construction phd scotland

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PhD Construction Management and Innovation

Research and Knowledge Exchange Support Team (EGIS)

+44 (0)131 451 3130

[email protected]

The overarching aim of our research in this area is to help construction professionals improve both the efficiency of the delivery process and the quality and sustainability of the built environment.

The built environment is fundamental to shaping our cities and regions and plays a pivotal role in achieving a wealthier, fairer, healthier and safer society. The provision of well-designed, functional and energy-efficient buildings is now an essential pre-requisite within today’s society. The construction process is complex, as it requires collaboration of multiple organisations and specialists over the whole life cycle of the built asset. It is influenced by client requirements and expectations, government policies and regulations, the development of new technologies, economic and social trends, as well as the demands of sustainable development. The aim of Construction Management and Innovation research is to come up with new solutions to address these challenges facing the construction sector.

The expertise of our research team spans a wide range of areas, including management, procurement, ICT applications, sustainability, training and skills, construction materials, and building technology. They carry out industry relevant research in the following six themes:

• Construction Project Management
• ICT in Construction
• People and Organisation
• Procurement
• Sustainability, Building Resilience & Climate Change
• Megaproject Management

Entry requirements

• Fees and funding

Research projects

Controlled and Immersive Environment (CIE) to support construction training.

(ConstructionSkills)

Apprenticeships are at the heart of the government skills policy and are regarded as a plausible route for youth employment particularly in the construction industry which is a key contributor to the economy. Training in construction trades such as painting and decorating, roofing, and bricklaying, has not yet benefited from the latest developments in information and communication technologies.

This project thus aims to develop a ‘Controlled Immersive Environment’ (CIE) for supporting construction trade apprenticeship training. The CIE is both a controlled and immersive environment which uses state-of-the-art sensing and information technologies in the context of training for construction trade occupations. Within the CIE, trainees perform actual tasks like they currently do in college laboratories, but the environment enables the objective and comprehensive control of both the delivery and output of the apprentice’s work. Simultaneously, the CIE immerses the apprentice within virtual and varying environments, enabling simulation of work conditions closed to those experienced in real construction sites.

The CIE has the potential to enhance the training experience of construction workers, thereby contributing to better performance in terms of health and safety practice, and productivity. The CIE, which is unique in Europe and beyond, is developed as a pilot project in collaboration with ConstructionSkills.

Additional information

Staff contributing to this research area include:

• Professor Stephen Ogunlana
• Dr Mohamed Abdel-Wahab
• Dr Graeme Bowles
• Dr Zhen Chen
• Dr Bilge Erdogan
• Dr Roshani Palliyaguru
• Dr Adekunle Oyegoke
• Dr Alan Forster

We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates. Please visit our How to apply page .

Fees for this course can be found on the tuition fees page.

Scholarships and bursaries

We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

View our full range of research scholarships .

• Schools & departments

Depending on the field of study you are interested in, you may be able to apply for a pre-defined PhD project, or you may need to develop your own research idea.

Research in the fields of medicine, science and engineering tend to require you to:

• apply for a project that already has specific, pre-defined aims
• compete for a place on a partially or fully funded programme (often with competitive application processes).

Research in the fields of arts, humanities and social sciences tend to require you to:

• develop your own research idea (be prepared to adapt your original idea)
• source your own funding, although some funded projects may be available.

PhD research projects

Doctoral training centres and partnerships, developing your own research idea, professional doctorates.

Research 

Here at GCU, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are at the heart of our research strategy. These global goals are reflected in our University for the Common Good ethos.

PhD opportunities

You can find a PhD project at Glasgow Caledonian University using the search facility below. Here you can filter your search to view funded, competition funded and self-funded opportunities within your chosen research discipline. Further information on the funding can be found at the links below

Application process

You can submit your PhD application using our online application portal and select from a list of strategic research subjects and intakes.

Fees and funding

Learn more about postgraduate research fees and explore options for funding support.

The PhD search tool may take a little time to load, thank you for your patience.

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Scotland's construction industry to be transformed by new innovation centre

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Engineering and materials scientists from the University of Aberdeen have joined forces with other universities and industry in a bid to transform Scotland's construction industry.

The £7.5 million Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) aims to assist industry develop more sustainable, durable buildings and infrastructure that consume less energy and emit less carbon by enabling access to the world-class academic expertise and facilities of Scotland’s Universities.

It is hoped the new initiative will enable Scotland’s construction industry to drive innovation in the sector to address today’s real world construction problems and the big challenges that lie ahead.

University of Aberdeen Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Diamond said: “We are truly excited about the establishment of this new innovation centre, which we envisage becoming a catalyst for new technologies, and new ideas within the industry and academia. It is our aim that the project helps to kick-start a culture of collaboration between universities and the construction industry.”

The University of Aberdeen’s newly established Centre for Innovative Building Materials and Technologies (CIBMT) brings together experts in a broad range of disciplines to research and develop solutions, new technologies and products for sustainable construction, including homes, buildings and urban infrastructure development.

CIBMT Director and the University of Aberdeen’s lead researcher in CSIC, Dr Mohammed Imbabi, of the School of Engineering, College of Physical Sciences, says he and his colleagues recognise and celebrate the transformational potential of this important new initiative.

“In Aberdeen we have long recognised the need to reduce conventional energy use and carbon emissions in buildings and across the built environment,” he said. “Our integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to achieving this objective involves addressing a number of issues, from the materials used in their construction or renovation to the effect of the building on its local and global environments, its impact on people’s everyday lives and many other aspects besides.

“The CSIC is a fantastic opportunity to bring together a wide range of expertise and align it with real industry problems to encourage investment in research and development, further improve and enhance the quality of our built environments and, ultimately, to benefit society.

“As well as a broad engineering and science base we offer specialist expertise in advanced materials research, energy efficient buildings and innovative, high performance thermal insulation and ventilation technologies to name but some areas. In the built environment, almost all aspects of engineering, the physical sciences, process management, economics and social sciences come into play and we provide a broad knowledge base at the University, keen to engage with our partners to move things forward.”

Funded by the Scottish Funding Council , the CSIC is supported by Scottish Enterprise , Highlands & Islands Enterprise and 11 Scottish universities: University of Aberdeen; University of Dundee; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh Napier University; Glasgow Caledonian University; Glasgow School of Art; Heriot Watt University; University of Highlands & Islands; Robert Gordon University; University of Strathclyde; University of West of Scotland.

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The School of the Built Environment comprises Construction Management and Engineering and Architecture.

We recognise the value of knowledge-sharing and innovative collaboration across disciplines. When you embark on a PhD with us, you'll study as part of the wider School of Built Environment, so you'll benefit from wider interdisciplinary expertise.

PhD opportunities

Discover our PhD opportunities in architecture, energy and environmental engineering, and construction management.

Why study with us?

The University of Reading has been ranked 6th in the UK for research power in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest REF 2021).

Fees and funding

The University allocates around 150 entry awards each year in PhD studentships and bursaries, so there are many ways to access PhD funding.

How we support you

Meet our experts

Our talented and internationally diverse team in the School of the Built Environment is actively involved in research, contributing directly to your teaching and supervision.

Our team in Construction Management and Engineering

Our team in Architecture

Our research

Our research makes a case for a better built environment as part of an interdisciplinary centre of excellence.

Life in the School

Find out more about day-to-day life as a PhD student in the School of the Built Environment.

Take the next step

• How to apply
• Get a prospectus
• Ask us a question
• Learn about the Doctoral and Researcher College

Morrison Construction is one of Scotland's leading construction businesses, working to improve the built environment and delivering lasting change for the communities we work in.

We stand out in a crowded market for our innovation and values-driven approach

We focus on sectors where we have core and proven strengths as demonstrated by our track record

We balance our financial performance with our obligations to all our stakeholders, so we can create value over the long term

Our people are passionate about the role they play in providing vital buildings and infrastructure across the country

Read the latest news and views from Morrison Construction, watch our videos and download key publications

• Early careers >

Graduate scheme

We provide our graduates with a rich learning experience that gives them the platform to build an exciting career with our business.

As a Morrison Construction graduate, you will be enabled to add value to the projects you will be working on. You will gain the experience and support of the team around you and create meaningful relationships with your peers and seniors.

The Graduate Development Programme is a structured training programme, made up of six key modules. The programme itself lasts for two years which you will attend in parallel to your permanent job. The programme is bespoke to the Galliford Try group and has been specifically designed to develop your interpersonal and leadership skills, which complement the hands on technical experience that you will gain in your role.

We understand how important professional development is to graduates too, so if you decide to work towards your professional qualifications while on the programme, we can provide all the support you require to complete this. You will also have access to the GT Academy, an online portal of content that will aid your professional development both while on the Graduate Programme and onwards in your career.

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Construction: Building

Modern apprenticeship, what's construction: building like.

The greatest buildings throughout history were created by people who were passionate about construction. If you want to help build something that lasts, then an apprenticeship in construction could be what you’re looking for. Learn how to work with materials such as timber and be part of an industry that shapes the future of Scotland.   

This construction apprenticeship is ideal for practical people. You’ll have the chance to create something from the ground up. Whether it’s painting, stonemasonry or bricklaying, you can develop your building skills.  

In terms of jobs, Scotland’s construction industry has plenty of opportunities. The specialist engineer skills you develop will come in handy for your job search.  Become a bricklayer and help to develop a new hospital or school. Learn how to work with stone and create artistic statues as a sculptor.

You will gain a Modern Apprenticeship in Construction: Building at SCQF Level 5 or Level 6. 

> SCQF qualification levels explained

Your qualification includes:

Construction: Building at SCQF Level 5 including one topic from Roofing Occupations or Wood Occupations: Timber Frame Erection

Construction: Building at SCQF Level 6 including topics such as Trowel Occupations, Carpentry and Joinery, Roofing Occupations, Tiling or Stonemasonry

To achieve your qualification, you’ll be assessed on your work. You’ll learn how to:  

work with different materials such as timber and stone

carry out best safety practices 

work with various building tools

create lasting relationships with co-workers

construct and decorate structures

You’ll also develop core skills that can help you find a construction role, including:   

communication

working with others

problem-solving

time management 

These transferrable skills are useful for working in other jobs such as painter or construction supervisor.

This Modern Apprenticeship gives you plenty of options. Carry on your studies with a relevant construction qualification or go into full-time work.   

Further education:  Continue your education by studying for a construction degree at university. Your experience will support your application.   

Straight to work:  Use your qualifications to find a job in construction. These could include:    

interior designer

construction supervisor

construction site worker 

site inspection

Entry requirements

Although there are no set entry requirements for this apprenticeship, it’s good to have an interest in the construction industry.

How does it work?

You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or another learning provider. 

How long will it take?

This Modern Apprenticeship will take 12 to 24 months to complete.

How to apply

Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.

You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.

Find vacancies near you

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Course type

Qualification, university name, doctorate building planning and construction management in scotland.

3 degrees at 3 universities in Scotland.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

Related subjects:

• Doctorate Building, Planning and Construction Management
• Doctorate Built Environment
• Doctorate Civil Engineering
• Doctorate Estate Agency
• Doctorate Geotechnical Engineering
• Doctorate Structural Engineering
• Doctorate Surveying
• Doctorate Surveying and Planning
• Doctorate Town Planning
• Doctorate Town and Country Planning
• Doctorate Urban Studies

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

Urban Studies PhD

University of glasgow.

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Real Estate PhD

University of aberdeen.

• 3 years Full time degree
• 6 years Part time degree

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) PhD

Abertay university.

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,829 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,415 per year (UK)

Course type:

• Full time Doctorate
• Part time Doctorate

Qualification:

Related subjects:.

SNAPSHOT: Construction supervisor credits BOCES…

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Latest Headlines

Snapshot: construction supervisor credits boces with building him a solid foundation for his future.

Erick Kenney once learned how to operate heavy equipment and properly frame a shed in the halls of the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education Center. Now, the 2011 graduate of the Construction/Heavy Equipment program is overseeing the renovation and upgrade of the very same campus. Kenney works as a project superintendent for BBL Construction Services and is currently assigned to campus upgrades, including renovations to the Automotive Trades Technology, Cosmetology and Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology classrooms, as well as the retrofitting of a former garage into a new Welding & Metal Fabrication classroom. (Photo provided)

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