Supervision and outcome
Under the guidance of your supervisor, you'll develop a coherent and creative investigation into an architectural, contextual and/or environmental challenge, and produce a comprehensive portfolio of design with substantive evidence on novel processes and outcomes. The Portfolio will be accompanied by a thesis of 50,000 words for the PhD or 30,000 words for the MA/MSc Award.
You will work independently in a creative design research environment that thrives on creativity and scholarship. Along the way, you'll receive guidance from your supervisor to suggest direction and address concerns.
As part of your course, you will have the opportunity to attend a wide range of design and research training workshops. These sessions offer research skills and specialist technical training tailored to the nature of your work.
This program aims to equip designers and architects engaged in rigorous design-led research through a portfolio of architectural and design practices, supported by an integrated 50,000-word written thesis.
PhD in Architecture (Distance Learning)
We also offer the option of enrolling in a PhD in Architecture by distance learning. You'll have the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world. You'll attend online research skills training sessions in your first year and have supervision and progression meetings online.
You will need to attend two weeks of on-campus attendance per academic year. This includes registration and induction, training, meetings with the thesis advisory panel and our annual PhD Progression Day.
Course location
You'll be based in the York School of Architecture, though your studies may take you further afield.
Entry requirements
For a PhD in Architecture by Design, you need to hold a Master’s degree or a Professional Degree (M.Arch), with the equivalent of a distinction or very high merit, or equivalent professional and design experience in the architecture and built environment fields. You can have BSc or BA with extended research or equivalent practice or creative
design experience.
Supervisors interview prospective research students to ensure a good supervisory match and to help with funding applications, where relevant. Most interviews take place over Zoom. UK-based applicants may also be invited to campus.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.
Check your English language requirements
Applying
Identify a supervisor
You should identify a potential supervisor whose area of research overlaps with yours. We encourage you to contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply.
You should note your preferred supervisor in your application.
Your research proposal
As an applicant to postgraduate research courses, you'll be asked to submit a clear, well-structured Project proposal as well as a Design portfolio. Those will be assessed by the supervisors to ensure they demonstrate high-quality design capabilities and the importance of the proposed project.
Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.
The project proposal should be around 2000 words long and include:
- Provisional title of the project
- Summary of the topic and design research interest
- Brief overview of relevant research in the field and recent challenges.
- Project broad aims and objectives
- Potential design, research approach, and methods
- Key readership and references on this topic
Following your application and based on the assessment of the potential supervisor, you may be asked to attend a face-to-face interview with the supervision team to assess the applicant's ability to undertake the research project.
Submit your application
You can apply and send all your documentation electronically through our online system. You don’t need to complete your application all at once: you can start, save, and finish it later.
We will respond to your application as soon as possible. You may track the status of your application and view any official correspondence online.
Apply for PhD by Design
Find out more about how to apply.
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