Graduate Study

Are you interested in graduate study in Civil Engineering? We offer research degrees in a variety of topics in Civil Engineering, for example:

• Dynamics of civil engineering structures
• Deployable structures
• Offshore foundations and sea-bed soil mechanics
• Marine renewable energy (wind, wave and tidal)
• Tunnelling and settlement damage
• Soil-structure interaction
• Theoretical modelling of soils
• In situ testing
• Reinforced soil
• Biomedical applications

More information on these areas is given on our research pages. We offer the possibility of studying for an MSc by research, but most students prefer to study for a doctorate (at Oxford called a DPhil, but exactly the same as a PhD elsewhere).

The application process is described on the Oxford University web site (follow the link labelled ADMISSIONS/Gradaute Courses). Within that site some useful pages are:

• The graduate prospectus
• An online application form
• Details of qualification requirements
• Information on studying at Oxford
• Choosing a college (The Oxford college system is a very important feature of the University, but it can seem a little confusing from the outside - contact us if you need more advice.)
• Financial information (Note: this is very important - the biggest obstacle for many students is the problem of securing sufficient financial support. You will need to be very active in seeking scholarship funds.)

You can now apply on line through the University Web site. Alternatively you can request a paper copy of the application form from the graduate admissions office by using their online form.

The Engineering Science web site also offers detailed information about the application process:

• Summary page
• Notes of guidance
• Graduate admission criteria

General enquiries about research in Civil Engineering should be addressed to Prof. M.S. Williams.

If you wish to do research in Civil Engineering and are eligible for an EPSRC studentship (usually UK or EU nationals) or have already obtained a scholarship (or other support) please contact Prof. M.S. Williams or any other member of staff.

We receive a large number of requests (especially from students studying in India) for Summer Internships. We are unable to offer any Internships, so please do not email us with any requests.

If you do not yet have funding you can find details of some scholarships in the Oxford University Graduate Prospectus (see also direct link to the relevant chapter). Please do not write to us requesting a "scholarship", as unfortunately we will be unable to help. The University administers a scheme whereby a very limited number of bursaries are available to support research students. There is very strong competition for these bursaries and you will need an excellent academic record to have a chance of success.