Engineering cybernetics is the science of automatic control and monitoring of dynamic systems, such as robots, aircraft, marine craft, cars, electrical circuits, biological systems and process plants. Cybernetics is closely linked to automatic regulation technology and systems theory. This includes the principles for feedback control and associated stability analysis, as well as estimation theory and learning from data.

Academically, the programme is linked to the main fields of research of the Department of Engineering Cybernetics. The programme may also include interdisciplinary fields of research in cooperation with other departments where the main profile is in engineering cybernetics.

Why take a PhD in Engineering Cybernetics

Taking a PhD provides a unique opportunity for in-depth study. You will have the opportunity of doing research in a discipline that is crucial to digitalization and where potentially a large number of areas of application exist.

Independent work

The most important component of the PhD education is an independent work within research or artistic development work that is carried out ender active supervision. Annual progress reports, as well as a midway assessment must be submitted. The midway assessment is compulsory for all candidates after half the agreement period to ensure that the progress and supervision are satisfactory. The departments are in charge of the assessment.

Requirements regarding stay at the unit (residence duty)

Candidates with external funding or an external place of work are required to stay in a suitable and relevant academic environment at NTNU for a total period of one year or more of the PhD education. The faculty has to make sure that each individual PhD candidate is able to acquire the total learning outcome in the form of knowledge, skills and general competence as describe for the third cycle in the national qualifications framework (page 40). The residence duty may be fulfilled as one continuous period or several periods. The residence duty may be reduced if the candidate will be affiliated with other strong research environments.