Key information
- Funding
- Self-funded
- School
- Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start date
- September
The Railway Research is led by Professor Peter Woodward who has been involved in rail track developments for over a decade. Peter and his team investigate the main issues for modern rail networks which include the need to cope with more traffic, heavier loads and higher speeds. These demands are common across the world and academics at the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure & Society are at the forefront of industrially relevant research in the UK for solving these issues. The researchers can offer numerical and experimental analysis of rail track under many different simulated conditions. It has a proven history of experience in the field with its practical applications and has recently benefited from £0.5 million worth of funding to continue with its important research.
Project supervisor
Staff contributing to this research area include:
- Dr Gabi Medero
- Professor Omar Laghrouche
- Dr Benny Suryanto
- Abdellah Elkacimi
Entry requirements
Candidate criteria
We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates. Please visit our How to apply page.
Funding information
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £5,151 | £2,575.50 |
| England / Wales / N Ireland | £5,151 | £2,575.50 |
| International | £26,296 | £13,148 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
We offer a number of competitive funded scholarships for research degrees. Full or partial support may be available for well-qualified candidates from UK research councils, research pools, charities or industry.
View our full range of scholarships.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).



