Civil Engineering

Program Overview

---

Queen's University Belfast - Civil Engineering PhD

Overview

The research centre will address the topical grand challenges in civil engineering field, building on existing and developing new international collaborations. Financial support to meet these challenges will be acquired through both internal University initiatives (for enhanced infrastructure and facilities) and external funding from government grants, charities and direct industrial support.

Subject Summary

Civil Engineering at Queens is in the Top 200 in the World (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2021). Your research will advance knowledge in the civil engineering field, building on existing and developing new international collaborations. Your work will help to address the challenges of energy, carbon, clean water, infrastructure; exploring extremes and defining new limits. Our key research areas include marine renewable energy, groundwater and environmental systems, geotechnics, intelligent infrastructure and high-performance structures, energy efficient materials and construction and project management.

Civil Engineering Highlights

Global Opportunities

• Civil Engineering brings together researchers from spatial planning, architecture, geography, paleoecology and civil engineering to tackle some of the world's most pressing urban and environmental challenges.

Industry Links

• Civil Engineering is led by a Head of Discipline supported by team leaders with responsibility for maintaining excellence in its research groups. One of these, the Intelligent and Sustainable Infrastructure Group (ISIG - including low carbon structural materials) has several joint projects with international Centres of Excellence.

World Class Facilities

• The School of Natural and Built Environment has a range of state-of-the-art facilities to support our outstanding students and staff conducting leading-edge research and teaching. These include a heavy structures laboratory, rheology laboratory, the Belfast Wave Flume and the Portaferry coastal wave basin.

Student Experience

• Postgraduates form an intrinsic part of our research community and are actively involved in the School's cross-disciplinary Research Groups, enabling the creation of synergies in areas such as sustainability, infrastructure, culture, design and heritage.

Key Facts

• Civil Engineering at Queens is in the Top 200 in the World QS Rankings (2022).
• Civil Engineering is ranked 20th in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022).

Course Content

• The dynamic nature of this research has been key to the our success in attracting significant funding from UK research councils, government departments and agencies.
• The Civil Engineering Research Centre (CERC) is a leading international, interdisciplinary centre that enables scientists and engineers from all areas of civil engineering investigation to work on diverse, yet complementary research.

Research Information

• Associated Research: The dynamic nature of this research has been key to the our success in attracting significant funding from UK research councils, government departments and agencies.

Career Prospects

• Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles in educational practice, the public sector or within NGO’s.

People Teaching You

• Dr David Hester
• Dr Faris Elghaish
• Dr Giuseppina Amato
• Dr Madjid Karimirad
• Dr Mohammed Sonebi
• Dr Nipuni Odara Merenchi Galappaththige
• Dr Raymond Flynn
• Dr Rory Doherty
• Dr Siobhan Cox
• Dr Sree Nanukuttan
• Dr Stephen McIlwaine
• Dr Tara Brooks
• Dr Ulrich Ofterdinger
• Dr Xianhai Meng
• Professor G Hamill
• Professor Marios Soutsos
• Professor Wei Sha

Learning Outcomes

• A research degree offers students an opportunity to foster their capacity for independent research and critical thought.
• It also allows students to explore an area of interest and so understand and solve theoretical and practical problems within the field.

Course Structure

• You will carry out original research under the guidance of your supervisory team.
• There is no specific course content as such. This independent research is complemented by postgraduate skills training organised by Queen’s Graduate School, and other internal and external training courses organised through your supervisor.

Assessment

• Assessment processes for the research degree differ from taught degrees.
• Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually.

Feedback

• Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Entrance Requirements

• The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

International Students

• For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) £5,006
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) £5,006
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) £5,006
• EU Other £25,600
• International £25,600

Additional Course Costs

• There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

Bench Fees

• Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee.

Funding and Scholarships

• The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.

How to Apply

• Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Find a Supervisor

• If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

Program Outline

---

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.