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.
We have established a number of research centres including
- the Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI)
- the BRE Centre for Sustainable Design of the Built Environment (SuDoBE)
- the Centre for Research in the Built Environment (CRiBE)
- the Design Research Unit (DRUw) and
- the Practice Research and Advancement in South Asian Design and Architecture (PRASADA).
Research specialisms include
- energy and environmental performance of buildings and systems,
- sustainability at an urban scale,
- resource use and management,
- the city, landscape and environment,
- cultures, histories and ideas,
- visual cultures,
- practice and pedagogy,
- building design,
- materials,
- project management,
- building law,
- digital design techniques and
- architectural education.
Distinctive features
- Students can apply for up to £500 per year for expenses relating to their research.
- There is the opportunity to become involved in teaching activities in the School.
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 |
We have a programme of regular research seminars, involving staff and PhD students, and an annual Research Student Conference. There are also themed workshops, eg on topics such as modelling or temple architecture.
Assessment
Submission of a thesis followed by oral examination for both MPhil and PhD.
Research is a big part of what we do as it leads to new understandings that are important in their own right, but also informs our teaching and impacts the outside world.
Our research spans the physical sciences, social sciences, humanities and design to foster excellence in key areas of architecture and the built environment.
Supervisors
A full list of academic staff available for supervision can be found on the School of Architecture's website.
Research areas
The types of jobs our students are often employed in include architecture firms, as university course tutors, consultant planner/designers, urban designers. Previous employers have included: Atkins, Cardiff University, 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)
Decisions will be made on the basis of your written application and the references received.
Applicants may be invited to interview (which can be carried out over Skype if they are unable to attend in person).
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.
