24 PhD programmes offered by the university

The world of civil engineering is changing. Nowadays, there is an increasing demand for engineers who have a profound understanding of their own field and can oversee and combine the specialist knowledge from other disciplines. The Civil and Environmental Engineering programme is delivered at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft).

The EngD programme “Chemical Product Design” at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) focuses on the development of structured materials, formulations, and devices for specialty chemicals, personal care, health care, food, semiconductor, and energy sectors.

The Designer in Bioprocess Engineering programme from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) develops MSc graduates in (Bio-)chemical Engineering or related academic backgrounds into multidisciplinary specialists, in preparation for a career in the industry. 

Geoscience and Engineering research at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) aims to contribute to responsible use of the geosphere considering the impact on system earth and society.

Cognitive robotics is about developing intelligence in robots. The Cognitive Robotics research group at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) focuses primarily on how robots can best plan and carry out their subsequent actions, so three cognitive aspects come into play: perception, thinking and acting.

Materials Science and Engineering at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) develops knowledge on sustainable processing and usage of resources and materials by providing internationally recognised, high quality materials research benefitting both industry and society.

Values, Technology and Innovation at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) studies responsible innovation with regard to a broad range of technologies and application areas: digital technologies (including AI and robotics), energy, water, transportation, the chemical industry, health technologies and biotechnologies.

The Energy Transition is one of the largest global challenges of our time. A key aspect is replacing fossil fuels as primary energy sources with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. The consequences of this radical change will be an accelerated electrification of society. This program is offered at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft).

Management in the Built Environment at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) involves collaboration, innovation and new ways of managing and future-proofing the built environment.

The Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) coordinates the education and research activities in systems and control at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (ME). 

The Department of Materials, Mechanics, Management and Design (3MD) at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) focuses on design, management, mechanics and materials principles of civil infrastructures and buildings.

The Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME) at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) carries out research and provides education in the field of high-tech systems and scientific instrumentation.

The department of Radiation Science and Technology at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) has unique expertise in using ionizing radiation such as positrons and neutrons for research and education.

The Process and Energy Department at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) aims to be a world-wide recognised centre of excellence in process & energy with a focus on realising the energy transition.

The research mission of the Multi-Actor Systems department at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is to improve our understanding of how decision-making, change and coordination of and within sociotechnical systems, happens.

How can we make the most of transportation’s advantages while minimising its downsides? It is this question that is at the heart of our work at the Transport and Planning Department, which is part of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft).

The Department of Engineering Structures (ES) at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) studies civil engineering structures and infrastructure. The aim is to develop resilient, smart and sustainable (infra) structures, which meet the societal demands in transportation, energy transition and sustainable reuse.

Research in Hydraulic Engineering at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) aims at formulating and resolving water-related academic research problems that contribute to the well-being of people living, working and recreating in deltaic areas.

The Graduate School of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) facilitates and fosters doctoral research and education.

Chemical Engineering at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) develops solutions for societal problems, leveraging our broad expertise in chemical engineering, chemistry, physics and materials science. We harness our scientific curiosity to define emerging fundamental questions and educate future leaders in the field of chemical engineering.