Postgraduate Programme by Research

These programmes are designed to meet the evolving needs of the Bahraini workforce by equipping graduates with advanced research skills and industry-relevant knowledge. Students will develop the ability to analyse and interpret data, conduct independent research, and communicate findings effectively. In turn, industry benefits from a highly skilled talent pipeline capable of solving complex challenges, supporting technological advancement, and contributing practical solutions to real-world problems.

Together, these programmes strengthen applied research, build innovation capacity, and deepen industry collaboration in Bahrain. All research projects are endorsed by industry partners, helping to ensure relevance to national priorities and employer needs. This launch further reinforces Bahrain Polytechnic’s position as a regional leader in education while fostering a culture of research, development, and economic prosperity.

Research scholarships are available for Research Assistant candidates for all projects listed below.

• 12 Scholarships for MSc by Research candidates
• 6  Scholarships for PhD candidates

These scholarships provide full-time support, waiving of programme fees and access to Conference Support Fund for dissemination of research and Research consumables fund, enabling dedicated engagement with the research projects aligned with industry needs. It is expected that Research Assistants on a research scholarship will dedicate full time to their research project and will contribute to teaching duties up to 6h per week each semester.

These programmes at Masters (1.5 years) and PHD (3 years) level aim to offer students with the necessary skills for a career in research and make a significant contribution to knowledge in their field of study.

MSc by Research

This program offers the opportunity to the participants to develop the research skills and deep knowledge necessary to make a contribution to the knowledge to their field of study. This program acts as a stepping-stone to a PhD program and also equips graduates with valuable research skills for research-oriented jobs in academia, industry, or government.

The primary objectives of this program are to:

• Develop specialist skills and knowledge in their discipline through deep engagement with their chosen area of study.
• Develop research and transferable skills across the areas of research, communication, personal effectiveness, team working, leadership, career management and innovation.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to critically evaluate existing knowledge, identify research gaps, and propose solutions to complex problems.

The general program structure is as follows:

The PhD programme consists of core 3 research skills modules, 2 elective modules covering advanced concepts in the field of research, and a substantial original research project culminating in a doctoral dissertation and viva voce examination.

It is expected that PhD candidates will make a significant contribution to knowledge to their field of study and will disseminate this knowledge to a wider audience. This program offers the opportunity to the participants to develop the research skills and deep knowledge necessary to make a contribution to the knowledge to their field of study.

The primary objectives of this program are to:

• Make a significant and original contribution to knowledge in their discipline through deep engagement with their chosen area of study.
• Develop specialist and transferable skills across the areas of communication, personal effectiveness, team working, leadership, career management and innovation.

The general program structure is as follows:

* The Research Projects are a must pass courses and must be successfully passed at Annual Review.

** The options for the advanced concepts in the field of study will be approved by the supervisor

Bahrain Polytechnic offers:

• Master of Science by Research (MRes) in:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electronics Engineering
  • Computer Science
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in:
  • Engineering
  • Computer Science

The pilot phase is scheduled to begin on 13th September 2026

The programmes focus on:

• Applied research
• Industry-relevant knowledge
• Solving real-world challenges

These are research-focused programmes where students:

• Conduct independent research
• Work on industry-endorsed projects
• Develop advanced analytical and problem-solving skills

• MSc by Research: 1.5 years
• PhD: 3 years (extendable by one year for completion of the PhD Thesis)

The MSc consists of:

• Research training modules (research methods, writing, statistics)
• One advanced elective module
• Two research project stages
• A final thesis (major component) totaling 180 credits

The PhD includes:

• Core research skills modules
• Two advanced elective modules
• Multi-year research project
• Doctoral dissertation and viva voce examination

Yes. Research projects are Central to programme completion. They are mandatory and must be passed. Progress is evaluated at the end of each semester

Students will gain:

• Advanced research and analytical skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Communication and academic writing
• Teamwork, leadership, and innovation capabilities

Graduates can pursue:

• Academic careers
• Industry research roles
• Government research and innovation roles
• PhD progression (from MSc)

Yes. The programmes offer:

• 12 MSc research scholarships
• 6 PhD research scholarships

Scholarships include:

• Full fee waiver
• Conference support funding
• Research consumables funding

Research assistants are expected to:

• Work full-time on their research project
• Contribute to research activities of the research centre (Research related events, research talks, Seminars, …)
• Contribute up to 6 hours per week to teaching activities

Yes. All projects are:

• Endorsed by industry partners
• Designed to address real-world challenges
• Aligned with national priorities

Applicants must:

• Choose from approved research projects
• Research the main area of research
• Contact the Principal Investigator for more details if needed

Applicants must have:

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum GPA 2.5)
• For PhD: Master’s degree (minimum GPA 2.5)
• English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)

• Select a research project
• Apply to programme on Banner
•  Pay the application fee
• Submit application and documents
• Shortlisting & Interview
• Final selection and enrolment

• Copy of CPR/Passport
• Copy of Certificate of good conduct
• Transcripts
• Resume or CV
• Letter of recommendations
• English proficiency score
• Statement of Intent
• Research writing samples

Application deadline for the pilot phase is Thursday 20th August at 12pm.

• Prior education and experience versus selected Research Area
• Research Potential of the applicant
• Motivation, Passion and fitness for the program
• Communication abilities

Yes these programmes are available to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. Bahrain Polytechnic will support candidates who require a student visa.

For the pilot phase, candidates will be expected to be on campus full-time to work on their research.

Delivery is hybrid with some modules delivered online and some modules delivered on campus. Most of the time will be dedicated to the research work in collaboration with the research supervisor

Supervisors have been assigned as the principal investigator for the project based on their research experience and area of expertise.

It is expected that students will have a formal compulsory meeting with their supervisor once per week and may also interact with the supervisor more often as part of their research.
Students will also interact with the industry advisor once a month.

Facilities of the Applied Research Centre for Business and Logistics Studies are described here.
Facilities of the Applied Research Centre for Smart Technologies are described here.
Facilities of the Applied Research Centre for Sustainable Engineering are described here.

No but students will be paid as adjunct staff for their teaching contribution.

No.

Scholarships are for the entire duration of the programme (1.5 year for MSc and 3 years for PhD). Students are expected to pass the review at the end of each semester

RAMSIS, TAHA, Beyon Cyber, DERASAT, …

Projects have already been approved for the pilot phase.
Interested candidates can contact Bahrain Polytechnic researchers if they have a project they would like to propose for future offering of the programmes

Courses and Postgraduate plans define the milestones for achieving satisfactory academic progress. The portfolio of the academic progress of every postgraduate student will be evaluated through an annual review by PRDC. A copy of each review shall be submitted to the student and the office of the Registrar. If the annual academic review reports that a student is not making sufficient academic progress due to research performance, the postgraduate student will be placed on academic probation. After two consecutive semesters on academic probation, the student may be dismissed.

Each postgraduate researcher shall be required to publish at least one research paper as its first author during his or her studies in an SCI/SCIE/Scopus/IEEE Q4 (or above) journal for the award of degree.
Each PhD researcher shall be required to publish at least 1 research paper as its first author during his or her studies in an SCI-indexed (Q4 or above) journal and 2 papers in SCI/SCIE/IEEE /Scopus-indexed (Q4 or above) for the award of degree.
Publication of research is subject to approval from industry partner endorsing the research project

Graduates can pursue:
•    Academic careers
•    Industry research roles
•    Government research and innovation roles
•    PhD progression (from MSc)

Bahrain Polytechnic advertises new academic positions every year. Graduates from these Master and PhD programmes are welcome to apply.