Brunel University

GBP1.9m grant to fund Engineering and Physical Sciences research at Brunel

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has given Brunel University a grant of GBP1.9m to fund doctoral training. The fund will be granted through the EPSRC’s Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) programme. The DTPs programme with Brunel offers funds with relevance to the Engineering and Physical sciences that come under the EPSRC remittance.

Commenting on the award, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Professor Geoff Rodgers said, “This significant new round of funding is further recognition of the long history of innovation Brunel has in engineering and the physical sciences.”

“PhD students are the backbone of our research, and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming our latest fully-funded cohort in the autumn.”

Postgraduate research opportunities are available in the Institute of Materials and Manufacturing, Institute of Energy Futures, and the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences. Students can apply for the research grant at different times of the year.

Doctoral candidate’s work in optical research recognised as “Best Student Paper”

The BIOIMAGING 2018 conference held in Portugal, which is an industry-leading gathering, recognised Bashir Dodo’s work on the human retina as outstanding. Bashir, from Brunel University London’s Computer Science department offers a new technique for diagnosing human retinal damage.

The technique separates the retina into seven different layers, which makes diagnosis easier and more accurate. Bashir’s solution could possibly assist with early diagnosis and help save eyesight of patients through early detection of retinal damage.

The new algorithm for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machines automatically separates retinal images while doctors currently identify the layers manually from OCT images.

Latest news from Brunel…

Brunel University London received a silver award in the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

The TEF awarded this to Brunel based on several metrics and information that the University submitted. The panel was particularly impressed with Brunel’s academic support for students and measures to help students build their career prospects.

Brunel University London was also awarded the Collaborative Awards for Teaching Excellence (CATE) from the Higher Education Academy in 2017. Brunel received one in six awards that recognises the University’s novel approaches to teaching and learning. The CATE award rates institutions based on 'excellent practice', the team's dissemination plan and teamwork.

The TEF panel recognises Brunel for the following:

• Approach toward increasing the employability prospects of graduates
• Ability to engage employers and creating opportunities for work experience
• Analytical method in addressing achievement gaps in the diverse student body
• Unique assessment practices
• Assessment techniques which consistently challenge students

Brunel has various initiatives to support learners through their journey in the University as applicants, students, and graduates. These include a team of career consultants who work with students during their time at Brunel and after graduation.

The Brunel Educational Excellence Centre (BEEC) works on enhancing the teaching and learning experience of Brunel students by offering a vast range of extra-curricular learning opportunities.

Brunel is also well-known for adopting technology that promotes a flexible and interactive approach to learning.

Brunel University London covers 32 subject areas. The University is well-known for its strong practical learning, research-led teaching and modern facilities.

The London Brunel International College offers pathways programmes to help students prepare for undergraduate and postgraduate study at Brunel. Subject areas include pathways to Business and Management, Engineering, Information Technology, Economics and Finance and Law. It also offers foundation programmes for the undergraduate level in Economics and Mathematics, Engineering and Mathematics and Computing. Pre-master’s programmes are also available through the College. The Pre-masters is offered in Arts, Business and Management, Design, Engineering Environmental Science, Computer Science and Law.

Undergraduate programmes have a 3-4-year duration and are available in many disciplines ranging from Aerospace Engineering and Anthropology to Life Sciences and Digital Media.

Postgraduate programmes cover a range of subjects including Structural Engineering, Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, International Relations and Journalism. The duration for these range from 1-3 years.

PhD and Research programmes have a 3-6-year study mode and are available in a variety of fields from Ageing and Biosciences to Civil Engineering, Health Economics and Law.

Several undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offer placements and come with a 1-5-year duration. Joint Honours programmes with and without placements are also available. These have a 3-4-year duration.

Brunel’s Language Centre offers pre-sessional English courses from 4-50 weeks and English language support during the degree.

Find out more…

The applicants should identify the course of study and then fulfil specific academic, visa and financial requirements.

Undergraduate Students

Prospective students can apply for full-time undergraduate programmes through UCAS or apply online through agents if the application is not through UCAS.

Postgraduate Students

Students must apply online and must submit documents electronically or by post to the Admissions office. They need to submit documentary proof of qualifications including English language proficiency.

Documents required include…

• An academic transcript for each previous degree completed
• Two references, one from the academic institution of study the applicant most recently attended and one from a current or recent employer.
• Sponsorship details
• Proof of English language qualification such as IELTS or GCSE
• Passport copy
• Personal statement
• Relevant certificates

Generic English Language Requirements:

• IELTS 6.0 and 7.0 or equivalent. Higher requirements may be applicable for specific courses.
• IELTS for UKVI (Academic) from an approved test centre before starting a degree.
• Non-UKVI-approved IELTS from an official test centre with the required scores if the student doesn’t need to study English before pursuing a degree. This is subject to conditions.

Also, have a look at country wise and course specific entry requirements...

From comfortable accommodation and computer work areas to excellent sport amenities, Brunel has a variety of facilities to offer.

Accommodation:

Brunel has more than 4,500 modern, comfortable and safe rooms with a wide choice of accommodation options. All new international students are guaranteed campus accommodation if they meet offer conditions, apply by the deadline and confirm their admission to the University.

Computer Centre:

The University’s computer centre provides a dynamic computing environment with the following services:

• Wi-Fi across campus and in halls of residence
• 24-hour PC labs (including 4 Mac labs)
• Microsoft Office software for free

Some computer work areas are available to students at all hours.

Student Centre:

The Student Centre is the first stop for international students and helps with various concerns including finance enquiries, Student ID cards, immigration questions and more.

Sport Facilities

Brunel is proud of its state-of-the-art sports facilities that rank among the best in the UK, and are used by some of the world's top athletes. Sport related activity programmes are available to students throughout the year. Brunel welcomes students with disabilities and offers a welcoming and friendly environment. The University is committed to providing opportunities for all to participate in sport and active recreation.

Brunel also has shops and restaurants offering various food options and opportunities to relax.

Brunel offers more than 100 scholarships for international students every year. These help students partially fund their living costs and fees. The University also works with different scholarship organisations like the Santander Mobility Awards, Chevening and The Commonwealth Scholarships.

International scholarships at Brunel include the following:

• International Excellence Scholarship: This awards students a GBP6,000 tuition fee waiver in the first year of study. Students must have applied for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught programme.
• Santander International Scholarship: This awards students GBP3,000 in the first year of study. The awards are available to students who are from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, USA, and Venezuela. Other countries are considered at Brunel’s discretion.
• Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students enrolled for postgraduate taught courses at Brunel. It is offered to high performing prospective postgraduate students and Brunel alumni who wish to undertake further postgraduate study. The scholarship gives a 15% fee discount to students who qualify. Brunel alumni could qualify for an additional discount.
• Commonwealth Scholarships (Postgraduate): Commonwealth Master's Scholarships enable applicants from low and middle-income countries around the Commonwealth. They are mainly funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). Talented students from any Commonwealth country or the host country applying for a master’s degree can be eligible for the award.

Students must meet conditions to qualify for all these scholarships. Additionally, some course specific grants are also available. Find out more…