Bahrain Polytechnic
Postgraduate Programmes by Research – Pilot Phase (September 2026)
Overview
Bahrain Polytechnic is proud to launch its postgraduate applied research programmes: the Master of Science by Research (MRes) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). This marks an important milestone in the Polytechnic’s strategic development, with research positioned as a core institutional priority. The initiative also supports Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 by expanding advanced educational opportunities and contributing to national growth.
Benefits for Students and Industry
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.
National Impact and Industry Collaboration
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.
Programmes Offered
| Programme Code | Programme Title |
| ENT9099 | Master of Science by Research in Mechanical Engineering |
| ENT9098 | Master of Science by Research in Electronics Engineering |
| ICT9099 | Master of Science by Research in Computer Science |
| ENT1099 | Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering |
| ICT1099 | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science |
Research Scholarships
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.
Programme Structure
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:
| Semester | Course | BQA level | Credits |
| 1 | RES9001 – Research Methods and Ethics | 9 | 15 |
| RES9002 – Research Writing | 9 | 15 | |
| RES9003 – Research Project 1 (Proposal Development & Literature Review) | 9 | 30 | |
| 2 | RES9004 – Statistical Research Methods | 9 | 15 |
| (OPTION) Advanced concepts in the field of study | 9 | 15 | |
| RES9005 – Research Project 2 (Data Collection & Data Analysis) | 9 | 30 | |
| 3 | RES9006 – Thesis | 9 | 60 |
| TOTAL | 180 |
PhD
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:
| Year | Course | BQA level | Credits |
| 1 | RES9001 – Research Methods and Ethics | 9 | 15 |
| RES9002 – Research Writing | 9 | 15 | |
| OPTION Advanced concepts in the field of study** | 9 | 15 | |
| RES1001 – Research Project Year 1 | 10 | 75 | |
| 2 | RES9004 – Statistical Research Methods | 9 | 15 |
| (OPTION) Advanced concepts in the field of study | 9 | 15 | |
| RES1002 – Research Project Year 2 | 10 | 90 | |
| 3 | RES1003 – Research Project Year 3 | 10 | 90 |
| RES1004 – Doctoral Dissertation
This includes: Thesis Viva Voce Examination The Doctoral Dissertation must be passed for the PhD award |
10 | 30 | |
| TOTAL | 360 |
* 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
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (minimum GPA 2.5)
- Master’s degree is required for PhD (minimum GPA 2.5)
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)
Application Process
- Select an approved research project
- Submit application and required documents
- Shortlisting of candidates
- Interview process
- Final selection and enrolment
Available Research Projects
The below projects have been approved by the Applied Research and Enterprise Committee. Please feel free to contact the Principal Investigator directly should you wish to obtain more information.
Discover upcoming research scholarships and projects opportunities— official announcement with full details to be announced by 30th June 2026.
Stay tuned.
