PhD Architecture

Research skills development

All research students are required to participate in a Key Skills Development programme aimed at developing transferable skills, in addition to those employed in carrying out research. Training in the range of research methodologies is available through the frequent research seminars held on campus.

When necessary, the research student can audit modules in relevant Masters courses available within the School and, in particular, modules on research methodology.  In some cases, research students are encouraged to follow other courses available within the University (or externally) aimed at improving their general expertise in their chosen areas.

In addition, they may be encouraged to follow language courses aimed at improving their oral and written skills - both essential in their future careers as academics, writers, critics, and progressive professional practitioners.

Transferable skills

A research degree will equip you with many transferable skills. The self-discipline, the demand for clear analytical thinking and intellectual synthesis, and the ability to turn criticism of others’ work into something constructive of your own, all constitute a unique training for almost any kind of career.  The excitement and satisfaction of finding new facts, developing a robust new thesis, or a new methodology for considering architectural paradigms can be highly rewarding.

Attending conferences

Research students are often sponsored to attend national and international conferences, where they may both meet leading researchers in their fields and present their own research findings as work in progress.  The work of all research students in relation to agreed outcomes is formally monitored by the University's Research Degree Committee.

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Applicants for a Research Degree programme at LSBU are usually expected to have a good honours degree (2:2 and above) and a relevant postgraduate qualification, preferably a merit at Master's level. Please also supply two academic references as part of your application. You will also be required to show proof of all of your qualifications. If English is not your first language you will be required to prove your competency in English, showing an IELTS score of at least 7.0 at postgraduate level. You will be invited to an interview with your potential supervisor, in person or by telephone, prior to an offer being made.

The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

At the London Doctoral Academy we are committed to supporting and developing professional researchers who are driven to make a difference. We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations - and when they're available we'll publish notices on the London Doctoral Academy site.