Architecture

PhD

  • Entry year 2025
  • Duration Full time 3 - 5 years, Part time 6 - 8 years
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Overview

The PhD in the Architecture programme at Lancaster University offers a unique opportunity to draw from a range of topics within Architecture and the wider build environment. We particularly welcome proposals for interdisciplinary PhD subjects aimed at combating current and future challenges. Our research at the School of Architecture is underpinned by three areas of concern:

  • Future Practice
  • Digital Crafts
  • The Climate Crisis

Expert supervision

As a PhD student, you will normally be supervised by two experienced staff members, one of whom will be in the School of Architecture and will be an expert in your academic field. Frequently, a second supervisor will be selected from a different discipline, depending upon your chosen subject focus.

Your supervisory team is selected to give the best possible academic support for your topic and hence each supervisory team is as individual as you are. During the period of your doctoral studies, your supervisory team will be there to provide structured guidance, advice, support and encouragement through regular supervisory meetings.

Fascinating research topics

Previously the team in the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts, where Architecture is based, have supervised PhD projects on:

  • the growth of spontaneous, informal settlements
  • using tracking sensors to measure interaction dynamics in the workplace
  • people’s cognition and experience of urban environments
  • using eye-tracking to understand the effect of visual stimuli on how we move through cities
  • the effect of the spatial layout of museums and galleries on memory and attention
  • the use of a smart phone, game environment, to investigate the effect of landmarks in city design

Join a vibrant community

As a PhD student based in the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA) and part of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), you will be part of a multidisciplinary community of research students, able to participate in seminars, reading groups, conferences, and research training courses. We also offer opportunities to study for a certificate in higher education teaching.

Our School of Architecture has close links with ImaginationLancaster, an open and exploratory research lab that conducts applied and theoretical research into products, places and systems – using innovative strategies including disruptive design techniques that combine traditional and social science methods with practice-based methods arising from the arts.

Contact us

We encourage you to contact the to discuss your ideas for PhD research. For enquiries, please get in touch with the LICA postgraduate coordinator.

Tea talks

We run regular events featuring talks and discussions with leading experts on the theme of Technology, Environment and Architecture (TEA talks!). Visit our TEA talks webpage to find out more and sign up for the next event.

Our new School of Architecture

Our lecturers talk about the benefits of studying and working within the new School of Architecture at Lancaster University.

A collaborative campus

Adam Blaney (Lecturer in Responsive Architecture) finds that a campus-based university provides opportunities for collaboration and sharing resources.

Reflections for the future

Dr Mirian Calvo (Lecturer in Participatory Architecture) discusses how establishing a new school of Architecture enables fresh reflection about practice and skills for future architects.

Building a new School of Architecture

Dr Ana Costa (Senior Lecturer in Architecture) finds unique opportunities in the development of a new School of Architecture from scratch.

Creative Arts Facilities at Lancaster University

As a student within LICA, you will have access to a range of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to catalyse your studies.

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

Master’s Degree: Master’s degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline

Undergraduate Degree: 2:1 (Hons) degree (UK or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Additional Requirements

As part of your application you will also need to provide

  • A PhD Proposal form, which you can find on the Departmental website. You will need to upload your completed proposal form to your online application.

  • Practice based Research applicants are also required to submit a portfolio

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Pre-master’s programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Fees and funding

The tuition fee for students with Home fee status is set in line with the standard fee stipend provided by the UK Research Councils. The fee stipend for 2025/26 has not yet been set. For reference, the fee stipend for 2024/25 was full-time £4,786 and part-time £2,393.

The international fee for new entrants in 2025/26 is full-time £21,920 and part-time £10,960.

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Professional accreditation

The Master of Architecture (Part 2) is fully accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

The Master of Architecture is a Candidate course for the RIBA. Candidate Status from the RIBA builds on ARB prescription of our Master of Architecture course, giving current and potential students confidence that the programme will not only provide a route to professional registration, but will give them an enriching educational and vocational experience.

ARB logo
Arial view of students working in groups

Imagination Lancaster

ImaginationLancaster is an open and exploratory research lab that investigates emerging issues, technologies and practices to advance knowledge and develop solutions that contribute to the common good. We conduct applied and theoretical research into products, places and systems – using innovative strategies including disruptive design techniques that combine traditional and social science methods with practice-based methods arising from the arts.

ImaginationLancaster

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

Why Lancaster?