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Civil Engineering PhD

Most students complete this programme in 4 years full-time

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Study your PhD alongside inspiring academics who are leading research in civil engineering to improve the world we live in.

You can carry out your doctoral research in a range of interests in our Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering. Our research expertise is grouped into four centres to which your PhD research topic will be linked. Our centres are:

Find out more about our research

Programme structure

Most students complete this programme in 4 years. You cannot take less than 2 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 4 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. Taught phase
  3. Candidature
  4. Confirmation
  5. Research
  6. Writing up
  7. Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
  8. Submission for examination
  9. Examination (Viva Voce)
  10. Examiners report
  11. Final submission of thesis / portfolio
  12. Graduation

Programme content

Learning

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

Research content

We believe in an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to our research. As such, we carry out research with other departments in the university, mostly Mechanical Engineering, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Management, and Computer Science.

We are open to a wide range of ideas and want to hear where you’d like to focus your research. Our academics are especially interested to hear how your research could build on their existing work or about a new topic in their current subject areas.

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

You’ll join the Department as a member of the research centre that best fits your broad research interest and as agreed on acceptance.

Most of our research students register as probationers for the PhD programme to begin with. Your PhD registration is confirmed subject to your passing an assessment process. This normally involves submitting written work and an oral examination. There is also an alternate by paper route which can be discussed with the Faculty.

We expect you to carry out supervised research at the forefront of your chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis. Presenting your research findings is an important part of research training so we encourage you to prepare papers for publication throughout your PhD.

The final stage of the PhD programme is the oral or viva voce examination, where you must defend your thesis to a Board of Examiners.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

First or 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject.

See the International students website for details of entry requirements based on qualifications from your country.

All non-native speakers of English are required to have passed English language tests.

If you need to develop your English language skills, the University’s Academic Skills Centre offers a number of courses.

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 PhD

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 research

Payment options

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

Paying your tutition fees

Application information

Applicant profile

The PhD programme is an integral part of the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering and we welcome successful applicants as junior academic colleagues rather than students. We expect you 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. You should be strongly committed to carrying out high-quality academic research in any of the disciplinary areas covered by our research centres.

Your application should include:

  • a description (1-2 pages) of proposed research (unless applying to an advertisement)
  • identification of a knowledge gap within the subject area and how you intend to fill it
  • an indicative timeline of work for discussion with your potential supervisor

See our guide about how to apply for doctoral study

Selection process

You’ll be interviewed by the lead supervisor and at least one other relevant academic; this is typically done virtually and not in person. You will need to meet the minimum requirements of academic and language standard.

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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