Overview
Research centres
Research in the area of architecture is carried out by specialist centres. The majority of academic staff belong to one or more of these and research students can expect to join a small team working on particular problems.
Research areas and themes where we are able to offer supervision include:
- City depiction, design, and description
- Architectural pedagogy, and design studio culture
- Digital architecture, fabrication, and design research
- Rethinking sustainable practice: adaptation, conservation, and architecture
- Visualisation; augmented reality; 3D modelling; integrated project delivery; virtualisation
- Architectural design as cultural product
- The city as consumer
- Structure as space: architecture, geometry, technology
A member of staff, who will be an expert in the chosen field, is directly responsible for guiding and supporting your research programme. As a research student you'll become part of our thriving academic community.
A PhD by definition, is an original contribution to knowledge; the ethos of originality and innovation is fundamental to our work in architecture. A research degree is of course different from a taught course, and research students are expected to self-direct their learning with support from their supervisory team.
We're ranked 2nd amongst London Modern Competitors for Research Intensity in Architecture (Complete University Guide 2021).
Read more about research in the School of the Built Environment and Architecture.
| ModeFull-time | Duration3 years | Start dateJanuary; April; September | Application code9001 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time | Duration5 years | Start dateJanuary; April; September | Application code9022 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Modedistance learning | Duration6 years | Start dateJanuary; April; September | Application code9054 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides.
Walk or bicycle
The University is in easy walking distance of underground and leading overground stations. We are only 20 minutes away from the Thames. We encourage walking and cycling and have bicycle racks on campus. Please check the Transport for London cycling website for London cycling maps and route planners.
By bus
LSBU is very well connected, and a large number of buses travel to and connect in the Elephant and Castle area from across London.
By train or tube
The Bakerloo and Northern lines stop at Elephant & Castle underground station, which is right next to campus. The closest rail stations are Elephant & Castle, London Waterloo and London Bridge. To plan your train journey, visit the National Rail website.
By car
London South Bank University does not provide public parking space. There is a limited amount of parking in the area, so we strongly advise using public transport.
Do consider the Congestion Charge if you are driving through London to reach the campus. Find out if you'll be crossing the Congestion Charge zone to reach our Southwark Campus.
TfL journey planner
You can travel to Southwark Campus by using public transport, plan your journey using the Transport for London journey planner.
Entry Level Requirements
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.
Choose your country
Select country here:
United Kingdom
£4820
Tuition fees for home students
International
£16900
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees
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Part-time
part-time
PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 1
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820 AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 1DS00 Total course fee: UK: £25290 International: £25290 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 1PS10 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 1PS20 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 1
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 1DS10 Total course fee: UK: £24500 International: £24500 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 1
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 1DS20 Total course fee: UK: £24500 International: £24500 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 2
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820 AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 2DS00 Total course fee: UK: £25290 International: £25290 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 2PS10 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 2PS20 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 2
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 2DS10 Total course fee: UK: £24500 International: £24500 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 2
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 2DS20 Total course fee: UK: £24500 International: £24500 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 3
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 3PS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 3
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820 AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 3DS00 Total course fee: UK: £25290 International: £25290 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 3
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 3PS10 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 3
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 3PS20 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 3
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 3DS10 Total course fee: UK: £24500 International: £24500 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 3
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 3DS20 Total course fee: UK: £24500 International: £24500 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 4
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 4PS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 4
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820 AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 4DS00 Total course fee: UK: £25290 International: £25290 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 4
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 4PS10 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 4
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 4PS20 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 4
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 4DS10 Total course fee: UK: £24500 International: £24500 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 4
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 4DS20 Total course fee: UK: £24500 International: £24500 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 5
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 5PS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 5
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820 AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 5DS00 Total course fee: UK: £25290 International: £25290 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 5
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 5PS10 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 5
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 5PS20 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 5
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 5DS10 Total course fee: UK: £24500 International: £24500 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 5
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 5DS20 Total course fee: UK: £24500 International: £24500 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 6
UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190 AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: WUS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 6
UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190 AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: WUS00 Total course fee: UK: £25290 International: £25290 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 6
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: WUS10 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 6
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: WUS20 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 6
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: WUS10 Total course fee: UK: £24500 International: £24500 PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 6
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: WUS20 Total course fee: UK: £24500 International: £24500 -
Full-time
full-time
PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 1FS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 1FS10 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 1FS20 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 2FS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 2FS10 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 2FS20 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 3FS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 3FS10 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 3FS20 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 4
UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190 AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: WUS00 Total course fee: UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 4
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: WUS10 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350 PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 4
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: WUS20 Total course fee: UK: £15160 International: £47350
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.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Full-time | Duration 3 years | Start date January; April; September | Application code 9001 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time | Duration 5 years | Start date January; April; September | Application code 9022 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode distance learning | Duration 6 years | Start date January; April; September | Application code 9054 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Home/EU postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system.
Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
International applicants should use our international application system. Full details can be found on our How to apply section for international students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).
Considering your application
Your application will be circulated to a number of potential supervisors who will look at your academic qualifications, experience and the research proposal to decide whether your research interest is something that could be supervised at LSBU.
There will also be an interview either by telephone or at the University. If you are successful you will be offered a place on a course and informed of the next enrolment date. The whole process normally takes between six to eight weeks, from receipt of your application to a decision being made about your application at the School.
Research proposal
When applying, please attach an outline of your research proposal (maximum 2,000 words).
For further information on what to include in your research proposal, download our guidance on writing a PhD proposal (PDF File 63 KB).
Prepare to start
We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
Careers
Employability Service
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:
- Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
- 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.
- LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
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.
