38 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.

Water Management research at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) addresses very relevant worldwide issues such as water and sanitation for the globe's cities, mitigation of floods and droughts, and the timely delivery of water of sufficient quality for society's and nature's needs.

The Department of Biotechnology at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) selects, designs and tests new biobased catalysts, micro-organisms, and processes.

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 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 research carried out by the Department of Architecture at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) distinguishes itself by the focus on architecture as an expanded cultural field of expertise; a discursive field in which making and thinking, design and research, history and theory are inextricably, yet complexly, linked.

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 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 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 Design, Organisation and Strategy (DOS) department at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a leading research environment that explores the influence of strategic design within organizations and societal transitions. 

The overall aim of Health and Wellbeing research at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is to contribute to faster and more accurate diagnostics, advanced therapy, improved health-related quality of life, and better prevention, care and cure, at reduced cost.

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 Sustainable Design Engineering (SDE) at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) conducts research at the intersection of engineering and sustainability to transform design and unlock novel design opportunities for addressing societal challenges.