How to apply for a PhD

Before applying for our PhD programme, please read our What to expect during your PhD guide.

It is important to reflect on these criteria when considering applying for one of our PhD programmes.

At the end of your PhD, you are expected to demonstrate each of the following: 

• the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review to extend the forefront of your discipline, and to merit publication in an appropriate form
• a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of the discipline or area of professional practice
• the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and the ability to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems
• a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to your own research or advanced scholarship. 

To be accepted on our PhD programmes, a master’s degree is desirable. We will also consider candidates with a 2:1 and above in a bachelor’s degree that includes a research component.

If you are from outside the UK, you will also need an IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in the four sub-sections or equivalent.

You should first determine whether your proposed project is suitable for study at PhD level. The project must be feasible within the resources and time frame available to you; it should also address a perceived "gap" in the literature and, most importantly, be of interest to you.

To study a PhD with us, your proposed project should relate to the research interests of a member of staff in the School of the Built Environment. Please contact any member of staff via email if you are interested in studying for a PhD or MPhil with them.

To find out more about our areas of expertise, please view our Research page and our staff profiles in the School of Construction Management and Engineering or the School of Architecture.

You can also apply for advertised PhD projects. Take a look at our PhD opportunities.

If you are not applying for a specific advertised project, you must include a research proposal with your application.

The School of the Built Environment has specific requirements regarding the structure of your proposal and asks that all proposals for all modes of study be submitted on the PhD Research Proposal Form.

Please ensure that your proposal meets these requirements, or your application may be delayed or rejected. Please note that you should not submit a "generic" proposal you may have written previously for application to another university.

You may contact a potential supervisor if you have someone specific in mind. You can find out more about areas we supervise on our staff profiles in the School of Construction Management and Engineering and the School of Architecture. 

Once you have identified a research area of interest with a potential supervisor, please apply using the PhD and professional doctorate online application programme. This allows you to complete the necessary information and attach copies of relevant documents, including the details of two appropriate referees.

If you are not applying for an advertised project, it is essential that you submit a research proposal on the School’s PhD Research Proposal Form (see 4, above) and upload it as part of your application. You should also include a personal statement of no more than 500 words, that explains your motivation and suitability for our PhD programme.

Although most new students join the PhD programme in October, it is possible to start your studies at any point during the academic year.