PhD Program

The PhD program at the School of Science and Enginerring offers degrees in engineering and applied sciences. The program is tightly integrated with the research activities of our faculty and its official language is English. The goal of the program is to prepare students for leading careers in academia and industry. The program is managed by the Research Council of the School of Science and Engineering.

Upon graduation PhD candidates must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field of engineering or applied science, display profound knowledge in a specialized area of the discipline, and show the ability to perform independent research.

Program Structure

The duration of the course of study is no less than 3 years of full time study corresponding to 180 ECTS. The program includes:

• Writing a thesis proposal (typically within one year of entry)
• Conducting independent research that extends on the current state-of-the-art knowledge
• Knowledge dissemination activities (e.g. teaching, seminars, publishing)
• Writing of a PhD thesis
• A successful thesis defence

Students entering the program should at minimum have completed a MSc degree in engineering or in the relevant field of science. Students may be required to complete preparatory courses from the undergraduate and/or graduate program at Reykjavik University, before joining the PhD program or during the program. Students are expected to spend at least three months, but no more than one year, at another university or research laboratory.