Resource Efficient Future Cities PhD

About the course

Research students are welcomed to Brunel as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community. A research degree provides the opportunity to investigate a topic in depth, and contribute new knowledge to your discipline. A PhD involves demonstrating through original research or other advanced scholarship the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of an academic discipline or professional practice, the ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the general of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline. Both full-time (3 years) and part-time (6 years) study routes are available.

Research profile

The Resource Efficient Future Cities has current strengths in two streams of research:

energy use efficiency focuses on end use energy demand by buildings and urban areas and its interactions with users
sustainable environmental development of buildings focuses on the theme of materials and construction methods.

We have substantial expertise in energy efficiency in buildings including natural ventilation and low energy cooling technologies, optimum integration of renewable and passive systems with active mechanical systems, energy demand of urban buildings and mitigation/adaptation strategies, the use of natural, recyclable and smart materials in building construction and holistic approaches to sustainable development and infrastructure management. Investigations are carried out through a combination of fi eld measurements and laboratory experimentation with the use of in-house and commercial software.

The theme includes experts in engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical), social science and business. Therefore, we welcome interdisciplinary projects to address challenges for future cities related to energy and resource use. Research aims to tackle challenges such as building retrofit for energy efficiency and sustainability, cost effective zero emissions buildings, urban climate and micro climate impact on energy efficiency of buildings and districts, sustainable infrastructure construction and maintenance, transport, the supply chain and integrated systems for sustainable development.

Professor Maria Kolokotroni was elected as one of two board members to represent the UK in the longest-running project maintained by the International Energy Agency ‘Energy in Buildings and Communities’ programme: Annex 5 Air Infi ltration and Ventilation Centre (AIVC). The AIVC includes representatives from 18 countries.

Employability
Careers and your future

Paid work available to research students
Undertaking teaching and learning support duties represents an important professional and career development opportunity for postgraduate research students. Brunel offers two levels of paid work available to Postgraduate Research students. The first level post is as a Demonstrator and the second level post is as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA). Teaching and learning support duties will vary between Departments and research students should not rely on such opportunities being available.

The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree. All international students must show evidence that they meet the English requirement for their course of study. The Senate reserves the right to assess the eligibility of applicants on an individual basis. Research statement - As part of our application process for entry on our research degree (MPhil and PhD) programmes, we ask you to provide a 500-1,000 word research statement, excluding any references/bibliography you may include, setting out your research motivation, ideas and aspirations.