Architecture PhD

Central Campus, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Official Website

Shortlist

# 51-100QS Subject Rankings

36 monthsProgram duration

YesScholarships

Architecture and Built EnvironmentMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Architecture and Built Environment

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Research is central to the study of architecture within the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA). It motivates our intellectual and creative activities and underpins our collaborations with a range of important international and UK-based institutions.

We actively promote interdisciplinary approaches to research in architecture. Our expertise and interests range across the following areas:

Architectural Conservation

Our focus includes:

conservation theory and history
urban conservation
conservation technology
the challenges of bridging heritage and new architecture

Architectural History, Theory and Criticism

We have particular strength in:

the history of architecture in Britain and the British colonial world (18th and 19th centuries)
Germany, Central Europe and Russia
modernism in Europe, North America and Africa
Renaissance Italy
the history of landscape
the history of technology
the international history of mass housing and urban development
the theory and philosophy of architecture
the philosophy of place
critical inquiry and methodology

Design-led Research and Studio Practice

We focus on:

research in and through design, as informed by contemporary architectural and cultural theory
studio pedagogy
research-led teaching
methodologies of urban research and fieldwork

Digital Media and Design

We have expertise in:

the spatial, social and philosophical implications of media
histories of design computing
the relationship between computers and design practice
cognitive models of human-computer interaction
3D modelling
mobile computing
the sonic environment
e-commerce

Technology, Environment and Sustainability

We offer expertise in:

lightweight steel structures
the building envelope
concrete construction
design and manufacturing
sustainable design in both qualitative and quantitative senses, looking at environmental response, design theory, rural planning and user-centred solutions

Program overview

Main Subject

Architecture and Built Environment

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

We actively promote interdisciplinary approaches to research in architecture. Our expertise and interests range across the following areas:

Architectural Conservation

Our focus includes:

conservation theory and history
urban conservation
conservation technology
the challenges of bridging heritage and new architecture

Architectural History, Theory and Criticism

We have particular strength in:

the history of architecture in Britain and the British colonial world (18th and 19th centuries)
Germany, Central Europe and Russia
modernism in Europe, North America and Africa
Renaissance Italy
the history of landscape
the history of technology
the international history of mass housing and urban development
the theory and philosophy of architecture
the philosophy of place
critical inquiry and methodology

Design-led Research and Studio Practice

We focus on:

research in and through design, as informed by contemporary architectural and cultural theory
studio pedagogy
research-led teaching
methodologies of urban research and fieldwork

Digital Media and Design

We have expertise in:

the spatial, social and philosophical implications of media
histories of design computing
the relationship between computers and design practice
cognitive models of human-computer interaction
3D modelling
mobile computing
the sonic environment
e-commerce

Technology, Environment and Sustainability

We offer expertise in:

lightweight steel structures
the building envelope
concrete construction
design and manufacturing
sustainable design in both qualitative and quantitative senses, looking at environmental response, design theory, rural planning and user-centred solutions

Admission requirements

Important Dates

Program Duration

3 Years

Starting Month(s)

Jan

Starting Month(s)

Sep

Tuition fee and scholarships

Scholarships

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:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

Download Scholarship Guide

More programs from the university

Undergraduate programmes at the University of Edinburgh

We offer almost 400 degrees across 60 different subject areas. Many of these are joint honours degrees, offering the potential for innovative cross-disciplinary subject combinations.

Some of our degrees let you study a single subject in depth, developing a deep understanding of one area. Others feature an open and flexible structure with options to tailor your own studies. This lets you choose whether to experience a wide range of topics before you specialise, or sample multiple subjects in a broader degree. Our global links offer you possibilities for fieldwork, industry placements and study abroad opportunities, and our research-led, industry-informed teaching incorporates the latest developments in your field.

Your options

As one of Scotland’s four ‘ancient’ universities, many of our full-time degrees in the humanities and social sciences are undergraduate masters qualifications that require four years of study. In science and engineering we offer four-year bachelors degrees or five-year integrated masters. We also offer a smaller number of other qualifications including LLB Law, as well as a few degrees with shorter or longer full-time study durations. These range from three to five or even six years (MBChB Medicine). Depending on your qualifications, you may have the option to start in the second year of some of our science, engineering, biomedical sciences and medical sciences, and art and design degrees. We also offer an expanding range of options for students progressing from a Higher National Certificate or Diploma.

Supporting you and your studies

We provide a range of support services to help not only with your academic needs, but also your personal needs.

Your first point of contact for teaching, academic advice and guidance will be within the School in which you study. You will be supported by a combination of academic and dedicated student experience and administrative staff who will be able to provide you with or direct you to appropriate support for challenges that may occur during your studies, whether this is directly related to your learning and teaching skills or rising from life situations. You will also have access to a variety of peer-to-peer learning networks as well as student societies.

Funding and scholarships

We appreciate studying here is a significant financial commitment. We awarded more than £10m in undergraduate financial support in 2022/23, and are dedicated to helping students of all ages and social backgrounds enter higher education, regardless of your financial situation.

Check our scholarships and student funding pages for more details and to explore your options.

Arts and Humanities (6)

BA Animation

BA Fashion

BA Fine Art

BA Graphic Design

BA Illustration

BA Interior Design

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Business and Management (6)

MA Accounting and Business

MA Accounting and Finance

MA Business Management

MA Business and Economics

MA Business and Law

MA Business with Decision Analytics

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Engineering and Technology (6)

BEng Chemical Engineering

BEng Civil Engineering

BEng Computer Science

BEng Electrical and Mechanical Engineering

BEng Electronics and Computer Science

BEng Electronics and Electrical Engineering

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Life Sciences and Medicine (6)

BN Nursing Studies

BSc Anatomy and Development

BSc Biological Sciences

BSc Biological Sciences (Biochemistry)

BSc Biological Sciences (Biotechnology)

BSc Biological Sciences (Cell Biology)

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Natural Sciences (6)

BSc Applied Mathematics

BSc Astrophysics

BSc Chemical Physics

BSc Chemistry

BSc Computational Physics

BSc Earth Science and Physical Geography

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Social Sciences and Management (6)

BA Childhood Practice

BA Film and Television

BSc Applied Sport Science

BSc Social Work

BSc Sport Management

LLB Global Law

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Postgraduate programmes at the University of Edinburgh

We offer over 300 taught masters courses and 135 research areas. Study with us and you will enjoy expert teaching from leading academics, at a university respected globally for its innovation and research excellence. We also offer first-class facilities and support, in a city steeped in history and culture.

Quality teaching and research

The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) rated 90% of our research activity as world-leading or internationally excellent, ranking us fourth in the UK based on the quality and breadth of our research.

All our postgraduates benefit from this inspiring research culture. The academics involved in your teaching and learning are leaders in their fields, and the University is dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative teaching. The latest report from the Quality Assurance Agency awarded us the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience.

We offer a range of ways to study, from on-campus taught programmes to online part-time study. We are the largest provider of online distance learning in the Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities, and offer more than 70 online programmes.

Industry links and innovation

Edinburgh was one of the first UK universities to develop commercial links with industry, government and the professions. Our commercialisation office, Edinburgh Innovations, has helped to launch more than 500 companies since 1967. They can help you take your first step to market, whether its’s through collaborative research, licencing technology or providing consultancy services.

Funding and scholarships

Postgraduate study can be a significant financial commitment; however, the range of funding sources available may surprise you. We offer several postgraduate scholarships and studentships to outstanding candidates. Check our scholarships pages for details.

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Architecture PhD

Central Campus, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

# 51-100QS Subject Rankings

36 monthsProgram duration

YesScholarships

Architecture and Built EnvironmentMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Degree

Study Level

Study Mode

Program overview

Main Subject

Degree

Study Level

Study Mode

Admission requirements

Important Dates

Tuition fee and scholarships

Scholarships

In this guide you will find:

QS WUR Ranking By Subject

More programs from the university

Bachelor UG

Master PG

MBA

PHD

Arts and Humanities (6)

BA Animation

BA Fashion

BA Fine Art

BA Graphic Design

BA Illustration

BA Interior Design

BA Jewellery and Silversmithing

BA Performance Costume

BA Product Design

BA Textiles

BA/MA Architecture

BD Divinity

BMus Music

BSc Acoustics and Music Technology

MA Ancient History

MA Ancient History and Greek

MA Ancient History and Latin

MA Ancient Mediterranean Civilisations

MA Ancient and Medieval History

MA Arabic and Ancient Greek

MA Arabic and Business

MA Arabic and French

MA Arabic and History

MA Arabic and Persian

MA Arabic and Politics

MA Arabic and Social Anthropology

MA Arabic and Spanish

MA Arabic with Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

MA Archaeology

MA Archaeology and Ancient History

MA Archaeology and Social Anthropology

MA Architectural History and Archaeology

MA Architectural History and Heritage

MA Celtic

MA Celtic and Archaeology

MA Celtic and English Language

MA Celtic and English Literature

MA Celtic and French

MA Celtic and Linguistics

MA Celtic and Scandinavian Studies

MA Celtic and Scottish History

MA Celtic and Scottish Literature

MA Chinese

MA Chinese and French

MA Chinese and German

MA Chinese and History

MA Chinese and Linguistics

MA Chinese and Russian Studies

MA Chinese and Spanish

MA Classical Archaeology and Ancient History

MA Classical Archaeology and Greek

MA Classical Archaeology and Latin