phd civil engineering imperial college london

Imperial College London Imperial College London

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• Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Faculty of Engineering
• Departments, institutes and centres
• Prospective students

Postgraduate taught admissions (MSc)

The Department offers an extensive range of specialist one-year full-time taught Master of Science (MSc) programme in the broad spectrum of disciplines of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Completion of an entire MSc programme is weighted at 90 ECTS Credits. View the potential competence standards expected of students studying all taught programmes in the Faculty of Engineering.

MSc Programmes Offered

Msc in advanced materials for sustainable infrastructure.

Programme code: H2G1

More about the Advanced Materials MSc Programme

MSc in Concrete Structures

Programme code: H2A2

More about the Concrete Structures MSc Programme

MSc in Earthquake Engineering

Programme code: H2A3

More about the Earthquake Engineering MSc Programme

MSc in General Structural Engineering

Programme code: H2A1

More about the General Structural Engineering MSc Programme

MSc in Structural Steel Design

Programme code: H2U5

More about the Structural Steel Design MSc Programme

MSc in Environmental Engineering

Programme code: H2UM

More about the Environmental Engineering MSc Programme

MSc in Hydrology and Water Resources Management

Programme code: H2UP

More about the Hydrology and Water Resources MSc Programme

MSc in Engineering Fluid Mechanics

... for the offshore, coastal and built environments Programme code: H141

More about the Engineering Fluid Mechanics MSc Programme

MSc in Geotechnical Engineering

Programme code: H2U3 or [and Geoenvironmental Engineering (H2UN)] or [and Earthquake Engineering (H2U4)] or [and Geological Engineering (H2EG)]

More about the Geotechnical Engineering MSc Programme

MSc Course in Transport

Programme code: H2UR

More about the Transport MSc Programme

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

A number of MSc modules are available to take as Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

More about our CPD options

Data Science and Mathematical Optimisation Add-On

Available with several of our MSc programmes

Careers and employability

Career paths and employability.

Graduates from our MSc courses not only possess an in-depth knowledge and understanding of their chosen subject area, but are also encouraged and supported to develop their intellectual skills, practical skills and other general transferable skills, making them highly attractive to employers all over the world.

Examples of transferable skills are: communication skills, problem solving skills, management skills, writing skills and team working skills. 

For data relating to the first destinations of our graduates, please view the links below.

• Civil Engineering - graphs  [pdf]
• Civil Engineering  -  text-only tables and employment/further study destinations [pdf]

MSc Application Information

Minimum academic entry requirements.

• A good Upper Second or First Class Degree result (or International equivalent), in engineering or another numerate discipline, or Masters level degree qualification
• Good mathematical skills (B or above at A-level or equivalent qualification)
• Relevant Postgraduate industrial experience is favoured
• English Language qualification (where relevant)

Applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to present an English language qualification, passed at the appropriate level. This may follow the application if not available at the time of submission. Please see the College  English language requirements  for postgraduate applicants for information. Please also check that your previous study meets the minimum academic requirements by country index . 

Note: The Department may set higher requirements than those specified by the College as minimum entry requirements and that places are not guaranteed for any applicant.  Relevance of degrees and eligibility can be checked with the Department .  

Scholarship and funding opportunities

Visit this webpage for information about scholarships and funding opportunities . 

The application process and essential information

Please see our application information page

Why choose us?

League table rankings, national student survey.

• Overall Satisfaction, 90.2 (2022), 89.9 (2021); 78.1 (2020); 88% (2019)

QS World Universities rankings

• Subject Ranking. Civil Engineering = 6th (2022); 6th (2021); 5th (2020); 6th (2019)
• Overall, Imperial was voted 7th best university in the world in the 2022 rankings.

Guardian University Guide (UK)

• Subject Ranking. Engineering: Civil = 3rd (2022); 4th (2021); 1st (2020); 1st (2019)
• Overall, Imperial was ranked 7th in this year's Guardian university guide. 

The Times Higher Education world ranking

• Subject Ranking. Engineering and Technology = 14th (2021); 11th (2020); 12th (2019)
• Overall, Imperial was ranked 11th best university in this year's rankings.

The Sunday Times Good University Guide (UK)

• Subject Ranking. Civil Engineering = 1st (2022); 4th (2021); 4th (2020); 3rd (2019); 1st (2018)

Complete University Guide

• Subject Ranking. Civil Engineering = 2nd (2023), 8th (2022); 7th (2021); 6th (2020); 2nd (2019); 1st (2018)
• Overall, Imperial ranked 5th best university in this year's rankings. 

View the ranking across the Faculty of Engineering

Research assessments

• REF 2021. 75% of our research was considered 4* (highest rating), and the remaining 25% at 3* (unit of assessment: engineering).
• REF 2014. 47% of our research assessed to be 4* (highest rating), 48% assessed to be 3* and 5% assessed as 2*  (unit of assessment: civil and construction engineering).
• RAE 2008. 40% of our research assessed to be 4* (highest rating), 55% assessed to be 3* and 3% assessed as 2* (unit of assessment: civil engineering).

Each academic year, a number of prizes are awarded in recognition of student achievement. These are celebrated in a prize giving ceremony held annually on Commemoration day.

To see more photos of what its like to work and study here, please see our Flikr channel.

What is it really like to study here?

Hear directly from some of our current students about their experiences of studying with us.

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Civil and Environmental Engineering PhD Imperial College London

Course options

Qualification.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Imperial College London

• TUITION FEES
• ENTRY REQUIREMENT
• UNIVERSITY INFO

Course summary

A research degree is a very individual experience, more so than an undergraduate degree. While the overarching structure will be identical or similar across the university, individual research projects, research interactions and assessment interactions will differ. This environment can provide a rich learning experience for student cohorts discussing their experiences.

Undertaking a research degree is part of a training, professional and personal development process, which will be life-long. There will be little or no set timetable of lectures and there are no formal term dates. Research degrees can start at any time of the academic year, although the majority of Imperial students tend to commence their studies in October. You will acquire a high degree of self-management, which will be required for you to succeed in managing your day, your research, your degree and its requirements.

A research degree has an exciting scope for collaborations and working as a team and as such, learning or enhancing your communication and people management skills. It is highly creative and can be more unpredictable than an undergraduate degree. A research degree is not simply about collecting results or data but also querying these and discussing them with others. Learning is continuous and poor experimental results can form part of research learning and success. Unlike a typical classroom experience of an undergraduate degree, a research degree will empower you to drive your own learning experience and expand your knowledge in a variety of ways.

Tuition fees

• Afghanistan
• Antigua & Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Congo (Democratic Republic)
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Ivory Coast
• Korea DPR (North Korea)
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Northern Ireland
• Palestinian Authority
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Republic of Ireland
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts & Nevis
• Switzerland
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City
• Western Samoa

£ 29,900 per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University league table, campus address.

Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, Kensington and Chelsea, SW7 2AZ, England

Subject rankings

Subject ranking.

3rd out of 58 1

Entry standards

Graduate prospects

Student satisfaction

Suggested courses

Environmental Sciences MRes

Brunel University London

University league table

Energy and Sustainability: Energy, Environment and Buildings (MSc)

University of Southampton

Civil Engineering league table

Management in Construction (Civil Engineering) MSc

Kingston University

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Imperial College London Imperial College London

Latest news.

Voluntary corporate emissions targets not enough to create real climate action

Imperial and CNRS strengthen UK-France science with new partnerships

New AI startup accelerator led by Imperial opens for applications

• Undergraduate
• Courses for 2023
• Courses for 2022

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Total expected intake.

104 (2022 entry)

Applications : Admissions ratio

5 : 1 (based on 2020 entry data)

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022

1 st in the UK

Why choose Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial?

Civil engineers design, build and maintain the foundations of our world – from airports to energy systems, from clean drinking water to a cleaner environment.

At Imperial, you’ll learn from pioneering researchers and have access to state-of-the-art facilities that include a range of testing rigs, extensive computing provision, tension and compression machines, and wave generators and tanks.

Strong industry links across the Department mean you’ll also benefit from a high level of real-world insight, through guest talks and lectures, industry-led projects and sponsorship of student prizes. 

Our five laboratories cover all of our sub-disciplines:

• Environmental
• Geotechnical
• Transportation
• Water resource
• Structural engineering.

Our facilities include a range of testing rigs, extensive computing provision, tension and compression machines, and wave generators and tanks.

Where could your degree take you?

Throughout your course, you’ll meet and network with representatives from industry, and start to build relationships that turn into exciting careers when you graduate.

Many of our graduates continue to postgraduate study, while others work in areas ranging from technical consultancy, transport planning, teaching and banking and finance.

Recent graduates have become...

• Graduate Transport Planner, Mott McDonald
• Offshore Structural Engineer, Shell
• Structural Engineer, Engineering services company
• Graduate Civil Engineer, Transport for London
• Geotechnical Engineer, Jacobs

Explore our courses

Four-year courses (240 ECTS):

• MEng Civil Engineering (UCAS code H201)
• MEng Civil Engineering with a Year Abroad (H202)

If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa. Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.

Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

Students are welcome to join the Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering (CEGE) to engage in research and gain the award of an MPhil or PhD degree. Departmental research covers both the development and application of theory and techniques. Staff work closely with companies and organisations involved with CEGE, and are funded through UK Research Councils, European funds and industry.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications closed

Applications open

There are two possible start dates for this PhD: April 1st 2024, and September 23rd 2024. In order to be considered for entry in April 2024 complete applications must have been submitted by 15th January 2024. This is to ensure that all necessary administrative tasks can be completed to ensure successful applicants enrol on time. Applications which are submitted, or become complete after this date will be considered for September 2024 entry only.

• Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree from a UK university in a subject appropriate to the chosen field, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

If you are intending to apply for a time-limited visa to complete your UCL studies (e.g., Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) you may be required to obtain ATAS clearance . This will be confirmed to you if you obtain an offer of a place. Please note that ATAS processing times can take up to six months, so we recommend you consider these timelines when submitting your application to UCL.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Our multidisciplinary department has a long tradition of excellence and innovation in research and teaching. We hold a substantial EPSRC research portfolio in civil engineering, and our diverse range of programmes, which cover most major and advanced areas of civil, environmental and geomatic engineering, are accredited by professional engineering bodies (e.g. the Joint Board of Moderators, the International Hydrographic Organization, and RICS). Research students benefit from our extensive links to world-leading industry in London and directly engage with global challenges through their research with us. Our research graduates go on to make the world a better place as academics, entrepreneurs, civil engineers, planners, and policymakers.

Who this course is for

This programme is most likely to appeal to students who have an academic background in a subject such as engineering, architecture, environmental studies, geography, mathematics, earth sciences, physical or computational sciences and wish to expand their knowledge of theory, tools and techniques about civil engineering. Before registering for this PhD programme, you must initially have successfully a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree from a UK university in a subject appropriate to the chosen field, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

What this course will give you

With academic staff including world-renowned scholars with extensive professional experience in the areas of the environment, structures, geomatics, transport and healthy infrastructure, our very competitive degree programmes allow you to carry out ground-breaking research alongside some of the top experts in the field. UCL was one of the first universities to start a skills development programme, and you will be able to take advantage of a wide range of training courses (e.g. our internal teacher training scheme), which equip you with the right skills for your research and future career. Visit the UCL Doctoral School website for further details.

In addition to regular sessions with academic supervisors, our MPhil/PhD students have a dedicated administrative team and access to a range of support services and regular social activities where interdisciplinary research flourishes. Based in the famous Bloomsbury area, we are in the heart of London, making it easy to attend research meetings and networking events here in the capital, or to make use of the excellent transport links to travel further afield.

In 2011 we received £17.2m of funding from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, more than any comparable department. We are taking on the big issues that face our world, from city design, managing an ageing population and transport infrastructure, to water processing and energy and resource management. Our research projects and  our numerous research groups and centres span disciplines and cross subjects to provide new and innovative solutions and thinking that refers back to the human and the applied. We're engineering a better world.

The foundation of your career

Upon completing our programme, graduates unlock a multitude of promising pathways. They seamlessly integrate into the workforce, finding placements in esteemed consultancies, construction giants, and influential government bodies.

With a comprehensive skill set and in-depth knowledge, graduates are poised to excel across various sectors, spearheading projects, influencing decisions, and contributing to the advancement of the engineering landscape. This degree not only opens doors to an array of prestigious employment opportunities but also sets a well-defined trajectory for a fulfilling and impactful career.

The core skill set you would obtain during your MPhil/PhD varies depending on your specific research project but the department provides a wide range of opportunities so that you are not limited to what your research projects offers.

Employability

Our recent graduate data suggests that 40% of our graduates took up postdoctoral fellowships or lectureships at UCL or other universities after graduation. Engineering consultancy firms are the second most popular destination (30%), followed by policy-making organisations, such as central governments, and the United Nations (20%). In addition, there have been a number of graduates who pursued careers as entrepreneurs.

There are many training opportunities available via the Doctoral Skills Development Programme and UCL is part of the Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network. The purpose of the programme is to give you the opportunity to expand your research and transferable skills in order to support your research, professional development and employability.

UCL offers an enriching environment for networking and professional growth. Engage with peers, industry experts, and faculty members who share your passion for engineering excellence. Through collaborative group projects, seminars, workshops, and industry partnerships, you'll forge connections that extend beyond the classroom. 

These networking opportunities provide insights into real-world challenges, offer chances to learn from industry leaders, and pave the way for potential internships and job placements. Your interactions within this vibrant community will not only enrich your learning experience but also establish a valuable network that can shape your future in the civil engineering arena.

Many academics in our department are working with industry partners. Applicants can ask about potential inputs from, or collaboration with, industry partners when they approach potential supervisors.

Teaching and learning

Throughout the programme, a diverse range of teaching and learning strategies foster comprehensive skill development and intellectual growth and imbue graduates with the prowess to thrive in research, industry, and various professional domains.

The programme employs a diverse range of assessment methods to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of students' capabilities, understanding, and comprehension across various dimensions, fostering a well-rounded learning experience.

Students can expect a well-balanced division of their time between various learning activities such as tutorials, lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and personal guidance.

The majority of the student's time, the remaining portion, is dedicated to independent study, allowing for in-depth exploration and self-directed learning. This balanced approach to time allocation ensures that students have ample opportunities for collaborative learning, direct instruction, and autonomous exploration, fostering a comprehensive and well-rounded educational experience.

Research areas and structure

Environment, Sustainability, Water and Wastewater Engineering, Energy Modelling, Climate Change Adaptation, Resiliency, Geomatics, Geomechanics and Materials, Structures, Transport, Health and Infrastructure. Applicants are encouraged to visit the  research section of the CEGE website.

Research environment

Our multidisciplinary department has a long tradition of excellence and innovation in research and teaching. We hold the largest EPSRC research portfolio in civil engineering and our diverse range of programmes covering all major and most advanced areas of civil, environmental and geomatic engineering are accredited by professional engineering bodies (ICE, CIWEM, IHO, RICS).

Students benefit from our extensive links to world-leading industry in London and directly engage with research to tackle global challenges. Our graduates go on to make the world a better place as researchers, entrepreneurs, civil engineers, planners, and policymakers.

Within three months of joining the programme, you are expected to agree with your supervisor the basic structure of your research project, an appropriate research methodology and a realistic plan of work. You will produce and submit a detailed outline of your proposed research to your supervisor for their comments and feedback. During your registration, you will be able to participate in conferences and research showcase events, which provide you with an opportunity to present your research findings before an audience of academics, industry and your fellow doctoral students.

In the second year or part-time equivalent, you will be expected to complete the upgrade progression process. To progress, you are required to submit a short upgrade report, which must be presented and successfully defended in an upgrade viva. In your final year, you will submit your thesis and defend it to a panel in a Viva exam.

Depending on the terms of any funding arrangements, upon successful completion of your approved period of registration you may be able to register as a completing research student (CRS) while you write up your thesis. 

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Additional costs should be discussed with your prospective supervisor as each research area differs.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

Fully-funded studentships attached to research projects are usually announced in the vacancies section of the CEGE website , as well as on www.jobs.ac.uk and www.findaphd.com .

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

CSC-UCL Joint Research Scholarship

Value: Fees, maintenance and travel (Duration of programme) Criteria Based on academic merit Eligibility: EU, Overseas

You are encouraged to identify and contact potential supervisors before submitting a formal application. It is important that you find a supervisor who shares the same research interest and expectations and is available to take a new student. Supervisors in our department welcome emails enquiring about your potential MPhil/PhD study. Their contact details are available on the Academic staff section of the CEGE website . Intake points for PhD students are September and March. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

Prospective Students Graduate

• Graduate degrees
• Taught degrees
• Taught Degrees
• Applying for Graduate Taught Study at UCL
• Research degrees
• Research Degrees
• Funded Research Opportunities
• Doctoral School
• Funded Doctoral Training Programmes
• Applying for Graduate Research Study at UCL
• Teacher training
• Teacher Training
• Early Years PGCE programmes
• Primary PGCE programmes
• Secondary PGCE programmes
• Further Education PGCE programme
• How to apply
• The IOE approach
• Teacher training in the heart of London
• Why choose UCL?
• Entrepreneurship
• Inspiring facilities and resources
• Careers and employability
• Your global alumni community
• Your wellbeing
• Postgraduate Students' Association
• Your life in London
• Accommodation
• Funding your Master's

Our Scholarships:

Phd scholarships.

There are 50 scholarships per year available to people of all ethnicities, backgrounds and nationalities, and we welcome both home and international student applicants.

Learn about Andrea's PhD in Bioengineering and his work on Black inclusivity in research

What your scholarship covers.

The President’s PhD Scholarships covers the following tuition costs, grant and benefits:

• an enhanced stipend of £22,900 (2023-24 rate) per annum to assist with living costs
• a consumables fund of £2,000 per annum for the first 3 years of study
• a programme of bespoke opportunities and events delivered by the Graduate School
• access to the full range of support available to postgraduates at Imperial
• access to workshops and other support from the wider Graduate School Professional Development Programme for Doctoral Students
• mentoring support through the Activate Mentoring Programme

Important details

Eligibility.

Academic criteria

• Candidates must be in receipt of, or due to receive, a first class or equivalent in an undergraduate or integrated Master’s degree; and/or
• Candidates with a standalone Master’s qualification must have achieved a distinction or, where this has yet to have been achieved, be able to provide evidence of high performance that will lead to a distinction.
• This allows candidates who have demonstrated excellence at Master’s level, but not achieved a first class undergraduate degree, to be able to apply to the scheme. Candidates with only a single undergraduate degree or integrated Master’s must still be in receipt of, or due to receive, a first class or equivalent.

(*Candidates with degrees from overseas institutions should check with the relevant Admissions team if their scores/grades are equivalent to the scholarship entry criteria)

Other criteria

• Applications are accepted from talented candidates from Imperial College London, the UK, and worldwide. There are no restrictions on nationality, although some departments may be unable to support international candidates.
• The scheme is only open to new PhD applications. Current registered Imperial PhD students are not eligible to be considered for a President’s PhD Scholarship.

Other available scholarships

Find out more on the other PhD scholarships that are available to students of Black heritage.

Amelia and John Kentfield Scholarships

The Amelia and John Kentfield Scholarships specifically aim to support projects which align with the following areas: Transition to Zero Pollution , Imperial-X ( leading advances in AI (and its applications) and space-related research areas. The scholarships are open to women of Black heritage, and are also available to any women with a disability.

James West Scholarship

The James West Scholarship offers three fully-funded scholarships for PhD students of Black Heritage studying within the Department of Bioengineering.

Sir Michael Uren Engineering Scholarship and the Sir Michael Uren Medicine Scholarship

For 2023-24, candidates applying to the President's PhD Scholarships will also be considered for the Sir Michael Uren Engineering Scholarship and the Sir Michael Uren Medicine Scholarship, which support interdisciplinary research across medicine and engineering.

Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship

The Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship is for students joining the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and will support four students with full tuition fees and other support including a stipend and travel costs.

The UK’s best university for world-leading research

Imperial is the UK’s leading institute overall for research , with a greater proportion of world-leading research than any other UK university and ranks first in the UK for research outputs, first in the UK for research environment, and first for research impact among Russell Group universities. Our research brings together the sharing of ideas, expertise and technology to answer the big scientific questions and global challenges.

Find out more about our PhD student research

Quentin smith.

Institute of Clinical Sciences PhD focus – Researching CRISPR Cas9 off-targeting for rational engineering of high-fidelity Cas9 nucleases for therapeutics

My research experience is quite interesting because I am formally a part of the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS) but I am also fundamentally a PhD student at Imperial College London as a University. With that being said, I am almost in the middle of the two and have to sit on top of the fence because I identify being from both. To tune the talk of experience towards Imperial as a University, I have had a positive experience thus far because I have support academically, developed networks of people who I can talk to and I have many opportunities to be involved in mentoring and outreach.

In terms of research, I believe my research and the research conducted around me is leading within their respective fields. With groups publishing findings regularly and in renown journals, there is definitely an aspect of promise towards your academic career. I am working in a lab led by Prof. David Rueda, we quantitively investigate the biological mechanisms that cause disease. In particular, I am working on a gene editing tool called CRISPR Cas9, it is an RNA guided endonuclease and you have probably heard about it somewhere in the news before. Although it works quite well in targeting DNA with RNA complementarity, it sometimes fails and targets elsewhere within the genome, these mishaps are termed ‘off-targets’. I am using traditional bulk biochemistry, single molecule imaging and more recently, structural biology efforts to understand the mechanism behind this and engineer the next generation of high-fidelity Cas9 nucleases which reduce this off-targeting effect.

Black inclusivity within research is very important because diversifying the scientists within academia can provide different perspectives on science which could ultimately lead to faster development and greater contribution to the scientific community. Personally, I have seen a decline in black academics throughout the progression of my career, we often see statistics of there being <1% black professors in the UK too. However, I actively aim to change this by chairing the EDI forum at the LMS and being a part of mentoring efforts which I can say I have personally been beneficial to my career.

Michael Ampofo Appiah

Department of Immunology and Inflammation PhD focus – Research on thrombosis and haemostasis, particularly looking at the glycoprotein Von Willebrand factor mediated platelet capture in primary haemostasis

My journey at Imperial College London commenced with my enrolment on the MSc Molecular Medicine course. During the early stages of the course, utilisation of state-of-the-art teaching laboratories containing advanced equipment fostered a keen interest in scientific research; my very first prolonged exposure to a laboratory setting thus, acquired various invaluable techniques. Further experience was obtained during a 6-month research project in a haematology laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Thomas McKinnon. Subsequently, I worked as a research technician within the same lab for 1 year.

I am currently a 1st year PhD student within the department of Immunology and Inflammation. The research conducted in our laboratory is primarily focused on the large multimeric haemostatic glycoprotein Von Willebrand factor (VWF), with pertinence to structure, expression, function and the associated Von Willebrand Disease; exploring the therapeutic potential of perturbing the interaction between VWF and Platelets in primary haemostasis. My project is based on the utilisation of shear-based assays for the analysis of VWF-mediated platelet capture under physiological and pathological-flow conditions.

Although I have furthered my knowledge and acquired new skills thus far, the PhD has also facilitated improvement of scientific communication via participation in external activities such as conferences, most notably the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) and British Society of Haemostasis and Thrombosis (BSHT). Such activities have granted the opportunity to convene with world-leading experts presenting novel findings and keeping abreast with the advancements within the field.

However, this journey has highlighted the importance of black inclusivity in research due underrepresentation at various stages. It is imperative to remove any barriers to allow students from all backgrounds to embark on such an insightful journey into research at a world-renowned university. In doing so, helping foster the development of pre-requisite skills to thrive across various disciplines. Ultimately, this would encourage the contribution of different ideas to the discussion of advancements in scientific research.

Menebere Woubshete

Department of Life Sciences PhD focus – Structural and Functional Investigation of the Human Vitamin C Transporter

My name is Menebere and I am a PhD student at Imperial College London. I joined Imperial in 2021 after being awarded a Departmental Scholarship by the Department of Life Sciences.

My research project is focused on gaining structural and functional information on the human vitamin C transporters. In humans, vitamin C is transported into our cells via sodium-dependent L-ascorbate transporters. Characterising the structure of vitamin C transporters has therapeutic potential for treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s and several types of cancer. This research will allow for drug design targeting the transporters as well as better understanding of the mechanisms that allow for vitamin C import into our cells.

The ‘leaky pipeline’ has been used to describe the progressive decrease of Black researchers in academia. As of 2020, 8.7% of first year undergraduate entrants were Black which then decreases to 7.4% in postgraduate studies. This drastically decreases as you go up the academic ladder with fewer than 1% of professors identifying as Black in UK universities. This decrease of an already low percentage of Black academics highlights the importance of Black inclusivity within research. The introduction of scholarships to increase Black representation is a positive step forward in the long journey of patching this ‘leaky pipeline’ that we see in academia.

Esther Bankole

National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI) PhD focus – Using the Acid Injury and Repair (AIR) model as a platform to identify and study mechanisms driving lung repair

Hi my name is Esther Bankole, I am a PhD student within the Cardio-Respiratory Interface section of the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI) at Imperial College London, undertaking a project supervised by Dr Charlotte Dean. I was awarded my NHLI PhD studentship in 2021.

My PhD is focused on understanding and identifying the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin repair and regeneration following injury in the alveoli – the site of gaseous exchange. I am specifically focusing on investigating whether key signalling pathways required for lung development have a role in adult lung repair and whether these pathways could be targeted to provide novel regenerative treatments for the lungs.

I will use the Acid Injury and Repair (AIR) model, an  ex vivo model of lung injury, that was established within my laboratory group (The Lung Development and Repair Group), as a platform to screen lung development pathways such as Wnt, Hedgehog, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Notch signalling pathways for their effects on lung repair. To find out more about the research that the Lung Development and Repair Group do please click: https://www.lungdevelopmentandrepair.org

Aside from my PhD work I am a Postgraduate Research representative within my department (the NHLI), as part of this role I support other students by collecting feedback about any concerns they may have and I relay this back to the heads of the department. I also work with the NHLI postgraduate research team to organise events to bring students together and I volunteer on a scheme called the ‘Buddy Scheme’, which is designed to help 1 st year PhD students to settle in and share advice. Working as a PhD student in Imperial is great because there is a sense of community and more and more initiatives are being introduced to improve diversity and inclusivity. 

I am passionate about improving science communication and try to get involved with outreach activities when possible. Furthermore, one of my goals as an academic and a researcher is to play a role in ensuring that science is more diverse particularly for women and ethnic minorities. I think that it is great that Imperial is actively working on initiatives and scholarships such as this to encourage more Black students to pursue a career in academia and to explore higher education.

Andrea E.L. Attipoe

Department of Bioengineering PhD focus – The physical origin of reversible surface attachment in insects

“I spent four years at Imperial, working on my PhD in the Bioengineering Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to see the inner workings of academia. Imperial is a highly collaborative environment, where people from multiple scientific backgrounds come together to find solutions to innovative questions and problems. What Imperial unfortunately still lacks is diversity in its people. Too often have I found myself in a room, being the only person of my ethnicity. Black representation matters, not only because research has been proven to be more effective and innovative in diverse groups, but also because academia seems all the more welcoming if people from minority ethnic groups find role models in more senior positions.

Yet, time and time again, we ethnic minorities need to demonstrate superior abilities to be recognised as equally deserving of our peers. This injustice extends to all forms of intersectionality, and has resulted in male and white dominated scientific spaces. Yes, that’s a tough pill to swallow, but I do not believe in resentment, I believe in change. The first step in addressing bias, is always the acknowledgement of its existence. For years, I have worked together with Imperial to push the understanding its own systemic biases, and more importantly, to address them. There’s a long road ahead, but I was not alone on this adventure. I am proud of the many members of Imperial College who have pushed for reform, scholarships, and more broadly speaking: change. Together, we have taken the first steps towards a more equal and diverse legacy for this institution which I learned so much from, and which can learn so much from the many voices within.”

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Course type

Qualification, university name, msc degree civil engineering courses at imperial college london.

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About Postgraduate Civil Engineering

Civil engineering is a branch of engineering which involves applying scientific and mathematical principles to design infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, roads and water systems. Civil engineers create functional and safe structures and perform various roles within the project, including planning and design, site analysis, cost estimations and environmental considerations to ensure sustainable development.

Studying an MSc programme in civil engineering is typically one year full-time, extending the work done at undergraduate level. To gain entry, applications usually need a strong undergraduate degree in civil engineering or a closely related engineering field, often with a minimum classification of 2:1. There is a high demand for trained civil engineers and plenty of opportunities to study, with around 150 MSc courses in the UK.

What to Expect

There are many different specialisms within civil engineering, such as urban design, water management, transport engineering and sustainability design, so the precise modules you’ll study during the MSc can vary. You can expect to learn in a variety of ways, from lectures and workshops to self-guided study and laboratory sessions. There will be a considerable amount of digital work and you’ll become fluent in a number of technical software applications, which you’ll learn to apply to a broad range of engineering challenges. Assessment involves coursework, laboratory-based projects, formal examinations and an extended research project, which you’ll complete under the supervision of your academic tutors.

You’ll graduate with a versatile set of skills, making you capable of working in roles as civil engineers, project managers and environmental consultants. You can also apply to join the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) which is the UK’s primary professional membership body with 95,000 civil engineer members.

Related subjects:

• MSc Civil Engineering
• MSc Building Maintenance and Services
• MSc Environmental Engineering
• MSc Geotechnical Engineering
• MSc Structural Design
• MSc Structural Engineering
• MSc Water Engineering
• MSc Water Management

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

Imperial College London

Study this vocational programme, focused on the concepts of sustainability and delivery of engineered solutions to conserve resources and Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £17,600 per year (UK)

MSc Hydrology and Water Resources Management

Understand the modern day challenges facing hydrologists on this one-year, multidisciplinary Master's course. Hydrology explores the Read more...

Geotechnical Engineering MSc

Focus on advanced aspects of soil behaviour, related theoretical frameworks and their application to geotechnical problems on this Read more...

• 2 years Part time degree: £8,800 per year (UK)

Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering MSc

Acquire first-hand experience of experimental soil mechanics and apply that knowledge to environmental geotechnics on this broad one-year Read more...

MSc Engineering Fluid Mechanics for the Offshore, Coastal and Built Environments

Prepare yourself for a future career as an engineer specialising in fluid mechanics on this one-year Master's course. Deepen your Read more...

Course type:

• Full time MSc
• Part time MSc

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