Architecture
The School of Architecture has an international and national reputation for research, with strengths in architectural science, history and theory of architecture and architectural practice.
The Welsh School of Architecture has an international reputation for research excellence, spanning architectural science, computational design, architectural history and theory, heritage and conservation, urbanism and urban design, and design research. We provide a stimulating environment for postgraduate researchers to investigate the built environment in its broadest sense — across scales and cultures, through varied modes of production and technologies, through diverse lived experiences, and in terms of histories and ideas that continue to shape architecture and cities worldwide.
As a doctoral researcher at the School, you will work within a supportive and inclusive academic community, benefit from expert supervision, and engage in an active culture of interdisciplinary research, critical inquiry and debate.
Supervisors
A full list of academic staff available for supervision can be found on the School of Architecture's website.
Distinctive features
- Vibrant community of researchers working on diverse research topics connected to the planning, design, development, management, use and lived experience of the built environment
- Multiple opportunities to develop research methodology skills, share findings and experiences, and receive friendly, constructive feedback.
- An annual Celebration of Research showcases progress and provides opportunities for support and collaboration
- Students can apply for up to £500 per FTE year for expenses relating to their research to support their studies
- Frequent opportunities to become involved in teaching activities in the School for those wishing to gain experience
Key facts
| Mode of study | Full-time, part-time |
|---|---|
| Qualification | PhD, MPhil |
| Full-time duration | PhD 3 years, MPhil 1-2 years |
| Part-time duration | PhD 5-7 years, MPhil up to 3 years |
| Start dates | April, October |
Applicants are expected to be independent and critical thinkers, capable of undertaking a sustained piece of research. Each student is supported by a supervisory team, comprising at least two supervisors, which provides regular guidance, feedback, and academic mentoring throughout the development of the thesis.
Progress is formally reviewed every six months to offer constructive advice, assess advancement against the research plan, and support the timely completion of the research.
Assessment is through submission of a written thesis that demonstrates the candidate’s ability to conduct original research, grounded in a strong understanding of relevant concepts, theories, research methods and case studies as applicable. The thesis is examined through an oral viva. This applies to both MPhil and PhD awards.
Support
In addition to the support provided by the supervisory team, there are collective sessions that focus on student voice, research methodologies and other aspects of the postgraduate student community, wellbeing and support.
We offer an online Research Methods Hub, which offers resources of diverse kinds to support research design.
Through the School’s Research and Scholarship Groups, a programme of regular research seminars is provided across varied specialist fields. There are also often themed workshops which students can join and learn from.
PGRs are also able to audit a wide range of postgraduate modules.
Assessment
Submission of a thesis followed by oral examination for both MPhil and PhD.
The school’s diverse research expertise is clustered into research and scholarship groups that provide a focus for exploring overlapping interests and expertise and facilitate collaboration. Research areas that doctoral students undertake are in turn related to these groups.
Postgraduate research students join one but can survey more than one of the research groups, where they benefit from being part of a community of expertise and learning, seminars, discussions and other events that support their studies.
Computational Methods in Architecture
Enhancing architectural design, analysis, and production through machine learning, computational optimisation, building simulation, script and code development and advanced digital methods. Topics include algorithmic learning, deep learning, generative design and digital fabrication.
Energy, Environment and People
Developing evidence-based solutions to critical issues of energy and sustainability within the built environment. Topics include indoor environmental quality (including air quality), net zero, embodied and lifecycle carbon, circular economy and relationships between technology and human behaviour.
History, Heritage and Conservation
Tackling crucial issues relating to our historic environment, both in theory and practice, including sustainability, the climate crisis, decolonisation, and equality, diversity and inclusivity.
Exploring the role of people and other actors in the shaping of urban places and public spaces.
Design Research and Professional Practice
Enhancing the global understanding of the role and value of design to shape the built environment in sustainable ways.
Research areas
Our graduates pursue careers across a wide range of sectors, including consultancy and professional practice within multidisciplinary, architectural, planning and engineering firms, as well as academic and research roles in universities around the world.
Our alumni are represented globally across academia and industry, with employers including:
Cardiff University, University of Surrey, University of Westminster, Cardiff School of Art & Design, University of West of England, University of Bath, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Hunan University, Qassim University, Abia State Polytechnic, University of Jordan, COMSATS University, Chiang Mai University, Jazan University, Amman Arab University, Wenzhou University, Qassim University, Harper James, National Energy System Operator, RICS, Davies Sutton Architects, Hyder Consulting, Arup and Partners
UK government postgraduate doctoral loans
Candidates for the Professional Doctorate programme may be eligible to apply for a UK government postgraduate doctoral loan.
Find out more about UK government postgraduate doctoral loansFunding
See our latest PhD studentships and projects and find out more about other funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Students from the UK
Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.
Students from the rest of the world (international)
It is advisable to first contact a preferred supervisor or supervisory team. If they are unavailable, please contact the architecture research office at the email address below.
Look at the University’s funding pages to see the financial support available. If you intend to apply for funding, we advise that you submit your application at least two months before a scholarship deadline.
Write a research proposal to discuss with your prospective supervisor. This should include aim, objectives, initial literature review (with citations and reference list) supporting the need for your research, proposed methods, desired resources and draft timeline showing completion including writing within three years.
Applicants will be invited to an online or in-person interview with your prospective supervisor (which can be carried out over Teams if you are unable to attend in person).
To complete your application, send your research proposal along with your CV and references to archi-research@cardiff.ac.uk.
Decisions will be made based on your research proposal, your interview and the references received.
Suitable for graduates in architecture, planning, engineering, social sciences, computer science and environmental sciences with an upper second class honours degree.
We welcome enquiries and applications from suitably qualified people wishing to conduct research in a relevant field.
English language requirements
IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or equivalent. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details.
