Change lives and shape futures with a PhD in Architecture.
Our research looks beyond technical design to the complex processes and practices that run through the development, adaptation and use of built environments.
We have an excellent reputation for variety, vitality and quality of work, and as a doctoral candidate you'll become part of a diverse and passionate research community and encouraged to make a real impact with your research.
We invest in the best ideas and brightest minds you'll receive a comprehensive portfolio of support and training to help you reach your aspirations and develop as an intellectual leader.
Our research areas
As a PhD researcher in Architecture, you'll be part of the Manchester Architecture Research Group (MARG) within the Manchester Urban Institute.
We are particularly interested in:
- Architecture and Politics
- Networks of Expertise
- Design Processes and Users
- Architecture and The Anthropocene
- Architectures of Temporality
- Event/Media Architecture
Find out more about our research
You can also find out more our Architecture PhD programme on our course profile:
• PhD Architecture
Funding your research
We offer a number of funding opportunities for talented individuals to undertake doctoral training with us, including School studentships and the President's Doctoral Scholar Award. All successful applicants who apply for their programme before 10 February 2020 are automatically considered for this funding.
If you're from the UK or EU you can also apply for funding with the ESRC, and will need to have applied for a programme by 27 January 2020 in order to meet the funding deadline of 3 February 2020, 5pm GMT. Please check the studentship page for further details.
Explore current funding opportunities
Developing intellectual leaders
We're not here simply to ‘supervise' – we seek to discover and co-produce new knowledge with students as our partners.
To enable you to integrate and thrive with us, you'll be supported by a dedicated Researcher Development Team throughout your PhD and beyond.
You'll benefit from world-class professional training opportunities:
- Developing Intellectual Leaders Programme – for all the skills you need to succeed
- ProGRess@humanities – our training hub that offers specialist courses
- methods@manchester – an initiative giving you the chance to learn from the very best via talks, workshops and other events.
We provide support for several activities related to your PhD, including:
- Presenting at international conferences
- Attending workshops that provide relevant professional opportunities
- Conducting fieldwork in the UK and overseas
- Exchanges and placements with partnering institutions
You'll also be encouraged to publish in high quality outlets and we have strategies to help you achieve this goal.
Find out more about training and development
Find out more