M.ENGINEERING SCIENCE (RESEARCH)

THE BIG PICTURE

A PhD or Research Master’s degree represents the pinnacle of human education and intellectual pursuit. It involves delving deeply into a specific research topic, often over a period of 4 years for a PhD or 2 years for a Master’s, with the goal of making a tangible and original contribution to the field of engineering. These programmes provide an extraordinary opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge and to tackle real-world challenges with innovative solutions.

At the core of a PhD or research Master’s is the relationship between the student and their supervisor, an expert in the chosen research area. This collaboration is fundamental to the success of the research. Typically, the student and supervisor meet at least once a week to discuss progress, explore new ideas, and refine research objectives. The supervisor offers guidance, insights, and support, while the student drives the research through their curiosity, dedication, and problem-solving skills.

Research topics our Engineering department can range from cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence and renewable energy systems to the design of advanced medical devices or future internet communication systems. These projects often require a combination of theoretical modelling, experimental work, and computational analysis. Along the way, students acquire not only deep technical expertise but also critical thinking, project management, and communication skills that are invaluable in both academic and industrial careers. The final product of this process is the PhD or Master’s thesis, which completely describes the student's contribution.

A PhD or research Master’s is not just about solving technical problems—it’s about contributing to the global body of knowledge and leaving a legacy in the field. For those driven by curiosity and the desire to make an impact in the world, it is an immensely rewarding journey of discovery and innovation.

FACILITIES

Maynooth University's Engineering Department offers cutting-edge research facilities designed to inspire innovation and support world-class academic pursuits. Among the highlights are advanced¿wave simulators, enabling dynamic exploration of fluid mechanics and wave interactions. Our¿two biophotonics laboratories, equipped with over €1 million worth of state-of-the-art research instruments, facilitate groundbreaking work in imaging, spectroscopy, and light-based technologies. The department also benefits from collaboration with the Maynooth University Hamilton Institute, a multidisciplinary institute specializing in applied mathematics, which hosts regular seminars and provides access to advanced computer labs and video conference rooms for collaborative research.

The department also has a¿dedicated robotics lab, featuring some of the most exciting robotics technology, as well as¿radio-frequency (RF) laboratories, including a large, high-performance anechoic chamber for precise electromagnetic testing. These facilities are maintained under rigorous¿health and safety protocols, ensuring safe and efficient use by researchers and students alike.

With this infrastructure, Maynooth University supports interdisciplinary innovation across engineering and beyond, setting a strong foundation for the next generation of pioneers.

SUPPORTS

First and foremost, the staff in the Engineering Department are available to help integrate any new PhD or Master’s students. This will include regular lab, office, or group meetings where we help the student to integrate into the existing group. In addition to the Engineering Department, other university groups are available to support your PhD or Master’s journey:

The Graduate Research Academy (GRA) offers supports for training, development and mentorship of postgraduate students in Maynooth University. In terms of integrating the students, the GRA hold an induction for new incoming students (see this year’s agenda here) which includes information on the services available to them and key supports.

The GRA also manage the graduate kills modules described in the COURSE STRUCTURE tab. You will have to do at least three of these modules during your PhD or one module during your Masters. You can review the modules provided by the GRA here and also here. The latter link includes training in ethics and integrity. All postgraduate students are required to attend and complete the Epigeum Research Integrity course.

If the student is funded by an external award (for example by an SFI funded project, or by an Irish Research Council Scholarship),