Funding

Self-funded

Project code

ACES4751020

Department

School of Civil Engineering and Surveying

Start dates

October, February and April

Application deadline

Applications accepted all year round

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD studentship, to commence in October or February.

This project involves the prediction of building performance in future climate change scenarios, and is supervised by , and .

Studies have identified a performance gap between the design of a building and the building's constructed behaviour. As a result of this difference, buildings might be less energy efficient than specified or overheat unexpectedly in high outdoor temperatures. At the same time, climate predictions indicate evolving changes in global environmental conditions.

Computer modelling offers the possibility of mapping building designs against weather data sets as a means of studying the potential consequences of climate change. However, there are suggestions that modelling techniques do not achieve the accuracy required for this study.

We suggest research should be undertaken to tackle this problem by mapping actual environmental data, from a known building, to that of a model of the same building, with the aim of improving future predictions of performance.

At the ºÚÁϳԹÏ, we have access to measurement data from real buildings and the opportunity to produce computer models of those buildings. We have a dedicated research facility, called Port-eco House, which can be used to obtain performance data and serve as a subject for experimental analysis.

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only. 

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK  (UK and EU students only).

Bench fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.

Entry requirements

  • The project requires a candidate with a good first degree (minimum 2.1 or equivalent) in Building Surveying, Architecture, Computing, Environmental Sciences or a related subject, and a desire to excel as a researcher together with disciplined work habits.
  • This project is suitable for both home/EU and or International students.
  • You’ll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (depending upon chosen course, minimum second class or equivalent) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject.
  • Exceptionally, equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered.
  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

How to apply

Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be made to Stephen Neale (stephen.neale@port.ac.uk) (+44 (0)23 9284 2915), Prof Mark Gaterell (mark.gaterell@port.ac.uk) or Dr Brett Martinson (brett.martinson@port.ac.uk) (+44 (0)23 9284 2916), quoting both the project code ACES4751020 and the project title.

When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Civil Engineering PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.