PhD Sustainability and Carbon Management

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Shortlist

36 monthsProgram duration

19,056 GBPTuition Fee/year

YesScholarships

Sustainable DevelopmentMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Sustainable Development

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change agreed some two decades ago that the world is warming up and that this effect was human-induced through our dependence on fossil fuels and their impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The biggest contributor to GHG emissions is the built environment, accounting for up to 50% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The current UK infrastructure, technologies and lifestyle were developed for a high carbon economy; to achieve an 80% emissions cut at an acceptable cost, all of this infrastructure will have to be significantly adapted.
There is no single solution to the climate change dilemma. A complex combination of new technologies, improved systems and changed behaviours, together with realistic expectations for a lower carbon economy is required. Historical advances in technology (cars, PCs, mobile phones) were easily accommodated due to the immediate benefit derived from their use. Actively making decisions to reduce energy consumption is more difficult because the benefit is futuristic and less easily measured in practical terms. The cost manifests itself in potentially unpopular lifestyle changes. Despite this, the World Commission on Environment and Development remains convinced that it is possible to build a future that is prosperous, just, and secure. This possibility relies on international cooperation, and an adoption of sustainable development objectives as a priority.
Researchers within this theme take a holistic view of the building process from early design concept and construction right through to occupancy, maintenance and eventual demolition. This unique approach helps to foster a greater collaboration between all of the teams involved e.g. the architects, investors, contractors, engineers etc, as well as evaluating the carbon impact and sustainability of the whole life cycle. Members of the group have active research interests which aim to ensure that buildings are fit for purpose, meet all government standards for carbon reduction, reduce costs, and provide a healthy environment for their users.

Program overview

Main Subject

Sustainable Development

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Admission requirements

IELTS

6.5+

We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates.

Program Duration

3 Years

Starting Month(s)

Sep

Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance

Domestic Students

Tuition Fee/year

Tuition Fee (Out of State)

International Students

Tuition Fee/year

19,056 GBP

Other Expenses

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

Download Scholarship Guide

More programs from the university

From top 10 rankings to opportunities to study abroad, there are many reasons to choose Heriot-Watt. Here are just a few of them.

A rich heritage
We are proud that since our foundation in 1821 we have been outward-looking pioneers of education, in pursuit of knowledge to the benefit of society and the world.

Become a global student
Heriot-Watt provides you with the opportunity to become a global student both at our UK campuses and internationally. On our Edinburgh Campus you’ll find that about one-third of our students are from countries outside the UK, bringing a real international flavour to our community. This mix of people provides a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and build friendships that stretch across the globe.

We also encourage students to take part in our global student programme, Go Global, by participating in an Inter-Campus Transfer, Exchange or Erasmus+ for a semester or year of their degree.

A world-class reputation
We are world-renowned for excellence in teaching and research. We are ranked 235th in the world and 32nd in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024), and almost 90% of our research outputs are classed as world-leading and internationally excellent (REF 2021). View our rankings.

Strong links to business and industry
Our taught programmes and research are informed by the needs of business and industry. We actively facilitate collaborations and partnerships, building strategic alliances and promoting knowledge transfer.

Globally employable graduates
Global companies actively seek out our graduates as they are work-ready. Our programmes are designed to ensure that students receive a relevant, careerorientated education. As a result, more than 95% are in employment or further study six months after completing their programme.

Worldwide network
When you join Heriot-Watt you become part of a global family. We have around 123,000 alumni worldwide. The Watt Club was founded in 1854 and is the oldest graduate club in the UK. Lifetime membership is automatic upon graduation from Heriot-Watt and is free to all graduates of the University.

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Heriot-Watt is one of the world’s leading universities with strong links to international business and industry driven by our established reputation as a top research-led institution. Heriot-Watt is world-renowned for conducting ground-breaking research which is relevant to business and industry. We aim to find radical innovations and solutions to real world challenges for the benefit of society.

We offer over 180 Postgraduate courses that will provide you with the knowledge to solve real world challenges. There are around 2,400 postgraduate students studying at our Edinburgh Campus. It is a friendly, welcoming place, where you will have the opportunity to meet with students from all over the world.

Heriot-Watt is regarded as a top UK university across a range of subject areas. The QS World’s University Rankings ranked Heriot-Watt 302nd in the world, 39th in the UK and 7th in Scotland.

The international outlook of our university has been ranked 37th in the world, 13th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019. This is based on the percentage of the university's international staff, the level of international co-authorship of academic papers and the percentage of international students studying with the university. The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide named Heriot-Watt University ‘International University of the Year 2018’.

REF 2014 named Heriot-Watt in the top 25% of UK universities, with 82% of our research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. We ranked 9th university in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact. View our rankings.

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

36 monthsProgram duration

19,056 GBPTuition Fee/year

YesScholarships

Sustainable DevelopmentMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Degree

Study Level

Study Mode

Program overview

Main Subject

Degree

Study Level

Study Mode

Admission requirements

Exam Scores

Important Dates

Application

Tuition fee and scholarships

Tuition Fee

Scholarships

Domestic Students

International Students

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