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Transport Engineering

This is a joint doctoral programme together with Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (the coordinating institution), Klaipėda University and Vytautas Magnus University. The Transport Engineering PhD study programme trains highly qualified researchers capable of addressing current challenges in the transport sector. Research areas include weapon system dynamics, vehicle development, train and transport system analysis, and aircraft structural mechanics. There is also the possibility to conduct part of the studies or research abroad.

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Values of the Science Field

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Relevance

Transport engineering addresses contemporary issues relating to mobility, safety and infrastructure. This includes finding energy-efficient transport solutions, managing transport systems digitally and innovating vehicle and system design. This research helps to develop transport infrastructure that is more efficient, safer and more sustainable.

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Opportunities

Doctoral students acquire advanced research skills and have the opportunity to collaborate with industry and international institutions on projects and at conferences. Upon graduation, they can pursue careers in academia, research or industry, tackling transport challenges and driving innovation.

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Benefits

Doctoral students have the opportunity to pursue a double degree programme with the University of Bologna and receive the Doctor Europaeus Certificate. The university offers opportunities to engage in paid project activities and participate in the implementation of paid contracts with business and industry partners.

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Funding

Doctoral students can receive various forms of financial support, including monthly scholarships, funding for studies and research, and additional scholarships for high academic achievement and performance during their studies. They also have the opportunity to conduct research funded by the Erasmus+ programme at institutions abroad for up to one year.

Admission Requirements and Study Modules in the Field of Science

Cycle – third cycle

Form, duration – full-time studies (4 yr.)

Language – Lithuanian, English

Degree awarded – Doctor of Science

Main modules

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Academic Communication	6
Aerospace Engineering	6
Dynamics and Mathematical Simulation of Vehicle Transmissions	6
Dynamics of Armament Systems	6	Blended learning
Fundamentals of scientific research methods	9
Mathematical Simulation of Dynamics, Hydrodynamics and Thermodynamics Processes in the Vehicle and Technological Equipment	6
Metrology Theory and Practice in the Production of Aviation	6
Nonlinear Vehicle Dynamics	9
Optimization and Optimal Control of Transport Technological Processes	6
Problems of Intermodal Transport System and Solutions	6
Rotortronics. Dynamics and Diagnostics.	6
Simulation Dynamic Processes of Road Traffic Flow	6
The Interaction of Vehicles and Road	6
Theory of Internal Combustion Engines	6
Traction Electric Drives and their Control	6
Traction Theory of Rail Vehicle	6

Core skills modules

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Academic and Technical Research Writing	1	Blended learning
Design Thinking in Research	2	On-campus learning
Digital Support and Tools for Research Writing and Publication	2	Blended learning
Research Data Management	1	On-campus learning
Research Ethics	1	On-campus learning
Research Project Grant Management	2	Blended learning
Science Communication for the Public	1	Distance learning
Systematic Literature Review	1	Blended learning

Good to know

Main modules – provide essential knowledge in the field.
Core skills modules – develop general competences.

Main modules – provide essential knowledge in the field.
Core skills modules – develop general competences.

Admission requirements and minimum competition scores

Individuals with a Master’s degree in transport engineering or a related field, or an equivalent qualification (aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering,

marine engineering, electronics engineering, civil engineering, energy engineering, computer science engineering, business, etc.) may participate in an open competition for admission to doctoral studies.

Applicants must achieve a minimum competitive score of 6.5.

Selection criteria and their weighted coefficients

	0	represents the evaluation of the novelty, relevance, and alignment of the dissertation topic withthe priority scientific research areas of the department (unit) by the scientific field doctoral committee (with a maximum score of 10 points)
	0,15	evaluation of the applicant’s proposed academic supervisor (on a scale of 1 to 10),based on assessments of publication activity, the frequency of applications for competitive funding, and the supervision of doctoral students
	0,7	evaluation of the applicant’s preparation for doctoral studies (up to 10 points)

admission requirements dates and deadlines for admission all science (art) fields

Testimonials

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I have long been interested in aviation, so I am delighted to have the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of this field and engage in scientific activities. This doctoral programme brings together specialists in aviation and land transport. This creates opportunities for interesting and relevant joint activities. As a doctoral student, I feel like an integral member of the team responsible for developing the university’s research potential in aviation engineering.

Mindaugas Dagilis

KTU alumnus, PhD student

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The state-of-the-art facilities at the KTU Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design greatly enhanced the quality of my research and prototyping capabilities. I conducted the most memorable work in the wind tunnel laboratory, where I tested the wing elements that I had designed. The long hours I spent there paid off — the results confirmed the accuracy of algorithms that had been refined over many years.

Martynas Lendraitis

Researcher

FAQ

When does admission to Transport Engineering science field take place?

The main admission to KTU PhD studies in Transport Engineering takes place in June. If there are still state-funded or self-funded places available after this stage, an additional admission is announced in autumn. Exact admission dates can be found in the section “Dates and Deadlines”.

Will I have to pay for doctoral studies?

Doctoral studies may be state-funded or self-funded. Students admitted to state-funded places do not pay tuition fees and receive a state scholarship. Most doctoral students choose this option.

Students admitted to self-funded places pay the tuition fee. The fee may be paid by the doctoral student or by a third party.