University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The PhD is a research-centred programme in which you undertake an extended, original research project under academic supervision. Projects typically sit within thematic areas such as structural mechanics and materials, geotechnical engineering and soil-structure interaction, transport systems and infrastructure resilience, water and environmental engineering, and computational and data-driven modelling. Your work will usually combine literature review, development of hypothesis, analytical and numerical modelling, laboratory and/or field experimentation where appropriate, and interpretation and dissemination of results.

Alongside your thesis research you will engage with postgraduate training to develop research skills and professional competencies. Typical elements include advanced research methods, statistical and numerical techniques, scientific communication, ethics and research integrity, project management, and opportunities for teaching or demonstrating. You will be expected to present at internal seminars and conferences and to prepare papers for peer-reviewed journals.

Typical research activities

• Design and execution of laboratory testing (materials testing, structural testing, geotechnical experiments) and/or field monitoring campaigns.
• Advanced finite element and computational fluid dynamics modelling, multiscale or multiphysics simulation, and uncertainty quantification.
• Data analytics and machine learning applied to infrastructure performance, asset management and transport modelling.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with environmental scientists, materials researchers, computer scientists and industry partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a strong undergraduate degree (first class or upper second class honours) in civil engineering or a closely related discipline. A relevant master's degree with a substantial research component is commonly required or highly desirable. Equivalent professional qualifications plus relevant industrial research experience may also be considered.

You will need to identify a suitable supervisory team and submit a clear research proposal or indicate interest in advertised projects. Your application should include academic transcripts, a research proposal or statement of research interests, at least two academic references, and a curriculum vitae. International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements; typical minima are a secure overall score with sufficient component scores in recognised examinations.

Selection may also take account of research fit within the School’s expertise and availability of supervisors and funding. Some projects require specific laboratory skills or experience with particular computational tools; these will be noted in individual project descriptions.

Career prospects

A PhD in Civil Engineering from Nottingham prepares graduates for a wide range of careers. Many go on to academic and research roles in universities, research institutes or national laboratories, often starting as postdoctoral researchers and progressing to lectureships or research leadership. Others move into high-level roles in engineering consultancies, construction and infrastructure firms, transport authorities, water companies and government departments, where they take on specialist technical, design, research and management responsibilities.

Typical roles held by alumni include research and development engineer, senior design/analysis engineer, technical consultant, principal investigator on funded projects, infrastructure resilience specialist, and senior roles in policy and regulatory bodies. The programme’s emphasis on transferable skills also equips graduates for careers in data science, risk analysis, and technology commercialisation.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham’s School of Civil Engineering is research-intensive and hosts a broad range of expertise that spans experimental, computational and field-based research. Facilities include well-equipped structural and materials laboratories, geotechnical testing facilities and access to advanced computing resources for large-scale simulation and data analysis. Research projects are often collaborative and linked with industry partners and external funders, providing real-world relevance and opportunities for impact.

Doctoral students benefit from a supportive supervisory culture, structured researcher development programmes and opportunities to teach and gain professional experience. The University’s international research networks and industry partnerships create pathways for collaboration and career development both within the UK and overseas.