PhD Opportunities


PORTeC has an extensive programme of research, spanning a number of areas of port and maritime studies. The group is part of the Centre for Transport Engineering and Modelling and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, which have achieved the distinction of receiving the top rating (5*) in the UK Government's most recent (and all previous) Research Assessment Exercise.

The Department offers research training leading to a PhD (normally 3 years full time), and MPhil (normally 2 years full time). It is also possible for the PhD and MPhil degrees to be taken on a part time basis. Candidates wishing to undertake a shorter period of research training, but not to register for a higher degree, can also be considered. Scholarships are available for both British and International students.

We welcome speculative applications from appropriately qualified people at any time. Applicants for a research degree (MPhil/PhD) should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent, in a relevant quantitative discipline (e.g., Engineering, Logistics, Computing, Economics). A Master's degree (not necessarily in transport) may be advantageous but is not essential.

Candidates wishing to undertake a research degree are strongly advised to contact the group first to discuss their research ideas. For those wishing to pursue a postgraduate degree but do not wish to pursue a full 3 year PhD course, the Centre for Transport Studies also offers one year MSc courses.