities, which are common in Denmark, to supplement their income during studies. The university’s dedicated financial aid office provides guidance on funding options, application procedures, and eligibility criteria. Overall, students are encouraged to plan their finances carefully and explore multiple funding sources to ensure a smooth academic experience at the Technical University of Denmark.

Salary and appointment terms

The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students at DTU.


The grantor must pay/grant tuition to DTU covering the costs connected directly with the studies. The costs include: 
• Supervision
• Office facilities
• Laboratory facilities
• Courses
• Travelling
• Stay(s) abroad, if any
• Censorial expenses
• Publication of thesis 

The current tuition fee rates are:

2015

DKK 145,200

2016

DKK 147,600

2017

DKK 150,000

2018

DKK 152,400

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