Program Overview

Overview

The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at Newcastle University offers a flexible range of opportunities for postgraduate research, including MPhil and PhD programs in Architecture, Planning, and Landscape. The school conducts research in various areas, including architectural and planning education, architectural science and environmental design, cities and technology, design history and theory, environmental economics and environmental management, housing and community, information technology in construction, landscape architecture, landscape planning, landscape design, and landscape management, international urban development and spatial analysis, and planning processes, policy, and urban design.

Research Areas

The school's research areas include:

• Architectural and planning education
• Architectural science and environmental design
• Cities and technology
• Design history and theory
• Environmental economics and environmental management
  • Environmental economics
  • Environmental management
• Housing and community
• Information technology in construction
• Landscape architecture, landscape planning, landscape design, and landscape management
• International urban development and spatial analysis
  • International urban development
  • Spatial analysis
• Planning processes, policy, and urban design
  • Planning processes and policy
  • Urban design

Qualifications Explained

The school offers MPhil and PhD programs. An MPhil is available in all subject areas and involves research training and original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis. A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award that involves original research making a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject, resulting in a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis.

How You'll Learn

Assessment methods include a thesis and a viva. The school provides a wide range of projects for the thesis, and students can also propose their own topic. Postgraduate research students receive support, including tailored wellbeing support, courses, and activities. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) researcher development program helps students perform better as researchers, boost their career prospects, and broaden their impact.

Your Development

The researcher development program covers techniques for effective research, methods for better collaborative working, and essential professional standards and requirements. The program is flexible and can be adapted to meet the changing needs of students as they progress through their doctorate. Opportunities are available to undertake a PhD within a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) or a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)/Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA), which combines research expertise and training from leading universities, academic schools, and academics.

Your Future

The school's Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, with strong links to employers. The service provides support to help students stay healthy, positive, and feeling well, overcome challenges, and get the most out of their postgraduate research experience.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is a Global Top 140 University (QS World University Rankings 2026) and has a strong research power, with 42% of its research classified as 4* world-leading (Research Excellence Framework 2021). The university is ranked among the top 100 for Architecture/Built Environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025) and among the top 100 for Performing Arts (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).

Facilities

The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape has excellent facilities, including studios, exhibition spaces, a print room, seminar rooms, and IT suites.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry are:

• MPhil Full-time: Not set (Home students), £24,400 (International students)
• MPhil Part-time: Not set (Home students)
• PhD Full-time: Not set (Home students), £24,400 (International students)
• PhD Part-time: Not set (Home students) The university offers a range of scholarships, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements for 2026 entry include:

• A 2:1 honors degree and a master's degree in an appropriate discipline, or international equivalent.
• If you have no research experience, you will need to register for an MPhil in the first instance.
• English Language requirements: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or other qualifications.

How to Apply

There is no application closing date for this course, but specific deadlines for funding may apply. International students are advised to apply at least two months before the course starts. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students or students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland who need a visa to study in the UK. The deposit is non-refundable but will be deducted from tuition fees when you register. Programme codes are available for MPhil and PhD programs, both full-time and part-time.