PhD Sustainability and Carbon Management
Course overview
This Sustainability and Carbon Management course equips students with the advanced knowledge and skills to critically analyse the embodied and operational carbon impacts of buildings and infrastructure. The course covers innovative design principles, sustainable material selection, and the implementation of low-carbon technologies and management strategies necessary for a transition towards a more sustainable built environment.
Students who study this topic at the university look at the whole process of building, from the first ideas and building it, to when people live in it, fix it, and finally take it down. This helps everyone involved, like the people who design it, the people who pay for it, and the builders, to work together better. It also helps them see how much carbon and how sustainable the building is over its whole life.
During this programme, you will learn by doing research and working with your supervisors. You will also attend talks and maybe teach others. How well you are doing will be checked through your research work, the things you write, and how you present your findings. You might also have to write reports and give presentations. This helps make sure you are learning and making progress in your research.
Entry requirements
To apply for this program, you'll need to write a personal statement explaining why you're interested in the PhD Sustainability and Carbon Management course at Heriot-Watt University and provide details about your previous studies. You'll also need to provide a reference letter from a teacher or employer. You can also include your CV to highlight your work experience. Additionally, you need to submit a research proposal, including the full project title and reference number (if applicable) and provide at least 250 words describing your proposed research area.
Grade Requirements:
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To apply, you need to have a Master's degree or a second-class undergraduate degree certificate in a relevant subject, and/or submit your transcript. The university also considers equivalent qualifications from international students.
English Proficiency:
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If English isn't your first language, you'll need to demonstrate your English language skills. This is typically done by achieving an overall score of 6.0 in the IELTS, with a minimum of 5.5 in each section, except for writing, where you need a minimum of 6.0. Other English test scores, like TOEFL and PTE, are also accepted.
Scholarships
Alumni Discount Scheme
A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses.
Up to 20% of feesCoaching Scholarships Programme
Varies – up to a 100% Tuition fee Reduction (dependent on experience and number of coaching hours across the year).
Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence
The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence awards the successful recipient(s) with a 20% reduction on their tuition fees.
Up to 20% of feesHeriot-Watt Sports Scholarships
Please contact the provider.
Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary
We are offering up to £525 from the access to learning funding to students to help cover costs. This could be to purchase a laptop, pay for WiFi access or travel expenses.
Up to £525International Merit Scholarship
Award value: Varies by region
Remission of Fees (Families of Staff)
Please contact the provider.
Staff Scholarships
Please contact the provider
The Brodie Family Scholarship (PGT)
The Brodie Family Scholarship provides financial support of £2,500 per year (or £2,000 per year for students enrolled in a five-year programme) to four undergraduate students.
The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)
The New Dawn Energy Scholarship
The New Dawn Energy Scholarship provides £1900 towards living costs to two students enrolling on our MSc in Petroleum Engineering in September 2026.
Up to £1,900
Career opportunities
Here are some possible job titles for people who complete this PhD:
- Sustainability Consultant
- Carbon Management Specialist
- Environmental Policy Advisor
- Energy Analyst
- Building Performance Engineer
- Research Fellow in Sustainable Development
Cost of study
The tuition fee for international students undertaking the PhD Sustainability and Carbon Management program is £19816 for full-time study. Part-time study costs £9908.
Admission
You can apply directly to Heriot-Watt University using their online application form or through AHZ consultants. You can also speak with our trained counsellors for more information on the application process and how to best present your strengths to meet the program's requirements.
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