University of Strathclyde

What you'll study

The programme is a research doctorate: you will undertake an original investigation under the supervision of academic staff and produce a thesis that makes a clear contribution to knowledge in civil or environmental engineering. Research topics commonly pursued by students include structural dynamics and materials, geotechnical engineering and foundation performance, hydraulics and water resources, coastal and estuarine processes, environmental monitoring and modelling, transport systems and infrastructure resilience, sustainable construction and circular economy approaches, and smart infrastructure including sensing and data analytics.

PhD candidates normally begin by developing a detailed research proposal with one or more supervisors and may take short taught modules or research training courses to support their project (for example in research methods, advanced numerical modelling, laboratory techniques, statistical methods, or science communication). Study is typically a mix of:

• independent literature review and hypothesis development;
• experimental, field or computational investigation depending on project needs;
• regular supervision meetings, progress reporting and peer seminars;

The Department provides access to specialist laboratories, field instrumentation and high‑performance computing to support laboratory testing, full‑scale monitoring, numerical simulation and data analysis. Opportunities for collaborative projects with industry partners and external research organisations are common, enabling applied outcomes and knowledge exchange.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (for example an MSc by research or taught MSc) with a strong research component, or a good honours degree (first class or high upper‑second) in civil engineering, environmental engineering or a closely related discipline. Applicants with substantial professional experience plus evidence of research potential are also considered.

Admission is typically dependent on the availability of a suitable supervisor and alignment of the proposed research with departmental expertise. Candidates must submit a research proposal or outline, academic transcripts, references, and a CV. Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English; accepted evidence normally meets standard university requirements for doctoral study.

Funding can be through university scholarships, external research council studentships, industrial sponsorship or self‑funding. Prospective students are encouraged to contact potential supervisors to discuss project fit and funding opportunities before applying.

Career prospects

A PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering prepares graduates for research and specialist roles across academia, industry and the public sector. Typical career paths include university and research institute positions, senior technical roles in engineering consultancies and contractors, specialist posts in water companies and environmental agencies, and leadership roles in infrastructure planning and asset management. Graduates also move into policy, regulation, and advisory positions concerned with climate resilience, sustainability and urban infrastructure, or they may pursue entrepreneurship and technology transfer in areas such as sensor systems, modelling tools and sustainable materials.

The doctorate supports progression to Chartered Engineer status where applicable and strengthens prospects for securing competitive research funding and senior management positions.

Why study at University of Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde has a long tradition of applied engineering research with close links to industry and public sector partners. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering combines specialist technical expertise with strong facilities for laboratory testing, field monitoring and computational research. Students benefit from an environment that emphasises translational research, multidisciplinary collaboration and impact, with opportunities to work on problem‑driven projects addressing urban resilience, sustainable infrastructure and environmental challenges.

Strathclyde’s central Glasgow location provides proximity to infrastructure projects, engineering firms and regional authorities, supporting placement, networking and knowledge exchange. The university also offers structured researcher development, access to doctoral training resources and a supportive supervisory framework to help you complete a high‑quality PhD and launch your research career.