Student Internship 2026 - Coastal Modelling Research Intern

The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students; to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role.

We are seeking a motivated student intern to support a research project investigating sediment behaviour and morphological changes in estuarine systems that contain hybrid nature-based coastal defences, specifically saltmarshes combined with seagrass meadows. The project aims to improve understanding of how vegetation influences sediment transport, wave propagation, and long-term estuarine morphology under different hydrodynamic conditions.

The intern will assist in developing and analysing numerical simulations using the Delft3D modelling framework to explore interactions between tides, waves, sediment transport, river discharge, and simulated vegetation. This work contributes to evaluating the effectiveness of hybrid coastal ecosystems as nature-based solutions for coastal protection.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with the setup and execution of numerical simulations using Delft3D
• Supporting model configuration for hydrodynamics, waves, and sediment transport
• Processing and analysing model outputs related to sediment transport, wave energy dissipation, and morphological change
• Conducting literature reviews on seagrass–sediment interactions and hybrid coastal protection systems
• Assisting with data management, visualisation, and interpretation of modelling results
• Supporting the preparation of figures, technical reports, and research documentation
• Participating in project meetings and contributing to discussions on modelling approaches and results

The internship provides an opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge coastal engineering research focused on sustainable coastal protection and climate change adaptation.

Details

Dates: 25 May 2026 – 17 July 2026

Hours per week: 10

Students will be expected to develop the following skills and experiences while carrying out this internship:

Technical Skills

• Numerical modelling of coastal and estuarine systems using Delft3D
• Understanding of hydrodynamic processes, wave propagation, and sediment transport
• Model setup, calibration, and interpretation of morphodynamic simulations
• Data analysis and visualisation using MATLAB, Python, or GIS tools

Research Skills

• Conducting scientific literature reviews related to coastal processes and nature-based solutions
• Interpreting and analysing complex environmental modelling results
• Developing critical thinking and problem‑solving skills

Professional and Academic Skills

• Scientific communication and technical report writing
• Presenting modelling results and research findings
• Experience working within a collaborative research environment
• Exposure to sustainable coastal management and climate change adaptation

Please Note – As part of the 2026 Student Internship offering, priority will be given to Level 5 & 6 students who have specified in the Careers Registration survey (completed during enrolment and cannot be changed at this time) that they have had no work experience in the last 12 months and would like on‑campus work or a short work placement. However, applications are welcomed from all students meeting the criteria above.

Students are only eligible to undertake one internship under the 2026 Student Internship offering.

This role is only open to current Manchester Met students who meet the following requirements:

Essential Criteria

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree in Coastal Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Oceanography, Geography, or a closely related discipline
• Interest in coastal processes, sediment transport, hydrodynamics, or nature‑based coastal protection
• Basic understanding of coastal or estuarine systems (waves, tides, sediment dynamics)
• Basic understanding of numerical modelling, data analysis, or computational tools for environmental/engineering applications
• Familiarity with at least one programming or analytical environment (e.g. Python, MATLAB, or similar)
• Ability to analyse and interpret scientific or technical data
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team
• Good organisational and time‑management skills

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with coastal or hydrodynamic modelling tools (e.g. Delft3D)
• Experience using GIS software for spatial data analysis
• Previous involvement in research projects, dissertations, or coursework related to coastal engineering or environmental modelling
• Interest in nature‑based solutions and sustainable coastal management
• Experience with data visualisation and scientific reporting

Please Note – As part of the 2026 Student Internship offering, priority will be given to Level 5 & 6 students who have specified in the Careers Registration survey that they have had no work experience in the last 12 months and would like on‑campus work or a short work placement. Applications are welcomed from all students meeting the criteria above.