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We have 28 Geotechnical Engineering PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
Geotechnical Engineering PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
We have 28 Geotechnical Engineering PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
A PhD in Geotechnical Engineering offers an exciting opportunity to delve deep into the fascinating world of soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and geotechnical design. If you have a passion for understanding the behavior of soil and rock, and want to contribute to the development of innovative engineering solutions, then pursuing a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering is the perfect choice for you.
What's it like to study a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering?
Studying a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering is a challenging yet rewarding experience. You will have the chance to work on cutting-edge research projects that aim to address real-world geotechnical problems. From investigating the stability of slopes and embankments to developing advanced soil improvement techniques, your research will contribute to the advancement of geotechnical engineering knowledge.
During your PhD journey, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals, government agencies, and academic experts. This interdisciplinary approach will provide you with valuable insights and exposure to real-world applications of geotechnical engineering. You will also have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and advanced computational tools to conduct your research effectively.
Entry requirements for a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering
To pursue a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, you will typically need a strong academic background in civil engineering or a related field. Most universities require a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree or a Master's degree in a relevant discipline. Additionally, having research experience or a strong foundation in geotechnical engineering principles will be advantageous.
PhD in Geotechnical Engineering funding options
Funding for PhDs in Geotechnical Engineering may be available from various sources, including governments, universities and charities, business or industry. See our full guides to PhD funding for more information.
PhD in Geotechnical Engineering careers
A PhD in Geotechnical Engineering opens up a wide range of career opportunities. As a geotechnical engineer, you can work in various sectors such as construction, infrastructure development, mining, and environmental consulting. Your expertise in soil mechanics and foundation engineering will be highly sought after by engineering firms, government agencies, and research institutions.
With a PhD, you can pursue a career as a research scientist, where you will have the opportunity to lead and contribute to groundbreaking research projects. You may also choose to work in academia, becoming a professor or lecturer, where you can inspire and educate the next generation of geotechnical engineers.
In conclusion, a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering offers a stimulating and fulfilling journey into the world of soil mechanics and foundation engineering. By pursuing this advanced degree, you will not only gain in-depth knowledge and expertise but also contribute to the development of innovative solutions that shape the future of geotechnical engineering.
PhD in Geographical and Earth Sciences - Rapid Coastal Change at Slag-Based Anthropogenic Coasts
Start date. 01 October 2025. Anthropogenic coasts are sections of the coast (terrestrial and marine) where anthropogenic activity, particularly deposition of waste material, have impacts on natural systems. Read more
Robust Motion Planning for Hopping Robots PhD
Hopping robots are gaining significant attention for their ability to traverse rugged terrains, cover long distances efficiently, and overcome large obstacles in microgravity environments. Read more
Behaviour of under-reamed piles in sand under lateral and vertical loading
The project will involve fabricating small sized FRP and steel rods fitted with circular discs at the bottom and jacked through a layer of sand in a wooden box. Read more
Thin Film Resistance Probes as a Novel Method for Measurement of Corrosion in Cement and Grout Matrices
To support the contribution the UK nuclear power industry makes in delivering green electricity this project aims to improve understanding of waste disposal techniques by developing corrosion monitoring sensors for metals in cement and grout matrices. Read more
Advancing Strain Measurements in Geotechnical Engineering: Optimising Fibre Optic Sensor Packaging with 3D Printing Technology
Measuring strain and deformation in soils is critically important in geotechnical engineering, offering valuable insights into soil behaviour under various loading conditions and environmental factors. Read more
Investigating porosity changes and stress mechanics of corroding nuclear wastes under confined expansion
Research Group:
School of Civil Engineering
As the UK prepares to invest in new operational nuclear power plants, industry and research organisations are also looking to decommission the UK’s existing nuclear legacy facilities. Read more
Fate, transport, and impact of microplastics in the environment
These projects are open to students worldwide, but have no funding attached. Therefore, the successful applicant will be expected to fund tuition fees at the relevant level (home or international) and any applicable additional research costs. Read more
Assessment of the resilience and deterioration of flexible pavements built on strong subgrades with untreated problematic soils intrusions
The resilience of road surface and therefore quality of riding on its surface is not only a result of the surface material and construction practices. Read more
Adapting the proficiency testing schemes of soil materials in road construction to climate change to improve sustainability and affordability of the low-volume road infrastructure in low-income countries.
Road construction projects are traditionally expensive and at times unaffordable by the third world countries. Limited budgets often lead to low inputs in terms of engineering as these may require expertise that s not available locally during road construction and maintenance activities. Read more
Investigating the effects of hydromechanical properties on the collapsibility and instability of slopes with unsaturated volcanic soils.
Unsaturated volcanic soils could possess significant apparent cohesion and shear strength leading to stability of slopes at greater slope angles. Read more
An experimental investigation of the impacts of desiccation cracking on slope hydrology and stability characteristics
Slope failures are common and globally known as serious causes of mass movements of soils. Read more
Environmental Impact of Construction on Peatlands
Reducing greenhouse gasses (GHG) emissions is one of the main goals of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement (signed in 2015 during COP21) which seeks to limit the global raise in temperature to 1.5 °C. Read more
Geotechnical Seismic Isolation Technology for Global Earthquake Resilience and Environmental Sustainability
The key idea is that Rubber-Soil mixtures (RSm), derived from car tyres, can be used to modify the foundation and protect civil structures against the action of earthquakes at beneficial economic and environmental costs. Read more
Biological self-healing for sustainable construction
Biological processes, such as biomineralization, have been explored for consolidating porous materials and as a new class of self-healing cement-based building materials. Read more
New design methodologies for open pit mines of reduced carbon footprint for the extraction of green economy metals
A key policy objective of the United Kingdom government is to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. This requires the decarbonization of all the major sources of emissions direct and indirect, i.e. Read more
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