The University of Cambridge Department of Engineering is one of the leading centres of engineering in the world, renowned for both its teaching and its research. Since its foundation in 1875, it has grown to become the largest department in the University, and the largest integrated engineering Department in the UK, with approximately 150 faculty, 260 contract research staff and research fellows, 900 graduate students, and 1200 undergraduates. By the end of the PhD, students are expected to have produced original work making a significant contribution to knowledge in the field of engineering. At the same time, the Department expects that students will leave with the wider skills necessary to be successful in either an academic or a non-academic career. Although the course is a research degree, PhD students are entitled to attend all lecture courses within the Department. They should discuss with their supervisors which courses would be most beneficial to their research. Additionally, first year students are normally required to take two Master's-level taught modules (selected from a list of over 100 modules) as part of their first-year assessment, and will participate in a regular seminar which will equip them with essential skills in research practice and communication. All doctoral research takes place in University of Cambridge facilities. However, the Department and its supervisors have strong links to other institutions both in the UK and around the world. After their first year, students may therefore apply for permission to undertake research in other institutions for extended periods of time. All necessary practical arrangements are the responsibility of students and their supervisors. The PhD is assessed through the examination of a dissertation, including an oral ('viva voce') examination. The dissertation must not exceed 65,000 words (including appendices, bibliography, footnotes, tables and equations), and must not contain more than 150 figures.