Swansea University

PhD Civil Engineering

Swansea University

Course overview

The PhD Civil Engineering at Swansea University is designed for students who wish to undertake advanced research in areas such as the built environment, infrastructure, materials, and computational methods. The programme focuses on a major research project supervised by experienced staff.

A key feature of this PhD is the strong computational engineering support it provides. Students have access to advanced computing facilities, including a supercomputer and virtual reality tools. You will study topics like structural mechanics, fluid-structure interaction, modelling porous materials, bridge assessment, and other civil engineering challenges.

Whether studying full-time (usually three years) or part-time (up to six years), students will work closely with their supervisors to plan, carry out, and share their research.

Entry requirements

To apply, you should first identify a potential supervisor whose research area matches your interests, prepare a research proposal, CV, references, transcripts, and submit your application as per the guidelines

Grade Requirements:

  • An undergraduate degree (usually at least UK 2:1 or equivalent) in engineering, civil engineering, or a related science discipline 

  • Equivalent international qualifications are accepted.

English Proficiency:

  • If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English, you will need to meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements, e.g., an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5 or equivalent test scores such as TOEFL or PTE.

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • International Excellence Scholarships

    Scholarships are awarded as a discount on tuition fees worth up to £5,000 in the first year of study, with a further £2,000 awarded in Year 2 (for £5,000 awardees only, subject to achieving a 70% average).

  • International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries

    First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.

  • Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)

    The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.

  • Swansea University Sport Scholarship

    Financial support (of up to £2000).

  • Thrive Bursary

    The Thrive bursary is a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees for the first year of study, with a progression bursary of £2,000 in subsequent years (applied as a discount off tuition fees).

    Up to £4,000

Career opportunities

Completing a PhD Civil Engineering from Swansea University prepares you for a wide range of career paths. Possible careers include:

  • Academic Researcher 

  • Lecturer 

  • Senior Research and Development Engineer 

  • Specialist Consultant 

  • Technical Lead or Project Manager

Cost of study

The tuition fee for the PhD Civil Engineering in Swansea University is £23,800 for international students. 

Admission

Applications for the PhD in Civil Engineering at Swansea University are submitted through the University’s postgraduate research admissions portal. For further assistance, kindly reach out to one of our trained counsellors.

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