PhD in Design, Architecture, Technology and Engineering

Based on the south coast, an hour from London, the University of Brighton has built a reputation on research excellence and a dynamic, diverse and creative student community and the University of Brighton’s research responds directly to the most pressing global challenges, with impact at the heart of our ambitions and success.

We look forward to applications for research degrees from all suitably qualified home, EU and international students and welcome applications for self-funded PhD students in the research areas of interest within our School.

The School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering has a long-standing track-record for high-quality practice-based research, often involving industry or professional partnerships and beneficiaries and bringing real-world change through systems, designs, and technologies.

Our PhD students explore diverse areas such as low-carbon-propulsion systems, data technologies, mathematics, architecture, product design, values and sustainability. You can read more about PhD programmes at the University of Brighton relating to architecture technology and engineering and you may be particularly interested in the following areas:

• Architecture, Architectural humanities and Built Environment PhD
• Civil engineering PhD
• Computing PhD
• Design PhD
• Engineering PhD (mechanical, aeronautical etc)

For some of these programmes such as Architecture and Design, we welcome PhD projects developed and proposed by PhD applicants who are particularly interested in an area of study. If this is you, you will be interested to know that opportunities exist in practice-based design research within fields that include sustainable design and architecture.

For other programmes within the disciplines of Technology and Engineering, we are keen to grow our current research in the following areas:

• Using integrated digital twins. IoT and blockchain technology
• Optimisation of inhaler design and understanding droplet distributions during spray atomisation
• Developing holistic retrofitting strategy for net-zero carbon social housing
• Using digital technologies and tools to support the exhibition and conservation of heritage artefacts
• Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and healthcare
• Natural fibre reinforcement of soil/ machine learning applications for estimating soil properties

For those specifically interested in research in Advanced Engineering, our Advanced Engineering Centre addresses global challenges associated with improved fuels and manufacturing to develop creative, sustainable economies. We are therefore keen to hear from prospective PhD students who are interested in innovative research in for example novel lower-emissions propulsion systems, the development of sustainable fuels such as NH₃ for marine applications, thermofluid modelling, and remanufacturing.

All our PhD students also have opportunities to join our internationally recognised Centres Of Research Excellence (COREs) and Research and Enterprise Groups (REGs) some of which are  likely to be aligned with your field of interest.

The city of Brighton

Brighton is a vibrant and creative seaside city on the South-East coast of the United Kingdom. By train, it is only one hour away from London, 30 minutes away from London's Gatwick Airport and 90 minutes away from London's Heathrow Airport, attracting visitors and students to a growing international population. The city's progressive attitudes mean it leads the way in arts, creative technology, sexuality and gender studies and issues, as well as environmental and sustainable education and policy.

How to Apply

You will need to submit a detailed research proposal to your application for a self-funded position. This proposal will need to be appropriate to the level of study (PhD) and suitable for the University of Brighton – Most importantly, we must ensure we have the right supervisors/experts for your project and we have all the resources in place so you receive the support you need.

To develop your research idea, we therefore recommend you approach one of our researchers who may become your lead supervisor. For the five steps leading to a PhD application at the University of Brighton, information on tuition fees and funding, entry requirements and deadlines, visit our PhD application website.

Alternatively, your application may outline your suitability for an advertised funded research project as detailed on our PhD funding and opportunities page.

For more information

FAQ: Brighton as a city and the University of Brighton as a place to study

FAQ: PhD funding UK for overseas students, visas and language requirements

FAQ: Support and facilities during your PhD studies