Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Applied Science (MASc), Master of Engineering (MEng) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Normally the PhD program is not undertaken until the MASc program has been completed. The programs are open only to students who satisfy certain admission requirements. Begin your application at least two weeks prior to the deadlines below to give your referees enough time to submit references on your behalf, and to ensure you have enough time to upload the documents required. ALL required documents must be uploaded by the deadline date. We recommend you upload your documents within two weeks of receiving your Waterloo ID Number so we can begin reviewing your application package. The degree requirements are detailed elsewhere. In broad terms, the requirements for the PhD degree are a thesis plus the satisfactory completion of three courses, normally chosen from the list of graduate courses. For the MASc degree, the requirements are a thesis plus the satisfactory completion of four courses and a seminar. For the regular MEng program the requirement is satisfactory completion of eight one-term graduate level courses and one communications course. The normal length of time to complete the programs is three to six terms (one to two years) for the full-time Master's degree and six to twelve terms (two to four years) for the full-time PhD degree. The maximum time limit for completion of Master's degree requirements totally on a part-time basis is fifteen terms. The maximum time limit for completion of PhD degree requirements totally on a part-time basis is twenty-one terms for a PhD program from an Honours Bachelor's degree, and eighteen terms for a PhD program from a Master's degree.

A thesis-based master's degree from a university of recognized standing with a minimum 80% standing with demonstrated research capabilities.

In order to be admitted to PhD candidacy, applicants must have demonstrated research capabilities. For this reason, should graduates with a master's degree obtained without producing a research thesis desire to enter the PhD program, they must satisfy the department that they are able to carry out independent research.