Architecture by Design (PhD) Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

Our PhD in Architecture by Design offers designers, architects, and researchers opportunities to develop design-led research and investigation in creative and art-led methods, tectonics, and design contexts. Research in architecture seeks to redefine both the role of the architect and established practices, within constantly changing social, cultural and environmental landscapes.

Your research

We collaborate with disciplines across the University and external partners to challenge current practices and enrich expertise across four interconnected areas:


• Architectural heritage, historic cities and urban regeneration



• Community architecture, housing and social policy



• Sustainable architecture, ecological landscape, and Net-zero cities



• Creative technologies, AI and virtual futures.



Architecture by Design encourages designers and creative practitioners to work with YSA experiences, academics and researchers and develop novel design-led research projects and creative investigations.

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.