PhD ARCHITECTURE

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.

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
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. See our location page for more details.

Entry Level Requirements

Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry 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.

Missing English and Maths qualifications?

If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.

United Kingdom

£5010

Tuition fees for home students

International

£17600

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

  • Part-time

    part-time

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 1PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £16270
    International: £54040

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 1DS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £26290
    International: £26290

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 1PS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 1PS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 1DS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £25290
    International: £25290

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 1DS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £25290
    International: £25290

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 2PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £16270
    International: £54040

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 2DS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £26290
    International: £26290

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 2PS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 2PS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 2DS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £25290
    International: £25290

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 2DS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £25290
    International: £25290

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 3PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £16270
    International: £54040

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 3DS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £26290
    International: £26290

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 3PS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 3PS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 3DS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £25290
    International: £25290

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 3DS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £25290
    International: £25290

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 4

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 4PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £16270
    International: £54040

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 4

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 4DS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £26290
    International: £26290

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 4

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 4PS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 4

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 4PS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 4

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 4DS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £25290
    International: £25290

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 4

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 4DS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £25290
    International: £25290

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 5

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 5PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £16270
    International: £54040

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 5

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 5DS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £26290
    International: £26290

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 5

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 5PS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 5

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: 5PS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 5

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 5DS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £25290
    International: £25290

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 5

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: 5DS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £25290
    International: £25290

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 6

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £1240 International fee: £1240
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: WUS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £16270
    International: £54040

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 6

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £1240 International fee: £1240
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: WUS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £26290
    International: £26290

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 6

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: WUS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (PT) - Year 6

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190
    AOS/LSBU code: 9022 Session code: WUS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 6

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: WUS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £25290
    International: £25290

    PhD Architecture (DL) - Year 6

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190
    AOS/LSBU code: 9054 Session code: WUS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £25290
    International: £25290
  • Full-time

    full-time

    PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £5010 International fee: £17600
    AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 1FS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £16270
    International: £54040

    PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900
    AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 1FS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900
    AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 1FS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £5010 International fee: £17600
    AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 2FS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £16270
    International: £54040

    PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900
    AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 2FS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900
    AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 2FS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £5010 International fee: £17600
    AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 3FS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £16270
    International: £54040

    PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900
    AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 3FS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 3

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900
    AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: 3FS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 4

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £1240 International fee: £1240
    AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: WUS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £16270
    International: £54040

    PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 4

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190
    AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: WUS10
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

    PhD Architecture (FT) - Year 4

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190
    AOS/LSBU code: 9001 Session code: WUS20
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £15650
    International: £51890

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  LSBU Doctoral College 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 LSBU Doctoral College site.

Home

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
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.

Book now

Register your interest

Contact information

Course Enquiries - UK

Tel: 0207 815 7500