- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Duration
- 3-4 Years FT, or equivalent PT study
- Entry requirements
-
The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).
Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered. Please contact the admissions team to check.
- How to apply
Before applying we recommend that you read the 'Advice to Applicants' section below. When you are ready to apply, follow these instructions.
In your application you’ll need to include:
- The name of this programme
- Your title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
- Your name
- If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the
- A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
- Details of your previous university level study
- Names and contact details of your two referees.
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this programme aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
Programme options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Y | Y | N | N |
| MPhil | Y | Y | N | N |
Programme overview
Environmental engineering research addresses the impacts of climate change on human systems, developing methods to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate, from clean water networks to improving air quality.
As a postgraduate researcher in this Department of Civil Engineering and Management research theme, you'll work on projects spanning heat vulnerability in Greater 91Ö±²¥, sustainable fuels including green hydrogen and green ammonia, and resilient infrastructure.
Apply for one of our advertised research projects, or bring your own research question to a supervisor to develop a proposal.
Open days
Visit our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Research to find out about upcoming open days and webinars .
Fees
Fees for entry in 2027 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2026 were as follows:
-
PhD (full-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A - £5,238; Band B - £7,700; Band C - £13,200, Band D - £21,200; Band E £36,100
International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £29,900; Band B - £32,400; Band C - £37,900, Band D - £45,900; Band E £60,800 -
PhD (part-time)
UK students (per annum): Band A - £2,619; Band B - £3,850; Band C - £6,600; Band D - £10,550; Band E - £18,050
The tuition fee for each project will depend on the cost of running the project, including, required access to laboratory facilities, equipment and materials needed to carry out the research, and whether the project is lab-based or desk-based. We therefore estimate the fee based on different bands.
Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.
All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum may be applied depending on fee status and band. For general fees information please .
Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.
Scholarships/sponsorships
There are a range of at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.
For more information about our scholarships, to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our programmes address.

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Civil Engineering and Management
- Contact name
- Doctoral Academy
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 529 3049
- fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- School/Faculty overview
-
The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way. Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. .
Programmes in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the .
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our .
