Overview

The Urban Sustainability and Resilience programme at University College London (UCL) includes a taught element which focuses on technologies and methodologies that will both increase the resilience and support the sustainability of our urban systems and infrastructure.

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.

The foundation of your career

The collaborative nature of the engineering doctorate offered within the UCL Centre for Urban Sustainability and Resilience (USAR) means that students gain first-hand experience of working with industry, giving our alumni a distinct advantage as they enter their professional lives.

The Centre has well-established partnerships with global engineering companies such as Arup, Atkins, Laing O'Rourke and Willis, and strong links with NGOs and government agencies such as London Underground and Transport for London.

Through its Industrial Advisory Committee, the Centre ensures that the training its research engineers receive addresses what industry demands of its future employees.

Employability

An attractive qualification to further your career, the EngD will prepare you with commercial awareness and a holistic understanding of the industrial landscape.

With these skills and knowledge, our graduates are equipped with the skills to enter the job market at a senior level within a research and development group. As an EngD Research Engineer, you will bridge the gap between the academic and commercial world.

Programme Structure

The taught component of the EngD programme will help you to build academic strength and enhance your leadership skills.

This programme will provide you with the opportunity to tackle a challenging research problem identified by industry as critical to our urban environment.
The taught element of the programme focuses on engineering systems and developing technologies and methodologies that will both increase the resilience and support the sustainability of our urban systems and infrastructure.
The EngD programme has two key themes: sustainability and resilience.
We focus on reducing the impact of our cities on ecological systems (air, water, food chains) whilst improving the quality of daily lives and coping with the problems of population growth and changing demographics, such as an ageing society.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-05 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

7

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TOEFL^® IBT

96

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Hydrology & Water Management Sustainable Development Sustainable Energy View 24 other PhDs in Sustainable Development in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

IELTS

7

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TOEFL^® IBT

96

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Other requirements

General 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.

Relevant subjects include, but are not limited to, engineering, science, social sciences, architecture, town planning, economics and geography.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at UCL and/or in United Kingdom, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

31100 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 31100 GBP per year during 36 months.
National

6035 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 6035 GBP per year during 36 months.

Living costs for London

1137 - 2157 GBP /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Urban Sustainability and Resilience.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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