MPhil/PhD
Architecture - Research Opportunities

Key Information


Full-time

MPhil: 1.5-3 years. PhD: 2-4 years

Part-time

MPhil: 2-4 years. PhD: 3-8 years

Entry Requirements

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Dates: October, February, and May

Programme Overview

Researchers in the Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment contribute to an interdisciplinary community working to advance architectural knowledge and address emerging issues facing professionals in the sector. These can include cultural, social, and spatial characteristics of the built environment and communities, history and theory of architecture, urban design, environmental design, and sustainable built environments.

A structured programme of research skills training enables students to develop the competencies required for their study and future career. Assessment is via the submission of a final thesis and, depending on the award, an accompanying written or oral testimony.

An experienced supervisory team is appointed to offer expertise and guidance, as well as support in applying for funding, attending conferences, and publishing work.

Key Features

Conduct independent, original, and academically significant research

Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills

Supervision and support from expert academic staff

Present at talks and seminars to showcase your work

Enrol in February, May or October each year

A student working on a project

How You Study

Research students normally have two internal supervisors with specialist knowledge of their subject areas, and they have regular meetings with them for advice, monitoring, and other support. Students are introduced to the relevant research methods through taught units and are encouraged to give presentations to postgraduate seminars, which are held regularly throughout the year.

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisor, but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.

Research areas in the School include history and theory of architecture, urban design, environmental design, construction science and management, and sustainable built environments.

Research Areas and Topics

We conduct research in a range of areas, covering many topics including:

  • History and theory of architecture and design
  • Sustainable environments 
  • Low energy building design
  • Building performance analysis
  • Post occupancy evaluation 
  • Health and wellbeing of citizens 
  • Whole life performance of buildings 
  • Housing 
  • Historical infrastructure and cities 
  • Anthropology and heritage.

How you are assessed

Assessment is via the submission of a final thesis and, in some cases, an accompanying written or oral testimony, dependent on the award.

How to Apply

Postgraduate Research Application Support

Find out more about the application process for research degrees and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page, which also features contact details for dedicated support with your application.

How to Apply
A student sit with a laptop and notepad

Entry Requirements 2024-25

Entry Requirements

First or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Programme Fees

You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below. Research students may be required to pay additional fees in addition to cover the cost of specialist resources, equipment and access to any specialist collections that may be required to support their research project. These will be informed by your research proposal and will be calculated on an individual basis.

Programme Fees

Funding Your Research

Loans and Studentships

Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate research, from Master's and Doctoral Loans, to research studentship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

Explore Funding Options
Two students working on a laptop in a study space

Career Development

A doctoral qualification can be the capstone of academic achievement and often marks the beginning of a career in academia or research. A research programme provides the opportunity to become a true expert in your chosen field, while developing a range of valuable transferable skills that can support your career progression. A research-based degree is also the most direct pathway to an academic career. PhDs and research degrees are a great chance to expand your network and meet diverse people with similar interests, knowledge, and passion.

The University’s Doctoral School provides a focal point for Lincoln’s community of researchers, where ideas and experiences can be developed and shared across disciplines. It also offers support and training to help equip you for both academic and non-academic careers.

Doctoral School

Research at Lincoln

Through our research, we are striving to change society for the better. Working with regional, national, and international partners, our academics are engaged in groundbreaking studies that are challenging the status quo. We also understand the importance of providing the best possible environment for pursuing research that can support our communities, improve lives, and make a tangible difference to the world around us.

Explore Our Research
Earth seen from space
The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.