Doctoral Programme in Engineering Sciences

Doctoral Programme Engineering Sciences

Faculty	Faculty of Engineering Sciences
Duration / ECTS-Credits	6 semesters / 180 ECTS-Credits
Academic Degree	Doktorin/Doktor der technischen Wissenschaften (Dr. techn.)
Qualification Level	Doctorate (Third Cycle) ISCED-11: Level 8, EQF/NQF: Level 8
Mode of Study	Full-Time
Study Code	UC 786 xxx \| UC 796 700 xxx
Curriculum	Information on the Curriculum (2009W)*
Language of Instruction	German / English
Admission Requirements	Relevant diploma or master's degree or equivalent and Language Certificates
Application

* Information on the Curriculum (2009W)

The complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.

In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies,
available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
Section: Current Curriculum version.

University of Innsbruck Bulletins » (Click to open all University of Innsbruck Bulletins)

English version of the Curriculum (from October 1 2020)
University of Innsbruck Bulletin July 23 2020, Issue 43, No. 493 (Modification of the curriculum)
English version of the Curriculum (from October 1 2015)
University of Innsbruck Bulletin May 13 2015, Issue 42, No. 406 (Equivalence List)
University of Innsbruck Bulletin May 6 2015, Issue 24, No. 384 (Modification of the curriculum)
University of Innsbruck Bulletin April 22 2009, Issue 71, No. 263
English version of the Curriculum

Requirements

Relevant master's or diploma degrees at the University of Innsbruck:

Diploma Programme Civil Engineering
Master's Programme Civil Engnineering
Master's Programme Environmental Engineering
Master's Programme Civil and Enviromental Engineering
Master's Programme Domotronics
Master's Programme Mechatronics
Master's Programme Materials and Nanosciences

Proof of general university entrance qualification:

With the exception of § 64 par. 5 UG 2002, the general university entrance qualification for admission to a doctoral programme shall be demonstrated by the completion of a relevant diploma programme or master's programme or another relevant programme of at least the same level of higher education at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution. To compensate for substantial subject-related differences, supplementary examinations may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the doctoral degree programme.

The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the doctoral degree programme.

Modules and Dissertation

Compulsory Modules 25 ECTS-Credits	Dissertation 150 ECTS-Credits
Concept of Doctoral Thesis 2.5 ECTS-Credits Scientific Methods and Presentation Skills 5 ECTS-Credits Scientific Specialisation 2.5 ECTS-Credits Presentation of Own Research Results 5 ECTS-Credits Generic Skills 5 ECTS-Credits Doctoral Thesis Defence 5 ECTS-Credits	The dissertation topic has to be chosen from one of the scientific subjects represented at the Faculty of Engineering Sciences and has to show a scientific relation to an examination subject defined by the curriculum of the respective field of study. The dissertation can also consist of a minimum of three articles (peer-reviewed) that are related in terms of subject matter or methods. The quality criteria mentioned in the curriculum are valid. If the articles were written by several authors, the student's own contribution must be clearly shown and must be added to the dissertation. The student has to propose a team of supervisors, consisting of at least two people (dissertation committee), and to nominate one of them as the supervisor mainly responsible. It is permissible to propose supervisors (with the exception of the main supervisor) from subject-related fields. In justifiable exceptional cases it is possible for students to propose only one supervisor. Prior to beginning the work, the student has to communicate the dissertation topic and names of the supervisors in writing to the body responsible for study law. Topic and supervisors are considered as accepted, if the body responsible for study law does not veto them by means of a decree within one month after the receipt of the proposal.
Elective Module 5 ECTS-Credits
One elective module – equal to 5 ECTS-Credits – has to be completed.

Qualification Profile and Skills

The increasing demands on technical-engineering solutions for all areas of the built environment (buildings, infrastructure) regarding economy, ecology, sustainability, safety and comfort often require new solution strategies. In order to achieve these objectives, during the doctoral program students deepen and expand the knowledge acquired in pertinent master's programmes by means of special courses and through self-study. Additionally, they acquire the competences to plan and carry out research work independently, to provide their own, original contributions to research topics in the engineering sciences, to publish their research results in international scientific journals, and to present as well as defend them at national and international conferences. In this context, the creation of the dissertation is regarded as highly relevant and serves as evidence that students are capable of solving scientific problems in engineering sciences on a high level of expertise in an independent, scientifically correct, and methodically flawless manner.

The study programme is mainly aimed at graduates of the Master's Programme in Civil and Environmental Engineering as well as the Master's Progamme in Mechatronics. The objectives of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering Sciences are both the ability to solve complex scientific problems in basic and applied research in the engineering sciences corresponding to acknowledged scientific standards.

Expected Learning Outcomes for the Doctorate

Graduates are qualified junior academics. They have mastered the methods applied in research in their area and are capable of critically discussing, analyzing, and further developing theories. Junior academics possess the competence to develop and conduct substantial research projects with scientific integrity, and they are qualified to reflect on these processes scientifically and theoretically. They are also aware of issues and questions in gender research.

Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and career Opportunities

The key qualifications acquired empower them to adapt their expertise to fast-changing requirements. They are especially prepared for leadership tasks in the fields of research and managment of large companies, public service or freelance activities. Moreover, the Doctor of Philosophy forms the basis for a scientific career at university research institutions.

Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading

Examination regulations

The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.

Description of the applied grading system (including the grade distribution table) »

The grade distribution table is a statistical representation of the distribution of all successfully completed examinations in a given programme of study or subject (based on all registered students for the programme or subject). The grade distribution table is updated in regular intervals.

Austrian grading scheme	Definition	%-age
1	EXCELLENT: Outstanding performance	77.9	= 100%
2	GOOD: Generally good, but with some errors	14.2
3	SATISFACTORY: Generally sound work with a number of substantial errors	4.9
4	SUFFICIENT: Performance meets the minimum criteria	3
5	INSUFFICIENT: Substantial improvement necessary; requirement of further work

December 2021

Overall classification of the qualification

Not applicable
Explanation: An overall classification (mit Auszeichnung bestanden/pass with distinction, bestanden/pass, nicht bestanden/fail) – is awarded only for examinations that conclude a programme of study and consist of more than one subject (an examination of this type is not specified in the curriculum of this programme of study).