PhD Architecture

Join an active research area that explores the urban condition from a range of critical perspectives, through a focus on the nature of urban change whether social, digital or spatial. We welcome applications for doctoral research that investigate the nature of cities using a range of methodologies to understand how they are inhabited that moves beyond traditional notions of architecture.

We have a track record in interdisciplinary research projects and working with partners from beyond academia, as well as a strong international network.

This full time or part time doctoral programme is suitable for people who have a particular research question or topic in mind, and wish to explore this through independent study in order to produce an original contribution to the subject. If you aspire to a research career this is the most appropriate research degree to undertake.

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.

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

You will be expected to fully engage with skills development and training and to present your research in a range of scholarly contexts.

Your PhD will be assessed via submission of either a written thesis (approximately 80,000 words), or one that combines critical writing with artistic, creative and/or professional practice, 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 (e.g. theatre and performance, drama, dance, live or fine art, performance writing, etc.). We are happy to consider equivalent qualifications (for instance, you may have studied different subjects at undergraduate and masters level but have established an artistic practice since then).

If you do not have a masters level qualification, we recommend you consider applying for our ResM Art, Design and Architecture programmes. Students who are making exceptional progress in a ResM programme, may progress directly into our PhD programme without having to complete the masters.

You will also need to provide evidence that you are ready to pursue the project you propose in your application. This will take the form of a sample of critical writing, and if relevant, documentation of relevant creative or professional practice.

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). Given the nature of the programme, you'll be expected to read and engage with complex theoretical texts and debates for which fluency in English is essential.

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