Research unit for Energy and the Design of Environments (EDEn)

The research unit for Energy and the Design of Environments (EDEn) was established in 2006 to promote research in the field of sustainable building design and environmental engineering.

EDEn is at the cutting edge of research in design sustainability, natural processes and renewable energy.

Our research

We conduct research into building physics, façade engineering, sustainable design, environmental modelling and coastal engineering.

EDEn draws on the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering's considerable links with industry and the professions in its promotion of energy efficient and climate awareness design.

Current research activity in EDEn includes work in the following areas:

• climate change and sustainable building design
• rational use of energy in buildings
• urban microclimate
• thermal comfort in complex environments
• environmental stimuli and behavioural responses
• façade engineering
• building acoustics
• coastal and offshore engineering
• marine renewable energy
• wind interaction with structures

We attract national and international funding from numerous bodies such as the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and the European Union. 

Graduate and research study

EDEn welcomes graduate students. This can either be research based and lead to a PhD, or a taught course leading to an MSc in Architectural Engineering: Environmental Design, or an MSc in Facade Engineering.

Studentships and Costs

A variety of PhD Studentships that include both fees and a stipend of £13,590 to cover living expenses are available to support the most talented students who want to pursue postgraduate research at University of Bath. These include

• University Research Studentships (URS) – Application deadline:  13 January 2013
• Doctoral Training Account (DTA) – Application deadline: 24 February 2013
• Graduate School studentships – Application deadline: varies

There are very few of these studentship available, however there are many more studentships that cover fees for Home/EU and International students. Please see: Further funding and discounts.

If you have graduated with a degree-level qualification from a previous programme at the University of Bath, you'll be eligible for a 10% discount on your programme fees.

Please note, the following prices and information was correct as of November 2012, but please check the main University pages for any changes, particularly to the level of fees.

A PhD will normally take three years full time to complete (but can be done part time), plus possibly some additional time to write up. Full time fees are £4400 per annum for UK/EU students, reducing to £580 per annum after three years if you are only writing up your thesis. Full time fees are £17500 per annum for students coming from outside the EU, reducing to £580 per annum after three years if you are only writing up your thesis.

MSc’s take a year to complete (but can be done part time over a longer period). Full time fees are £6000 for UK/EU students and £14000 for those outside the EU.

In addition to considering the studentships that the University offers, applicants should also explore other funding sources, including the Scholarships provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Fullbright Scholar Scheme, Cannon Collins Scholarships, and other scholarships offered by voluntary organizations and international agencies.  Students from China should take note of China Scholarship Council scholarships.

From time to time, when new funding becomes available, a number of additional opportunities for PhD studentships are made throughout the academic year. Check the faculty website regularly for details.

How to apply

If applying for a PhD follow these steps:

1. Search the EDEn webpages to find an academic who specialises in your proposed research area and contact them directly by email with an outline of your proposed research and a CV.
2. If they are willing to support you in your studies, you must apply online.
3. When you apply, you must:
                 o Clearly state your proposed supervisor 
                 o Clearly state the proposed title/subject of your research and your research background 
                 o Say which scholarship or studentship you are applying for, if applicable
4. If you are applying for funding, ensure you apply before the relevant deadline.

You can track your application online. We advise all candidates to make contact with a potential supervisor from our academic staff as early as possible.
 

Further information