Cardiff University, UK, Offers Two EPSRC-Funded PhD Projects in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Two fully funded PhD scholarships are currently available from Cardiff University's School of Engineering, one of the UK's Russell Group member universities. In the UK, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funds significant doctoral training awards known as the EPSRC DLA Studentships. Both home and international applicants can benefit from these studentships, which offer fully funded PhD programmes with tuition and a substantial stipend to assist with living costs.

To promote high-impact research priority areas such as engineering, digital technologies, and environmental sustainability, the Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) scheme was established. Institutions like Cardiff University, UK, can provide exceptional candidates with the opportunity to contribute to innovative research that has practical applications, thanks to these awards. This EPSRC DLA Studentship is open to both home and international candidates, covering full tuition fees as well as a competitive annual stipend of £20,780 for the academic year 2025/26. The scholarship offers an excellent opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading institutions in sustainable and civil engineering research.

Successful applicants will be based at Cardiff’s Geoenvironmental Research Centre (GRC), which is internationally recognised as a hub for environmental engineering and digital innovation. The centre connects researchers with world-class laboratories, high-performance computing facilities, and direct engagement with industry, creating a highly supportive research environment. One of the PhD projects, titled Transforming Civil Infrastructure through Sustainable Material Reuse, will be supervised by Prof P. Cleall, Dr Evan Ricketts, and Dr S. Tripathy. The project addresses growing concerns in the construction sector regarding environmental impact and the overuse of virgin materials. It aims to develop digital and machine learning approaches that enable the reuse of site materials for geotechnical applications, thereby supporting a circular economy in construction.

The project integrates finite element modelling, multi-scale stochastic simulations, and machine learning to create predictive frameworks for assessing the performance of reused materials under geotechnical conditions. These models will be validated through experimental testing to ensure practical relevance. Real-world data will be provided through collaboration with the construction firm John F Hunt.

Key research themes include sustainable geotechnical engineering, uncertainty quantification, predictive modelling using machine learning, and simulation of porous materials. These areas reflect broader trends in UK higher education and technology, where interdisciplinary collaboration and digital tools are shaping the future of engineering. Applicants are expected to hold, or be on track to achieve, a First Class or Upper Second-Class (2.1) degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering Mathematics, or a related discipline. Strong numerical and analytical skills, particularly in Python, MATLAB, or C++ programming, are desirable, as is prior experience in geotechnical testing. Familiarity with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow would be advantageous.

International students are welcome to apply, provided they meet the English language requirement of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. These fully funded PhD programmes for international students align with Cardiff’s commitment to inclusive, globally relevant research. The application deadline for the Cardiff University PhD scholarships 2026 is 9 January 2026. These fellowships offer access to world-class facilities, expert academic supervision, and hands-on experience in cutting-edge civil and environmental engineering research.

Editor’s Note:

The future of engineering research stands to benefit significantly from Cardiff University's EPSRC DLA Studentships. These fully funded scholarships not only support academic excellence but also enable individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute to vital fields such as digital innovation, environmental sustainability, and civil infrastructure. Crucially, the value of this opportunity lies in its relevance to real-world challenges. The selected projects, particularly those focused on sustainable material reuse, respond directly to the urgent need for environmentally responsible engineering solutions. Students will be working at the forefront of research, combining advanced computational techniques with experimental validation and industry collaboration. This ensures that their work is both academically rigorous and practically applicable. Moreover, the comprehensive support, covering tuition and offering a generous stipend, removes financial barriers, allowing scholars to focus fully on their research and professional development. Based at the Geoenvironmental Research Centre, students will benefit from world-leading facilities and a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and interdisciplinary learning.

Skoobuzz believes these scholarships are more than just funding mechanisms; they are platforms that empower future researchers to shape the sustainable engineering agenda and contribute to global scientific advancement. For aspiring researchers committed to making a tangible impact, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

FAQs

1. What are the EPSRC DLA Studentships offered by Cardiff University?

EPSRC DLA Studentships are prestigious doctoral training awards funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in the UK. Cardiff University UK, is offering two fully funded PhD scholarships under this scheme, supporting high-impact research in engineering, digital technologies, and environmental sustainability.

2. How can I apply for fully funded PhD scholarships at Cardiff University?

Applications must be submitted directly to Cardiff University’s School of Engineering. The deadline for the 2026 intake is 9 January 2026. Interested candidates should refer to the university’s official postgraduate research portal for application procedures and reference codes.

3. Does Cardiff University offer PhD positions in civil and environmental engineering?

Yes, Cardiff University is offering PhD positions in civil and environmental engineering through its Geoenvironmental Research Centre (GRC). The centre is internationally recognised for its work in sustainable engineering and digital innovation.

4. What is the focus of the PhD project titled ‘Transforming Civil Infrastructure through Sustainable Material Reuse’?

This project explores digital and machine learning approaches to promote the reuse of on-site materials in geotechnical applications. It aims to support a circular construction economy by combining finite element modelling, stochastic simulations, and experimental validation.

5. Who are the supervisors for the sustainable infrastructure PhD project at Cardiff University?

The project is supervised by Prof P. Cleall, Dr Evan Ricketts, and Dr S. Tripathy, all of whom are affiliated with Cardiff’s School of Engineering and the Geoenvironmental Research Centre.

6. Are international students eligible for Cardiff University PhD fellowships?

Yes, international students are eligible. The EPSRC DLA Studentships cover full tuition fees and provide a competitive annual stipend of £20,780 for both home and international applicants.

7. What are the eligibility requirements for engineering PhD programmes in the UK?

Applicants should hold or expect to achieve a First Class or Upper Second-Class (2.1) degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering Mathematics, or a related discipline. Desirable skills include geotechnical testing experience, numerical modelling, programming proficiency, and familiarity with machine learning frameworks.

8. What facilities and research environment will PhD students have access to at Cardiff University?

Students will be based at the Geoenvironmental Research Centre, which offers high-performance computing, advanced laboratories, and direct collaboration with industry partners such as John F Hunt.

9. What are the main research themes of the PhD scholarships at Cardiff University?

Key themes include sustainable geotechnical engineering, uncertainty quantification, predictive modelling using machine learning, and simulation of porous materials—all aligned with broader trends in UK higher education and technology.

10. When is the application deadline for Cardiff University PhD scholarships 2026?

The final date to apply for the EPSRC DLA-funded PhD scholarships at Cardiff University is 9 January 2026.