Closing date: 29 May 2023
Key Information
Funding providers: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) DTP
Subject areas: Civil Engineering
Project start date:
- 1 July 2023 (Enrolment open from mid-June)
Project supervisors: Dr Ji Li (primary- Ji.li@swansea.ac.uk) and Dr Yunqing Xuan (secondary)
Aligned programme of study: PhD in Civil Engineering
Mode of study: Full-time
Project description:
Traditionally, flood risk is mapped using deterministic and simple hydraulic models based on unrealistic assumptions like steady state flow conditions. However, such methods are simplistic and bear large uncertainties as flood events are dynamic, complex, three-dimensional phenomena, and thus rarely comply with these assumptions. Therefore, promoting the ability to credibly map flood risk and improving our understanding of the real risk posed to the public by these events are significant. This project aims to develop a machine learning-based stochastic hydrodynamic modelling for flood risk mapping along with uncertainty assessment. In addition to the conventional flood risk assessment, it can quantify the level of uncertainty associated with flood modelling and assess the impacts of these uncertainties on flood risk. This is vital for reliable design of flood mitigation measures and for resilience of communities at risk of flood incidents.
Eligibility
Candidates must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. See ‘country specific information for European and international applicants (available at the bottom of the page)’.
Please note desirable skills include basic knowledge on hydrology, hydro-sediment-morphodynamics, geotechinicals, numerical modelling and willingness to conduct numerical modelling using Matlab, Python, Fortran, etc.
English Language requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent. Details on the Swansea University English Language entry policy can be found here.
Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.
NB: If you are holding a non-UK degree, please see Swansea University degree comparisons to find out if you meet the eligibility.
If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in.
Funding
This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £17,668.
Additional research expenses will also be available.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:
- Course choice – please select Civil Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Year / JulyIn the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.
- Start year – please select 2023
- Funding (page 8) –
- ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
- ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS350 – PhD Civil Eng‘
*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.
One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.
We encourage you to complete the following to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University:
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form)
As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):
- CV
- Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
- A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
- Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
- Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
- Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
- Confirmation of EDI form submission (optional)
Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Dr Ji Li (Ji.li@swansea.ac.uk).
*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please not that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.
