Architecture Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

The Cambridge Department of Architecture has been Ranked 2nd in the Times Higher Education Supplement World Rankings for Architecture 2025. It is one of four Cambridge University disciplines to have achieved first place in their respective Units of Assessment in the Research Excellence Framework. A doctoral degree at the Department of Architecture offers the opportunity for independent research under the supervision of a departmental staff member. Unless the candidate is part of a research group, the research is undertaken entirely by the candidate on their own, with regular supervision on progress with their supervisor. The department welcomes applications from qualified postgraduates with a suitable background in architecture, science, history and theory, and/or engineering to undertake research towards a PhD in areas such as Urban Environmental Design and Technology, Computational Social Sciences, Digital Media Design and Communication, Design, Technology and Natural Materials, Urban Planning, History and Theory of Architecture and Urbanism, Urban Studies, and other related fields. However, the department cannot accept candidates for whom no supervisor is available. The department does not offer a taught PhD programme. Instead, it admits applicants who meet the academic admissions criteria and whose research interests match those of an available academic staff member willing to act as the student's supervisor. In addition to the research and skills training programme and undergraduate teaching opportunities offered by the Department of Architecture, candidates have the opportunity to attend numerous training and personal development courses offered by the university. The examination constitutes the oral examination of a thesis not exceeding 80,000 words for the PhD on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired excellent skills, experience, and knowledge to undertake postdoctoral work (research and teaching) or other related professions.

Continuing
To continue to read for the PhD following an appropriate Master's degree, students must achieve a pass in the MPhil by Research or an overall total score of at least 70% in the MPhil by Advanced Study course. Continuation is also subject to the approval of the research proposal and the availability of an appropriate supervisor.