Program Overview

Introduction to the University Program

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. The Welsh School of Architecture has an international reputation for research excellence, spanning architectural science, computational design, architectural history and theory, heritage and conservation, urbanism and urban design, and design research.

Program Overview

The program provides a stimulating environment for postgraduate researchers to investigate the built environment in its broadest sense across scales and cultures, through varied modes of production and technologies, through diverse lived experiences, and in terms of histories and ideas that continue to shape architecture and cities worldwide. As a doctoral researcher at the School, you will work within a supportive and inclusive academic community, benefit from expert supervision, and engage in an active culture of interdisciplinary research, critical inquiry, and debate.

Distinctive Features

• Vibrant community of researchers working on diverse research topics connected to the planning, design, development, management, use, and lived experience of the built environment
  • Multiple opportunities to develop research methodology skills, share findings and experiences, and receive friendly, constructive feedback
• An annual Celebration of Research showcases progress and provides opportunities for support and collaboration
• Students can apply for up to ｣500 per FTE year for expenses relating to their research to support their studies
• Frequent opportunities to become involved in teaching activities in the School for those wishing to gain experience

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

Admission Criteria

Applicants are expected to be independent and critical thinkers, capable of undertaking a sustained piece of research. Each student is supported by a supervisory team, comprising at least two supervisors, which provides regular guidance, feedback, and academic mentoring throughout the development of the thesis. Progress is formally reviewed every six months to offer constructive advice, assess advancement against the research plan, and support the timely completion of the research.

Assessment

Assessment is through submission of a written thesis that demonstrates the candidate's ability to conduct original research, grounded in a strong understanding of relevant concepts, theories, research methods, and case studies as applicable. The thesis is examined through an oral viva. This applies to both MPhil and PhD awards.

Support

In addition to the support provided by the supervisory team, there are collective sessions that focus on student voice, research methodologies, and other aspects of the postgraduate student community, wellbeing, and support. We offer an online Research Methods Hub, which offers resources of diverse kinds to support research design. Through the School's Research and Scholarship Groups, a programme of regular research seminars is provided across varied specialist fields. There are also often themed workshops which students can join and learn from. PGRs are also able to audit a wide range of postgraduate modules.

Research Areas

The school's diverse research expertise is clustered into research and scholarship groups that provide a focus for exploring overlapping interests and expertise and facilitate collaboration. Research areas that doctoral students undertake are in turn related to these groups. Postgraduate research students join one but can survey more than one of the research groups, where they benefit from being part of a community of expertise and learning, seminars, discussions, and other events that support their studies.

Specific Research Areas

• Computational Methods in Architecture: Enhancing architectural design, analysis, and production through machine learning, computational optimisation, building simulation, script and code development, and advanced digital methods
• Energy, Environment and People: Developing evidence-based solutions to critical issues of energy and sustainability within the built environment
• History, Heritage and Conservation: Tackling crucial issues relating to our historic environment, both in theory and practice, including sustainability, the climate crisis, decolonisation, and equality, diversity, and inclusivity
• Urbanism: Exploring the role of people and other actors in the shaping of urban places and public spaces
• Design Research and Professional Practice: Enhancing the global understanding of the role and value of design to shape the built environment in sustainable ways

Career Prospects

Our graduates pursue careers across a wide range of sectors, including consultancy and professional practice within multidisciplinary, architectural, planning, and engineering firms, as well as academic and research roles in universities around the world. Our alumni are represented globally across academia and industry, with employers including various universities and companies.

Funding

Candidates for the Professional Doctorate programme may be eligible to apply for a UK government postgraduate doctoral loan. There are also PhD studentships and projects available, and students can find out more about other funding opportunities.

Tuition Fees

Students from the UK, EU, EEA, Switzerland, and the rest of the world (international) can find the latest information on postgraduate fees.

Entry Requirements

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 include an IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or equivalent.