PhD in Civil Engineering at Queen's University Belfast

Degree Overview:

The PhD in Civil Engineering at Queen's University Belfast offers a unique opportunity to advance your knowledge and expertise in the field, while addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges related to energy, carbon emissions, clean water, and infrastructure development.

Key program features include:

Focus on grand challenges: The research will delve into the complex issues of energy, carbon, clean water, and infrastructure, exploring extremes and pushing the boundaries of what is achievable.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: You will work alongside researchers from a wide range of disciplines, including spatial planning, architecture, geography, paleoecology, and civil engineering, fostering a truly collaborative research environment.
Global partnerships: The program has strong international collaborations, providing opportunities for research exchange and collaboration with leading experts worldwide.

Program objectives:

Develop your research skills and expertise in civil engineering
Contribute to addressing the grand challenges facing the world
Build your professional network within the civil engineering field
Enhance your career prospects in academia or industry

Outline:

Course content:

Research will focus on several key areas:

Marine renewable energy: Exploring technologies for harnessing the power of the seas.
Groundwater and environmental systems: Understanding and managing water resources for current and future generations.
Geotechnics: Studying the science and engineering of soil and rock for sustainable infrastructure development.
Intelligent infrastructure and high performance structures: Developing advanced structures that respond to environmental changes and improve human lives.
Energy efficient materials: Researching sustainable materials for construction that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.

Structure:

You can choose to study full-time or part-time, under the guidance of a supervisory team appointed by the University. Your research will culminate in a thesis that you will be expected to submit at the end of three years for full-time registration, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).

Modules:

Specific modules within the program include:

Advanced Geotechnical Engineering
Structural Analysis
Hydraulics and Hydrology
Environmental Engineering
Sustainable Construction Materials

Schedule:

The program typically follows a flexible schedule determined in collaboration with your supervisors, allowing you to manage your research alongside other commitments.

Assessment:

Your research and thesis will be assessed through a comprehensive process that includes:

Regular progress reviews: You will present your work to a panel of academics and receive feedback to ensure you are on track to successfully complete the program.
Annual progress review: This formal assessment process evaluates your research progress and ensures you are ready to continue with your studies.
Thesis submission: your written thesis will be reviewed by an internal and external examiner.
Viva voce defence: you will orally defend your thesis to a panel of academics.

Teaching:

The program features a diverse range of teaching methods, including:

Individual supervision: You will work closely with your supervisors who will provide expert guidance and support throughout your research journey.
Postgraduate skills training: Queen's Graduate School organizes training sessions on various research and academic skills relevant to your PhD studies.
Research seminars and conferences: Opportunities to engage with the broader research community, present your findings, and learn from leading researchers in the field.
Industry collaboration: Potential opportunities to work on research projects in partnership with industry partners, gaining practical experience and valuable connections.

Careers:

This PhD opens doors to a variety of exciting career paths, including:

Academic positions: Join the next generation of researchers and educators in civil engineering, contributing to knowledge creation and shaping future leaders in the field.
Industry research roles: Work within private or public sector organizations on cutting-edge projects related to sustainable infrastructure development, renewable energy, environmental protection, and more.
Consultancy: Utilize your expertise to provide engineering and technical support to clients across a wide range of sectors, helping them achieve their sustainable development goals.

Other:

Admission requirements: The minimum academic requirement for admission is an Upper Second Class Honours degree from the UK or an equivalent qualification.
International students: Please check the specific information for your country for equivalent qualification information.
English Language Requirements: Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5 is required.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Northern Ireland (NI):

TBC

Republic of Ireland (ROI):

TBC

England, Scotland or Wales (GB):

TBC

EU Other:

£25,600

International:

£25,600

Payment Information:

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise.
All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional Costs:

Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, such as:
Books and learning resources: £30 - £100 per text
Photocopying, memory sticks and printing: £30 - £100 per year
Electronic device (optional): costs vary
Graduation ceremonies
Library fines
Research project expenses: transportation, materials, printing, and binding the thesis

Bench Fees:

Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge called a bench fee.
Bench fees cover extra costs associated with the programme, like specialist laboratory or field work.
If you are required to pay bench fees, they will be detailed on your offer letter.
If you have any questions about bench fees, contact the School at the application stage.

Funding and Scholarships:

The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to cover costs.
PhD students can find opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.
Funded Doctoral Training Programmes are available.
PhD loans are available to English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.
International Scholarships are available for international students.

Program start date	Application deadline
2024-06-01	-
2024-09-01	-

Civil Engineering (CIV-PHD)