Introduction to the EPSRC CDT MRes + PhD in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment (FIBE3 CDT) is a program designed to develop the next generation of PhD graduates who can champion the transition to net-zero infrastructure. This program aims to equip its graduates with the knowledge, skills, and qualities necessary to lead the design and implementation of the infrastructure net-zero agenda in the UK.

Program Overview

The program comprises an initial part-time MRes degree, followed by a part-time PhD phase. Continuation to the PhD phase is conditional on satisfactory performance in the MRes. The course aims to provide core theoretical, experimental, and computational research training, as well as equip graduates with a deep insight into system complexities, resources constraints, and the identification of user needs and stakeholder priorities.

Key Objectives

The program has several key objectives:

• Provide the core theoretical, experimental, and computational research training necessary to lead innovation and change in the area of net-zero infrastructure.
• Equip graduates with a deep insight into system complexities, resources constraints, barriers to change, and the identification of user needs and stakeholder priorities.
• Provide extensive opportunities for students to collaborate with industry and the wider academic community.
• Deliver high-relevant inspirational training on RRI, Trusted Research, Environmental Sustainability, and EDI.
• Promote advanced transferable skills through a dedicated program of training.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the MRes course, students will have developed skills and understanding in the following broad areas:

• The fundamentals of net-zero infrastructure research methods, experimental methods, and theory within the context of future infrastructure and built environment.
• Challenges and trends in net-zero infrastructure, as well as the critical evaluation of technical problems and competing solutions in this area.
• Cross-disciplinary aspects of infrastructure engineering problems.
• Developing a personalized development plan.
• Producing a detailed PhD proposal.
• Teamwork, through cohort-based projects.
• Academic research and presentation skills.
• External exposure via strong links with industry.
• Business practice and tools, technology transfer, and commercial exploitation.

PhD Phase

The PhD phase is centered around four thematic enablers:

1. Existing and disruptive
   ew technologies.
2. Radical circularity and whole-life approach.
3. AI-driven digitalization and data.
4. Risk-based systems thinking and connectivity. By the end of the PhD, successful students will have produced original work making a significant contribution to knowledge in the area of net-zero infrastructure.

Program Details

• Duration: 2 + 5 years part-time.
• Study Mode: Research.
• Degree: Doctor of Philosophy, with a Master of Research in the first instance.
• Department: Department of Engineering.
• Funding: Full funding is available for eligible applicants.

Application and Funding Deadlines

• Applications Open: September 3, 2025.
• Application Deadline: April 15, 2026.
• Course Starts: October 1, 2026.
• Funding Deadline: December 3, 2025, for the course funding deadline, and October 15, 2025, for the Gates Cambridge US round only.

Similar Courses

Similar courses include:

• Future Infrastructure and Built Environment EPSRC CDT PhD.
• Engineering for Sustainable Development MPhil.
• Engineering MPhil.
• Engineering PhD.
• Engineering (Industrial) PhD.

University of Cambridge

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Overview:

The University of Cambridge is a prestigious public research university located in Cambridge, England. It is one of the world's leading academic institutions, known for its high-quality teaching and research. The university is comprised of 31 constituent colleges, each with its own unique character and traditions.

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