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We have 136 Architecture, Building & Planning PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Architecture, Building & Planning PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

We have 136 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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How Distributed Energy Systems Influence Housing Affordability and Rental Market Participation

This research project will investigate the impact of distributed energy resources (DER), such as rooftop solar panels and small-scale batteries, on housing accessibility and participation in the private rental market. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr P E Akhgar, Prof MS Soderberg
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Thermal Comfort and Energy Behaviour in Net zero Housing

This PhD project will investigate how net-zero (off-grid) homes in regional Australia perform as living environments, with a focus on thermal comfort, household energy behaviour, and climate resilience. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr FZ Zhang, Dr P E Akhgar
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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A Comprehensive Framework to Enhance Existing Housing Design and Sustainability

This PhD project aims to develop a comprehensive framework to enhance the energy performance and overall livability of the existing housing stock. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr P E Akhgar
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Energy System Digitalisation

1. Project Overview. Emerging smart grid technologies including artificial intelligence, distributed ledger, and data analytics drive the decarbonisation of energy systems with the least costs. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr WH Hua
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
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Funded PhD: Artificial Intelligence for the Built Environment (AI4BE)

Loughborough University invites applications for the Artificial Intelligence for the Built Environment (AI4BE) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT). Read more
 Funded PhD Programme (Students Worldwide)  Professional Doctorate
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Reimagining Music Venues: Spatial, Digital & Experiential Innovation in Live Music

As part of the AHRC MusicFutures Creative Custer programme at University of Liverpool, this PhD is a focus on creative technologies and the transformative potential of emerging tools to reshape the music sector. Read more
 Supervisors: Prof R Koeck, Dr M Flynn
 10 July 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Research opportunities in the Department of Archaeology

The Department of Archaeology at York is a vibrant research community and a centre of excellent research-led teaching. Read more
 Awaiting Funding Decision/Possible External Funding  Humanities Research Programme
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Research opportunities in the Centre for Medieval Studies

As the oldest interdisciplinary centre for postgraduate study of the Middle Ages in the UK, the Centre for Medieval Studies (CMS) offers world-class teaching from expert academics. Read more
 Awaiting Funding Decision/Possible External Funding  Humanities Research Programme
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Fully Funded PhD in sustainability in cooling in memory of Dr Gareth Davies

This is an exciting PhD opportunity within the College of Technology and Environment (CTE) at London South Bank University (LSBU). Read more
 Supervisor: Dr H Lagoeiro
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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METROPOLIS: AI‑Powered Urban Digital Twins for Data‑Driven Cities

Ariel University invites applications for three PhD scholarships within the METROPOLIS project. The successful candidates will join the Architectural Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (AAIRL) in the School of Architecture to undertake research at the intersection of urban analytics, AI, GIS, and urban planning. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr J Dortheimer
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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PhD Scholarship Opportunity in Sustainable & Digital Engineering and Project Management at Durham University Department of Engineering

The twin transition of sustainability and digitalisation is transforming how engineering and project-based organisations design, deliver, and govern projects. Read more
 Supervisor: Prof H Sun
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Accelerated Urban Air Quality Modelling for the Strategic Deployment of Pollutant-Mitigating Catalytic Surfaces – Ref: M34Impact-MSE6

Urban air quality is influenced by multiple factors including traffic emissions, human behaviour, meteorology, and the built environment. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr C Beckwith, Dr S Tomlinson
 8 June 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Risk Transfer, Homeowner Resilience, and Sustainable Urban Development in the UK (Ref: ABCE-ISBE-MDP)

The United Kingdom faces a critical, dual imperative. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr M Del Pinto, Prof K Chmutina
 30 June 2026  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
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Placemaking through the pedestrian’s eyes (Ref: ABCE-ISBE-AN)

With rapid urbanisation and the increasing densification of cities, enabling people to navigate and experience urban space confidently is essential for creating inclusive and sustainable environments. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr A Natapov, Dr T Wilcockson
 30 June 2026  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only
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Point-Cloud-Based Structural Health Monitoring and Quality Control for Complex Heritage Morphologies (Ref: ABCE-EBE-ZH2)

Heritage buildings often exhibit complex, irregular, and evolving geometries, making traditional inspection and monitoring methods inadequate. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr Z Hu
 30 June 2026  PhD Research Project  Self-Funded PhD Students Only

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