PhD in Civil Engineering PhD / MPhil

For PhD in Civil Engineering PhD / MPhil, tuition is £29,310 (full-time); the application deadline is 1 June (for September start).

If you have a 2:1 honours degree in civil engineering or a related discipline and want to develop independent research skills, this PhD/MPhil provides a route to become a specialist in areas such as fluid mechanics, structural, transport or environmental engineering. In the first year you will define the scope of your project with your supervisor, review the literature and may begin collaborations with colleagues at Birmingham, other universities or industry, laying the foundation for a research programme that can be tailored to your interests.

The programme is embedded in a multidisciplinary research environment that includes groups working on structures, geotechnics, hydraulics, wind engineering and sustainability. You will attend seminars, workshops and conferences, receive one-to-one supervision and have the chance to present your findings at the annual Postgraduate Symposium and international meetings, gaining experience that prepares you for academic or industry careers.

The University of Birmingham, chartered in 1900, is a large, research-intensive redbrick university located in Edgbaston. It offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and has a reputation for multidisciplinary research, substantial campus investment and strong academic staffing. With more than 34,000 students, including a sizeable international community, Birmingham combines historic strengths with modern facilities and a global outlook.

Research and teaching span the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine and social sciences, supported by major investments in campus infrastructure and academic appointments. The university promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through flagship fellowships and research initiatives, and many courses provide opportunities for placements, industry engagement and overseas study on its international campuses. Student support services include extensive academic development, career services and wellbeing provision tailored to an international cohort.

Life at Birmingham blends a vibrant campus with access to the city's cultural and professional resources, enabling students to pursue extracurricular activities, volunteering and professional networking. The institution’s global partnerships and growing research profile open doors for international collaborations and career pathways. Prospective international applicants should carefully check entry requirements, funding and application deadlines and contact the university’s international office for guidance on visas, scholarships and arrival planning.