Doctoral program in Structural Analysis 36 months PHD Program By Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC) |Top Universities
Subject Ranking

# =40QS Subject Rankings

Program Duration

36 monthsProgram duration

Tuitionfee

2,001 EURTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

YesScholarships

Program overview

Main Subject

Engineering - Civil and Structural

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

The doctoral programme in Structural Analysis was launched in 1988 when the Department of Strength of Materials and Structural Engineering was established within the framework of the University Reform Law (LRU) and the Statutes of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. The programme was created to produce doctoral graduates in the field of continuous media mechanics and theory of structures. This is a unique area of activity at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. The design of the programme reflects two strategic orientations. First, it has a strong international dimension to encourage the participation of many students. Professors from Latin America, European countries, Asia and Africa are involved in teaching. Second, the conceptual design of the programme and the scientific content it focuses on closely reflect the challenges and innovation-related problems that Spanish and European industry face as they seek to improve their competitiveness in a global context. One aspect of the programme’s international focus is the regular collaboration of internationally renowned professors in its delivery:Dr S. Idelsohn (ICREA), Research Professor at CIMNE, SpainDr C. Felippa, University of Colorado at Boulder, USADr R. Löhner, University of Washington, USADr J. Rojek, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Academy of Sciences, PolandDr F. Armero, University of Berkeley, USADr S. Botello, University of Guanajuato, MexicoDr J. Hurtado, National University of ColombiaDr M. Cerrolaza, Central University of VenezuelaThe programme also has close links with other universities and with companies in RDI. Professors and students work with a large number of companies on RDI projects within the framework of joint projects funded by national and EU research bodies. In the last five years, professors and students on the programme have participated in numerous research projects selected through competitive calls under national and EU programmes.Rationale for the programmeIn recent decades, major technological advances have facilitated deeper and more effective approaches and methods in structural analysis. This has been achieved in part thanks to more powerful and precise calculation tools but also because specialists in the field are being called on to solve increasingly complex problems facing society.In this context, the doctoral programme in Structural Analysis meets two needs. First, it introduces vertical content related to analysis and calculation of structures. This means studying and analysing the full array of concepts, methods and numerical tools needed to calculate different types of structures: beams, plates, sheets, etc. Students are also introduced to constitutive equations that define the behaviour of materials and therefore their structural response.Second, the programme covers horizontal content related to the mechanics of continuous media and the use of numerical techniques to solve problems. Study focuses on the numerical solution (linear and nonlinear) of equations related to heat transmission, fracture mechanics and some complex industrial processes (filling of moulds, sheet metal stamping, laminating, forging, etc.) and Navier-Stokes equations, among other topics. This dual approach makes the doctoral programme in Structural Analysis, which covers both the mechanics of continuous media and structure theory, unique at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.Programme objectivesThe objective of the doctoral programme in Structural Analysis is to develop high-quality researchers in the field of structural analysis, conceived in its broadest sense within the mechanics of continuous media, and in the application of numerical techniques (mainly finite elements) in this area. The programme focuses on two basic aspects of structural analysis:• Methodology• ApplicationsMethodologyIn this dimension, the objectives of the programme are as follows:• To provide students with a deeper knowledge of the most commonly used structural materials and their numerical treatment: two and three-dimensional continuous media, beams, plates and sheets• To develop and extend students’ knowledge and understanding of constitutive equations for materials that can be used to analyse their behaviour• To introduce students to the numerical treatment of differential and integral equations that govern the structural behaviour of materials• To use various numerical solution methods to analyse equations resulting from discretisation of the continuum, including coupling and interaction problems.ApplicationsAs soon as students have acquired the basic knowledge indicated above, they must choose a specialisation based on the objectives of their doctoral thesis. In this context, the doctoral programme in Structural Analysis covers the following fields:- Structural engineering, including seismic analysis, structural pathologies, numerical analysis of composite and functional materials, etc.- Solving multiphysical problems: thermomechanical analysis, fluid-structure interaction, etc.- Numerical simulation of industrial processes: additive manufacturing, rolling, welding, forging, solidification, deep drawing, etc.External collaborationsPractically all top-tier universities in the Americas, Europe and Asia with doctoral-level civil engineering programmes (environmental, mechanical or materials) offer doctoral degrees related to structural analysis. Professors in the UPC’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering maintain close relations in research-related areas with many professors at these universities, resulting in joint papers and coordinated research projects. These contacts also facilitate exchanges and periods of mobility for professors and students and participation in the examination committees of various national programmes.MobilityDoctoral students will have opportunities to undertake periods of mobility at institutions abroad to carry out research activities and/or participate in conferences that are directly related to their thesis or cover other topics of interest for their training and development. Mobility is facilitated by research projects carried out through the Department, in collaboration with related research centres (e.g. the International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering), and within the framework of European consortia and other international projects.Quality awardThe doctoral programme in Structural Analysis has been recognised with a quality award given by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science following assessment by the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (quality award code MCD2005-00341; awarded/renewed for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008).

Program overview

Main Subject

Engineering - Civil and Structural

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

The doctoral programme in Structural Analysis was launched in 1988 when the Department of Strength of Materials and Structural Engineering was established within the framework of the University Reform Law (LRU) and the Statutes of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. The programme was created to produce doctoral graduates in the field of continuous media mechanics and theory of structures. This is a unique area of activity at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. The design of the programme reflects two strategic orientations. First, it has a strong international dimension to encourage the participation of many students. Professors from Latin America, European countries, Asia and Africa are involved in teaching. Second, the conceptual design of the programme and the scientific content it focuses on closely reflect the challenges and innovation-related problems that Spanish and European industry face as they seek to improve their competitiveness in a global context. One aspect of the programme’s international focus is the regular collaboration of internationally renowned professors in its delivery:Dr S. Idelsohn (ICREA), Research Professor at CIMNE, SpainDr C. Felippa, University of Colorado at Boulder, USADr R. Löhner, University of Washington, USADr J. Rojek, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Academy of Sciences, PolandDr F. Armero, University of Berkeley, USADr S. Botello, University of Guanajuato, MexicoDr J. Hurtado, National University of ColombiaDr M. Cerrolaza, Central University of VenezuelaThe programme also has close links with other universities and with companies in RDI. Professors and students work with a large number of companies on RDI projects within the framework of joint projects funded by national and EU research bodies. In the last five years, professors and students on the programme have participated in numerous research projects selected through competitive calls under national and EU programmes.Rationale for the programmeIn recent decades, major technological advances have facilitated deeper and more effective approaches and methods in structural analysis. This has been achieved in part thanks to more powerful and precise calculation tools but also because specialists in the field are being called on to solve increasingly complex problems facing society.In this context, the doctoral programme in Structural Analysis meets two needs. First, it introduces vertical content related to analysis and calculation of structures. This means studying and analysing the full array of concepts, methods and numerical tools needed to calculate different types of structures: beams, plates, sheets, etc. Students are also introduced to constitutive equations that define the behaviour of materials and therefore their structural response.Second, the programme covers horizontal content related to the mechanics of continuous media and the use of numerical techniques to solve problems. Study focuses on the numerical solution (linear and nonlinear) of equations related to heat transmission, fracture mechanics and some complex industrial processes (filling of moulds, sheet metal stamping, laminating, forging, etc.) and Navier-Stokes equations, among other topics. This dual approach makes the doctoral programme in Structural Analysis, which covers both the mechanics of continuous media and structure theory, unique at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.Programme objectivesThe objective of the doctoral programme in Structural Analysis is to develop high-quality researchers in the field of structural analysis, conceived in its broadest sense within the mechanics of continuous media, and in the application of numerical techniques (mainly finite elements) in this area. The programme focuses on two basic aspects of structural analysis:• Methodology• ApplicationsMethodologyIn this dimension, the objectives of the programme are as follows:• To provide students with a deeper knowledge of the most commonly used structural materials and their numerical treatment: two and three-dimensional continuous media, beams, plates and sheets• To develop and extend students’ knowledge and understanding of constitutive equations for materials that can be used to analyse their behaviour• To introduce students to the numerical treatment of differential and integral equations that govern the structural behaviour of materials• To use various numerical solution methods to analyse equations resulting from discretisation of the continuum, including coupling and interaction problems.ApplicationsAs soon as students have acquired the basic knowledge indicated above, they must choose a specialisation based on the objectives of their doctoral thesis. In this context, the doctoral programme in Structural Analysis covers the following fields:- Structural engineering, including seismic analysis, structural pathologies, numerical analysis of composite and functional materials, etc.- Solving multiphysical problems: thermomechanical analysis, fluid-structure interaction, etc.- Numerical simulation of industrial processes: additive manufacturing, rolling, welding, forging, solidification, deep drawing, etc.External collaborationsPractically all top-tier universities in the Americas, Europe and Asia with doctoral-level civil engineering programmes (environmental, mechanical or materials) offer doctoral degrees related to structural analysis. Professors in the UPC’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering maintain close relations in research-related areas with many professors at these universities, resulting in joint papers and coordinated research projects. These contacts also facilitate exchanges and periods of mobility for professors and students and participation in the examination committees of various national programmes.MobilityDoctoral students will have opportunities to undertake periods of mobility at institutions abroad to carry out research activities and/or participate in conferences that are directly related to their thesis or cover other topics of interest for their training and development. Mobility is facilitated by research projects carried out through the Department, in collaboration with related research centres (e.g. the International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering), and within the framework of European consortia and other international projects.Quality awardThe doctoral programme in Structural Analysis has been recognised with a quality award given by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science following assessment by the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (quality award code MCD2005-00341; awarded/renewed for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008).

Admission requirements

5.5+
160+
59+
72+

Specific admission requirements

Students who have completed one of the following UPC master's degrees qualify for direct admission to the doctoral programme in Structural Analysis and will not be required to take any bridging courses.

- Master's degree in Civil Engineering
- Master's degree in Numerical Methods in Engineering
- Erasmus Mundus master's degree in Computational Mechanics

The academic committee may recognise other master's degrees or postgraduate studies in the sciences as equivalent to the qualifications listed above. For the recognition of degree equivalency, the academic committee for the programme will assess to what extent the qualification in question corresponds to one of the masters degrees listed above in terms of the number of credits and the subjects studied. The academic standing of the institution that awarded the degree will also be considered. Students who hold a master's degree or have completed postgraduate studies recognised by the UPC as equivalent to one of the masters degree’s specified above will be admitted to the doctoral programme automatically.

The academic committee will consider applications from students who do not meet these requirements on a case-by-case basis. In general, preference will be given to applicants who hold a master's degree in the sciences as defined in the Bologna Process guidelines.

3 Years
Sep
  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
  • Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

2,001 EUR
-

International Students

2,001 EUR
-

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Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech is a public institution of Higher Education and Research.

UPC offers 66  bachelor’s degrees (some 100% taught in English) in the knowledge areas:

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All of them are official Spanish degrees that allows the access to master's  and doctoral programmes .

30,275 students are trained to become professionals in engineering, architecture, sciences and technology who have the knowledge, abilities and skill to take on new challenges in keeping with technological efficiency and sustainability criteria.

Student’s participation and leadership in research projects and work placements foster their relations with the world of work and bolster their autonomy and initiative. The University is therefore a space for knowledge that stimulates learning and personal growth with a dynamic, motivating teaching model.

In the 2021 edition of QS World University ranking by Subject, the UPC is ranked 20th in the world in Architecture and 29th in Civil and Structural Engineering. It is also among the world’s top 50 universities in Telecommunications, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and among the world's top 100 universities in the field of Engineering and Technology and in the subjects of Computer Science, and Mechanical, Aeronautical and Industrial Engineering. It is the first Spanish University in Engineering and Technology and in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Telecommunications, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Computer Science.

The  Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC) is a public institution dedicated to higher education and research, specialised in the areas of Architecture, Engineering, Science and Technology offers 81  master’s degrees , 34 of them taught fully in English.

UPC is the Spanish university with the highest number of international university students. Last year, the 55% doctoral students were international (79% of them non EU).

As a leading member of international networks of excellence, the UPC has a relationship with global organisations. As a result, it’s at an advantage when it comes to attracting international talent.

Its offers 45  doctoral programmes in five research areas:

Architecture, Urbanism and Construction

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UPC also participate in Erasmus Mundus programme . This programmes shared between at least three European universities that have the support of the European Union. Erasmus Mundus are part of a cooperation and mobility programme for European higher education that aims to improve its quality and promote dialogue and understanding between people and cultures by means of cooperation with third countries.

In the 2021 edition of QS World University ranking by Subject, the UPC is ranked 20th in the world in Architecture and 29th in Civil and Structural Engineering. It is also among the world’s top 50 universities in Telecommunications, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and among the world's top 100 universities in the field of Engineering and Technology and in the subjects of Computer Science, and Mechanical, Aeronautical and Industrial Engineering. It is the first Spanish University in Engineering and Technology and in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Telecommunications, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Computer Science.

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