MPhil or PhD or PhD by Published Work in Built Environment

Program Overview

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Built Environment

MPhil or PhD or PhD by Published Work

A dynamic and thriving research environment

Key facts

Start dates

June 2025 / September 2025 / January 2026 / June 2026 / September 2026

Application deadline

It is recommended that you apply at least 6 months in advance to allow adequate time for your application to be processed (in the case of UK/EU applicants no less than 4-6 weeks).

Location

Headington

Course length

Full time: 1 - 3 years

Part time: 2 - 6 years

School(s)

School of the Built Environment

Funding status

Self-funded

Overview

The School of the Built Environment has a dynamic and thriving research programme within a research environment that is internationally recognised for its quality and impact.

Research students play a vital role in the school and are integrated into all aspects of academic life, through:

• Research groups
• Involvement in research projects
• Seminar series
• Teaching.

Applications are welcomed from students whose research interests complement those of the research groups. We are particularly interested in applications for:

• Planning
• Real Estate
• Construction.

Research expertise

Staff in the School engage in a continuous stream of interdisciplinary cutting-edge research and scholarly activities designed to meet the current needs and anticipate future requirements of the built environment. The School has an impressive list of funders and clients covering UK and EU government, research funding councils and industry. Links with universities worldwide provide exciting opportunities for collaborative research, exchanges and overseas study.

Key areas of expertise and scholarship in the school are centred around the following research groups. Applications are welcomed from students whose research interests complement those of our research groups.

Groups

• Land, Design and Development (LDD)
• Planning, Policy and Governance (PPG)
• Smart Construction and Impact Assessment (SC&IA)

Projects

• Co-Creation
• Spaces of Hope: Hidden Histories of Community Planning in the UK
• Healthy Urban Mobility (HUM)
• The Effect of Offshore Wind on the Human Environment (THEOW)

Degree routes

All students enrol as probationer research students. During the first year you will formally register your research proposal for one of the below routes.

The degree for which you register will depend on your academic qualifications and research experience.

MPhil (with possibility of transfer to PhD)

Most students initially register for an MPhil with the possibility of transfer to a PhD without submitting for an MPhil. During your MPhil you will:

• critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic
• demonstrate understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field
• present and defend a substantial thesis by oral examination.

Length of study

• Full Time: min 2 years, max 3 years for MPhil component only; for MPhil/PhD, min 3 years, max 5 years.
• Part Time: min 3 years, max 4 years for MPhil component only; for MPhil/PhD, min 4 years, max 6 years.

Entry requirement: the minimum entry requirement for an MPhil degree, or an MPhil with the intention of transferring to a PhD, is:

• a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree
• a relevant master’s qualification
• or an equivalent qualification.

Applications from those holding qualifications other than the above will be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the work proposed.

PhD direct

The criteria for a PhD are similar to those for an MPhil, with the key difference that:

• the research carried out will result in an independent and original contribution to knowledge.

Length of study:

• Full Time: min 2 years, max 5 years.
• Part Time: min 3 years, max 6 years.

Entry requirement : a recent master’s degree in a discipline appropriate to the proposed research. The master’s needs to have included research training and a research project.

In exceptional cases, applicants who have a good honours degree (or equivalent) may apply for direct registration to a PhD if they have appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment. An unpublished master’s dissertation would not suffice in this instance.

PhD by published work

The degree of PhD on the basis of published work may be awarded to candidates whose submitted work:

• reflects the same academic standards as those which operate for a traditional PhD based upon an approved programme of supervised research
• forms a coherent programme of research
• demonstrates the use of appropriate research methodology
• and makes an original and sufficient contribution to the present state of knowledge in a particular field to the satisfaction of the examiners.

Applicants should normally have had some prior association with Oxford Brookes University. The submission for examination comprises the published work on which the application is based, together with a supporting critical appraisal of this work.

Length of study:

• Part Time: 1 year

Entry requirement : the minimum entry requirement is:

• a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree
• a relevant master’s qualification
• or an equivalent qualification.

Applications from those holding qualifications other than the above will be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the work proposed.

Additional details

Recent and ongoing research projects

Co-Creation: a 4-year EU-funded project that aims to bring together different actors, such as researchers, policymakers, residents and artists, to ‘co-create’ understanding about different urban neighbourhoods and to address disadvantage.

Healthy Urban Mobility: a study to understand the impact of everyday (im)mobility on health and wellbeing with a variety of social groups living in different neighbourhoods in Brazil and the UK.

Socio-economic impact of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre: aims to explore methods used to predict the socio-economic impacts of Offshore Wind Farms and to compare predicted impacts with actual impacts.

Contribution of Compact Neighbourhoods to Social Sustainability: this EU funded research investigated how compact urban form can promote the social sustainability of intermediate neighbourhood areas in two major European cities, London and Berlin.

Spaces of Hope: exploring the often-overlooked ways in which local people and organisations have come together to improve their physical and social environments.

Why Oxford Brookes University?

The School of the Built Environment is dedicated to offering an outstanding experience for research students. As a research student you will enjoy the following benefits:

• become a member of one of the School’s high quality, ambitious research groups
• study alongside talented academics working in similar fields
• have opportunities to interact with a dynamic research environment that is actively engaged in consultancy projects, teaching and writing funding proposals
• automatic membership of the Faculty’s Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) which brings together staff and students from the Schools of Architecture, Engineering, Computing & Mathematics and Art.
• a wide variety of optional training courses, student events, lectures and other opportunities delivered through the DTP, the Graduate College and wider University
• 24-hour access to digital suites with specialist programmes such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), ArchiCAD, Revit, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) modelling, 3D Studio Max and, Rhino 3D, NVivo and SPSS
• close links that exist with the UK and international practice, industry and government
• all students are allocated a Director of Studies and at least one other supervisor who they meet with regularly
• students have the opportunity to be involved in teaching as part of career development
• a range of personal support that includes access to a wide range of staff who are available for consultation. The University operates a Research Student Entitlement which ensures students receive appropriate and generous support and opportunities to present their work at conferences.

Learning and assessment

As signatories to Vitae Oxford Brookes fully supports the rounded development of research students. Your research will be supported by your supervisory team who are all experts in their fields and have experience of working closely with postgraduate students.

The School’s Postgraduate Research Tutor (PGRT) also ensures that you receive a stimulating and appropriate programme of wider support. Our Graduate College organise and support a variety of events for research students; training and networking sessions to bolster skills, develop concepts and share ideas.

The Faculty’s Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) brings together staff and students from the Schools of Architecture, Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, and Art for bespoke training sessions contributing to your development as a researcher. Students are also encouraged to join at least one of the University’s seven research networks. These provide opportunities to develop collaboration that strengthens multi-disciplinary research undertaken by Brookes academic staff and research students.

Assessment

Assessment and monitoring of progress takes place through a number of key stages from the formal registration of your proposal, gaining of ethics approval if required for fieldwork, transfer from MPhil to PhD and the final examination by viva. These are all supported by your supervisory team and the PGRT.

Staff

We have a highly experienced team of research degree supervisors in the school with more staff keen to take on new research students.

Dr Alan Reeve

Reader in Planning and Urban Design

Dr Beacon Mbiba

Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning and International Development

Dr Bridget Durning

Reader in Environmental Assessment & Management

Professor Dave Valler

Professor of Spatial Planning

Dr Emma Skippings

Senior Lecturer in Planning

Dr Esra Kurul

Reader in Organisational Studies in the Built Environment

Professor Georgia Butina Watson

Professor in Urban Design

Dr Graham Wood

Reader in Environmental Assessment and Management

Dr Henry Abanda

Reader in Construction Informatics

Professor Joe Tah

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation

Mr Karl Kropf

Senior Lecturer

Dr Laura Novo De Azevedo

Principal Lecturer Student Experience, Senior Lecturer in Planning and Urban Design, Subject Coordinator BA in Urban Design, Planning and Development, BA in City and Regional Planning and MPlan

Dr M. Reza Shirazi

Reader in Sustainable Urban Development

Professor Ramin Keivani

Head of School

Dr Regina Mapua Lim

Subject Coordinator for Urban Design / Senior Lecturer in Urban Design and Planning

Professor Sue Brownill

Professor of Urban Policy and Governance

Professor Tim Jones

Professor of Sustainable Urban Mobility

Dr Youngha Cho

Reader

After you graduate

Career prospects

Career development is a key part of the research student journey at Brookes. The University provides an excellent programme of career and professional development training which can be found on the Programme for Researchers page.

How to apply

Entry requirements

Please see the specific entry requirement details in the degree route section above.

Applicants should normally hold a 1st or Upper Second Class Degree (or recognised equivalent qualification).

Appropriate applications will be considered from outstanding candidates with substantial prior experience at an appropriate level.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide a certificate of IELTS at least 6.5 overall (with no less than 6.0 in any element).

Application process

1. Please check that you meet the entry requirements, financial requirements and English language requirements of the programme.
2. Explore our research groups and supervisory staff pages to see how your chosen field of study aligns with the research portfolio within the school.
3. Agree your research 1. At this stage, you should contact Dr Richmond Ehwi at or +44(0). Advise Dr Ehwi that you are considering making an application. 2. You are also welcome to contact particular academics to help you develop your ideas.
4. Formulate your proposal. You can indicate any staff members whom you would like to work with, or the Tutors will circulate your proposal to the most appropriate staff to get their comments.
5. If the proposal is accepted the Tutors will ask you to make a formal application, or give you advice on how the proposal may be improved. For guidance on writing a PhD research proposal see our Guide to writing PhD Research Proposals.

Supporting documents

Our MPhil/PhD programme requires additional supporting documentation to be submitted as part of the application process.

• research proposal
• scan of your passport - to confirm your name and date of birth. We will then ensure that any offer letters issued to you correspond with your passport name, this will help when applying for a Student visa.
• IELTS Certificate or equivalent (if required) – no older than two years from the proposed start date of your programme.
• scan of your final degree certificates already awarded
• scan of transcripts
• two references (at least one academic). Your references must be on institutional headed paper and be dated and signed by referee(s).
• evidence of funding – (if sponsored by an employer or government, you must provide evidence in the form of a recently dated sponsorship letter on official headed paper. If supporting your studies from private funds, you must provide a recently dated bank statement).

Tuition fees

2025 / 26

Home (UK) full time: £5,106

Home (UK) part time: £2,553

International full time: £17,950

International part time: £8,975

2026 / 27

Home (UK) full time: Fees to be confirmed in Spring 2026

Home (UK) part time: Fees to be confirmed in Spring 2026

International full time: £18,500

International part time: £9,250

Funding

Some current students have awards from a wide range of external bodies including industry, government bodies and charities, and others are self-funded. Occasionally, the university has a few faculty specific and competitively allocated scholarships which, when available, are advertised on our Research Funding Opportunities page and on jobs.ac.uk.

In addition, details of available funding are available on the funding page for UK and international students.

Funding your studies

Financial support and scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

Postgraduate doctoral loans for home students

All financial support and scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Compulsory costs

Additional costs Additional costs | Amount (£)
---|---
Continuation fee The continuation fee, where it is payable is compulsory, but not applicable to Masters by research or PhD by Published Work, detailed as follows:

• All MPhil/PhD full-time students are required to pay the full-time fee for three complete academic years before they are eligible to pay the continuation fee;
• All MPhil/PhD part-time students are required to pay the part-time fee for six complete academic years before they are eligible to pay the continuation fee.
• All PhD Direct full-time students are required to pay the full-time fee for two complete academic years before they are eligible to pay the continuation fee;
• All PhD Direct part-time students are required to pay the part-time fee for three complete academic years before they are eligible to pay the continuation fee.

| £1455

Optional costs

Additional costs Additional costs | Amount (£)
---|---
Bench fees for full-time study will be calculated on an individual basis and the amount will depend on the subject and project. In some cases no bench fee will be charged. | £5000
Bench fees for full-time study will be calculated on an individual basis and the amount will depend on the subject and project. In some cases no bench fee will be charged. | £2500
It’s your responsibility to cover print / binding costs where coursework submission is required. Please note that a lot of the coursework is now submitted online. | From £30
You may choose to purchase books to support your studies. Many books on our reading lists are available via the Library, or can be purchased secondhand. | £20-60 per book
Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting (most do not include bills) | £94-265 per week
Accommodation fees in university halls (bills included, excluding laundry costs) | £122-180 per week
Graduation costs include tickets, gowning and photography. Gowns are not compulsory but typically students do hire robes, starting at £41. | Typically £0-200
Students are responsible for their own travel to and from university for classes. For the 2025/26 academic year, the University is introducing an alternative subsidised travel offer for all students with further information on our Travel webpages. | From £10
Resubmission fees If following viva, examiners recommend that a student is required to revise and resubmit their thesis for re-examination, they must pay the resubmission fee for the duration of that period. | £1455