PhD Degree in Mechanical Engineering
The doctoral program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering equips students with a balance of research and coursework tools to enable them to make a real-world impact. Broad research areas within the Department of Mechanical engineering include:
- Precision Manufacturing and Automation Engineering,
- Industrial Engineering,
- Combustion and Pollution Control,
- Materials Engineering and
- Sustainable Energy Systems Engineering.
PhD students engage in interdisciplinary research and become world-class researchers in these areas through mentoring by faculty in the department and in the School of Engineering.
At the beginning of the program students will be required to undertake a minimum of eight course units; four core units, two graduate seminar units and two elective units in the broad research areas. Course credits obtained during an MSc degree cannot count towards the coursework requirements. Full-time students will be required to complete the course work within the first year of study. At the same time students will work with a faculty member to formulate a research plan.
Program Details
At the end of their first year each PhD candidate will be expected to prepare a research proposal based on a real-world mechanical engineering problem and present it to the School of Engineering as part of the preliminary exam. Once the proposal is approved by the School Board of Examiners, the student will put into practice specialized knowledge in science and engineering, that they have acquired, to solve research problems outlined in the research proposal. Students then prepare a dissertation based on their research findings, and upon completion, publicly present the work and defend the work in a closed session with their dissertation committee.
Academic Policies and Procedures
Academic policies and procedures are found in the PhD student handbook available in from the departmental office.
Application to the Program
ALL application materials must be submitted online through university academics website .
Admission Requirements
The following shall be eligible into admission for the degree of PhD in Mechanical Engineering:
- A holder of a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronic Engineering from DeKUT.
- A holder of a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronic Engineering from another institution recognized by the DeKUT Senate.
- Any other related engineering qualification deemed as being an adequate prerequisite for the PhD Mechanical Engineering Degree by DeKUT Senate.
DeKUT is an equal opportunity organization and women are encouraged to apply.
Financial Support & Graduate Funding
The main form of financial support for PhD students enrolled from the program is the Kenyan Government. Other funding sources comes from international organizations that fund research and teaching experiences. Funding is awarded based on qualifications of candidates, resources available and number and make-up of applicants.
Contact for Questions
Chair of Mechanical Engineering Department
Dr. Fredrick Madaraka
fredrick.mwema@dkut.ac.ke
Coordinator of PhD program
Prof. Jean Bosco Byringiro
jean.bosco@dkut.ac.ke
Graduate School at DeKUT
graduateschool@dkut.ac.ke