Program Overview

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Overview

The Civil Engineering (Transport) MPhil, PhD program at Newcastle University is a research-based degree that allows students to develop their innovative research skills through working with experts in the field. The program is part of the Transport and Operations Research Group (TORG), a leading center of transport technology in Europe.

Research Areas

The main research areas in the Civil Engineering (Transport) MPhil, PhD program include:

• Land use and network models
• Passenger transport and policy
• Transport and the environment
• Infrastructure design and telematics
• Freight and traffic loading
• Public transport management and operations
• Traffic management and control
• Road traffic safety and accident analysis
• Transport emissions and the environment
• Transport telematics and image processing
• Intelligent transport systems (ITS)
• Travel behavior
• Highway design and engineering
• Operating speed models
• Environmental impact and monitoring of transport activities

Qualifications Explained

The program offers two types of qualifications:

• MPhil (Master of Philosophy): a research-based degree that involves original research leading to the completion of a 40,000-50,000 word thesis.
• PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): a doctorate or doctoral award that involves original research that makes a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject, leading to the completion of an 80,000-100,000 word thesis.

How You'll Learn

The program includes:

• Weekly seminars with presentations by staff, current PhD students, and invited speakers
• Opportunities to attend and make presentations at conferences
• Access to a wide range of workshops covering research and professional skills, careers support, wellbeing, health and safety, public engagement, and academic development

Your Development

The program provides opportunities for:

• Placement opportunities with extensive UK and international contacts
• Research carried out in collaboration with industry and government agencies
• Development of transferable skills and increased confidence through the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development programme

Your Future

The program is designed to help students:

• Perform better as researchers
• Boost their career prospects
• Broaden their impact
• Develop skills and knowledge in a specific area of civil engineering (transport)

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked:

• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• Global Top 140 University (QS World University Rankings 2026)
• Global Top 160 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025)
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024)

Facilities

The School of Engineering has an exceptional range of laboratories equipped with a wide range of analytical instrumentation supporting research and teaching.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):

• MPhil: Home students (not set), International students (£33,500-£43,700)
• PhD: Home students (not set), International students (£33,500-£43,700)
• Scholarships and funding opportunities are available

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject
• Combinations of undergraduate qualifications, masters qualifications, and relevant work experience can be taken into consideration
• English language requirements: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or other qualifications

How to Apply

• Start dates: September, January, April
• Closing dates: No application closing date, but specific deadlines for funding may apply
• Specialized application information: Contact a research supervisor from the School of Engineering to discuss proposed research
• Deposit: £1,500 for international students or students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland who need a visa to study in the UK

Open Days and Events

• Overseas events: The university regularly travels overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University
• Online events: The university offers online events and webinars for prospective students

Get in Touch

• Questions about the course: Contact the Postgraduate Research Administrator, School of Engineering
• Online: Complete the online enquiry form or use the Ncl chatbot for general enquiries
• Social media: Follow the School of Engineering on Twitter and other social media platforms for updates and information.