environment sustainability, social cohesion and economic viability

The Built and Human Environment is a developing domain which has the potential to offer a forum for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary action which can impact on quality post-graduate research. The Architecture, Property and Construction industry is under increasing pressure to improve its practices. It has been criticised for its less than optimal performance by governmental and institutional reports – its fragmented nature, lack of co-ordination and communication between parties, the informal and unstructured learning process, adversarial contractual relationships and lack of stakeholder focus are common themes. Construction projects are also often seen as unpredictable in terms of delivery time, cost, profitability and quality, and in addition, investment into research and development is usually seen as expensive when compared to other industries. In order to succinctly address some of these issues, collaborative research beyond the traditional planning, design and construction sector is advocated. Thus, a research project in the Built and Human Environment directed to address this need by providing a forum for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary innovation could impact across all sectors of the area. A research enquiry that encourages research which challenges and discusses these notions in relation to achieving holistic practice in the design and construction of the built environment is something that should be valued by society. In an attempt to offer the opportunity for a structured approach to researching in this area the Independent News and Media group in association with the DIT are proud to announce a funded research doctorate in the Built and Human Environment area.

The Property Doctorate is a four year full-time research programme validated at Dublin Institute of Technology. The successful applicant for the PhD will undertake leading edge research on a critical contemporary aspect of the Built Environment under the direction of a supportive supervisory team. The scope includes aspects of environment sustainability, social cohesion and economic viability as possible aspects to the particular research project to be taken up by applicants.

Eligible candidate will have a minimum of a 2.1 Honours Degree in the area of Architecture, Real Estate, Planning, and Construction with other cognitive areas also being considered.