Engineering at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to equip students with the fundamental principles and practical skills necessary for innovation and leadership in various engineering disciplines. The program encompasses a broad range of areas including mechanical, civil, electrical, electronic, and software engineering, providing students with the flexibility to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals. Throughout the course, students engage with both theoretical concepts and hands-on projects, fostering a deep understanding of engineering principles and their applications in real-world scenarios.

The curriculum is structured to emphasize design, analysis, and problem-solving, preparing graduates to address complex technical challenges across multiple fields. Students benefit from the university’s state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborative research opportunities, and close interactions with industry partners, which enhance their learning experience and facilitate professional development. The program also encourages innovation, critical thinking, and teamwork, essential skills for successful engineers in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Academic instruction is delivered by leading experts and researchers in their respective fields, ensuring students receive a high-quality education grounded in both theory and practice. In addition to core engineering modules, students have the chance to participate in interdisciplinary projects, internships, and entrepreneurial initiatives, broadening their perspective and strengthening their employability. Cambridge’s engineering programs also place a strong emphasis on sustainability, ethical considerations, and societal impact, preparing students to develop solutions that are not only technically effective but also socially responsible.

Graduates of the engineering program at Cambridge are well-equipped to pursue careers in industry, research, academia, or entrepreneurship. Many alumni go on to become leaders in engineering companies, innovators in technology, and contributors to scientific advancement. The program’s rigorous academic environment, combined with the university’s rich history of engineering excellence, provides a unique foundation for students to excel in their chosen careers and make meaningful contributions to society. Whether students aspire to work at the forefront of technological development or seek to solve pressing global challenges, the engineering program at Cambridge offers the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to turn their ambitions into reality.

Although the course is a research degree, PhD students are entitled to attend all lecture courses within the Department. They should discuss with their supervisors which courses would be most beneficial to their research.

Additionally, first year students are normally required to take two Master's-level taught modules (selected from a list of over 100 modules) as part of their first-year assessment, and will participate in a regular seminar which will equip them with essential skills in research practice and communication. 

All doctoral research takes place in University of Cambridge facilities. However, the Department and its supervisors have strong links to other institutions both in the UK and around the world. After their first year, students may therefore apply for permission to undertake research in other institutions for extended periods of time. All necessary practical arrangements are the responsibility of students and their supervisors.

Placements

The Department is flexible in permitting students, with the support of their supervisors, to undertake research in an industrial setting. Permission to work away from the University is required. However, students may not undertake any paid work in an industrial setting during the course of the PhD.

Feedback

Throughout the PhD, students can expect to receive feedback from their supervisors, who they will meet for regular supervisions, and assistance from those working in the same research group. Supervisors will also submit a termly report on students' progress.

Every student is also allocated an Advisor, who is available for consultation alongside the supervisor. Additionally, in the first year, students will receive feedback from coursework assignment and the Research and Communications Club leaders in the first year.

Assessment

Thesis

The PhD is assessed through the examination of a dissertation, including an oral ('viva voce') examination. The dissertation must not exceed 65,000 words (including appendices, bibliography, footnotes, tables and equations), and must not contain more than 150 figures.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.
• TOEFL Internet Score 100
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Sample of Work 
• Research Proposal. Applicants are encouraged to upload a brief research proposal in addition to the information given on the application form, but are not required to do so.
• Personal Reference

Funding options for engineering degree programmes at the University of Cambridge typically include a variety of scholarships, bursaries, grants, and student loans. The university offers numerous scholarships based on academic excellence, such as the Cambridge International Scholarships and other faculty-specific awards. Many of these are highly competitive and aim to support outstanding students financially throughout their studies. Additionally, there are external funding opportunities provided by government bodies, charitable organizations, and industry partners that students can apply for, often based on merit, need, or specific demographic criteria.

Students from the UK may access government-supported student loans, which cover tuition fees and contribute towards living costs, repayable after graduation based on income levels. International students are also eligible for some scholarships, though they typically need to demonstrate exceptional academic achievement or financial need. The university encourages students to explore funding options early in their application process and provides comprehensive resources and guidance through its financial support offices.

Some colleges within the university may also offer their own financial aid packages to support students, including bursaries that are not necessarily merit-based but support those with genuine financial difficulties. Furthermore, students are advised to look into external fellowships and sponsorships relevant to their field of study, particularly for postgraduate programmes, where specialized engineering fellowships may be available.

While the university does not have a dedicated, centrally administered "financing studies" program explicitly named as such, the combination of scholarships, bursaries, government loans, and external funding sources collectively provide substantial financial support. Students are urged to carefully review eligibility criteria and application deadlines for various funding opportunities to secure adequate financial resources for their engineering studies at the University of Cambridge.

The Engineering program at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in the fundamental principles and practical applications of engineering. The undergraduate course, typically known as the Engineering Tripos, is designed to provide students with a broad and deep understanding of engineering sciences, including mechanical, civil, electrical, electronic, and computing engineering, among others. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing graduates to innovate, design, and manage complex engineering projects in diverse sectors such as energy, manufacturing, transportation, and information technology.

Students begin their studies with foundational courses in mathematics, physics, and design, which establish the essential scientific principles underpinning engineering disciplines. As they progress, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas aligned with their interests and career goals through optional modules and project work. The curriculum combines lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, and design projects, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Practical skills are further developed through workshops, laboratory experiments, and industry placements, where students learn to apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges.

The university’s engineering faculty boasts world-class research facilities and collaborations with industry leaders, providing students with exposure to cutting-edge developments and practical innovations. Additionally, the program encourages participation in research projects, competitions, and interdisciplinary initiatives, cultivating an environment of creativity and discovery. The final year often involves a substantial research project or design thesis, allowing students to delve deeply into a specific area of interest.

Graduates of Cambridge’s Engineering program are highly sought after by employers worldwide due to the university’s reputation for academic excellence, research, and innovation. Many go on to careers in engineering consulting, technical leadership, academia, and entrepreneurship. The program's rigorous academic standards and emphasis on practical skills ensure that alumni are well-equipped to contribute to technological advancement and sustainable development.

Cambridge’s Engineering offering continually evolves to reflect the latest advancements in science and technology, with a curriculum designed to produce versatile engineers capable of addressing complex global challenges. The university also emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging students to collaborate across fields and develop holistic solutions. Overall, the program prepares students not only for immediate professional roles but also for lifelong learning and leadership in the engineering sector.