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Civil Engineering MPhil

Most students complete this programme in 1 year full-time

We engage in research and develop graduate courses where integration between disciplines is encouraged.

The Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering (ACE), is part of the Faculty of Engineering & Design and brings together two traditionally distinct professional disciplines. The research culture in ACE greatly benefits from this joint nature, with a diversity of work ranging from theoretical studies of architectural history to the solving of practical problems concerning bridge design. Our consistent aim is to be an internationally-focused centre of research excellence in the fields in which we specialise. The Department is organised into four interdisciplinary research centres and each contains staff drawn from the two professional groups:

Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering

Programme structure

Most students complete this programme in 1 year. You cannot take less than 1 year to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 3 years.

You will start this programme in October.

You may also start mid-year, subject to agreement with your supervisor and the Doctoral College.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.

Academic milestones

  1. Registration
  2. Induction
  3. Candidature
  4. Research
  5. Writing up
  6. Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
  7. Submission for examination
  8. Examination (Viva Voce)
  9. Examiners report
  10. Final submission of thesis / portfolio
  11. Graduation

Programme content

Learning

  • Doctoral skills online
  • Doctoral skills workshop
  • Research project
  • Supervisory team

Research content

The dissemination of research findings is seen as a vital component of the research process and graduate students are encouraged to prepare papers for publication as part of their research training. We encourage a wide range of interests. Academic staff are always open to ideas which extend existing work or introduce new topics to their existing subject areas.

Research is also carried out in collaboration with other departments in the University, particularly Mechanical Engineering, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Management, and Computer Science.

Professional Development

Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our DoctoralSkills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Read more about professional development support

Assessment

Assessment methods

  • Thesis
  • Viva Voce

Assessment description

The MPhil programme combines taught research training and applied research practice. Candidates join the Department as a member of the Research Centre in which they initially have a broad research interest and that will have overseen their acceptance into the Department.

Candidates are expected to carry out supervised research at the leading edge of their chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis.

The final stage of the MPhil programme is the oral or viva voce examination, in which students are required to defend the thesis to a Board of Examiners.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

First or good second class honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject.

The minimum non-graduate qualifications* acceptable for admission to the University of Bath are passes at a satisfactory level in either of the following examinations:

  • institution of Chemical Engineers Part III or
  • membership of recognised professional institutions of at least graduate status or a relevant professional qualification acceptable to the Board of Studies

  • extended and responsible experience at an appropriate standard in a relevant field acceptable to the Board of Studies.

  • Except where otherwise stated, these conditions refer to candidates for the Degree of Master's only.

English Language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

References

Two references are required. At least one of these should be an academic reference from the most recent place of study.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Civil Engineering MPhil

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students. If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.

Find out more about student fees

How to pay

Funding options

Find funding for doctoral students

Payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.

Paying your tuition fees

Application information

Applicant profile

The MPhil programmes are an integral part of the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering. Successful applicants are welcomed as junior academic colleagues rather than students, and are expected to play a full and professional role in contributing to the Department’s objective of international academic excellence.

We seek applications from outstanding individuals from anywhere in the world who are strongly committed to and potentially capable of high-quality academic research in any of the disciplinary areas covered by our Research Centres.

Immigration requirements

This PhD is covered by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international student, you may require an ATAS certificate to join this course and you can find out more about the visa requirements for studying in the UK.

For additional support please contact the Student Immigration Service for matters related to student visas and immigration.

Programme enquiries

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