Skip to main content

Civil Engineering

PGR-RA-162

Expertise of research area
architecture; concrete; construction; energy geotechnics; environmental engineering; high speed rail; infrastructure robotics; project management; public health engineering; safe low carbon buildings; sanitation; structural engineering; transport infrastructure


<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Research in the School of Civil Engineering contributes to delivering the infrastructure that we all rely on in everyday life. We have an ethos of working at the interfaces with other disciplines to tackle key societal and technical challenges, and our research has an impact on a global scale.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<p>The School of Civil Engineering is <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering-research-degrees/doc/reputation">globally renowned</a> for its teaching, research and engagement with industry and government. According to the Research Excellence Framework 2014, we’re 2nd in the UK for research power. We’re a Top 100 university for Civil and Structural Engineering in the QS World University Rankings by subject 2019.</p> <h3>Our interdisciplinary research areas</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/cities-infrastructure-energy">Cities, Infrastructure and Energy</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering-materials-structures">Materials and Structures</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering-water-public-health-environmental-engineering">Water, Public Health and Environmental Engineering</a></li> </ul> <p>We have strong partnerships within the University of Leeds, including long standing collaborations with the <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport">Institute for Transport Studies</a> and the <a href="http://cgd.leeds.ac.uk/">Centre for Global Development</a> and a leadership role in two major initatives: <a href="https://water.leeds.ac.uk/">water@leeds</a>, an interdisciplinary centre for water research; and Cities, a University wide research theme.</p> <h3>Research centres</h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130578/institute_for_high_speed_rail_and_system_integration">Institute for High-Speed Rail and System Integration</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering-research-innovation/doc/centre-infrastructure-materials">Centre for Infrastructure Materials</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering-research-innovation/doc/neville-centre">Neville Centre of Excellence in Cement and Concrete Engineering</a></li> </ul> <p>We have a range of PhD opportunities within the School of Civil Engineering. You’ll join a friendly, supportive and diverse community of postgraduate researchers who come from all over the world.</p> <h5>Why do your PhD at Leeds? </h5> <p><strong>96% of our research is world-leading (REF 2021) </strong><br /> At Leeds, our research addresses the most prevalent real-world challenges – providing solutions that have had both a national and global impact. <br /> <strong>Study in an active research environment </strong><br /> Studying your PhD with us means you’ll be working in a professional research environment, using UK-leading facilities to bring your project to life – alongside active researchers who are at the forefront of their area. <br /> <strong>A strong network of support  </strong><br /> The Leeds Doctoral College connects our community of researchers and can offer you the guidance, services and opportunities you’ll need to get the most out of your PhD. <br /> <strong>Close industry links </strong><br /> Our partnerships and links to companies and academic institutions give you the opportunity to network at industry talks, seminars and conferences, building connections that'll benefit your next steps after you complete your PhD. <br /> <strong>Professional skills development  </strong><br /> We think of the whole picture at Leeds. That’s why we offer a range of workshops and courses that'll enhance your skillset further and transfer into your professional career. <br /> <strong>Personal and wellbeing services </strong><br /> Mental health and wellbeing support are integral to who we are at Leeds and you’ll have access to the full range of services we offer to ensure you’re feeling your best – and reaching your potential in your studies. <br /> <strong>Join our global community </strong><br /> We welcome students, researchers, academics, partners and alumni from more than 140 countries, all over the world. This means, as a university, we’re bringing together different cultures and perspectives which helps strengthen our research – and societal impact.</p> <h3>Useful links and further reading:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://engineering.leeds.ac.uk/info/201313/research_degrees">Research degrees in the School of Civil Engineering</a></li> <li><a href="https://engineering.leeds.ac.uk/info/201315/research_and_innovation">School of Civil Engineering, Research and Innovation</a> </li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college">Doctoral College</a> supports you throughout your postgraduate research journey. It brings together all the support services and opportunities to enhance your research, your development, and your overall experience.</p>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>.</p>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For general enquiries and details regarding the application process, please contact the Graduate School Office:</p> <p>e: <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 34 35057</p>


<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked project opportunities</h2>