Architecture Design (Social Science) PhD 36 months PHD Program By University of Nottingham |Top Universities
Program Duration

36 monthsProgram duration

Tuitionfee

23,000 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

YesScholarships

Main Subject Area

Engineering - GeneralMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Engineering - General

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

While the design-based component of the project may be drawn, modelled, filmed, built, etc, candidates will be required to incorporate this research as an integral component of an accompanying written thesis.

Good architecture embraces a holistic approach to design and as a consequence the environmental strategies embodied within buildings present considerable challenges. They need to reconcile the often conflicting considerations of climate, building function and user expectation, while at the same time being mindful of energy related carbon emissions. Projects in environmental design typically reflect the integrated nature of these strategies and explore areas such as natural ventilation, passive heating and cooling, solar protection, fabric thermal storage, daylight and solar strategies and architectural acoustics. These are intrinsically linked to the tectonics of architecture and considerable potential exists to explore the opportunities offered where these overlaps occur, eg the environmental performance of facades, natural ventilation of high rise buildings, etc.

Urban design is concerned with the city as a field of analysis and intervention. Research in urban design explores the complex relationship between spatial and design issues and social and economic urban processes. PhD topics are defined in conjunction with supervisors and can cover many different aspects of urban design, such as: History and Theory of Urban Design; Public Realm; Sustainable Cities; Urban Conservation & Revitalisation; Innovation Environments and Waterfront Regeneration.

Program overview

Main Subject

Engineering - General

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

While the design-based component of the project may be drawn, modelled, filmed, built, etc, candidates will be required to incorporate this research as an integral component of an accompanying written thesis.

Good architecture embraces a holistic approach to design and as a consequence the environmental strategies embodied within buildings present considerable challenges. They need to reconcile the often conflicting considerations of climate, building function and user expectation, while at the same time being mindful of energy related carbon emissions. Projects in environmental design typically reflect the integrated nature of these strategies and explore areas such as natural ventilation, passive heating and cooling, solar protection, fabric thermal storage, daylight and solar strategies and architectural acoustics. These are intrinsically linked to the tectonics of architecture and considerable potential exists to explore the opportunities offered where these overlaps occur, eg the environmental performance of facades, natural ventilation of high rise buildings, etc.

Urban design is concerned with the city as a field of analysis and intervention. Research in urban design explores the complex relationship between spatial and design issues and social and economic urban processes. PhD topics are defined in conjunction with supervisors and can cover many different aspects of urban design, such as: History and Theory of Urban Design; Public Realm; Sustainable Cities; Urban Conservation & Revitalisation; Innovation Environments and Waterfront Regeneration.

Admission requirements

6.5+
3+
71+
90+

2:1 (or international equivalent) and / or a masters at merit level or above in a relevant subject

We encourage you to get in touch with a member of academic staff about your research proposal before submitting an application. They may be able to help you with your proposal and offer support to find funding opportunities in your area.

Engineering supervisors, including their research interests and contact details, can be found on our find a PhD supervisor page.

Details of research supervisors at the University can also be found on our research A to Z.

3 Years
Sep

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

5,350 GBP
-

International Students

23,000 GBP
-

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
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More programs from the university

From pioneering MRI technology to combating modern slavery, hunger and climate change, the University of Nottingham is at the forefront of global change.  
This knowledge feeds directly into your teaching, as many of our academics are active researchers. With 100% of our research recognised internationally (Research Excellence Framework 2021), you’ll be learning from experts in the field. We are a top 30 university, with over 20 courses in the top 10 in the Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
Our five subject areas are:   • Arts and humanities  • Engineering   • Medicine and Health Sciences   • Science  • Social Sciences (home to Nottingham University Business School) 
We offer a range of courses, including foundation degrees, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate masters, PhD opportunities and apprenticeships, as well as English language and academic writing courses.  
Whatever your specialism, career skills are embedded in everything we do, from on-course teaching, industry-led projects and placement years to extracurricular activities, such as the Nottingham Advantage Award. You have the freedom to tailor your degree to your interests and skillset through optional modules too.
Our connections with top employers, including Deloitte, Jaguar Land Rover and Walt Disney Company, to name just a few, mean there are plenty of opportunities for you to explore. Our Careers and Employability Service is on hand with careers advice and events throughout the year. Plus, you’ll gain access to our alumni network – a global community of over 340,000 Nottingham graduates.
Most of our students can also choose to study abroad, gaining invaluable skills and independence, alongside the experience of a lifetime – spending anything from one week to one year abroad.  

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