PhD (Environmental Engineering)

The School of Engineering’s emphasis is on sustainable development and encompasses a broad spectrum of environmental impacts and degradation.

Research activity is focused on identifying solutions to existing and emerging problems in these areas. Most of these problems result from human impact and solving them draws on techniques such as life cycle analysis, cleaner production and eco-efficiency to develop sustainable solutions.

You can select from existing applied research projects that are well supported by industry. These projects will deliver fundamental research leading to innovative new products, processes and knowledge.

Research areas

You will be closely supervised while you work on a project within one of the following research areas:

• adaptation to climate change
• air pollution
• environmental planning and policy
• groundwater resource management
• land contamination and remediation
• land degradation
• management of waste
• sludge management
• wastewater treatment and recycling
• water systems engineering and water resources.

This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis with publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s.

Research centres and collaborations

Our primary research activities are conducted within these related research centres:

• Water: Effective Technologies and Tools (WETT) Research Centre
• Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRe).

Research facilities

Our research facilities and equipment include:

• rainwater harvesting system
• hydraulic devices
• laboratory and pilot-scale high and low pressure membranes
• forward osmosis systems
• elcometer film applicator for membrane production
• enhanced membrane bioreactors
• anaerobic digesters
• greenhouse gas analyser
• groundwater quality monitoring equipment.

You will be able to pursue an academic career in a university or be employed in senior leadership and management positions in government, scientific and industrial research laboratories.

Step 1: Find a course

Step 2: Check the entry requirements

Step 3: Collect required documents

Step 4: Submit your application

If you are applying for on-campus study in a coursework program (Bachelor, Associate Degree or Honours), use the online application system for international students. 

Remember, our team are experts in RMIT study options and how to apply, so contact the team if you need support with your application.