Cardiff School of Engineering
Postgraduate Programmes
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
Contents
Welcome from the Head of School
1
Cardiff: The City
2
Cardiff: The University
4
Accommodation
6
Cardiff School of Engineering: An Introduction
8
Postgraduate Taught Programmes at Cardiff School of Engineering
9
MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering
10
MSc in Civil Engineering
11
MSc in Clinical Engineering
12
MSc in Electrical Energy Systems
13
MSc Geoenvironmental Engineering
14
MSc in Hydro-environment Engineering
15
Contact Us
MSc in Multimedia Systems and Communications Engineering
16
Email: engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
engineering-pgr@cardiff.ac.uk
MSc in Orthopaedic Engineering
17
MSc in Professional Engineering
18
MSc in Structural Engineering
19
MSc in Sustainable Energy and Environment
20
MSc in Wireless and Microwave Communication Engineering
21
Tel:
+44 (0)29 2087 4509
Fax:
+44 (0)29 2083 8832
Stay connected
facebook.com/cardiff
schoolofengineering
The Postgraduate Research Programme (MPhil/PhD)
22
Research Institutes:
twitter.com/cdf_engineering
Institute of Energy
24
Institute of Environment and Sustainability
26
Institute of Green Electronic Systems-Communications,
Sensors and Materials
28
This document can also be
made available in large print
(text), braille and on audio
tape/CD.
Institute of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
30
Institute of Mechanics and Advanced Materials
32
Institute of Medical Engineering Medical Physics
34
To request an alternative format,
please contact Laura Roberts,
Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 4839
Email: RobertsL9@cardiff.ac.uk
BRE Institute of Sustainable Engineering
36
youtube.com/
cardiffengineering
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www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
Funding your Postgraduate Study
38
International Students
39
How to Apply
40
How to Find Us and Points of Contact
Inside Back Cover
Welcome to the
Cardiff School of Engineering
At the Cardiff School of
Engineering we have a
wide range of
opportunities for
postgraduate study.
Our postgraduate taught courses range
from core disciplines such as Civil
Engineering to topical programmes such as
Sustainable Energy and Environment and
involve teaching of a very high quality and
excellent research facilities and
supervision. We also provide PhD, EngD
and MPhil programmes across the core
discipline areas of civil, electrical and
electronic, and mechanical engineering.
We are organised into world class research
groups which focus on today’s most
challenging and exciting engineering
issues, including nanotechnology,
communications, medical engineering,
sustainability and the environment, and
energy generation and supply.
We have very strong links with industry
so you may find yourself working with
companies to solve real life current
industrial problems.
We also have some of the best teaching
and research facilities in the UK as well as
academic staff who are nationally or
internationally renowned for their research.
The School also places a strong emphasis
on broadening your skills base and we
encourage you to do this by attending a
number of dedicated courses here in
the School of Engineering and at the
University’s Graduate School. This enables
you to not only develop your knowledge
and expertise in a range of areas but also
to meet other postgraduate students from
across the university.
The School of Engineering is a supportive
and friendly environment in which to study
and we provide the very best in facilities
and academic support for our students.
The School is committed to equality of
opportunity and encourages inclusiveness
and diversity.
I look forward to welcoming you to the
School, if you should choose to join us,
and I wish you every success in your
future studies.
Professor PJ Bowen
CEng, MIMechE, FInstP
Director, Cardiff School of Engineering
Professor PJ Bowen
We are organised into
world class research
groups which focus
on today’s most
challenging and
exciting engineering
issues ...
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
1
Cardiff:
the Capital City of Wales
The University is surrounded
by attractive parkland and is
adjacent to Cardiff Castle
and the city centre
2
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Cardiff is a thriving and attractive city
which is widely recognised as an
outstanding place in which to
live and study.
Location
Cardiff is located on the coast of South
Wales, which has beautiful national parks
and beaches only 30 minutes away. Cardiff
is approximately 230km (145 miles) west
of London and is easily accessed by train
in about 2 hours. Cardiff has excellent
transport links (ranked 1st in the UK for
the most transport friendly city) with an
international airport that has flights to
many cities in Europe.
12 Facts About Cardiff
The perfect student city
Cardiff is a small city with a population of
about 320,000 people. Approximately
20% of the population are students, which
makes it safe, friendly and affordable (see
pages 8-9). Cardiff, however, is also a
capital city with all the culture, sports,
shops, entertainment, work opportunities
and atmosphere you would expect of a
modern European metropolis.
With its distinctive character, good quality
of life, and growing national and
international reputation, it hosts many
high-profile sporting and cultural events,
including international rugby, soccer,
cricket and motor sport, Cardiff Singer of
the World and the UK’s largest free
summer festival.
Home to the world-renowned Welsh
National Opera, it boasts prestigious
concert venues such as the Wales
Millennium Centre, St David’s Hall and the
Motorpoint Arena, as well as the iconic
Millennium Stadium, the National Museum
and Gallery of Wales, several theatres and
the historic Cardiff Castle.
Cardiff is the location for award-winning
television productions, including Dr Who,
Sherlock, Torchwood and Casualty, and the
Dr Who Experience in Cardiff Bay is a
popular new attraction.
This means you get a small inexpensive
city you can easily walk around, but also
an exciting city where there is always
something to do. To find out more about
the city of Cardiff visit:
www.whycardiff.com
A diverse, international city
Cardiff was one of the UK’s first multicultural cities and an estimated 94
languages are spoken here. This is a real
benefit for international students because
many of the food and ingredients you have
in your country are also sold in Cardiff. You
can also be assured that there are many
religious and cultural facilities across the
city, including mosques, synagogues,
churches and temples.
Cardiff University is in the city
centre of Cardiff.
Cardiff Airport has more than
30 flights a day to UK and
European cities.
Cardiff is only 2 hours from
London by train.
Cardiff has a new £675 million
shopping centre in the city centre.
Voted the UK's seventh best
nightlife city in 2011 by
TripAdvisor users.
Cardiff has a 70,000 seated
stadium, an international sports
village and a football league
soccer club: Cardiff City FC.
Cardiff has more than 330 parks
and gardens.
Cardiff was one of National
Geographic’s top 10 summer
destinations 2011.
The popular TV shows Doctor Who
and Torchwood are filmed in Cardiff.
Cardiff will be the European capital
of sport for 2014.
Named as 6th best shopping
destination in the UK.
Home to Europe’s oldest living
language, Welsh is spoken by 20%
of the population, but don’t worry
everybody speaks English!
Weather in Cardiff
The average temperature in Cardiff in
Winter is 7°C, and in Summer
temperatures can reach up to 30°C.
With four seasons, the weather in the
UK is generally unpredictable and can
vary considerably, however, Cardiff
experiences less rainfall than other
areas of Wales and is consistent with
the rest of the UK.
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3
Cardiff:
the University
The Glamorgan Building
4
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Cardiff University has an international reputation for excellence
in teaching and research, built on a history of service and
achievement since 1883, and recognised by our membership
of the Russell Group of leading research-led universities.
A History of Achievement
The Graduate Centre
The University was founded in 1883 when
it was granted its own Royal Charter.
Today, Cardiff is a member of the Russell
Group, the UK’s top 20 research intensive
universities. It attracts students from more
than 100 countries and substantial
research funding from the Research
Councils, public bodies, industry,
commerce and other sources.
Our Graduate Centre is a unique facility
for taught and research postgraduates.
It complements our academic schools
by offering additional resources of space,
study and social facilities, workshops and
events for students during their time on
taught or research postgraduate
programmes at Cardiff. Through its
facilities and programmes, the Centre
addresses the needs of postgraduate
students and contributes to the
development of a strong postgraduate
community.
Cardiff University has celebrated a number
of notable achievements during the past
few years. Foremost among these was the
award of the Nobel Prize for Medicine to
Professor Sir Martin Evans of the School of
Biosciences; Sir Martin becoming Cardiff
University’s second Nobel Prize winner,
joining Professor Robert Huber of the
School of Chemistry. The University was
also awarded its fourth Queen’s
Anniversary Prize – an award which
recognises universities and colleges across
the UK for work of outstanding excellence.
Looking to the future, further increasing
partnerships and collaboration are central
to the University’s mission to be a worldleading university; both internally – through
interdisciplinary teams – and externally,
through links with organisations of all
types, nationally and internationally.
Location
The University’s Cathays Park campus is
located in and around the impressive
Portland stone buildings, parks and wide
tree- lined avenues that form Cardiff’s
attractive civic centre. The majority of
academic schools are located here - just a
few minutes’ walk from the city centre. The
four academic schools offering healthcare
courses (excluding Optometry and
Pharmacy) are based at the Heath Park
campus, approximately one mile away,
which is also home to the University
Hospital of Wales.
Facilities
Although dating from 1883, Cardiff is
focused on the 21st century, and has
modern state-of-the-art buildings and
facilities. The University has invested £200
million in its estate in recent years and
most academic schools have benefited
from major refurbishment, including new
and well-equipped laboratories, lecture
theatres, libraries and computing facilities.
The Graduate Centre is located on the
third floor of the Students’ Union Building,
directly opposite the Main Building on Park
Place (Cathays Park Campus). The Centre
operates throughout the year, including
opening on some bank holidays. Opening
hours are from 8.00 am until 12 midnight,
Monday to Friday; and from 12 noon until
12 midnight, Saturdays and Sundays. The
hours of opening are shorter during the
summer period, closing at 10pm mid-July
to mid-September, reflecting reduced
demand through these months.
There is wireless access to the University’s
computing network throughout the
Graduate Centre and a dedicated
computer room with 35 networked
terminals, printers, scanner and
photocopier. Five meeting rooms provide
space for training workshops, project
groups, seminars and presentations.
A Reading Room offers individual quiet
study space for up to 35 people. The
Lounge provides informal meeting space
for group study, as well as additional
computers for checking email.
The Café Bar hosts regular quiz nights
and film screenings and is a modern,
comfortable social space where
postgraduates can relax, meet friends
and watch television. It can also be
booked for postgraduate-led events.
A variety of social and academic-related
events are planned during the year,
including a welcome programme at the
start of each academic year to help new
students meet each other and settle in.
Social events range from film screenings
to day trips and students are encouraged
to become involved in the planning of
activities.
Postgraduates are also involved in the
management of the Graduate Centre,
which is a joint project between the
University and the Students’ Union.
The Graduate Centre's website
(www.cardiff.ac.uk/gradc) is updated
frequently and is an excellent source of
information about our events and facilities.
You can also find us on Facebook
(The Graduate Centre – Cardiff University)
and join in with the network of other
postgraduate students at Cardiff.
The Centre's email address is:
grad-centre@cardiff.ac.uk
10 Facts About Cardiff
Ranked 15 in the UK and top 1.5%
in the world.
Cardiff University is a member of
the elite Russell Group top 20 UK
research-led universities.
The University teaches more than
28,000 students from more than
110 countries.
Employment rates for Cardiff
University’s international graduates
are 10% higher than the UK
average.
Accommodation in University
residences is guaranteed for most
international students and is
within walking distance of the
University.
The University has 18 libraries, 28
IT suites, a Wi-Fi enabled campus
and more than 1.5 million books.
The University is on two campuses
at the very centre of Cardiff, the
capital city of Wales. Cardiff is only
2 hours from London by train.
Teaching at the University was given
the highest possible award in the
last UK Government review. The
University’s degree programmes are
also recognised by more than 40
professional bodies.
The University generates more than
£100 million annually from research
grants and contracts.
The University President Professor
Sir Martin Evans FRS, is a Nobel
Prize winner for Medicine.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
5
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Accommodation
We know that where you live is very important to you. You will
want to settle quickly and live in a secure, well-located,
sociable location that is also a suitable study environment.
Your choices include:
This is why Cardiff
University provides all
international/EU
postgraduate students
a guarantee of
accommodation in one
of our highly-ranked
University residences.
The University has 14 residences, each
with different facilities, in different
locations and at different costs. All
international/EU postgraduate students
are guaranteed a single occupancy place
in University residences, providing they
submit an online application and make
a pre-payment by the specified deadline.
Living in a university residence provides
an opportunity to meet and get to know
students from a variety of backgrounds,
studying a range of different subjects.
6
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◗ single or mixed gender accommodation.
◗ private or shared bathrooms. About
70% of University residences have
private bathrooms (called ‘ensuite’).
◗ self-catered, part-catered or fully
catered (with vegetarian options).
◗ a variety of social and sporting facilities.
You will have your own study bedroom.
Cardiff University does not have shared
rooms or dormitories.
There is a very limited supply of residences
suitable for couples and families. We are
therefore unable to guarantee this type of
residence and priority in the allocation
process is given to students coming from
overseas for their first year of study. You
should not bring your family to Cardiff until
suitable accommodation has been secured.
Close to the School
Cardiff’s residences are very well located,
with many residences being a short
distance from the Queen’s building
complex in which the School of Computer
Science & Informatics is located. The
majority of students are able to easily walk
or cycle to their lectures everyday. The
table below gives the approximate walking
times from three residences to the School
(see table below).
Safe and supportive
One of the advantages of University
residences is the support you are offered.
Each residence has a network of
residences staff, student wardens and
security staff that provide 24 hour
assistance. Only students, guests of
students and staff are allowed on
University residences sites. This makes
them safe and secure.
What do University
residences provide
A typical apartment in University
residences could include 6 study
bedrooms, each with their own bathroom.
Six occupants would share a kitchen.
Every student has their own bedroom.
Each room has a bed, desk, chair,
wardrobe and storage.
You won’t need to buy additional furniture.
Also Halls of Residence bedrooms are
connected to the University network and
highspeed internet. In your flat you will
have access to a shared kitchen/dining
room. This area includes a cooker,
refrigerator, sink, table and chairs. If you
choose ‘ensuite’ you will have your own
bathroom with shower.
How much do University
residences cost?
The cost of residences depends on several
factors, including the residence you
choose, length of stay, meal options and
whether you want private bathroom
facilities. University residences are very
good value as the cost includes water,
electricity, security, furniture and internet
access. As everything is included in one
price, it helps you more easily budget.
For the 2012/13 year self-catering
residences ranged from £71 – £125 a
week. Part/fully catered residences ranged
from £86 – £110 a week. Rooms with
private bathrooms are generally more
expensive than rooms with shared
bathrooms.
Private Sector Accommodation
For students who wish to rent privatelyowned accommodation, there is a great
choice of accommodation available for
rental in the city – including a good variety
within walking distance of the University
and city centre.
The University’s Residences Office can
help by providing you with lists of
properties that are currently available to
rent. Detailed advice on tenancy
agreements and other aspects of living in
private sector accommodation is made
available via the University’s Student
Support Centre or the Students’ Union
Advice and Representation Centre. The
Students’ Union also runs a letting agency,
details of which can be found at:
www.cardiffstudentletting.com
If you are looking for private
accommodation you should arrange to visit
Cardiff before the start of term as it is not
advisable to arrange such accommodation
either by post or telephone. When you
come to Cardiff for this purpose, you can
take advantage of low cost accommodation
in our halls provided your visit is outside
term-time and that you arrange this with us
in advance. Details can be found at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/summer
How does Cardiff compare with
other places?
Cardiff has many advantages which make
it a cheaper place to study than other
university cities. These include:
◗ Cardiff is a compact city and the
University is in the middle – therefore
you won’t have far to travel between
the University, city centre shops and
your accommodation.
◗ Cardiff is also very flat making it easy to
walk or cycle around. You won’t need to
spend money on buses or taxis.
◗ Cardiff council runs bicycle and car
sharing schemes. This will make it even
easier for you to get around without
large extra costs.
Cardiff is also one of the most affordable
of the traditional university cities. The table
below compares the Russell Group of
Universities, and the average cost of rent
for students per week and per month.
Cardiff is almost £20 cheaper a month
than the average UK student rent, and a
massive £198 cheaper a month than rent
in London. This does not include other
items such as food and entertainment,
which are also significantly more expensive
in other cities, especially London.
Living Expenses
For the 2012/13 session the University
estimated that a single student in Cardiff
would need £877 a month. These
estimates are based on the actual
experiences of students living in Cardiff.
This means for the year that a
postgraduate student (September – June)
needed £9,811 a year. These estimates
include accommodation, bills, food, books,
clothes, travel, telephone and social
expenses.
If you are intending to bring family
members, such as a spouse or child, you
will need to have at least an extra £400 a
month for each family member.
Voted Top 5
for accomodation
whatuni.com
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7
Cardiff School of Engineering:
An Introduction
Working on the School of
Engineering’s Formula Student Car
The School is widely
recognised as being one
of the leading
departments in the UK
for both teaching and
research.
Independent government assessments in
both these activities have provided
validation of teaching and research
excellence. The School of Engineering is
an integrated school that encompasses all
the major engineering fields, allowing for
an exciting, interdisciplinary approach to
teaching and research.
There is a vibrant research culture
with over 95% of our staff involved in
internationally recognised research. In
the latest Research Assessment Exercise
(2008) the School consolidated its
position as one of the top ten research
led engineering schools in the UK.
You will also find that there are many
opportunities to work with industry on real
life engineering problems. Many of our
staff have worked in industry and the
majority have excellent industrial links.
8
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These research links feed through into our
taught programmes from development of
the taught modules to the projects
that are available to students. Some of the
large international companies that are
currently working with the School include
Laing O’Rourke, TATA, Halcrow, Ove Arup,
Qinetiq, EADS, Rolls Royce, National Grid,
Augusta Westland, Motorola, GEC,
Siemens, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Nokia,
and Bosch, to name but a few.
The School is one of three universities
which are members of both the UK
Electronic Skills Foundation and the
prestigious Power Academy which were
established to support the education and
training of the best electrical and
electronic engineers for the future.
The School conducts international research
of the highest calibre and each year earns
between 10 and 20 million pounds in
research income. This research income
helps to support state of the art facilities
and means that teaching is up-to-date and
takes account of the latest trends and
research findings in engineering.
The School’s teaching and research
facilities are among the best in the UK and
over the last five years over £15 million
has been invested in these facilities.
Students enjoy the best in well equipped
lecture theatres and state-of-the-art
laboratory facilities.
The Engineering complex is close to other
academic departments, the Students’
Union and is in the heart of the city centre.
It has its own Student and Staff Refectory
which serves breakfasts, lunches and
dinners, a comprehensive and well
equipped library containing a broad range
of books, journals and the latest computer
and CD-ROM reference media, extensive
computing facilities open 24 hours a day,
and a coffee shop equipped with computer
terminals. The Trevithick library is
dedicated to the Schools on the Trevithick
site, Engineering, Physics, and Computer
Science. It is an outstanding facility which
has recently had an award winning
refurbishment and expansion.
Our students are provided with extensive
computing facilities which can be used to
access specific reference material, as well
as the university network which provides a
wide range of general and specialised
packages for use in engineering study.
The network also provides full email and
internet facilities.
Postgraduate Taught Programmes
at Cardiff School of Engineering
The School of Engineering
is one of the premier
engineering schools in the
UK for postgraduate
engineering study.
The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise
confirmed that the School is one of the
top ten engineering schools in the UK for
research. It offers outstanding on-site
facilities for postgraduate training and
research, with state of the art laboratories
and equipment, a newly renovated on-site
library, and comprehensive up to date
computing facilities. This is complemented
by research led teaching of the highest
calibre.
The School places great importance on
industrial involvement in both the
development and practice of its
undergraduate and postgraduate
programmes and requests input from its
Industrial Advisory Board when developing
courses as well as using practising
industrial engineers to teach on
appropriate modules. Many of our
industrial research collaborators also
participate in projects carried out by
students on MSc and PhD programmes
which has benefits for both the student
and the company involved.
The lecturers have considerable experience
of working on a wide range of practical
engineering projects and can provide
expert guidance and advice. All staff are
research active and this provides scope
for interesting and topical MSc research
projects.
The School of Engineering has a wide range
of MSc programmes which have been
designed to address the needs of graduates
and industry. Many of them can also be
undertaken on a part-time basis. MSc
programmes currently available include:
MSc in Advanced Mechanical
Engineering
This new programme provides the
opportunity to develop a wide range of
intellectual, practical and transferable skills
creating graduates equipped to assume
leading roles as professional engineers
across the mechanical engineering industry.
MSc in Civil Engineering
MSc in Structural Engineering
An established and popular course which
extends and develops expertise and
skills for those with a civil engineering
background or who are currently working in
civil engineering.
Aimed at Civil and Structural engineers in
order to provide them with advanced skills
and qualifications.
MSc in Clinical Engineering
A specialist distance learning course for
those in Clinical Engineering or Medical
Physics related employment who wish to
enhance their career prospects and
upgrade their skills.
MSc in Electrical Energy
Systems
A programme developed to meet an urgent
need to train specialists in advanced
electric energy systems in order to address
the global energy challenges.
MSc in Geoenvironmental
Engineering
An innovative programme which was
established to allow civil and structural
engineers to broaden and/
or acquire new skills in geotechnical
and environmental engineering.
MSc in Sustainable Energy and
Environment
An established course developed to address
the need for more engineers trained in
energy and environmental engineering.
MSc in Wireless and Microwave
Communication Engineering
A well established course which has
recently been renamed and updated to
provide enhanced qualifications for those
wishing to follow a career
in electronics and communications.
MSc students generally undertake a taught
programme of study comprising a number
of compulsory and optional modules
followed by a research project and
dissertation. In many cases the project is
developed with industrial partners to solve
a particular problem. All of our established
MSc programmes are accredited by the
relevant professional institutions.
MSc in Hydro-environment
Engineering
Developed to provide specialist training in
environmental hydraulic engineering for
those with a civil engineering background.
MSc in Multimedia Systems and
Communications Engineering
A programme created to develop the
latest skills and knowledge in the field
of multimedia and communications
based technology.
MSc in Orthopaedic Engineering
A distance learning specialist MSc for
orthopaedic and related surgeons to
enhance their qualifications and career
prospects.
MSc Professional Engineering
A new programme which has been
structured to deliver a broad range of
professional and managerial concepts
through a spectrum of innovative modules.
A class discussion in the
High Voltage Laboratory
The School places great
importance on industrial
involvement in both
the development
and practice of its
undergraduate
and postgraduate
programmes.
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9
MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering
Students on this course will
be guided and encouraged
to show originality in
applying the knowledge
they acquire, and will
develop an appreciation of
how the boundaries of
knowledge are advanced
through research.
A close involvement with industry ensures
that research has both relevance and
meaning, working with some of the world’s
most renowned engineering companies.
Partners include Airbus, BAe Systems, Tata
Steel, IBM, Messier-Dowty and Rolls Royce.
Programme Structure
Areas that are covered by this course
include:
◗ Tribology
The Degree Programme
This course will provide the opportunity for
graduate mechanical engineers to both
widen and deepen their knowledge across
a spectrum of important topics. It is a
broadly based programme which will allow
participants to further their understanding
of traditional engineering subjects whilst
exploring the specialist research interests
within the Cardiff School of Engineering.
In addition to technical skills, students will
acquire professional skills such as effective
communication to technical, management
and non-technical audiences, project
planning, evaluation and prioritisation.
10
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The normal minimum requirement will be
an upper second class honours degree (or
equivalent) BEng in Mechanical
Engineering or related subject areas from a
British or recognised overseas university.
Other applicants with relevant industrial
experience will be considered on an
individual basis. For overseas students,
the requirements for English language are
an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT 90.
◗ Control Engineering
◗ Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
◗ Energy Management
Participants will be trained to deal with
complex issues both systematically and
creatively and will be given the opportunity
and encouragement to demonstrate
initiative and innovation in solving
challenging problems and in designing
new components and systems.
Entry Requirements
◗ Quality and Reliability Engineering
◗ Nano-mechanics
◗ Robotics
◗ Artificial Intelligence
◗ Risk and Hazard Management
◗ Condition Monitoring
Research Project and
Dissertation
All students complete a case study and
project that are integrated to allow them
to explore in depth a topic selected. The
dissertation is seen as the key opportunity
to acquire and exercise leading edge
mechanical engineering knowledge.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of MSc in Advanced Mechanical
Engineering will have developed a wide
range of intellectual, practical and
transferable skills allowing them to follow
careers in research, industry and other
professional areas of the economy.
This course will provide
the opportunity for
graduate mechanical
engineers to both
widen and deepen
their knowledge
across a spectrum
of important topics.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Course Tutor:
Dr Michael Packianather
Email:
engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4975
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
MSc in Civil Engineering
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
The development of any
progressive society is
largely dependent upon the
skill, imagination and
dedication of its civil
engineers.
They are concerned with the planning,
design, construction, maintenance and
decommissioning of highways, railways,
airports, docks, harbours, canals, coastal
defences, irrigation systems, essential
municipal services (such as water supply,
drainage and sewage disposal), and
structural work including buildings, bridges,
dams, reservoirs and power stations. A civil
engineering career offers many different
challenges and opportunities in all parts
of the world.
The Degree Programme
This programme offers an opportunity
for updating skills and undertaking
advanced studies over a wide range of
Civil Engineering topics. It is particularly
well suited to those with broad interests
in construction.
It can also be adapted for candidates who
wish to receive advanced training in more
than one specialised area, since subjects
from the Geoenvironmental, Structural and
Water Engineering MScs may be substituted
for the non-compulsory subjects.
The MSc in Civil Engineering is accredited
by the ICE, IStructE, IHT and IHIE, as
meeting the requirements for Further
Learning for a Chartered Engineer under
the provisions of UK-SPEC for intakes
2009-2013 inclusive, for candidates that
have already acquired a CEng accredited
BEng (Hons) undergraduate first degree or
an IEng accredited BSc (Hons)
undergraduate first degree. The degree
programme is available on a one-year fulltime basis or on a three-year part-time
basis. The full-time programme is delivered
over two taught semesters followed by a
research period and preparation of a
dissertation. Assessment is conducted via
coursework and examinations.
Suspension bridge at dusk
Programme Structure
Employment Prospects
First (Autumn) Semester
The record of employment of graduates of
the Cardiff University MSc in Civil
Engineering is excellent, with the majority
of graduates joining engineering
consultants. A small number of graduates
(about 5 to 10% each year) go on to
further study, typically a PhD.
All students will required to take the
following modules:
◗ Environmental Hydraulics
◗ Advanced Concrete Materials and
Structures
◗ Engineering Geology
◗ Steel Structures
◗ Advanced Structural Mechanics
◗ Advanced Engineering Management
Second (Spring) Semester
All students will required to take the
following modules:
◗ Numerical Techniques in Civil
Engineering
◗ Engineering Case Study
And THREE of the following:
Entry Requirements
The normal entry requirement is a good
honours degree in Civil or Structural
Engineering, or a related discipline, from a
recognised university, or equivalent
professional experience. Currently, a good
first degree is taken to mean one that
would be equivalent in attainment to a 2(i)
honours classification from a UK university.
For applicants for whom English is not their
first language, there is also a minimum
English Language requirement of IELTS
6.5/TOEFL iBT 90.
◗ Theoretical Soil Mechanics
◗ Management in Industry
◗ Water Quality Control
◗ River Basin Management
◗ Fundamentals of Nanomechanics
Research Project and
Dissertation
Students will be required to undertake an
individual research project in a specialist
area of civil engineering, leading to the
preparation of a dissertation. Project work
is undertaken under the direct supervision
of a member of staff in one of the three
participating departments. Assessment is
conducted via coursework and
examinations.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Course Tutors:
Dr Steve Rees
Dr Diane Gardner
Email:
engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4975
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
11
MSc in Clinical Engineering
This is a structured parttime learning package for
those currently working in
engineering related
disciplines within the
healthcare sector or
associated industries who
wish to develop their
expertise at postgraduate
level but who do not wish
to disturb their career by
taking time out.
Considerable emphasis is placed on
distance learning with a requirement of
four compulsory weekends per academic
year in Cardiff. The aim of the course is to
provide participants with the engineering
grounding and the specialist skills required
to succeed in their profession. The course
introduces the basic features of engineering
principles and practice combined with the
relevant anatomy and physiology to provide
the participant with a thorough background
in the theory and practice of clinical
engineering. The course aims to equip its
participants with a greater understanding
of the factors affecting the design of
medical devices and an appreciation of
the state of the art and possible future
trends and developments.
Programme Structure
The MSc is studied over 2 years on a part
time basis only. Emphasis is directed in the
first year of Part I towards an understanding
of basic principles of technology in
medicine, risk management and regulation
as applied to clinical engineering. In the
second year of Part I, there will be emphasis
on gerneral medical equipment. In Part II,
paricipants will study, in depth, the
application of their learning to a problem
leading to the submission of a dissertation.
The project may be undertaken at a
university or at the student’s place of work:
Modules:
◗ Clinical Engineering 1 and 2: This
module will combine the teaching of
engineering with core specialist subject
areas in clinical engineering
and general medical equipment.
12
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
Ultrasound research at the
University Hospital
◗ Medical Aspects: This module will
provide participants with a knowledge of
the medical aspects associated with
clinical engineering including anatomy
and physiology.
◗ Mechanical Engineering 1 and 2:
Participants
will gain a good understanding of
mechanical engineering, basic
mechanics, materials, manufacturing
techniques and quality systems.
◗ Electronics, Computing and
Instrumentation: Participants will obtain
an understanding of electronic
components and electronic
instrumentation used in clinical
engineering.
◗ Mathematics and Statistics: To provide
participants with a mathematical and
statistical background associated with
medical data collection and research.
Employment Prospects
The MSc in Clinical Engineering is currently
accredited by the Institute of Medical
Engineering and Medical Physics (IPEM),
and prepares students for Clinical Scientist
status. Graduates are usually employed in
the National Health Service, the Defence
Forces and the medical devices industry.
Entry Requirements
A good honours degree equivalent to at
least a 2.1 from a recognised university in
engineering, physics or a related discipline
plus employment in the health care sector
or a related industry. In selected cases
relevant professional experience will be
considered in lieu of formal degree
qualifications. For applicants for whom
English is not their first language, there is
also a minimum English Language
requirement of IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90.
◗ Dissertation
Research Project and
Dissertation
Participants will be required to undertake
an individual research project in a
specialist area of Clinical Engineering,
leading to the preparation of a dissertation.
Project work is undertaken under the direct
supervision of an academic member of
staff. Assessment is conducted via
coursework and examinations.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Course Tutor:
Dr Mike Jones
Email:
engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4975
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
MSc in Electrical Energy Systems
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
This programme is suitable
for graduates in electrical
engineering, applied
science or relevant
disciplines. Applicants with
appropriate professional
experience are also
encouraged to apply.
It offers the knowledge and expertise to
meet an urgent need for specialists in
advanced electrical energy systems. These
specialists are required to function in a
rapidly changing global energy environment
and address challenges such as the
integration of renewable generation in
electricity transmission and distribution
networks. Graduates of this MSc will
obtain unique specialist training for their
future professional employment trends
and developments.
Programme Structure
The core modules are delivered by
research academics in the School of
Engineering with key invited lectures from
experienced engineers and managers from
the electricity industry. A key feature of the
programme is its integrated approach to
teaching Power Systems, High Voltage
Plant Technology and the enabling
technologies which provides essential
preparation for a career in future electricity
networks. Optional modules are taught by
colleagues from other research groups in
the School in order to achieve a multidisciplinary input to the programme. MSc
students will work closely with researchers
in the School of Engineering’s Centre for
Integrated Renewable Energy Generation
and Supply (CIREGS) and the High Voltage
Energy Systems Group (HIVES). Topics
covered on the course include:
Power Systems Analysis, Distributed
Generation, Smartgrids and Active Network
Devices, Power System Protection,
Condition Monitoring, Systems Modelling
& Forecasting, High Voltage Technology,
Alternative Energy Systems, Sustainable
Energy Studies, Advanced Power
Electronics, Introduction to Digital Signal
Processing, Industrial Computer Control
Systems, Management in Industry, and
Energy Management.
The state-of-the-art
Power Systems Simulator
After successful completion of the taught
component, students will proceed to
undertake a research project. Students are
able to choose a topic from one of the
following areas of specialisation: Power
System Protection and Control, Renewable
Energy, Distribution System Design,
Demand Side Management, Condition
Monitoring, Smart Metering, High Voltage
Insulation, Overvoltage Protection,
Thermoelectricity and
Earthing Systems.
Special Features of this programme:
◗ Research-led programme based on
partnerships with industry and involving
industrially-linked projects with major
electricity companies
◗ Unique laboratory facility in Europe
including a hardware power system
simulator for training and projects
◗ Opportunities for PhD research following
successful completion of MSc, and
excellent job opportunities with leading
electrical energy companies
◗ University partner on both IET Power
Academy and Power Networks Research
Academy
Research Project and
Dissertation
Students will be required to undertake an
individual research project in a specialist
area of Electrical Energy Systems
Engineering, leading to the preparation of
a dissertation. Project work is undertaken
under the direct supervision of a member
of staff. Assessment is conducted via
coursework and examinations.
Employment Prospects
The demand for graduates from this type
of course is very strong and is expected
remain so for the foreseeable future.
Graduates are expected to gain
employment in large electrical energy
utilities, electricity distribution companies,
the public sector (Energy agencies, Carbon
Trust etc), research and development, or
set up their own companies.
Entry Requirements
A good first class or 2.1 Honours degree in
electrical engineering or applied science.
Other related degrees will be considered.
For applicants whose first language is not
English, there is a minimum language
entry requirement of IELTS 6.5/TOEFL iBT
90. Prospective applicants with
appropriate alternative qualifications and
experience will also be considered.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Course Tutor:
Dr Dan Rogers
Email:
engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4975
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
13
MSc in Geoenvironmental Engineering
Geoenvironmental
engineering is an inclusive
discipline which recognises
that many environmental
challenges cannot be
solved by one traditional
discipline alone.
The Degree Programme
And two of the following:
The solutions to the environmental
challenges related to human interaction
with soil, groundwater and surface water
require engineers to possess a broad
range of knowledge and expertise. The
Cardiff University MSc in Geoenvironmental
Engineering prepares students to meet
those challenges. The MSc is an innovative
partnership between the Cardiff School of
Engineering, the School of Earth, Ocean
and Planetary Science and the Cardiff
School of Biosciences, and is administered
by Cardiff School of Engineering.
◗ Management in Industry
A feature of the MSc in Geoenvironmental
Engineering is the series of short, workshop
style training courses covering practical
applications integrating professional
practice issues with the scientific and
engineering foundation of the course. These
workshops are delivered by recognised
professional practitioners in the industry.
Testing polluted soil samples
The term Geoenvironmental Engineering is
a broad one covering the contributions that
geotechnical engineers, environmental
engineers, hydrogeologists, earth
scientists, geochemists, water engineers,
biologists, and ecologists, amongst others,
make to environmental management, site
characterisation, environmental risk
assessment, waste disposal, soil and
groundwater remediation, habitat protection,
and environmental rehabilitation.
Geoenvironmental engineering is a forward
looking discipline interfacing with areas
traditionally within civil engineering, earth
sciences and the life sciences. The
discipline centres on human interaction
with the ground and water environment,
in particular through infrastructure
development, environmental assessment
and environmental management.
Geoenvironmental engineers are involved
in a wide range of activities, including
contaminated land management,
hydrogeology, water resource management,
geochemical analysis, groundwater and
surface water contamination fate and
transport prediction, environmental impact
assessment, environmental risk
assessment, and habitat management.
Geoenvironmental engineers frequently
work in multidisciplinary project teams
and developments.
14
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
The MSc in Geoenvironmental Engineering
is accredited by the ICE, IStructE, IHT and
IHIE, as meeting the requirements for
Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer
under the provisions of UK-SPEC for intakes
2009-2013 inclusive, for candidates that
have already acquired a CEng accredited
BEng (Hons) undergraduate first degree or
an IEng accredited BSc (Hons)
undergraduate first degree. The degree
programme is available on a one-year fulltime basis or on a three-year part-time
basis. The full-time programme is delivered
over two taught semesters followed by a
research period and preparation of a
dissertation. Assessment is conducted via
coursework and examinations.
Programme Structure
First (Autumn) Semester
All students will required to take the
following modules:
◗ Theoretical Soil Mechanics
◗ River Basin Management
Research Project and
Dissertation
Students will be required to undertake an
individual research project in a specialist
area of geoenvironmental engineering,
leading to the preparation of a
dissertation. Project work is undertaken
under the direct supervision of a member
of staff in one of the three participating
departments. Assessment is conducted via
coursework and examinations.
Employment Prospects
The record of employment of graduates
of the Cardiff University MSc in
Geoenvironmental Engineering is excellent,
with the majority of graduates joining
engineering consultants. A small number of
graduates each year go on to further study,
typically a PhD. Substantial industrial
involvement with the design and delivery of
the course ensures the continuing
relevance of the MSc as preparation for
professional employment work in this area.
Entry Requirements
The normal entry requirement is a good
honours degree in Civil or Structural
Engineering, or a related discipline, from a
recognised university, or equivalent
professional experience. Currently, a good
first degree is taken to mean one that
would be equivalent in attainment to a 2(i)
honours classification from a UK university.
Good mathematical skills are an
advantage. For applicants for whom
English is not their first language, there is
also a minimum English Language
requirement of IELTS 6.5/TOEFL iBT 90.
◗ Environmental Law
◗ Soil and Groundwater Chemistry
◗ Engineering Geology
Further Information
◗ Land Contamination
For further course information contact:
Course Tutors:
Dr Steve Rees
Dr Diane Gardner
Email:
engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4975
◗ Advanced Engineering Management
◗ Geo and Hydro-environmental Modelling
Second (Spring) Semester
All students will required to take the
following modules:
◗ Water Quality Control
◗ Environmental Engineering Applications
◗ Engineering Case Study
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
MSc in Hydro-environment Engineering
In recent years, there has
been a growing world-wide
concern about
environmental water
management issues
including, for example,
concerns about coastal and
estuarine water pollution,
river flooding and urban
drainage, wetland and
mangrove management,
ecological aspects of lakes
and reservoirs, to mention
but a few.
In addressing these and other
environmental challenges, engineers and
environmental managers are increasingly
using sophisticated numerical models for
predicting complex hydrodynamic, water
quality and sediment transport processes.
These models are increasingly
complemented with decision support
software systems and a wide range of
related hydroinformatics software tools.
The programme is aimed graduates in
Civil Engineering, Earth Sciences,
Environmental Sciences and Bio-Sciences.
Good mathematical skills are an
advantage. The degree programme is also
aimed at engineers/scientists working in
relevant areas wishing to upgrade or
refresh their qualifications.
candidates to hydroinformatics,
computational hydraulics and
environmental hydraulics, including water
quality indicator and sediment transport
processes in coastal, esturaine and inland
waters. Students will have the opportunity
to work with some of these models in an
extended project. The programme runs on
full-time and part-time basis, with both
starting in September.
The MSc in Hydro-environment
Engineering is accredited by the ICE,
IStructE, IHT and IHIE, as meeting the
requirements for Further Learning for a
Chartered Engineer under the provisions of
UK-SPEC for intakes 2009-2013
inclusive, for candidates that have already
acquired a CEng accredited BEng (Hons)
undergraduate first degree or an IEng
accredited BSc (Hons) undergraduate first
degree. The degree programme is
available on a one-year full-time basis or
on a three-year part-time basis. The fulltime programme is delivered over two
taught semesters followed by a research
period and preparation of a dissertation.
Assessment is conducted via coursework
and examinations.
The MSc in Hydro-environment
Engineering is run by the Cardiff School of
Engineering and is designed to provide
specialised, postgraduate training in
environmental water engineering whilst
having a measure of flexibility to permit
some study of related subjects in Civil and
Geoenvironmental Engineering.
Students at work in the
Hydraulics Laboratory
Research Project and
Dissertation
Students will be required to undertake an
individual research project in a specialist
area of Hydro-environment Engineering,
leading to the preparation of a
dissertation. Project work is undertaken
under the direct supervision of a member
of staff in one of the three participating
departments. Assessment is conducted
via coursework and examinations.
Employment Prospects
First (Autumn) Semester
All students will required to take the
following modules:
Entry Requirements
Programme Structure
◗ Environmental Hydraulics
◗ Soil and Groundwater Chemistry
◗ Geo and Hydro-environmental Modelling
◗ Flood Design
◗ Environmental Law
Second (Spring) Semester
All students will required to take the
following modules:
The normal entry requirement is a good
honours degree in Science or Engineering,
or a related discipline, from a recognised
university, or equivalent professional
experience. Currently, a good first degree is
taken to mean one that would be equivalent
in attainment to a 2(i) honours classification
from a UK university. Good mathematical
skills are an advantage. For applicants for
whom English is not their first language,
there is also a minimum English Language
requirement of IELTS 6.5/TOEFL iBT 90.
◗ River Basin Management
◗ Numerical Techniques in Hydroenvironment Engineering
Further Information
◗ Engineering Case Study
For further course information contact:
Course Tutors:
Dr Steve Rees
Dr Diane Gardner
Email:
engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4975
And TWO of the following:
The aim of the programme is to enhance
the engineering skills of its graduates and
an extended project within one of the
water engineering fields forms a major
part of the programme. Thus, the MSc in
Hydro-environment Engineering aims to
complement an undergraduate degree in
Civil Engineering, or similar, by introducing
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
The record of employment of graduates of
the Cardiff University MSc in Hydroenvironment Engineering is excellent, with
the majority of graduates joining
engineering consultants. A small number
of graduates each year go on to further
study, typically a PhD.
◗ Advanced Engineering Management
The Degree Programme
More online at:
◗ Management in Industry
◗ Water Quality Control
◗ Environmental Engineering Applications
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
15
MSc in Multimedia Systems and
Communications Engineering
Multimedia is the
convergence and
integration of various types
of digital media, such as
images, sound, video, text,
graphics and animations.
The delivery of multimedia content to
consumers relies on various technologies,
including digital signal processing; image,
audio and video processing;
communications engineering; and
computer systems.
The Degree Programme
The MSc in Multimedia Systems and
Communications Engineering provides an
opportunity to develop a deep
understanding of the above technologies
and associated data analysis and
processing techniques. This is ideally
suited for those wishing to pursue a career
in the broadcast, entertainment, security,
gaming, medical, defence, or
communications industries.
This MSc is designed to develop engineers
with a high level of training in multimedia
technologies and is uniquely supported by
the academic staff from two Schools:
Cardiff School of Engineering and Cardiff
School of Computer Science and
Informatics. The teaching on this MSc
course is complemented by guest lectures
given by industrial professionals, and some
projects are co-supervised by our industrial
collaborators.
Programme Structure
The programme is based on 120 credits of
Masters level modules taught over two
semesters (7 months), followed by a 5
16
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
month industrially-related research project.
The core modules are delivered by
research academics from the Schools of
Engineering and Computer Science and
Informatics, with invited lectures from
experienced engineers and managers from
industry. MSc students will work closely
with researchers in the multidisciplinary
Human Factors Technology Centre,
founded in 2004 by the research staff of
three Schools: Engineering, Computer
Science and Informatics, and Psychology.
The modules cover four main areas:
Multimedia Systems, Communications
Engineering, Computer Science and
Artificial Intelligence. After successful
completion of the taught component,
students will proceed to undertake a
research project. Students are able to
choose a topic from one of the following
areas of specialisation: Multimedia
Systems; Image Processing; Digital Signal
Processing; Audio Processing; Medical
Image Processing; Computer Vision;
Human Motion Tracking and Analysis;
Human Body and Face Modelling;
Computer Graphics; Visualisation; or
Surveillance. This course may also pave
the way for a career in academia, leading
to a PhD for selected graduates who wish
to develop their research skills.
This course will equip highly capable
postgraduates with the latest skills and
knowledge in the field of multimedia and
communications based technologies,
readily employable in a wide range of
industries including:
◗ digital telecommunications
◗ digital media production
(film & TV industry)
◗ finance
◗ medicine
◗ defence and homeland security; and
◗ research and development
Entry Requirements
This course is suitable for graduates with a
1st class or good 2.1 honours degree in
electronic engineering, computer science,
applied science or in a relevant discipline,
or with appropriate professional
experience. Applicants without an
engineering or applied science background
will be assessed on an individual basis.
Applicants whose first language is not
English will be required to obtain a
satisfactory standard in an approved
English language qualification before being
accepted unconditionally onto a
postgraduate programme.
Employment Prospects
Cardiff’s graduates have been able to
develop very successful careers at
prominent companies all over the world,
including: Agilent; Arup; AT&T; Bosch;
Daimler-Benz; EADS; GEC; GE; Hewlett
Packard; IBM; Jaguar; MOD; Motorola;
National Grid; National Instruments; Nokia;
PowerGen; Rohde and Schwarz; Rolls
Royce; Scottish Power; Shell; and Siemens.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Course Tutor:
Dr Yulia Hicks
Email:
engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4975
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
MSc in Orthopaedic Engineering
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
The practice of orthopaedic
surgery has expanded
rapidly in recent years, and
is likely to have to meet
further demands from
patients for new forms of
treatment in the future.
These developments have led to a need
for orthopaedic surgeons to have a greater
knowledge of the scientific principles
involved in disease processes and various
forms of treatment.
The introduction of this MSc degree in
Orthopaedic Engineering will provide
practitioners with an understanding of
engineering in the specific context of
orthopaedic disease. The course is aimed
at practising orthopaedic surgeons who do
not wish to disturb their career by taking
time out. Considerable emphasis is placed
on distance learning and with the
attendance of four compulsory weekends
per academic year in Cardiff. The course is
designed for orthopaedic surgeons who
wish to develop an interest in engineering
related to their area of specialisation. The
degree will enable surgeons to critically
appraise both new and old treatments in
the light of a greater understanding of the
development of deformity and disease.
Programme Structure
The MSc in Orthopaedic Engineering is a
two year part-time course comprising
taught modules in Part I and a project and
dissertation in Part II. Emphasis is directed
in Part I towards an understanding of
engineering principles, experimental
techniques and materials. In Part II
participants will study in depth an
engineering problem in clinical
orthopaedics leading to the submission of
a dissertation. The project and dissertation
may be carried out at a university or the
participants place of work.
Modules
◗ Materials and their properties:
Participants will gain an understanding
of the materials used in orthopaedics
and their properties.
A knee trial in the
Gait Analysis Laboratory
◗ Experimental Techniques: Participants
will become familiar with basic data and
statistical analysis techniques including
computing allied to medicine.
◗ Engineering Theory 1 and 2: The
introduction of basic principles of
mechanics in relation to biomechanics
encountered within orthopaedics.
◗ Surgical Practice: To provide a scientific
basis for rational analysis of common
surgical techniques and an
understanding of the mechanisms of
injury and biology of bone and soft
tissue.
◗ Research Methodology: To conduct a
relevant case study/literature review and
introduction to research procedures and
practices and the skills and techniques
needed to complete a project and
dissertation.
Employment Prospects
While most participants on the MSc in
Orthopaedic Engineering are current
practitioners in Orthopaedic Surgery, the
programme also may be applicable to
other surgical fields such as veterinary
surgery, neurosurgery, etc. On successful
completion of the MSc, most graduates
find that their understanding of
orthopaedics is expanded to enable them
to better carry out their profession and
that their career prospects are enhanced.
Entry Requirements
An MB BCh is essential and preferably
also MRCS/FRCS. For applicants whose
first language is not English, there is a
minimum English language entry
requirement of IELTS 6.5/TOEFL iBT 90.
◗ Dissertation
Research Project and
Dissertation
Participants will be required to undertake
an individual research project in a
specialist area of Orthopaedic Engineering,
leading to the preparation of a
dissertation. Project work is undertaken
under the direct supervision of a member
of academic staff. Assessment is
conducted via coursework and
examinations.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Course Tutor:
Dr Mike Jones
Email:
engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4975
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
17
MSc in Professional Engineering
The Cardiff School of
Engineering and the
Engineering Council have
worked closely to develop
this qualification which
provides a structured route
towards both the academic
and professional elements
of chartership.
Participants learn both within the
University, and for the majority of their
time, in their workplace. The sympathetic
mentoring system combined with a
carefully developed format ensures that
this programme suits participants from the
vast majority of engineering backgrounds,
irrespective of the time away from formal
education. The schedule of “teaching
weekends” means that participants will be
able to receive face to face tuition and
interact with their peers without losing
valuable time in the workplace.
The Degree Programme
The programme will last for three years.
This structure allows for 21 months in
which the 8 teaching weekends are
scheduled, before an 8 month period for
the participant to complete their
dissertation. This MSc has been carefully
structured to ensure close alignment with
the required competencies of a Chartered
Engineer as defined by UK-SPEC.
18
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Each student will be assigned an
Academic Supervisor who is responsible
for ensuring the transition back into
education is smooth, and will serve as first
point of contact within the School. An
Industrial Mentor will also be assigned,
who will assist students with their activities
in the work place.
Participants will also benefit from
gaining exposure to a range of research
laboratories, potentially during their
dissertation. Facilities include: Centre for
Integrated Renewable Energy Generation
and Supply; Gas Turbine Research Centre;
Civil Engineering Structures Laboratory;
High Power Simulator; Lightning Laboratory;
Mechanical Engineering Centre and High
Speed Motion Analysis suites.
Programme Structure
All students will be required to take the
following modules:
◗ Professional Development Audit
◗ Risk & Hazard Management
Research Project and
Dissertation
Students will be required to undertake an
individual 60 credit dissertation module.
This provides the opportunity to conduct an
industrially relevant research project under
the close supervision of an experienced
academic with aligned research interests.
Entry Requirements
This programme will appeal to those
participants who have already been
awarded an accredited BEng degree.
Applicants are assessed via a combination
of experience and qualifications.
Applications are encouraged from
engineers across the spectrum who aspire
to CEng status. The normal requirement is
a good honours degree in engineering, or
related discipline from a recognised
university, and typically at least 2 years
post-graduation experience. For applicants
for whom English is not their first
language, there is also a minimum English
requirement of IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90.
◗ Quality & Reliability
◗ Professional Skills
◗ Analytical Techniques for Engineers
◗ Condition Monitoring & Forecasting
◗ Management in Industry
◗ Research Study
◗ Dissertation
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Course Tutor:
Dr Peter Theobald
Email:
engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4975
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
MSc in Structural Engineering
The MSc in Structural
Engineering is designed to
provide specialised,
postgraduate training
across selected aspects of
Structural Engineering.
The overall aim of the course is to
enhance the engineering skills of its
graduates, and an extended project within
one of the Structural Engineering fields
forms a major part of the course. The
creation of modern buildings is a complex
operation requiring professional skills from
many disciplines. This course offers
advanced training in the analysis, design
and construction of structures in a variety
of materials. It is founded on theoretical
and applied research into the behaviour of
real structures undertaken in the Cardiff
School of Engineering, which has
established an international reputation for
its work on composite structures, plate
girders, large scale testing, site
monitoring, and exact calculation of the
buckling and vibration of structures.
The full-time programme is delivered over
two taught semesters followed by a
research period and preparation of a
dissertation. Assessment is conducted via
coursework and examinations.
Programme Structure
First (Autumn) Semester
All students will be required to take the
following modules:
◗ Steel Structures
◗ Advanced Structural Mechanics
Entry Requirements
The normal entry requirement is a good
honours degree in Civil or Structural
Engineering, or a related discipline, from a
recognised university, or equivalent
professional experience. Currently, a good
first degree is taken to mean one that
would be equivalent in attainment to a 2(i)
honours classification from a UK university.
For applicants for whom English is not
their first language, there is also a
minimum English Language requirement
of IELTS 6.5/TOEFL iBT 90.
◗ Advanced Concrete Materials and
Structures
◗ Engineering Geology
◗ Advanced Engineering Management
◗ Environmental Building Studies
Second (Spring) Semester
All students will be required to take the
following modules:
◗ Numerical Techniques in Structural
Engineering
◗ Dynamics and Structures
◗ Engineering Case Study
And TWO of the following:
◗ Structural Engineering
The Degree Programme
◗ Theoretical Soil Mechanics
The MSc in Structural Engineering is a full
time course lasting twelve months,
comprising of two semesters of lectures
and coursework followed by a further
dedicated project period of four months
for research and the preparation of a
dissertation. All staff involved are research
active in practical areas of the discipline,
and this provides scope for interesting and
up to date MSc research projects. The
level of commitment of all staff to
teaching and learning is high and the
courses are taught by staff who are expert
in the fields in which they lecture.
◗ Management in Industry
◗ Tensile Structures
◗ Fundamentals of Nanomechanics
Testing in the Heavy Structures Laboratory
Research Project and
Dissertation
Students will be required to undertake an
individual research project in a specialist
area of structural engineering, leading to
the preparation of a dissertation. Project
work is undertaken under the direct
supervision of a member of staff.
Employment Prospects
The MSc in Structural Engineering is
accredited by the ICE, IStructE, IHT and
IHIE, as meeting the requirements for
Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer
under the provisions of UK-SPEC for
intakes 2009-2013 inclusive, for
candidates that have already acquired a
CEng accredited BEng (Hons)
undergraduate first degree or an IEng
accredited BSc (Hons) undergraduate first
degree. The degree programme is
available on a one-year full-time basis or
on a three-year part-time basis.
The record of employment of graduates of
the Cardiff University MSc in Structural
Engineering is excellent, with the majority
of graduates joining engineering
consultants. A small number of graduates
(about 5 to 10% each year) go on to
further study, typically a PhD.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Course Tutors:
Dr Steve Rees
Dr Diane Gardner
Email:
engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4975
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
19
MSc in Sustainable Energy
and Environment
Climate change is claimed
by many authoritative
figures, to be the greatest
threat to our planet this
century.
There is a considerable body of evidence
that now relates climate change to the
global consumption of energy, and in
particular, the use of fossil fuels to provide
heat, power and transportation.
Furthermore there is a strong link between
energy use and industrial activity along
with an increase in waste generation.
Moreover, as supplies of fossil fuels
reduce, security of supply worldwide
becomes increasingly challenging,
particularly given the current growth in
world population. The introduction of new
energy and environmental technologies
presents new risks, real and perceived,
technical and financial, which require
careful management. The nuclear debate
continues, improving process and energy
conversion efficiencies is essential and
clean coal technology presents new
opportunities for a traditional fuel, and the
drive to use renewable energy both as a
thermal and power source and as a biofuel for transportation is clearly embedded
in energy policies throughout the world.
Today’s society realises that sustainability
is important for long term viability without
realising what this means. The Brundtland
Commission (1987) defined sustainability
as “the development that meets the
needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs”.
In the context of energy and the
environment this means a three stage
approach needs to be adopted as follows:
20
Training such graduates is the primary aim
of this multi-disciplinary MSc course.
Programme Structure
The structure of the course has three main
themes: Energy Supply, Demand and
Management. The course is delivered
primarily through the School of
Engineering who provides the bulk of the
modules and further supported by other
Schools such as the Welsh School of
Architecture. There will also be occasions
when external industrial lectures will be
invited to support specific modules to
enhance the learning experience. The
course aims to provide a balanced training
across the broad energy field, introducing
the link between renewable and fossil
based consumption, as well as
encompassing the role of various industrial
sectors (electrical power generation and
distribution, built environment, transport,
industry, etc.).
The programme is divided into 3 semesters,
with increasingly more research-based
learning and group projects in the second
semester, culminating with an individual
project in the final semester. Projects will be
mixture of industrial sponsored and research
based. Students are also encouraged to
develop their own projects and will be
selected based on the appropriate School
support and supervision. The semester
structure allows a blend on compulsory
and optional modules to be taken based
on the previous background of the
students, thus allowing some degree of
specialisation, and providing exposure to
the frontiers of research in these areas. The
structure is split into two parts; Stage 1 is
the examination phase, where 12 modules
are taken to gain 120 credits. Stage 2 is the
dissertation and is worth 60 credits. The two
stages make up the programme structure.
Modules offered
◗ Use energy more efficiently
◗ Earth and Society
◗ Cleaning up fossil and nuclear fuels
◗ Energy Studies and Sustainability
◗ Switching to renewable energy sources
◗ Energy Management
It is also clear that a cross-disciplinary and
systems approach to developing solutions
to these long-term problems is required,
to ensure the sustainability of our planet.
This will require graduates who are
capable of thinking and working across the
interface of traditional disciplines, and be
effective in an ever increasing multidisciplinary environment.
◗ Risk and Hazard Management
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
◗ Condition Monitoring, Systems
Modelling and Forecasting
◗ Hydro-Environmental Modelling
◗ Advanced Power Systems
◗ Waste Management and Recycling
◗ Dissertation
A researcher working in the
Characterisation Laboratory for
Environmental Engineering
Employment Prospects
In several areas of the field there is
predicted to be an employment shortage
developing, and hence a demand for
graduates from this type of course. Previous
experience has shown that Masters
Graduates in the field of energy gain
employment in large energy-focussed
companies, the public sector, consultancies,
research and development, or set up their
own companies. About a third gain PhDs
to further enhance their career paths.
Entry Requirements
A good first degree in engineering,
architecture, environmental science, earth
sciences, pure sciences or in a relevant
numerate scientific discipline, is required.
Professional experience in a relevant area
will also be considered. Applicants without
an engineering background should bear in
mind that there are significant
numerical/computational elements to
this programme. For applicants for whom
English is not their first language, there is
also a minimum English requirement of
IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90.
Further Information
◗ Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 1
For further course information contact:
Course Tutor:
Dr Kensuke Yokoi
Email:
engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4975
◗ Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 2
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
◗ Low Carbon Foot print buildings
◗ Fuels and Energy Systems
◗ Alternative Energy Systems
◗ Case Study
MSc in Wireless and Microwave
Communication Engineering
Cardiff, capital of Wales,
has been the central hub of
communication engineering
and related signal
processing techniques
since the first wireless
communication system was
examined by Marconi at
Laverknock Point less than
10 miles away from the
Engineering building.
The MSc in Wireless and Microwave
Communication Engineering is a
programme at the forefront of advances
that combines theoretical and applied
techniques in advanced communication
systems and microwave characterisation
and measurement techniques.
The Degree Programme
The MSc in Wireless and Microwave
Communication Engineering at Cardiff is
an established and industry focused
course that aims to develop expertise in
areas such as modern communications
systems and specifically, Communications
Systems Engineering, Radio Frequency
methods and the related areas such as
advanced EDA/CAD tools, Advanced
Microwave Measurement, and non linear
characterisation. Active research in these
areas has led to the establishment of a
number of European Centres of Excellence
within the School of Engineering that
continue to develop strong links with
industry. These links are essential in keeping
the course up to date and relevant to the
needs of business and the community.
The programme is aimed at establishing
advanced concepts and tools for wired
and wireless communication systems and
the development of skills and techniques
that are essential when working with
modern wireless and microwave
communications systems.
and test, Advanced Communications
Systems and Networks, Digital Signal
Processing and non-linear devices. In
addition, students will be able to extend the
above skills in optional applications including
Nanotechnology and Optoelectronics.
Students acquire knowledge of electronic
techniques and industrially applicable
skills at an advanced level using current
industry standard equipment and software.
The course commences annually in
September and may be undertaken either
full-time over a year or part time over two
years. Assessment is by a combination of
written examination, coursework and
individual project. Stage 2 of the
programme, which may be undertaken
following successful completion of Stage
1, comprises an individual, often industrylinked research project in a specialist area
leading to the submission of a dissertation.
The research project may be undertaken
in industry or at the University. A student's
sponsors may provide a suitable project,
which can prove to be of significant
professional benefit for the student. Many
projects are linked directly to the research
activities being pursued in the research
institutes within the School of Engineering
including the internationally renowned
centre for High Frequency Engineering.
The project is of 15 weeks duration and is
examined by dissertation.
Modules Offered:
Core modules
◗ Software Tools and Simulation
◗ HF and RF Engineering
◗ RF Circuits Design and CAD
◗ High Frequency Electronic Materials
◗ Advanced CAD fabrication and test
◗ Advanced Communication Networks
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
Teaching on the MSc in Wireless and
Microwave Communication Engineering
is fed by the research activities of the
Institute of Green Electronic Systems, one
of seven research institutes in the School
of Engineering. Research facilities
accessed via project work include the
Centre for High Frequency Engineering,
involving state of the art test and
measurement equipment for waveform
engineering of advanced RF and
microwave systems. Staff involved include
world leading researchers such as Prof
Steve Cripps, Prof Paul Tasker and Prof
Adrian Porch who contribute to teaching
on this MSc.
Employment Prospects
There has always been an acknowledged
demand for engineers trained in the area
of wireless communication engineering
particularly those who have gained skills
in implementation of the advanced tools
and methods.
The MSc degree is a transfer point within
the UK of communication technologies
from academe to current and potential
user groups including IT centres, wired and
wireless system companies, communication
network development groups, and many
other areas from satellite communication
agencies to biomedical centres.
Entry Requirements
A good first class or 2.1 Honours degree in
electronic, electrical engineering or physics.
Other related degrees will be considered.
For applicants whose first language is not
English, there is a minimum language
entry requirement of IELTS 6.5/TOEFL iBT
90. Prospective applicants with
appropriate alternative qualifications and
experience will also be considered.
◗ Management in Industry
◗ Research Study
◗ Non-linear RF design and concepts
Optional modules
◗ Optoelectronics
◗ Fundamentals of Micro and
Nanotechnology
Programme Structure
Teaching and Facilities
The advanced study programme, delivered
by internationally recognised lecturers and
researchers, covers topics such as Adaptive
and Nonlinear Signal and Image Processing,
RF circuit design, advanced CAD, fabrication
Cardiff School of Engineering has been
recently renovated by establishing a fully
computerised MSc laboratory, which
contains all the necessary hardware and
software tools.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Course Tutor:
Dr Jonathan Lees
Email:
engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4975
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
21
The Postgraduate Research
Programme (MPhil/PhD)
Cardiff School of
Engineering welcomes
applications for MPhil and
PhD study, which can be
carried out on a full-time or
part-time basis, in a wide
range of research areas.
The School is also a partner in the
Engineering Doctorate Centre in Steel
Technology and supports candidates for
the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) award.
This is a four year programme in which a
wide range of ancillary studies are carried
out along with solving real engineering
problems in a company. The EngD is
designed to prepare participants for top
posts in industrial research and
development. It is open to EU nationals
only and selection takes place from
February each year so candidates are
advised to contact us at an early stage.
Research Areas
The School offers a wide range of
postgraduate research opportunities
across the core disciplines of civil,
electrical and electronic and mechanical
engineering. Within these disciplines there
are many specialist areas such as
communications, energy and the
environment, medical engineering,
materials and nanotechnology.
22
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
Researchers within the School are
organised into multidisciplinary Research
Institutes which may encompass a range
of different engineering fields. Within
these institutes there are more specialised
Research Groups working on areas such
as magnetic materials, design and
assessment of structures, high frequency
engineering, energy, high voltage power
systems, medical electronics, orthopaedic
engineering, hydroenvironmental
engineering and dynamic modelling.
Supervision for PhD and MPhil
programmes is available across all of the
School’s research areas, and
postgraduate researchers are assigned
both primary and secondary supervisors to
support their work. Prospective applicants
are welcome to contact members of
academic staff working in their area
of interest to discuss ideas for their
proposed research project.
For detailed information on the full
range of research activity covered by
the School, as well as research
groups, publications, projects, staff
research interests and contact details,
please refer to the School website at
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
Research Quality
In the last Research Assessment Exercise
(2008) the School of Engineering
consolidated its position as one of the top
ten Engineering Schools in the UK. The
School included over 90% of its academic
staff in the assessment and 97% of the
research assessed was deemed to be
“internationally recognised”. In addition,
30% of the School’s research was
considered to be "world leading" by the
assessment panel. Civil Engineering was
ranked in the top 3 amongst its UK peers
for the second successive assessment
(2001, 2008).
The seven research institutes around
which research within the School is
organised are:
◗ The Institute of Energy
◗ The Institute of Environment and
Sustainability
◗ The Institute of Green Electronic
Systems, Communications, Sensors
and Materials
◗ The Institute of Mechanical and
Manufacturing Engineering
◗ The Institute of Medical Engineering
and Medical Physics
◗ BRE Institute of Sustainable
Engineering
◗ The Institute of Mechanics and
Advanced Materials
The newly refurbished Trevithick Library
Entry Requirements
Assessment
A minimum of an upper second class
Honours degree (or equivalent) in
Engineering or a related subject is usually
required. Applicants with a Master’s
degree would normally be expected to
have obtained a distinction at this level.
Applicants with appropriate professional
experience will also be considered. For
those applicants whose first language is
not English or who have not had a
substantial part of their education taught
in the English language, evidence of their
ability in the English language is required –
usually a score of 6.5 in IELTS (with at
least 6 in each area) or an equivalent
qualification.
MPhil and PhD students submit a thesis at
the conclusion of the programme, showing
evidence of original scholarship. For the
PhD, the thesis is up to 100,000 words in
length, while for the MPhil, the thesis is
up to 60,000 words.
Modes of study, duration
and progression
The MPhil can be studied full-time over
one year or part-time over two years and
leads to the degree of Master of
Philosophy. The PhD programme can be
studied full-time over three years or parttime over five years and leads to the
degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The
School admits students to both
programmes on four occasions during the
year: 1st January, 1st April, 1st July or 1st
October. Progress in the standard of study
at both levels is monitored by formal
6-monthly and 12-monthly assessments.
Training and Development
Opportunities
The School provides a programme of
supporting studies to assist with
professional development of our research
students. These courses and workshops
include topics such as Research Methods,
Intellectual Property and Patents, Library
and Information Skills, Technical Writing,
Writing a Thesis, Management in
Organisations and Working Safely.
Students are also encouraged and given
support to attend national and
international conferences, workshops,
poster sessions and school seminars and
talks. The University's Graduate College
also provides a programme of skills
training in the form of short courses,
conferences and workshops to support
research students. Within the School,
students have the opportunity to be
selected for teaching support, for which
they attend training workshops.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Research Office
Email:
engineeringPGR@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4642
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
23
The
Research
Environment
Institute
of Energy
The Institute of Energy
undertakes high quality
interdisciplinary research,
education and training to
address future predicted
skill shortages in attracting
the next generation of
engineers and researchers
to the field of sustainable
energy.
Key rigs include a Power System Simulator,
a Full Power Converter rig and a Multiterminal HVDC system. Major research
areas include modelling and simulation of
dispersed, large wind farms, control and
provision of ancillary services from variable
speed wind turbines, and multi terminal
HVDC networks to offshore wind turbines.
SmartGrids – The Energy
Networks of the Future
Research work in this area under European
Union and EPSRC funding includes:
◗ The control and communication
requirements of the ‘Smart’
Distribution Network that will allow
increased use of local generation
◗ The role of smart metres and how they
can facilitate demand side response
◗ The information exchange between
the supply and demand side
◗ Control of the demand side to provide
ancillary services for the operation of
the power system
◗ Multi-agent control of a large number
of geographically disparate loads and
electric vehicles
Research at the Gas Turbine
Research Facility
The UK government has identified the
worldwide market for low carbon goods and
services to be £1.9 trillion and that
400,000 new jobs will be created in the UK
within this sector over the next 8 years.
The Institute of Energy is geared up to
respond to this change through its key
research themes which are identified
below.
Grid Integration of Renewable
Energy Sources
The Institute of Energy works to support
the UK 2020 target of 20% of all energy
from renewable sources.
The purpose-built laboratory allows state
of the art training and research facilities.
24
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
The Institute of Energy is a member of the
EPSRC Supergen Consortium HiDEF,
developing understanding of how microgeneration can be integrated effectively
into the power system. It is also a key
contributor to HubNet, a major EPSRC
supported research project investigating
control and communications of SmartGrids.
It has an active research collaboration on
SmartGrids with Technalia, a leading
research institute in the Basque country.
Research is needed urgently on future
energy networks, with the same attention
given to the demand side as is traditionally
paid to the supply side. Radical
intervention is needed to build the
‘Smart’ energy networks of the future.
Energy Infrastructure
The research team investigates alternative
solutions to energy infrastructure,
recognising the important requirements of
very significant reductions in CO2 emission
and increased robustness against technical
failure and external disruptions. Work is
being carried out on modelling of energy
infrastructure, optimal hybrid energy flow
within a Microgrid and vulnerability
assessment of the energy infrastructure.
Energy Assessment & Modelling
Building on our engineering expertise,
we conduct quantitative, technology-based
research to inform energy policy and
provide support for decision makers.
We lead the Energy Supply Theme of the
UK Energy Research Centre.
Work includes quantitative evaluation of
energy supply systems (particularly those
using renewable energy sources), as well
as technical evaluation of energy demand
reduction measures for industrial,
commercial and domestic needs.
Alternative Transport Fuels and
Technologies
We focus on the application of new fuels
and propulsion technologies for the
transport sector, primarily automotive and
aerospace.
Key strengths include fuel injection, mixing
and combustion strategies within internal
combustion (automotive) or gas turbine
(aerospace engines).
Low Carbon Heat and Power
Generation
Over 80% of current UK energy demand is
provided by hydrocarbon fuels. Research
in this area involves mitigating the effect
of carbon-based heat and power
generation systems through Carbon
Capture technologies. An example of this
is developing and improving the efficiency
of renewable power sources such as
biomass, marine and solar power.
Complex Fluid and Thermal
Systems
To enhance the understanding of energy
systems fundamental fluid dynamic and/or
thermodynamic processes are
investigated. This is done through new
mathematical techniques and the
development of novel laser diagnostic and
experimental techniques.
Key strengths include the development
of new numerical techniques,
development and application of laser
diagnostics to fluid flows and modelling
of swirling flows and combustion.
Energy, Risk and Environmental
Management
The utilisation of traditional fuels and the
introduction of new energy technologies
require careful management of the various
risks and hazards posed.
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
While energy may be considered on a
supply/demand basis, this needs to be
controlled by a systematic (management)
process. Areas of interest and expertise
include; explosion characterisation,
atmospheric dispersion of flammable and
toxic substances and solid waste
management technologies.
Earthing and Probabilistic Risk
Assessment of Electrical
Systems
The Institute has specialist experience in
this area, focusing on the measurement,
modelling and risk assessment of earthing
systems of lines and substations under dc,
ac and impulse energisations. Investment
has been made in rigs which can simulate
conditions at the lab and at the Institute’s
facility.
Transient Overvoltages &
Electrical Compact Systems
Work in this area focuses on the transient
modelling of high voltage plant and power
systems to evaluate and mitigate
overvoltages, to increase power transfer
capacity of overhead lines, and reduce the
footprint of air insulated substations.
Expertise includes polymeric insulators,
high voltage testing, field modelling,
transient modelling, modern zinc oxide
surge arresters, over voltage control and
insulation co-ordination.
Insulation Systems
Laboratory and field tests are analysed
with artificial intelligence techniques for
condition monitoring and life estimation of
outdoor polymeric insulators and bushings.
Our work focuses on the characterisation
of degradation and the ageing process in
polymeric insulation.
Thermoelectric Materials &
Energy Harvesting
The focus is on the new generation of
thermoelectric materials and devices which
will impact on waste heat recovery and
energy harvesting, electrical power for
deep space missions, and on-chip microcoolers for astronomical and biological
detectors and quantum computing
resonators. The research team is
recognised world wide with more than 45
years experience in this technology.
Power Magnetics
Industrially relevant research is provided
into the more effective use of existing
magnetic materials, and for the more
appropriate characterisation of new
materials for both existing and new
applications. To support this work a unique
set of facilities has been developed for
power magnetics research relating to
electrical steels, soft magnetic composites
and other commercially important
magnetic materials with power
applications.
Industry Relations
The Institute of Energy is an innovative
grouping that engages with industry
globally. The National Grid is a strategic
partner to the Institute, and a framework
agreement is in place with EADS on the
Airbus project. In the field of Energy, Waste
and Environment, for example, academics
have worked with major industrial
companies such as GKN, Shell, QinetiQ,
and HM Naval Dockyards.
Researchers collaborate with fellow
international research centres, with other
academic institutions, and with a broad
range of industrial sectors – with
manufacturers, consultants, contractors
and utilities in the energy sector. The
Institute is well placed to support the
development of Wales’ own energy
economy, with its natural resources of
coal, wind, wave and tidal energy.
Current Funding Awards include:
◗ UKERC 2 Energy Supply:- with ICSTM.
Sponsored by NERC, £478,396
◗ Electrical Energy Infrastructure to
2050. Sponsored by EPSRC,
£471,226
◗ Evaluation of a large energy intensive
site to determine if centralised
electricity generation and steam
distribution is preferable to local
generation. Sponsored by ESPRC,
£657,049.
◗ Low Carbon Research Institute,
Sponsored by the National Assembly
for Wales, HEFCW, £609,582
An offshore wind farm
Recent Recognition includes:
◗ Funding for the Morgan-Botti Lightning
Laboratory, a lightning simulation and
test facility which is unique in the UK.
◗ Assisted UK Health & Safety labs in
‘Lessons to be learnt’ aspects of Lord
Cullen’s Inquiry into the Paddington
train disaster.
◗ First environmentally friendly
thermoelectric power generator using
waste warm water, displayed on
national TV and demonstrated at the
Kyoto summit.
◗ Developed the first solar power car to
cross Europe.
◗ NATO award for Best International
Collaboration in Gas Turbine Field (with
Ukraine and Russia) for novel cooling
systems in gas turbines.
◗ The only recognised Marie-Curie
training site in the UK for European
Researchers working in the field of
Sustainable Energy and the
Environment (INECSE consortium),
led by ENEL (the largest power
generator in Italy).
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Research Office
Email:
engineeringPGR@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4642
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
25
Institute of Environment
and Sustainability
Conducting studies of the Severn
Barrage in the Severn Estuary Model
The Institute of Environment
and Sustainability is a
multidisciplinary research
group comprising the
Geoenvironmental Research
Centre and the
Hydroenvironmental
Research Centre. The
Institute offers an
environment which provides
high quality research
opportunities, leadership,
training and supervision for
research students.
The Geoenvironmental
Research Centre
The Geoenvironmental Research Centre is
a well established research centre with an
international reputation for world class
multidisciplinary research in geotechnical
and geoenvironmental engineering. The
Centre has won substantial research
funding for a range of projects which
involve fundamental studies of soil
behaviour through to applications for
commercial exploitation and development.
The Centre has close collaborative working
relationships with many industrial,
26
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academic and government partners
including the Coal Authority, the
Environment Agency, British Geological
Survey, Arup, United Nations International
Development Organisation, SRK
Consulting, and Ford.
microorganisms to enhance other
techniques, such as pump and treat. At
present, both biofilm development and
bioweathering are being studied for their
potential to enhance geotechnical
properties of the ground.
The Geoenvironmental Research Centre
has a wide range of research interests and
expertise which include: high-level nuclear
waste disposal; nuclear repositories and
waste isolation; problems of contaminated
land; attenuation characteristics of soils;
landfill engineering; land reclamation;
slope stability; engineering behaviour of
unsaturated soil; the development of
models of soil behaviour; ground heat
losses from buildings and buried objects;
as well as the influence of environmental
conditions on the performance of
underground distribution systems;
and risk management and education.
The Centre is equipped with extensive
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental
experimental laboratory facilities made-up
of a wide range of traditional and state of
the art equipment all of which is made
available to research work conducted at
the centre.
Other research interests within the Centre
encompass the development of protocols
for the prediction and assessment of
contaminant release; design of active and
passive mine water treatment systems;
underground coal gasification process and
residues; mechanisms and kinetics of
homogeneous and heterogeneous iron
and manganese oxidation;
biogeochemistry; uranium geochemistry
and hydrometallurgy; and environmental
impact assessment. Researchers are also
investigating methods of enhancing the
applicability of bioremediation in situ. This
is both through bioremediation itself and
also through utilising the properties of
For prospective students interested in
experimentally based research, a range of
first class, comprehensive testing facilities
are available including the full range of
traditional experimental facilities covering
consolidation and shear strength testing of
soils. These are supplemented by high
quality computer controlled triaxial testing
equipment and graviometric and
volumetric pressure plate extractor
equipment for use in unsaturated soil
characterisation. The Centre has excellent
experimental facilities in
Geoenvironmental Engineering, for
example, leaching columns and triaxial
permeameters which are used to
investigate the effect of contaminated
pore fluids on soil hydraulic properties;
analytical facilities for solids, liquids and
gases, such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray
fluorescence, electron microscopy, gas
chromatography, ion chromatography and
atomic absorption spectrometry.
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
Students pursuing largely computer based
projects are well catered for. The Centre is
equipped with extensive computational
facilities including state-of-the-art
supercomputing systems. The Centre’s
computational centrepiece is its newly
installed state of the art data visualisation
suite for stereoscopic projection and 3D
virtual reality of geoenvironmental
problems. Research dedicated UNIX
mainframes are available and eight
distributed UNIX workstations provide
powerful computer platforms for CPU
intensive computational analysis, computer
aided design, (CAD), and graphics
software. High performance computing
facilities also exist via two new multiprocessor SUN E6500 systems.
The Geoenvironmental Research Centre
(GRC) is committed to serving the local,
national and international research needs
of the geoenvironmental industry. The GRC
has fifteen years experience in delivering
European Research Development Fund
projects and over the past six years, the
team has successfully delivered the
prestigious Geoenvironmental Research
Park (GRP1 and GRP2) projects. The Seren
project ,a £10 million pound project
funded through the Welsh European
Funding Office, aims to deliver new and
innovative ground engineering technologies
that will address the low carbon agenda.
This project will develop and strengthen a
climate of innovation and exploitation of
low carbon technologies across Wales,
highlighting Wales as a leader in this area.
The identified research priorities are:
◗ Ground Source Heat Energy
◗ Underground Coal Gasification
◗ Carbon Sequestration
◗ Geoinformatic Packages: Low Carbon
Applications
Another project which is part of the
research currently being carried out by the
Centre is the Regional Project to Develop
Appropriate Strategies for Identifying Sites
Contaminated by Chemicals Listed in
Annexes A, B And/Or C of the Stockholm
Convention in Ghana and Nigeria. The
overall objective of the project is to build
capacity and strengthen institutional
arrangement to develop appropriate
strategies for identifying sites
contaminated by chemicals listed in
annexes A,B and or C of Stockholm
Convention and also to demonstrate the
viability of environmentally sound and
economically feasible remediation
technologies at the regional level. The
Geoenvironmental Research Centre at
Cardiff School of Engineering is acting as a
technical partner in the project, making
available its expertise and technical
facilities to centres in Ghana and Nigeria.
Hydro-environmental
Research Centre
This research centre, established in 1997,
undertakes research into the development,
refinement and application of hydroenvironmental numerical models for
predicting flow, water quality, sediment and
contaminant transport processes in
coastal, estuarine and inland waters and
water treatment and wastewater treatment
works. Experimental and field
investigations are also carried out in the
areas of coastal pollution, river basin
management (including floodplain
systems) and ecohydraulics. The centre is
sponsored by the Halcrow Group Ltd., and
Arup, two of the largest engineering
consultancies worldwide.
disinfection tank. The flumes and basins
can accommodate a wide range of
hydraulic model experiments, as can be
seen from the list of research projects
undertaken to date. Sophisticated
measuring equipment include: a number of
Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters (up to
200Hz of sampling frequency), 2 digital
fluorometers, a bed profiler, an automated
multi-probe water level monitoring system
and access to a Laser Doppler
Anemometer. The Centre staff also work
closely with other research groups and
government departments and industry,
across Wales and internationally, in
acquiring field data.
The Centre has an international reputation
in environmental water management, with
collaborative studies being undertaken with
institutions in 14 countries, as well as
other UK universities, Halcrow Group Ltd.,
HR Wallingford, Environment Agency,
Scottish Water, APB MER, Cardiff Harbour
Authority and several SMEs in the region.
The Centre’s numerical model DIVAST
(Depth-Integrated Velocities and Solute
Transport) has been mounted by over 40
companies and government organisations
for practical EIA studies and by over 50
academic institutions in 19 countries for
research purposes. DIVAST and its 3-D
extension (TRIVAST) are used to predict a
range of water quality indicators including:
salinity, temperature, faecal and total
coliforms, faecal streptococci and disease
burden risk levels, biochemical oxygen
demand, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen and
phosphorous cycles, phytoplanktonic
algae, non-cohesive and cohesive
sediments and heavy metals.
The Centre has a large, well equipped
hydraulics laboratory, including: a large
tidal basin, 2 recirculating flumes (1.2m
wide and 0.3m wide), a large tidal flume
(1.2m wide, 1.0m deep, bidirectional flow
capacity of up to 1 cumec) and a model
Sample measurements taken from
a Leco furnace
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Research Office
Email:
engineeringPGR@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4642
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
27
Institute of Green Electronic SystemsCommunications, Sensors and Materials
The Institute aims to
conduct world-leading,
interdisciplinary research
using high-end electronics
technology to solve
tomorrow’s engineering
challenges.
By capturing the actual voltage and current
waveform data of an active device, it is
possible to better understand non-linear
behaviour, and to accurately model this
within the CAD environment. Success in this
area has has led to the formation of Mesuro
Ltd - a spin-out company that is now the
world’s leading developer of open loop,
active harmonic load pull solutions,
delivering ground-breaking performance
improvements in the design and
manufacture of RF and microwave devices
and amplifiers. Other focus areas include
high frequency device characterisation
with on-wafer facilities covering a frequency
range up to 50 GHz, and novel power
amplifier design techniques allowing rapid
implementations of very high-efficiency,
high-linearity and wide bandwidth
architectures (Class B, J, F as well as their
inverse and continuous modes). Energy
efficiency is a major driver for our research
into future high-frequency electronic
systems. Linked to this, new research
involves the use of high-power solid state
microwave components for the development
of the next generation of highly efficient
sources of heat within industrial, medical
and scientific applications.
Signal Conversion and Processing
On-wafer electronic device
characterisation
This covers the specific areas of the
fundamental science and applications of
electronic materials, wireless
communications systems, sensor
technologies, embedded systems, signal
conversion/processing and microfluidics.
This Institute’s research has huge impacts
in areas as diverse as security, advanced
materials, energy and health.
Research Areas
High Frequency Engineering
Pioneering the development and
application of a new generation of nonlinear, high-power, high-frequency
measurement systems, we are continuing
to break new ground in enabling
‘Waveform Engineering’; an alternative
approach to traditional non-linear
characterisation and modelling.
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Current research involves the signal
processing, precision characterisation
and dynamic range enhancement of data
converter based sensor systems. This has
applications with sensor signal bandwidths
ranging from sub Hz to over 50 GHz.
Examples of this research in action
include sigma delta converter
characterisation for the CERN LHC project,
dynamic range enhancement of MEMS
acoustic sensors, ultrasonic imaging
systems, software radios, RADAR sensors
and arbitrary waveform generators. The
MEMS sensor enhancement research
recently won an innovation award in
association with QinetiQ.
Electronic Materials
Crucial to the continued enhancements
of high frequency device performance
are the limiting characteristics imposed
by the electronic materials used. Materials
research involves fundamental studies
and materials processing of a range of
electronic materials, from superconductors,
to III-V semiconductors (including GaN
and InN), to transparent conducting
oxides (e.g. indium tin oxide, and
related materials).
These activities link the state-of-the-art
clean room and processing facilities at
Cardiff University, to the high frequency
characterisation facilities and the
realisation of efficient devices by waveform
engineering.
Microfluidics
This highly interdisciplinary area involves
the use of microfluidics technology for
sustainable production processes and
provides opportunities for working at the
interface of engineering with chemistry,
biosciences, medicine and pharmacy. The
central experimental feature is the Xtreme
Laser Facility (XLF), which is unique in
Europe and has capability in both 157nm,
193nm ultraviolet and 795nm femtosecond
laser micro- and nano-machining. It is
designed for Lab-on-a-Chip microfluidic,
microreactor, photonic and separations
product developments. The XLF represents
a £2M+ capital investment and is a focus
for further investments by affiliated
companies. Other experimental features
include the ThermoFisher Scientific
Surveyor MSQ Liquid ChromatographyMass Spectrometer (with Xcalibur Control
and Data Acquisition), plus a wide range
of Nikon microscopes, including infra-red,
multiwavelength confocal and high
resolution SEM and TEM. Two key patents
in microfluidics technology have been taken
to market through the foundation of Q-CHIP,
valued at over £4M and funded by
EPSRC/DTI and business angels. A new
focus for microfluidics research at Cardiff
is the mass production of nuclear fusion
targets for future energy generation.
High Frequency Sensors
This work brings together all aspects of
the Institute’s activities (including
microfluidics) and also interfaces with
other scientific disciplines such as
medicine, chemistry, physics and the
biosciences. Resonant high frequency
sensors have been developed that change
their property based on the materials used
or the environment in which they are
placed. This can be used to study the
fundamental science of the materials
themselves (e.g. new types of
superconductors, transparent conducting
oxides), or be used to develop new
generations of sensors. Such sensors
have been deployed in applications as
varied as astronomical photon detectors,
hydrogen storage sensors in fuel cells,
and in medical sensors.
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
An example of a medical device is the
development of a truly non-invasive blood
glucose monitor, which has the potential
to improve the quality of life of millions of
diabetes sufferers world-wide.
Industrial Links
The research conducted by the Institute
has been funded by, and informs the
research programmes of world-leading
companies, including Agilent, AlcatelLucent, Astrium, EADS, Freescale,
GlaxoSmithKline, M/A-Com, Mimix
Broadband, Merck GaKaA, Milmega,
National Instruments, Nokia Corporation,
NXP Semiconductors, Panasonic, QinetiQ,
and Thermofischer. This is in addition to
links with government bodies such as
European Space Agency, NASA, US
Department of Energy and the US
Department of Trade and Industry.
Current PhD Projects
The strong industrial links are evidenced
by the large number of current,
industrially-sponsored PhD projects.
These include:
◗ Environmentally-friendly power
amplifiers (sponsored by AlcatelLucent)
◗ Improving the efficiency of mobile
communications networks
(sponsored by Freescale)
◗ Waveform engineering at X-band
frequencies (sponsored by M/A-Com)
◗ Efficient uses of microwave power in
heating applications (sponsored by
NXP Semiconductors)
◗ New, adaptive composite electronic
materials based on transparent
conducting oxides (sponsored by
Merck GaKA)
◗ Mulitphase microfluidic separations in
laser machines microreactors
(sponsored by Thermofisher Ltd.)
Recent Research Grants
The Institute benefits from major research
support from both government and
industry, maintaining its position at the
forefront of global research in the
electronics area. Recent research
awards include:
◗ “Holistic design of power amplifiers for
future wireless systems”, sponsored by
EPSRC, £1,158,000
Students using state of the art nonlinear microwave measurement facilities
◗ “Knowledge Transfer Centre KTC in
Green Communication”, sponsored by
the Welsh Assembly Government,
£371,000
◗ “Novel development methodology for
highly-efficient and ultra-broadband
remote sensing applications”,
sponsored by Selex Sensors and
Airborne Systems, £278,000
◗ “Multi-mode sampling ADC system
and wideband DAC using direct
interpolation”, sponsored by Selex
Sensors and Airborne Systems,
£270,000
Student members from the Institute
regularly win honours in international
conferences and competitions in
recognition of their outstanding research,
e.g. best young researcher award at 2011
IoP Dielectrics Conference, winners of the
European and Africa region in the 2011
NXP HFRF Design Challenge (based on the
efficient use of microwave power), as well
as regular awards for best papers at the
International Microwave Symposium (IMS).
◗ “Miniaturised water toxicity analysers”,
Modern Water Ltd., as a part of a
Knowledge Transfer Partnership,
£141,000
Honours and Awards
Members of the Institute have chaired
numerous committees, international
conferences and councils. They have
received recognition in the form of the
Arne Magnus Lecture Award, the European
Association for Signal Processing Technical
Achievement Award and even the Papal
Cross, awarded by Pope John Paul III
(Pro Ecclesia et Pontifica) for Distinguished
Service to Higher Education. Boasting IEEE
Distinguished Microwave Lecturers and an
IEEE Fellows, their number also includes the
advisor to MoD Scientific Advisory Council
on Electronic Materials, the designated UK
expert on analogue to digital and digital to
analogue conversion standards.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Research Office
Email:
engineeringPGR@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4642
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
29
Institute of Mechanical and
Manufacturing Engineering
Our mission is to conduct
world-class research in
Mechanical and
Manufacturing Engineering
which fosters innovation
and sustainability, supports
social and economic
development, and
contributes to
improvements in health
and quality of life.
Our close involvement with industry
ensures our research has both relevance
and meaning. Our focus on applied
research enables us to work with some of
the world’s most renowned engineering
companies. Partners include Airbus, BAe
Systems, Bosch, Tata Steel, Daimler,
EADS, Fiat, Hewlett-Packard, IBM,
Messier-Dowty, Mitutoyo, Network Rail,
TWI, Parametric Technology, Physical
Acoustics Ltd, Renault, Rolls-Royce, SAP,
Siemens, Silicon Graphics, Stile Bertone,
The Highways Agency, TRL, Microchip, and
WS Atkins. We have partnerships with
leading academic institutions from all over
the world and have had collaborative
projects with more than 22 countries. We
also actively engage with industry in Wales.
Research is conducted within a vibrant
environment which has benefited from
major strategic investment via directed SRIF
funds of £2.4M into the Cardiff University
Structural Performance (CUSP) laboratory
and collaborative industrial partnerships.
The focus of our research is on the
development of innovative, advanced and
environmentally friendly technology,
together with its effective and sustainable
implementation via suitable hardware,
software or management systems to
applications within the transport, energy
generation and manufacturing industries.
The Institutes three main strategic
research areas are: Mechanical,
Manufacturing and Systems Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering
This strategic research area has two
priorities, aerospace, and automotive
engineering, and research in these areas
is conducted within the scope of
Mechanical and Structural Performance.
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www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
Mechanical and Structural
Performance
This research utilises the excellent
facilities of the Cardiff University Structural
Performance (CUSP) laboratories and
involves work across a range of research
areas including: damage assessment by
acoustic emission, design and assessment
of structures, lightweight structures and
composites and vehicle crash, to name
but a few. Research into the application
of acoustic emission for the detection,
location, and quantification of damage in
a variety of structures and materials has
been ongoing since 1992. An extensive
laboratory programme aimed particularly
at bridge monitoring, together with a
technology transfer programme with
Physical Acoustics Ltd, has resulted in
the development of a successful bridge
monitoring method in use worldwide.
This technology provides the only method
of finding and evaluating the behaviour of
cracks that are not surface breaking.
Recent research has concentrated on
waveform analysis for accurate source
location and identification in complex
structures. These techniques have been
applied to both simulated and real AE
sources and an automated method,
together with improved location
techniques, has resulted in applications
across a range of industries.
Aerospace
The recent emphasis on lightweight design
has required aircraft components to
incorporate new materials in optimised
structures. With more complex damage
mechanisms and lower safety factors,
Structural Health Monitoring (SMH)
Systems are becoming essential to ensure
structural integrity. Within this research
group acoustic emission and acoustoultrasonics is being used to detect and
locate damage in metallic and composite
structures. Current projects include the
development of wireless SHM systems,
the examination of embedded sensors in
carbon fibre, the monitoring of landing gear
structures undergoing certification testing
and the detection of damage in composite
military components. Energy harvesting
from thermal difference, radio frequency
and vibration is also being assessed as a
method of powering SMH systems. Further
research concentrates on the design and
optimisation of these lightweight structures
for aerospace applications, with a focus on
improved performance. This research is
supported by experiments using FEA
analysis and carbon fibre specimens
manufactured in the autoclave facility.
Automotive
Research activities are conducted in the
areas of energy management, materials
and structures; safety and regulation; and
vehicle dynamics. The goal is zero
emissions, zero collisions and zero
congestion. In the energy management
area the Institute takes a lead role in
energy recovery and harvesting, human
machine interface, and range extender
technologies. In the area of materials and
structures the Institute is developing
lightweight structures that are both safe
and result in a more efficient transport.
Research areas include: optimised light
weight structures, functionally graded
structures, manufacture for reduced
cost/environmental impact, condition
monitoring, and dual function materials
(safety/structural). Safety and regulation is
the tool used to steer development of
greener transport. Research areas and
technologies include protection of
pedestrians and road users via
biomechanics and injury studies,
development of countermeasures for
improved vehicle safety, static and
dynamic computer modelling,
comprehensive component testing, and
the safety of new and alternatively
powered vehicle concepts. Within the
vehicle dynamics area, we offer services,
innovation, research and development,
across a wide range of technical areas.
Facilities available include computer
modelling software specialising in vehicle
dynamics analysis, comprehensive test
facilities specifically for vehicle dynamics
testing including quarter car, four poster
and chassis torsion rigs.
Manufacturing Engineering
This strategic research area has three
priority themes: sustainable manufacturing,
advanced manufacturing technologies,
and micro / nano-manufacturing.
Sustainable Manufacturing
Our work in this area aims to enable the
manufacturing industry to grow by
adopting more advanced technologies,
and at the same time improve its
sustainability by reducing its
environmental impact. This work is
conducted in close partnership with
several Welsh universities within the
framework of ASTUTE, a large-scale multimillion pound collaborative project. The
project will improve the competitiveness of
Welsh companies by applying advanced
engineering techniques to both the design
of products and to the manufacturing
process thus securing many jobs and
More online at:
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leading to the initial creation of more than
130 highly skilled new jobs in the sector.
The Institute provides expertise in
sustainable technologies, product design
and innovation, design for sustainability
and sustainable manufacturing, ecoinnovation and manufacturing, products
and services for sustainable living,
sustainable supply chains, condition
monitoring for sustainability, and
improved, effective and sustainable
management systems.
Advanced Manufacturing
Technologies
World-class research and development is
conducted in all major areas of advanced
manufacturing and the output is used to
promote the introduction of new
manufacturing technology and practice to
industry. The strategic research
programme of the Institute in this area
focuses on achieving greater efficiency,
better quality, less waste and higher
competitiveness by judiciously integrating
advanced IT tools and techniques. These
are key foresight areas and present multibillion pound opportunities for industry. They
include technologies such as rapid
prototyping and concurrent engineering for
speeding up the development and
manufacture of new products, thus
increasing the competitiveness of UK
industry in the global market. In particular,
a number of recently won multi-million
pound projects focus on civil and medical
robotics, data mining, biosensors,
manufacturing panels for architectural,
aerospace and automotive industries
without the use of tooling, and improving
the performance of production lasers
using disruptive techniques.
Micro/nano Manufacturing
The focus of our micro and nano
Manufacturing (MNM) theme is on
advanced manufacturing technologies for
micro- and nano-systems, one of the
priority areas in the UK Technology
Strategy. As stated in this strategy, it is
important to focus on development and
exploitation of key emerging technologies,
and also development of ‘innovation
platforms’, where the integration of a
range of technologies and the better coordination of policy and procurement will
result in a step change in UK
performance. In taking forward this
innovation agenda, the aim of our MNM
programme is to facilitate the creation of
manufacturing capabilities in the UK to
meet demands for: product miniaturisation
through innovative integration and
development of knowledge-based
technologies and production concepts
(especially micro and nano) for processing
of non-silicon materials; prediction of
product and process performance to
reduce/manage the risk during product
development and production, and reduce
time to market for the next generation of
microsystems-based products; future
product platforms to meet the
requirements of the next generation of
microsystems-based products, and of
more stringent regulations and
environmental legislation; and production
scale-up to ensure effective and efficient
transfer of product and technology ideas
from laboratories to serial production.
Systems Engineering
Systems Engineering research focuses
on two priority themes: intelligent and
knowledge-based systems, and smart
systems.
Intelligent and Knowledge-based
Systems
The group studies several fields related
to applying Artificial Intelligence in the
engineering domain. Our work ranges from
human behaviour recognition to image
processing, creating interactive digital
models and expert systems for decision
support. Semantics have been used for
knowledge representation, knowledge
extraction, automated reasoning, and
knowledge management in the areas of
product lifecycle management, design,
manufacturing, diagnostics, performance
support, e-training, e-learning, and
multimedia content management.
Ontologies are utilised and enriched with
specialised notions that are tailored to the
aforementioned domains. The main aim is
to represent context and domain knowledge
in a uniform, application-independent
way that allows context-specific and
personalised information to be delivered
to various users. Adaptive delivery of
knowledge in a non-linear way is a
prerequisite of active learning and e-training
and a major part of performance support
applications. This includes just-in-time
knowledge delivery in the context of
completing a certain task, and adapting this
knowledge to the information requirements
of the users. This involves research into
user and task modelling, virtual documents,
and the use of AI tools to generate
adaptive hypermedia. Expert systems and
decision support tools are built using AI
techniques including data mining for
optimisation and pattern recognition,
machine learning, and fuzzy logic.
Smart Systems
Research in this area includes the
deployment of microcontrollers with ever
increasing facilities and capabilities to
enable the deployment of systems with
embedded intelligence. These are
embodied in the provision and operation
of smart sensors that are capable of
acquiring and analysing data at high
speeds and in real time. The decision
making process is enabled directly at the
machine–monitoring interface and is used
to support condition monitoring and
process management systems deployed,
for example, in the machine tool and
marine renewable energy fields. Intelligent
and adaptive prognostic and machine and
process health management strategies
are thus enabled based upon the
autonomous integration of predictive
modelling and real time process
information. Related research in
mechatronic systems focuses on the
development and prototyping of remotelycontrolled, semi-autonomous robotic
solutions that utilise device embedded
intelligence to support advanced
autonomous system operation. The group
continues to define, design and engineer
integrated smart systems using converging
information and communication
technologies which act synergistically to
provide high level task oriented solutions.
This “system of systems” research is
fundamental to the future advancement of
intelligent engineering processes,
methods and products. In conducting this
research the group brings together
expertise in mechanical, manufacturing,
control, ICT, robotics and human factors
engineering to form a multi-disciplined
team capable of innovative and
internationally recognised research.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Research Office
Email:
engineeringPGR@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4642
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
31
Institute of Mechanics and
Advanced Materials
Main suspension cable of
Golden Gate Bridge
Research Areas
Mechanics forms the
backbone of many
engineering disciplines.
There is hardly a device
used in daily life which
does not involve some
concept of mechanics.
Research in the Institute ranges from
fundamental theoretical studies, involving
nanomechanics, elastohydrodynamic
lubrication and the eigenvalue problems of
vibration, buckling and postbuckling, to
experimental evaluation and applied
research, involving fibre-reinforced
concrete, composite structures and the
performance of superhard tribological
coatings and the failure of gears. Research
is underpinned by the use of sophisticated
computational techniques. The scale at
which the engineering problems are
tackled range all the way from the nano,
through the micro and meso to the macro.
Modern computational techniques based
on finite elements, boundary elements,
smooth particle hydrodynamics and lattice
modelling are being developed for efficient
multi-scale modelling of engineering
materials and structures.
◗ Nanomechanics
◗ Fracture and damage mechanics
◗ High performance finite element
modelling
◗ Generalised and extended finite
element
methods (XFEM)
◗ Meshless methods and multi-scale
modelling using smooth particle
hydrodynamics and lattice simulations
◗ Constitutive modelling of composites,
quasi-brittle materials and foams
◗ Self-healing cement-based materials
◗ Buckling, postbuckling and vibration of
lightweight structures
◗ Analysis and optimum design of
composite aerospace structures
◗ Modelling of damage in composite
materials
◗ Elasto-hydrodynamic and microelastohydrodynamic lubrication
◗ Scuffing and micropitting in gears
◗ Durability of superhard coatings
◗ Nano-rough surfaces
◗ Molecular friction and gradual wear at
the nanoscale
The main research interests of the
Institute fall into two areas:
◗ Theoretical, Applied and
Computational Mechanics, and
◗ Tribology & Contact Mechanics
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www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
Theoretical, Applied and
Computational Mechanics
Research Group
A major emphasis of this group is the
understanding of how the internal
microstructure of an engineering material
influences its response under service
conditions. Research interests in this area
include nanostructured materials, and the
development of constitutive models of
different polymeric, particulate and
cement-based composites, quasi-brittle
materials such as concrete and ceramics,
foams, and so on, from micromechanical
principles and experimentation to describe
their plastic, fracture, damage and fatigue
behaviour. These models are then
implemented using high performance
computational strategies based on
extended finite element methods (XFEM),
hybrid crack elements (HCE), meshless
methods and multi-scale modelling
techniques employing smooth particle
hydrodynamics (SPH) and lattice
simulations.
Another major area of interest is the use
of exact member equations in structural
analysis to avoid the need for finite
element discretisation. The resulting
transcendental eigenproblems are solved
using the Wittrick-Williams (W-W)
algorithm, which is at the heart of work in
buckling, postbuckling, vibration and wave
propagation. In collaboration with NASA
and Airbus, analysis and optimum design
software (VICONOPT and BUNVIS-RG) has
Image from Haptics Project
been developed for stiffened wing and
fuselage panels, and also for lightweight
3-dimensional frame structures for space
applications. VICONOPT is being extended
for use in the preliminary design of
aerospace structures with particular
emphasis on the postbuckling analysis
of stiffened panels made from carbon fibre
composite materials, modelling of damage
in composite materials, multi-level
optimisation and modelling for uncertainty
in material properties, structural
dimensions and loads. Applications of
transcendental eigenproblems are being
discovered in other disciplines, including
pure mathematics, optimal control
and fibre optics.
Current research projects deal with:
◗ Mechanics of nanostructured
materials;
◗ Development of constitutive models
for concrete and high performance
fibre reinforced cementitious
composites and their implementation
in finite element codes (especially in
the commercial code LUSAS);
◗ Development of novel self-healing
cement-based materials;
◗ Multi-scale modelling of damage and
fracture;
◗ Use of CARDIFRC as a replacement for
structural steel;
◗ SPH for modelling particulate
composites;
◗ Large deformation modelling of
metallic foams;
◗ Development of analysis and optimum
design software for composite
aerospace panels;
◗ Multi-level optimum design of aircraft
wings, with allowance for postbuckling;
◗ Modelling of delamination and other
damage in composite materials;
◗ Modelling for uncertainty in structural
analysis, using interval arithmetic.
This research is funded by EPSRC, EC,
The Royal Society, and Laing O’Rourke Plc.
The group leader's chair is sponsored by
Laing O'Rourke Plc, and a Readership is
sponsored by Finite Element Analysis Ltd.
The group collaborates extensively with
Peking University, Tsinghua University,
Dalian University of Technology, Indian
Institute of Science Bangalore, MIT, Laing
O'Rourke Plc, Finite Element Analysis Ltd,
Airbus and NASA Langley Research Center.
improve understanding of the gear distress
phenomena of micropitting and scuffing.
Lubricated contacts of this type are
described as elastohydrodynamic (EHL)
because their operation involves the
interaction of surface deformation and
hydrodynamic lubrication effects. The
behaviour of dry contacts at the nanoscale can become dominated by
roughness and adhesion effects, and the
basic theoretical understanding of this
important class of contact problems is
being aided by scaling techniques
including the pre-fractal representation
of surface geometry.
Research is currently funded by EPSRC,
EC, Shell and Goodrich Engine Controls.
Tribology and Contact
Mechanics Research Group
Tribology is the study of surfaces, their
relative motion, contact, adhesion,
indentation, friction, lubrication, fatigue
and wear. The well-established group
carries out both fundamental and applied
research in this interdisciplinary area and
has developed a specialised interest in the
behaviour of the highly stressed contacts
(both dry and lubricated) that occur in vital
components such as rolling element
bearings, between the teeth of power
transmission gears and in nano devices.
Currently, a major aim of this work is to
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Research Office
Email:
engineeringPGR@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4642
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
33
Institute of Medical Engineering
Medical Physics
A student prepares a
specimen for testing
Sports Biomechanics
The Institute is comprised of
a team of multidisciplinary
researchers involved in
solving clinical problems by
applying the principles of
engineering, electronics
and physics.
Examples include the design and
development of knee prostheses, the use
of imaging technology to investigate
cardiovascular pathology; development of
numerical models to analyse movement of
human joints; working with spinal surgeons
to gain an understanding of the
biomechanics of spinal instrumentation
and spinal constructs; investigation into
head injuries in infants; and human body
response to blunt and sharp impacts.
The Institute is also a partner in the
recently established Arthritis Research
Campaign (ARC) sponsored UK Centre of
Excellence in Biomechanics and
Bioengineering based at Cardiff University.
With its close collaboration with the School
of Medicine, it has access to clinicians and
patients enabling its research to be
clinically evaluated in order to improve the
health of the population. The following are
the key research themes of the Institute.
34
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By understanding the mechanisms which
cause injuries in a sporting environment it
is possible to design and develop
strategies to prevent the injuries. For
example, by investigating the forces
associated with the head impacting onto
sports surfaces it is possible to reduce the
likelihood of head related trauma by
modifying the surface material to dampen
the force. The group is also developing the
use of motion analysis to determine the
mechanisms and forces associated with
soft tissue trauma for example the anterior
cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee. Multi
camera systems provide information of the
event that causes rupture to the ACL
which allows a three dimensional image of
the player to be reconstructed and by
inverse dynamics, forces can be estimated
in the knee joint.
Another area of interest involves the
effective use of treatment modalities to
treat soft tissue injuries. A novel 3D
ultrasound system has been developed to
monitor the effectiveness of treatment
regimes for Achilles pathology by
quantifying the vascularisation of the
tendon and how it regresses with
treatment. A blind trial involving a group of
professional footballers is currently under
way which is investigating actovegan as an
effective treatment for hamstring or calf
strains. Its use in treatment of soft tissue
is well documented but data is limited for
objective results.
The group leader is dual qualified in
engineering and medicine with a specialist
interest in sports medicine. He is currently
the club doctor for a professional football
team and has sat on a number of
international committees including the
UEFA Medical Committee. He is currently
a FIFA consultant looking at the
biomechanics of player/surface interaction
associated with artificial football pitches.
Motion Analysis
A large team of engineers are using 3D
motion analysis for a range of
biomechanical applications; from
assessing patients with joint
replacements, to characterising the
mechanics of skin. Research conducted in
collaboration with surgeons involves
measuring hip, knee and shoulder
movement to determine the effects of
injury, disease, treatment options and
surgical approach. This research group is
highly involved in developing measurement
protocols, functional classification,
software development, finite element
analysis and musculoskeletal modelling.
Specific studies include combining motion
analysis with medical imaging (dynamic
Fluoroscopy and Magnetic Resonance
Imaging), examining the effects of
neurological conditions on walking
patterns and using image registration to
measure knee and shoulder movement.
Research involving small scale motion
capture includes micro-motion analysis of
tooth movement and modelling wrinkling
Looking at causes of
head injuries in babies
of skin. As part of a cross-disciplinary
team working for the Arthritis Research
Campaign Biomechanics and
Bioengineering Research Centre, research
into the causes, effects and treatment
of osteoarthritis remains a large focus for
this group.
Medical Imaging and
Digital Signal Processing
The Clinical Engineering and Medical
Physics Group is involved in research into
the safety testing of wheelchairs, the
development of electronic assistive
technology devices, in the development of
specialised seating for patients with
postural problems, and in the study of
Functional Electrical Stimulation in
hemiplegic patients. Medical Physics is
involved in blood flow measurement by
Doppler ultrasound, body composition
analysis, magnetic resonance imaging,
tissue characterisation using ultrasound,
the effects of intermittent compression on
deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis,
optical methods in the study of DVT, and
the use of Monte Carlo simulators in
radiotherapy treatment planning. The
Group works closely with local industry
both in the exploitation of existing patents,
and in bringing devices to market.
Research work is also being carried out on
ultrasonic Doppler computed tomography,
which is a technique which promises a
five-fold improvement in resolution when
compared with the pulse-echo techniques
in widespread clinical use today, and in a
novel strain method for the estimation of
the thermal risk during ultrasonic scanning
procedures.
of tendon lubrication. The integration of
new experimental methodologies enables
the group to continually expand their
research horizons.
Trauma and Orthopaedic
Biomechanics
The Trauma and Orthopaedic Biomechanics
group has a broad range of research
interests and ultimately aims to improve
the health, safety and well-being of
paediatric, adult and geriatric populations.
A number of large-scale research projects
are currently being conducted within the
team. The use of industry-leading Solid
Body and Finite Element Analysis software
has enabled the development of a
computational model to anatomically and
biomechanically represent an infant
through the key developmental stages. This
model has since enabled the investigating
of injuries as a consequence of accidental
and non-accidental scenarios, with potential
implications in both clinical and forensic
medicine. Additional collaborations with
the Department of Child Health and the
University Hospital of Wales are enabling
on-going research into the performance of
cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the
efficacy of child safety equipment.
The group are also leading a range of
orthopaedic investigations in collaboration
with scientists and orthopaedic surgeons.
Studies have sought to identify the most
appropriate fixation method for different
fractures, whilst others have been
exploring the post-operative enhancement
The Group works
closely with local
industry, both in the
exploitation of existing
patents, and in bringing
devices to market.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Research Office
Email:
engineeringPGR@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4642
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
35
BRE Institute of Sustainable Engineering
Smart buildings for the modern
working environment
The BRE Institute of
Sustainable Engineering is
at the heart of high added
value research for
Engineers.
The research that is undertaken in the
Institute involves the creation and
development of advanced computing
technologies for solving built environment
complex challenges that face society and
industry. The areas of research include,
but are not limited to:
◗ Collaboration Technologies – helping
people to work efficiently and
effectively with others over a computer
network, thus saving the need for
travel and hence cutting down on CO2;
◗ Solving Complex Problems – using
technology to select the best solution
from billions of potential routes;
◗ Virtual Environments – object and
human behaviour recognition and
simulation; and
◗ Virtual Organisations – distributed
working and collaboration.
Much of the Institute’s work deals with
handling complex problems using high end
software. Other major aspects of the work
involve helping people to communicate
more effectively using electronic
communications and studying how people
36
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communicate when they are not face-toface (and what is lost when this is not
possible).
The Institute Leader is a qualified architect
and holds the British Research
Establishment Chair in Building Systems
and Informatics. The Chair of the Int.
Assoc. of Bridge and Structural Engineers
Working Commission on IT and the ViceChair of the European Group for Intelligent
Computing in Engineering is a member of
the Institute. Other academic members
have been elected to the Board of the
Association of European Civil Engineering
Faculty; sit on the British Computer
Society and the Society of Collaborative
Networks; and have received the Literati
Club Award for Excellence and the Donald
Julius Groen Prize of the Institution of
Mechanical Engineers.
In addition there are some 30
researchers, made up of post-doctoral
researchers and graduate students who
are working on their PhDs. Current PhD
topics include:
◗ “Passivhaus and Zero Carbon
Buildings”,
◗ “Design and Development of an EManagement Tool for Hire for the
Construction Industry”;
◗ “The Digital Building - from conceptual
design through to life-long
management”;
◗ “Deployable Structures”.
The Institute enjoys substantial financial
support, covering a variety of research
areas from various sources. Examples
include:
◗ “Knowledge based energy
management for public buildings
through holistic information modelling
and 3D visualisation KNOWHOIEM”
sponsored by the European
Commission (FP7);
◗ “CloudBIM: Exploring the feasibility
and potential for cloud research in the
architecture, engineering and
construction sector”, sponsored by the
Engineering and Physical Science
Research Council;
◗ “SCriPT: Sustainable Construction
Service Platform”, sponsored by the
Welsh Assembly Government; and
◗ “Cost-effective, large-scale, adaptable
and deployable innovative domestic
renewable energy product and process
solutions”, sponsored by BRE Ltd,
MOMENTA.
Members of the Institute are regularly
published in journals, with key academics
sitting on the editorial boards of over ten
journals. The Institute holds regular
research seminars with both internal and
external speakers.
Elevated roadway at sunset
There are two main groups within the
Institute.
Building Systems & Informatics
The Construction industry is renown for its
complex project-based structure, reflected
in its virtual enterprise like modus
operandi. It is currently facing some
major societal (including security, health
and safety, and ageing) and environmental
challenges in terms of climate change and
sustainability, including the need to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from existing
and new build. This is reflected in
increasingly complex regulations
(environmental, energy, waste, etc) that
must be assessed and addressed by
specialists to satisfy planning consents
and public concerns.
Moreover, the construction industry is
facing a paradigm shift: a move from
simple “physical” components towards
extended IT-aware products embedding
various forms of “intelligence”. Buildings
should have the ability to be context
(including environmental) aware and learn
from user behaviours and lifestyle
patterns, and thus be adaptive to change.
From a building conceptualisation
perspective, ongoing Building Information
Modelling (BIM) efforts have shown
limitations reflected in their static
representation of a building and its
environment. Further developments are
required to provide a dynamic
representation of a building necessary to
provide real building performance
(including energetic) accounts, while
ensuring the building lifelong adaptability
to its usage and environment.
There is an urgent need to re-think and
pave the way to a built environment
adapted to the challenges of the
21st century.
This is the mission addressed by the
“Building Systems & Informatics” group
supported by the UK’s Building Research
Establishment (BRE). The group adopts
multi-disciplinary and multi-faceted
methodological interventions that factor in
people, process, and technology issues.
Civil Structures and Transport
Infrastructure
Acoustic emission is being successfully
used within the Institute to monitor
reinforced concrete bridge structures, and
techniques developed within the Institute
are being used commercially under
licence. The work has been complimented
with extensive laboratory research on
structural bridge components and
masonary-arch tunnels. Recent research
advances include the development of
novel polymers embedded within concrete
beams to provide pre-stress and its use
of digital image correlation to identify
concrete fracture.
The research that
is undertaken in the
Institute involves
the creation and
development of
advanced computing
technologies for solving
the complex challenges
that face society and
industry.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Research Office
Email:
engineeringPGR@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4642
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
37
Funding your Postgraduate Study
Securing funding is an
important consideration for
many postgraduates.
Most funding sources are
highly competitive, so it is
essential to start
researching your funding
options as early as possible.
In most cases, you will need to have been
offered a place to study in order to obtain
financial support; therefore it is important
that you apply for your chosen programme
of study well in advance of the deadlines for
any funding applications you intend to
make. This page lists the main sources of
funding available to UK, EU and
international postgraduates.
Research Degrees
The Cardiff School of Engineering offers a
limited number of studentships each year
through the regular funding schemes
described below. In addition, we are
sometimes able to offer one-off industry or
research grant funded opportunities.
Studentships are awarded on a
competitive basis. These will be promoted
via the School’s website at
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin and also on the
University’s postgraduate website at
www.cardiff.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgfunding
EPSRC (Engineering & Physical
Sciences Research Council)
Studentships
(open to UK/EU candidates only)
The UK Research Councils are public
bodies responsible for the support of
research and postgraduate training in the
UK, and as such are a major source of
postgraduate funding. The Research
Council relevant to subject areas in the
School of Engineering is the Engineering
and Physical Sciences Research Council
(EPSRC), and the studentships are
allocated through the School’s Doctoral
Training account.
How to Apply
Please contact the School of Engineering
Research Office at engineeringpgr@cf.ac.uk. See the EPSRC website
(www.epsrc.ac.uk) for further information.
38
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
President’s Research Scholarships
The President’s Research Scholarships are
“flagship” Cardiff awards which carry the
prestige of association with the
University’s new President, the Nobel Prize
for Medicine (2007) winner, Professor Sir
Martin Evans. President’s Scholars can be
confident of receiving the very highest
quality training and support. All projects
are supported by industrial partners and
President's scholars will spend time on a
placement with the partner companies.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/presidents
School of Engineering Endowment
Studentships
A number of part-funded studentships are
available on a competitive basis to
outstanding candidates (home, EU or
overseas). Candidates are recommended
for these awards by their prospective
supervisors, and restrictions on subject
areas apply in some cases. If you wish to
be considered for nomination for an award
by your supervisor, please note this
request on your application form.
Industry/Research Grant
Studentships
The School of Engineering works closely
with industry and other funders and is
sometimes able to offer PhD studentships
sponsored by our industrial partners, or as
part of research projects. Details can be
found on our current opportunities page at
the School website.
Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate
Awards
This prestigious scheme provides full
support (tuition fees and stipend) for
overseas students. For more information,
please see www.rcuk.ac.uk/hodgkin
Commonwealth Scholarships
Candidates from Commonwealth countries
(other than the UK) may be eligible to
apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship,
which provides support for tuition fees,
travel and maintenance costs.
Funding for MSc Programmes
There are also funding opportunities for
those wishing to undertake an MSc degree
programme. The School of Engineering
offers a number of international
studentships for selected high quality
international applicants.
For further information on scholarships
and funding please visit our website
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin or contact the
relevant Admissions Tutor.
Other sources of funding
Many charitable and professional bodies
offer small grants to support postgraduate
study; these are often listed in publications
such as The Grants Register and the
Prospects Postgraduate Funding Guide,
available at your University Careers Service.
Loans
Professional and Career Development
Loans are deferred-repayment bank loans
available to support vocational education
and training for UK/EU postgraduate
taught students. For information and
advice, please telephone
+44 (0)800 100 900
or visit: www.direct.gov.uk/cdl
Part-time work alongside
your studies
The Unistaff Jobshop is operated by the
Students’ Union and offers casual
employment in the University and
surrounding area. Please bear in mind that
you need to be able to balance the
demands on your time.
Further Information
Cardiff University websites:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/
postgraduate/pgfunding
(UK/EU students)
www.cardiff.ac.uk/
international
(International Students)
External websites:
• Graduate Prospects
www.prospects.ac.uk
• British Council
www.britishcouncil.org/
learning
• UK Research Councils
www.rcuk.ac.uk
• Professional and Career
Development Loans
www.direct.gov.uk/cdl
• Students’ Union Jobshop
www.cardiffstudents.com
International Students
Cardiff University has a long
tradition of welcoming
international students.
With over 3,000 students
from 100 countries, the
University enjoys the many
benefits of multiculturalism.
The Cardiff School of Engineering currently
has around 400 international students
enrolled on its undergraduate and
postgraduate programmes.
Services for international
students
The University provides all the information
and support necessary to help ease the
transition to life as a student at Cardiff.
Once you have been made an offer here, for
example, you will receive advice on matters
such as immigration, visas, healthcare,
climate and living and studying in Cardiff.
We also provide a programme of induction,
and orientation events for all students in
the week before enrolment. This includes a
coach collection service from Cardiff and
Heathrow airports, and events and visits to
introduce you to Cardiff and welcome you
to Wales.
Throughout your studies, support and
advice is available from a number of
sources both within the School of
Engineering and the University as a whole.
These include your academic tutors and
supervisor, the Student Advisory Service
and the Careers Service.
The English Language Service is an
authorised Cambridge (UCLES)
examination centre and Cardiff University
is also an official British Council
International English Language Testing
Service, regularly hosting the IELTS exam.
English Language Support
The University’s English Language
Programmes Office provides English
language courses to full-time international
students studying, or intending to study,
at Cardiff University. Language and study
skills courses are offered throughout the
year for periods from a few weeks to a full
year to improve your level of general and
academic English. Our Pre-sessional
Programme in English for Academic
Purposes is particularly popular.
These are full-time, intensive summer
courses of between 8 or 11 weeks in
length and are designed specifically to
prepare students starting degrees at
Cardiff University for academic study.
Places on the courses are limited so
students holding conditional offers are
encouraged to apply as soon as possible
by contacting elt@cardiff.ac.uk
Once you are enrolled as a full fee-paying
international student, you can select from
a range of free and optional English
language support classes. The courses run
part-time so you can fit language
development around your studies.
Further Information
For further course information contact:
The International Development
Division
Email:
international@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 4432
Fax:
+44 (0)29 2087 4622
www.cardiff.ac.uk/international
The English Language Programmes
Office
Email:
elt@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 6587
Fax:
+44 (0)29 2087 6141
www.cardiff.ac.uk/elt
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
39
More online at:
How to Apply
There are two ways in
which you can apply for
a postgraduate programme
at Cardiff University:
(1) Apply online (highly recommended)
Our Online Application Service provides an
easy way for you to submit your
application and track its progress and is
the recommended method for applying to
most postgraduate programmes at Cardiff
University.
The Online Application Service can be
accessed via the Apply Section of our
postgraduate website at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/pg/apply
Full guidance notes can be accessed at
each stage of the online application
process once you have created your
account and commenced your application.
If you have any queries or experience any
difficulty with the Online Application
Service, please contact the Admissions
Team by calling +44 (0)29 2087 9999 or
emailing admissions@cardiff.ac.uk
Benefits of applying online
If you use the Online Application Service
to submit your application, your user
account will also allow you to:
◗ view your completed application form
◗ download referee report forms to
provide to your referees
◗ determine your provisional fee
classification
◗ monitor the progress of your application
and accept or decline an offer, if
appropriate
◗ update your personal contact details
and view correspondence issued to you
by the University Registry in relation to
your application
◗ contact the University Registry by email
◗ access visa application advice from the
International Students website (if
required)
◗ access information on finding
accommodation
(2) Paper-based application
Paper-based application forms are
available for applicants who are unable
to use the online method.
40
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
www.cardiff.ac.uk/pg/apply
These should also be used to apply to the
small number of postgraduate
programmes (including those undergoing
final approval by Cardiff University) for
which online application is not currently
available. However, please note that
applicants who choose to submit a paperbased application cannot currently benefit
from the features provided by the Online
Application Service as outlined above.
Application forms and documents can be
downloaded for printing at
www.cardiff.ac.uk/pg/apply
Processing your application
Information on our application and
decision making processes has been
provided for you at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/pg/apply
Keeping us informed
It is important that you keep us informed if
at any time you change your e-mail or
home address, otherwise important
correspondence may not reach you. If you
have been made a conditional offer, you
must fulfil all the conditions of the offer
before you are permitted to enrol. If an
offer of admission is conditional on
examination results, evidence of these
should be forwarded to the Registry as
soon as they are available.
The enrolment process
Once you have formally accepted your
place at the University and your place has
been confirmed, you will be sent
information about enrolment. More
information is also available online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/enrolment.
Equality and Diversity
Cardiff University is committed to
promoting equality and diversity in all of its
practices and activities, including those
relating to student recruitment, selection
and admission. The University aims to
establish an inclusive culture which
welcomes and ensures equality of
opportunity for applicants of all ages,
ethnicities, disabilities, family structures,
genders, nationalities, sexual orientations,
races, religious or other beliefs, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Disabilities/Specific Needs
The University is committed to providing
an accessible environment for all
students. Candidates are encouraged to
make contact prior to submitting an
application to discuss individual
requirements, or to arrange a visit to
assess the suitability of the facilities.
Please contact the Student Adviser
(Disability/Specific),
tel: +44 (0)29 2087 0004
or email: Disability@cardiff.ac.uk or
Dyslexia@cardiff.ac.uk
Alternatively, further information is
available online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/dyslx
Contact Information
Admissions Team
Phone: +44 (0)29 2087 9999
Fax:
+44 (0)29 2087 6138
Email: admissions@cardiff.ac.uk
Address for paper-based applications
and supporting documentation for
online applications:
Admissions Team
The Registry
Cardiff University
30-36 Newport Road
PO Box 927
Cardiff CF24 0DE
UK
To apply for a postgraduate programme,
please visit: www.cardiff.ac.uk/pg/apply
Further Information
For further course information contact:
Admissions Team
Email:
admissions@cardiff.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)29 2087 9999
Fax:
+44 (0)29 2087 6982
Address for paper-based applications
and supporting documentation for
online applications:
Postgraduate Admissions
The Registry
Cardiff University
30-36 Newport Road
PO Box 927
Cardiff CF24 0DE
UK
How to Find Us
Cardiff benefits from
excellent road and rail links
and is conveniently
accessible from Britain’s
other major towns and
cities. London, for example,
is two hours by train, and
the M4 links both the west
and south of England, as
well as west Wales.
Travel to the Midlands and the North is
equally convenient – Birmingham, for
example, is just two hours away by road.
The main coach and railway stations in
Cardiff are both centrally-placed, while
travel connections to Europe and further
afield are catered for at Cardiff
International Airport in the Vale of
Glamorgan.
Cardiff School of Engineering shares the
£35 million Queen’s Building complex with
the School of Physics & Astronomy and
the School of Computer Science &
Informatics. The Queen’s Building is
located just off Newport Road at the
centre of Cardiff; a short walk from Queen
Street railway station and the city’s main
shopping and entertainment area.
To obtain travel directions to Cardiff,
please visit: www.cardiff.ac.uk/directions
Points of Contact
Postgraduate Taught Enquiries
The Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel:
+44 (0)29 2087 4656
Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 5902
Email: engin-pg@cardiff.ac.uk
Postgraduate Research
Enquiries
The Research Office
Tel:
+44 (0)29 2087 0076
Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 4939
Email: engin-pgr@cardiff.ac.uk
Key
Other Enquiries
Postgraduate Admissions (Registry)
The Registry, Cardiff University,
30-36 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0DE
Tel:
+44 (0)29 2087 9999
Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 6982
Email: admissions@cardiff.ac.uk
The Postgraduate Recruitment Office
(UK/EU students)
Tel:
Fax:
Email:
Web:
+44 (0)29 2087 0084
+44 (0)29 2087 0085
postgradenquiries@cardiff.ac.uk
www.cardiff.ac.uk/postgraduate
■
Cardiff School of
Engineering
■
■
University Buildings
Student Residences
Terms and Conditions
Every effort has been made to ensure that the
information contained within this brochure is
correct at the time of going to press in November
2012. However, the University does not accept any
liability for any errors that it may contain, or for any
subsequent changes to the University or
Government policy that may affect the information
given. Cardiff University expressly excludes any
representations or warranties (whether expressed
or implied) and all liability including direct, indirect,
special, incidental or consequential damages
arising out of the use of the information on these
pages, to the fullest extent possible under law.
ENGINPG/1112/2000
Cardiff University is a registered charity, no. 1136855
The International Development Division
(non-EU students)
Tel:
+44 (0)29 2087 4432
Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 4622
Email: international@cardiff.ac.uk
Web: www.cardiff.ac.uk/international
The English Language
Programmes Office
Tel:
+44 (0)29 2087 6587
Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 6141
Email: elt@cardiff.ac.uk
Web: www.cardiff.ac.uk/elt
Finance Office (tuition fee queries)
Tel:
+44 (0)29 2087 4399
Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 4020
Email: fees@cardiff.ac.uk
This brochure is printed on paper sourced from
sustainably managed sources using vegetablebased inks. Both the paper used in the
production of this brochure and the
manufacturing process are FSC® certified.
The printers are also accredited to ISO14001,
the internationally recognised environmental
standard. When you have finished with this
brochure it can be recycled, but please consider
passing it onto a friend or leaving it in your
careers library for others to use.
Thank you.
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin
41
Cardiff School of Engineering
For further information contact:
Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University,
Queen’s Buildings, The Parade, Cardiff CF 24 3AA, UK
Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 4975
Fax: +44 (0)29 2023 4716
facebook.com/cardiffschoolofengineering
twitter.com/cdf_engineering
youtube.com/cardiffengineering
www.cardiff.ac.uk/engin