We have 149 Architecture, Building & Planning PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Architecture, Building & Planning PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

We have 149 Architecture, Building & Planning PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

The field of Architecture, Building, and Planning stands at the meeting of creativity, technology, and sustainability, playing a pivotal role in shaping our built and natural environments. A PhD in Architecture, Building, and Planning offers candidates the opportunity to engage in in-depth, original research within this multifaceted discipline.

This advanced level of study allows students to explore specific questions related to the design, maintenance, and sustainable development of urban infrastructures, landmarks, residential areas, and natural landscapes. By undertaking a rigorous investigation into these areas, PhD students contribute to the innovation and evolution of architectural and planning practices, ensuring they meet contemporary needs and future challenges.

Why complete a PhD in Architecture, Building, and Planning?

Pursuing a PhD in Architecture, Building, and Planning empowers individuals to embark on a journey of specialised research that has the potential to redefine our understanding of how built and natural environments can coexist harmoniously. These research degrees enable students to meticulously investigate the nuances of architectural design, urban planning, sustainable development, and environmental conservation.

The ultimate goal is to uncover new knowledge and innovative strategies that advance the field, promote sustainability, and enhance the quality of life within our communities. Through their contributions, PhD graduates become instrumental in leading the way towards more resilient, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing urban and rural landscapes.

In terms of employment, a doctoral degree in this discipline unlocks a number of career opportunities, both within academia and the wider industry. Graduates are equipped with the specialised knowledge and research skills necessary for roles in architectural firms, urban planning agencies, government bodies, environmental organisations, and academic institutions. Their research can directly influence policy making, architectural standards, and planning practices, bridging the gap between theoretical insights and practical application.

The ability to comprehensively analyse complex systems, coupled with a deep understanding of sustainable design principles, ensures that PhD holders in Architecture, Building, and Planning are highly sought after for their expertise in creating spaces that are not only functional and sustainable but also enrich the human experience.

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Investigating foot traffic at regional and national scales

Improvements in camera technology and machine vision have enabled a data revolution in transportation, substantially expanding the evidence base beyond vehicular traffic. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr N Bode
 1 December 2026  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Social capital and social assets: The rural attractiveness–depopulation dilemma

Rural areas across the UK and Europe face a persistent challenge. Despite offering high quality of life and environmental amenities, many continue to experience population decline, demographic ageing, and economic fragility. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr S Piras, Dr J Hopkins, Dr LT Tasciotti
 11 January 2027  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
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Digital Intelligent Conservation and Adaptive Use of Urban and Rural Heritage

Our project investigates how artificial intelligence and digital intelligence technologies can advance the conservation and adaptive reuse of urban and rural heritage in China. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr J Carlos Dall'Asta
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
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YES-27-G-11: Beyond Cooling: Climate-Robust Urban Environments for Heat-Health Protection in the UK

Britain is entering a heat regime for which its cities were not designed. Across Europe, extreme heat stress is now 2.5 times more frequent than in the 1970s [1]; compound hot-day/hot-night events have risen by 73%, and 15-30 day sequences are 3.4 times more common. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr Y Li, Prof C Birch, Prof EJ Manley
 12 January 2027  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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GW4+ DLTP PhD Project - Rewilding the Built Environment: A Framework for Enhancing University Campus Biodiversity

This project is in competition for funding from the GW4+ Doctoral Landscape Training Partnership (DLTP) for entry in September 2027. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr J Holley
 7 January 2027  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Spatio-temporal drivers of biodiversity and biogeographical processes

The School of Biology invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2027/28. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr C Hassall, Dr R Neely, Assoc Prof E.J. Duncan
 31 May 2027  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
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Machine Learning for Hybridisation and Optimisation of Renewable Energy Systems- ReNU+27/SE/CS/WOO

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. Read more
 Supervisors: Prof WL Woo, Dr Z Q Qian
 1 February 2027  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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AI-Enabled Energy System Modelling for Heat Decarbonisation

Fully funded PhD. 3.5 Years full time (or part time equivalent). Project Summary. Decarbonising heating is one of the major challenges facing the UK's transition to a low-carbon energy system. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr M Qadrdan, Dr ZKR Ravandi
 5 January 2027  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Valuing green and blue urban landscapes

During this prolonged period of neo-liberal development our discourse in the West has become fragmented between a growing concern for climate change/sustainability and a continued need to promote intensive growth and prioritise the needs of capital. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr P Garside
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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The Overheating Paradox of Low-Carbon Retrofit: Developing a Sustainable Framework for Delivering Year-Round Thermal Resilience in the UK Housing Sector.

Background and Context. The UK housing sector is undergoing a major transformation driven by net-zero commitments, energy security concerns, and the need to improve the energy performance of an ageing housing stock. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr B Ogunsanya
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Mapping solar PV potential for existing buildings stocks in the UK by deep learning of satellite and aerial images data

Project Abstract. We are seeking an ambitious PhD candidate to join a cutting-edge research project aiming to map the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential for existing building stocks in the UK through the application of deep learning on satellite and aerial image data. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr J Deng
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Low Carbon Concrete Modular Pavement Design

Challenges facing the sustainability impact of concrete in 21st century construction includes unsustainable Embodied CO2 (ECO2) with over-reliance of natural aggregate that contribute to diverse anthropogenic effects. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr H Kew
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Life Cycle Energy Saving Strategies and Evaluation Framework for Pre-1919 Constructions

Background. Buildings account for approximately 40% of energy consumption and 30% of carbon emissions in the UK. Energy saving in the built environment is a critical focus area to meet government targets for reducing carbon emissions, which are supported by the continuous updates to building regulations. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr Z Zhu
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Integrating Sustainability as an Explicit Goal in Construction Project Delivery: Enhancing Design and Costing Practices Toward Net Zero 2050!

In the face of accelerating climate change, sustainability is no longer a peripheral consideration, it is a central imperative across all sectors, particularly in the built environment. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr S Ahmed
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Integrating Professional Judgement with Machine Learning Models for Enhanced Construction Cost Estimation and Prediction in Contextually Variable Projects

Construction cost estimating and prediction have been modelled using stochastic and parametric approaches. Algorithmic tools have been developed to improve precision and accuracy of estimates and forecasts of construction costs. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr G Ene
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)