MPhil/PhD Built Environment

We welcome applications for doctoral research that deals with various aspects of the built environment, especially those that focus on broad areas of building performance, construction management and architectural engineering. We have a track record in interdisciplinary research projects and working with industry partners, as well as a strong international network.

Our expertise encompasses building science, building performance simulation, monitoring, architectural design and decision making, high performance buildings, building quality management, value engineering, defect detection and prevention, in-situ measurement, earth buildings, condition surveys of listed buildings, occupant behaviour, thermography and thermal visualization.

This full time doctoral programme is suitable for people who want to develop themselves as a researcher and make a contribution to knowledge in the domain of buildings. Research is typically based on a particular research question or topic that is of deep interest to the applicant, however we are happy to help you develop your ideas.

You will be guided by a small supervisory team of academic experts under the direction of a Director of Studies.

If you do not already have a masters degree, you may be interested in one of our masters level research degrees (which enables a transfer directly into the PhD programme if you are making excellent progress), or else an MPhil degree. Further details about the University's research degree awards.

As part of your studies you will engage with skills development and research training, you will also be expected to present your research in a range of scholarly contexts such as research seminars, national and international conferences and peer-reviewed academic journals. The actual studies are typically carried out in close interaction with the supervisory team, providing regular feedback along the way. Where possible we encourage joint publications, allowing you to engage with the international scientific community as part of a team. Your PhD will be assessed via submission of either a written thesis (approximately 80,000 words) and a viva voce (an oral examination).

Full time: 3-4 years.

Applicants are expected to have completed a masters level qualification to a high standard (e.g. at 'merit' or 'distinction' level) as well as either a good 2:1 or first class honours undergraduate degree in an area of study appropriate to your project proposal, such as construction, civil engineering or architecture. We are happy to consider equivalent qualifications and industry experience.

You will also need to provide evidence that you are ready to pursue the project you propose in your application. We will assess this via the research proposal that is part of the application.

If English is not your first language, you must have proficiency in written and spoken English (normally a minimum test score of 6.5 for IELTS, or equivalent).

TOEFL IBT – 90
Minimum Component Scores - Component scores of listening 17, reading 18, speaking 20, writing 18