PhD in Structural Engineering
Overview
The PhD in Structural Engineering has been developed in response to increasing regional and industry demand for advanced expertise in structural behaviour, materials performance, seismic resistance, and computational modelling. The initiative is grounded in market research and consultations with engineering firms, governmental bodies, and academic specialists, all of which identified a need for doctoral-level researchers capable of contributing innovative and evidence-based solutions to real infrastructure challenges.
The purpose of the programme is to prepare candidates to produce original, high-impact research that advances theoretical, experimental, and computational aspects of structural engineering. While the programme does not directly confer professional accreditation, the depth of research training and advanced technical competencies support graduates’ progression into industry leadership, specialised consultancy, and academic careers.
This programme is designed for motivated graduates in structural or civil engineering who wish to pursue advanced research, develop new analytical or computational models, and contribute to safer, more resilient, and more sustainable built environments. It particularly appeals to applicants seeking to address real-world engineering problems and to make meaningful contributions to both the community and the engineering profession.
Admission Requirements
- MSc degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited university.
- Minimum score 60% in BSc, and 70% in MSc
- English language proficiency: Minimum English Language requirement is 58 in PTE – 6.5 in IELTS -79 in TOEFL or 120 in Duolingo.
- All applicants are required to submit a valid English language proficiency test from the list above, including graduates of English-medium universities.
- Competitive points-based system: 30% = Academic qualifications, and 70% = Entrance exam (proposal presentation + technical content interview). The Entrance exam is going to be in Verbal and written formats.
- Application Form: Online application form is required.
- Official Transcripts: Provide a copy of your undergraduate transcript with your application.
- Interview: Applicants will be invited to attend an interview at which they may be asked questions regarding their intended programme of study. The interview is a compulsory stage of the selection process.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two recommendation letters are required to be submitted with your application, preferably one of which will be from a university academic.
- A copy of your CV.
- A copy of your passport or national ID
Curriculum
| Level / Year | Module Code | Module Title | Credits | Semester | Core/Elective | |
| PG1 – Year 1 | STE 600 | Research Methodology | TBD | PG1 | Core | |
| STE 601 | Behaviour and Performance of Steel and Concrete Structures | 15 | PG1 | Elective | ||
| STE 602 | Computational Structural Modelling & Simulation | 15 | PG1 | Core | ||
| STE 603 | Geopolymer Concrete and Sustainable Cementitious Materials | 15 | PG1 | Core | ||
| STE 604 | AI applications in Structural Engineering | 15 | PG1 | Elective | ||
| STE 605 | Advanced Structural Dynamics | 15 | PG1 | Elective | ||
| STE 606 | Structural Reliability and Risk Assessment | 15 | PG1 | Elective | ||
| PG2 | STE 610 | Doctoral Thesis (Year 1) | 50 | Full Year | Core | |
| PG3 | STE 611 | Doctoral Thesis (Year 2) | 50 | Full Year | Core | |
| PG4 | STE 612 | Doctoral Thesis (Year 3) | 50 | Full Year | Core |
Skills Development
· Produce graduates capable of original, rigorous, and high-impact research that advances the theoretical, experimental, and computational foundations of structural engineering.
· Develop highly skilled researchers able to integrate advanced analytical, numerical, and experimental techniques in addressing complex structural engineering problems.
· Foster ethical, safe, and code-compliant engineering research that supports public safety, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable development.
· Strengthen UKH’s contribution to national and regional infrastructure development by generating knowledge aligned with international engineering standards and best practice.