Aerospace Studies: Aerospace Science and Engineering PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is a research-based program leading to the production of a research thesis. Doctoral research at UTIAS is expected to be internationally recognized for its originality, rigour, and importance. Supervised by a faculty member, students select a research topic, develop a plan to address the topic, and implement this plan, leading to a major research thesis and contributions to the academic literature. This is the pinnacle of academic achievement, and holders of the PhD are well prepared for academic positions and leadership roles in industrial research and development.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of two routes: 1) following completion of an MASc degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or chemistry; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MASc program. The program can also be taken on a flexible-time basis.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy UTIAS’s additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An MASc degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or chemistry and demonstrated ability to perform advanced research.

Completion Requirements

  • Students must maintain full-time, continuous registration for every session, including the Summer session, until all degree requirements are completed.

    • Students starting with an MASc degree must spend a minimum of two years in the PhD program.

    • Students with an MASc in a discipline relevant to the field of PhD study are expected to complete the PhD program in less than four years.

  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) (four half courses) in Years 1 and 2.

    • All courses must be technical.

    • At least half of the required FCEs must be courses offered at UTIAS.

    • Students must achieve at least a B– average to be in good academic standing. Failure in any course taken for credit may result in termination of the student's candidacy.

    • Students deemed to have insufficient background may be required to complete supplementary coursework in addition to the required 2.0 FCEs.

  • Students must complete the non-credit course JDE1000H Ethics in Research (a half-day workshop).

  • Students must attend a total of 24 approved seminars.

  • Students undertake a program of research under the guidance of a Doctoral Examination Committee (DEC), which includes the student's supervisor and two other UTIAS professors. The DEC shall:

    • Ascertain the suitability of the student for advanced research

    • Assess the thesis topic

    • Conduct formal reviews of the student’s thesis progress at least once per year; unsatisfactory progress may result in the termination of the student’s registration)

    • Determine whether a student qualifies as a candidate for the PhD degree at the second DEC meeting (qualifying DEC), approximately 1.5 years after program start

    • Provide the first assessment of the PhD thesis.

  • Students must complete a thesis based upon research carried out during the period of registration for the PhD degree.

  • Students must present the thesis work at a seminar at the UTIAS Departmental Doctoral Seminar (DDS).

  • Students must defend the thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination pursuant to the SGS Degree Regulations.

  • Students must prepare at least one formal manuscript for publication in a refereed journal or refereed conference proceedings.

  • Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Aerial Robotics; Sustainable Aviation; or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Aerospace Science and Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 4 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 6 years full-time

 

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

  • Students who have achieved excellent performance in the MASc program at UTIAS at the end of Year 1 are recommended to transfer directly into the PhD program under the same supervisor. Approval for transfer is based on the student’s research ability, research progress during Year 1, and academic standing.

Completion Requirements

  • Students must maintain full-time, continuous registration for every session, including the Summer session, until all degree requirements are completed.

    • Students transferring directly from the MASc program must spend a minimum of three years in the program from the date of initial MASc registration.

    • Students are expected to complete the PhD program in less than five years.

  • Coursework. Students must complete a total of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 2.5 FCEs already completed during the MASc program.

    • A minimum of 1.0 FCE (two half courses) in the PhD program.

    • At least half of the required FCEs must be courses offered at UTIAS.

    • Students must achieve at least a B– average to be in good academic standing. Failure in any course taken for credit may result in termination of the student's registration.

    • All required courses must be completed in the first two years of the program, starting from the initial registration in the MASc program.

  • Students must complete the non-credit course JDE1000H Ethics in Research (a half-day workshop).

  • Students must attend a total of 24 approved seminars.

  • Students undertake a program of research under the guidance of a Doctoral Examination Committee (DEC), which includes the student's supervisor and two other UTIAS professors. The DEC shall:

    • Ascertain the suitability of the student for advanced research

    • Assess the thesis topic

    • Conduct formal reviews of the student’s thesis progress at least once per year; unsatisfactory progress may result in the termination of the student’s registration

    • Determine whether a student qualifies as a candidate for the PhD degree at the second DEC meeting (qualifying DEC), approximately 1.5 years after program start

    • Provide the first assessment of the PhD thesis.

  • Students must present the thesis work at the UTIAS Departmental Doctoral Seminar (DDS).

  • Students must defend the thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination pursuant to the SGS Degree Regulations.

  • Students must prepare at least one formal manuscript for publication in a refereed journal or refereed conference proceedings.

  • Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Aerial Robotics; Sustainable Aviation; or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Aerospace Science and Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 5 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 7 years full-time

 

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy UTIAS's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An MASc degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or chemistry and demonstrated ability to perform advanced research.

Completion Requirements

  • Students must maintain full-time, continuous registration for every session, including the Summer session, until all degree requirements are completed.

    • Students must spend a minimum of three years in the direct-entry PhD program.

    • Students are expected to complete the direct-entry PhD program in less than five years.

  • Coursework. Students must complete a total of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • At least half of the required FCEs must be courses with AER or ROB designators.

    • Students must achieve at least a B– average to be in good academic standing. Failure in any course taken for credit may result in termination of the student's candidacy.

    • All required courses must be completed in the first two years of the program.

    • All courses must be technical.

  • Students must complete the non-credit course JDE1000H Ethics in Research (a half-day workshop).

  • Students must attend a total of 24 approved seminars.

  • Students must undertake a program of research under the guidance of a Doctoral Examination Committee (DEC), which includes the student's supervisor and two other UTIAS professors. The DEC shall:

    • Ascertain the suitability of the student for advanced research

    • Assess the thesis topic

    • Conduct formal reviews of the student’s thesis progress at least once per year; unsatisfactory progress may result in the termination of the student’s registration)

    • Determine whether a student qualifies as a candidate for the PhD degree at the second DEC meeting (qualifying DEC), approximately 1.5 years after program start

    • Provide the first assessment of the PhD thesis.

  • Students must present the thesis work at a seminar at the UTIAS Departmental Doctoral Seminar (DDS).

  • Students must defend the thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination pursuant to the SGS Degree Regulations.

  • Students must prepare at least one formal manuscript for publication in a refereed journal or refereed conference proceedings.

  • Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Aerial Robotics; Sustainable Aviation; or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Aerospace Science and Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 5 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 7 years full-time

 

PhD Program (Flexible-Time)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy UTIAS's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An MASc degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or chemistry and demonstrated ability to perform advanced research.

Completion Requirements

  • Students must maintain full-time, continuous registration for the first four years of study. Part-time registration is expected for the remaining period of study within the normal length.

    • Students starting with an MASc degree must spend a minimum of two years in the PhD program.

    • Students with an MASc in a discipline relevant to the field of PhD study are expected to complete the PhD program in less than six years.

  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) (four half courses) in Years 1 and 2 as follows:

    • All courses must be technical.

    • At least half of the required FCEs must be courses offered at UTIAS.

    • Students must achieve at least a B– average to be in good academic standing. Failure in any course taken for credit may result in termination of the student's candidacy.

    • Students deemed to have insufficient background may be required to complete supplementary coursework in addition to the required 2.0 FCEs.

  • Students must complete the non-credit course JDE1000H Ethics in Research (a half-day workshop).

  • Students must attend a total of 24 approved seminars.

  • Students undertake a program of research under the guidance of a Doctoral Examination Committee (DEC), which includes the student's supervisor and two other UTIAS professors. The DEC shall:

    • Ascertain the suitability of the student for advanced research

    • Assess the thesis topic

    • Conduct formal reviews of the student’s thesis progress at least once per year; unsatisfactory progress may result in the termination of the student's registration)

    • Determine whether a student qualifies as a candidate for the PhD degree at the second DEC meeting (qualifying DEC), approximately 24 months after program start

    • Provide the first assessment of the PhD thesis.

  • Students must complete a thesis based upon research carried out during the period of registration for the PhD degree.

  • Students must present the thesis work at a seminar at the UTIAS Departmental Doctoral Seminar (DDS).

  • Students must defend the thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination pursuant to the SGS Degree Regulations.

  • Students must prepare at least one formal manuscript for publication in a refereed journal or refereed conference proceedings.

  • Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Aerial Robotics; Sustainable Aviation; or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Aerospace Science and Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 6 years full-time
Time Limit: 8 years full-time

 

Aerospace Studies