Course summary
The Cambridge Department of Architecture has been Ranked 2nd in the Times Higher Education Supplement World Rankings for Architecture 2025. It is one of four Cambridge University disciplines to have achieved first place in their respective Units of Assessment in the Research Excellence Framework. A doctoral degree at the Department of Architecture offers the opportunity for independent research under the supervision of a departmental staff member. Unless the candidate is part of a research group, the research is undertaken entirely by the candidate on their own, with regular supervision on progress with their supervisor. The department welcomes applications from qualified postgraduates with a suitable background in architecture, science, history and theory, and/or engineering to undertake research towards a PhD in areas such as Urban Environmental Design and Technology, Computational Social Sciences, Digital Media Design and Communication, Design, Technology and Natural Materials, Urban Planning, History and Theory of Architecture and Urbanism, Urban Studies, and other related fields. However, the department cannot accept candidates for whom no supervisor is available. The department does not offer a taught PhD programme. Instead, it admits applicants who meet the academic admissions criteria and whose research interests match those of an available academic staff member willing to act as the student's supervisor. In addition to the research and skills training programme and undergraduate teaching opportunities offered by the Department of Architecture, candidates have the opportunity to attend numerous training and personal development courses offered by the university. The examination constitutes the oral examination of a thesis not exceeding 80,000 words for the PhD on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty. Learning Outcomes By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired excellent skills, experience, and knowledge to undertake postdoctoral work (research and teaching) or other related professions. Continuing To continue to read for the PhD following an appropriate Master's degree, students must achieve a pass in the MPhil by Research or an overall total score of at least 70% in the MPhil by Advanced Study course. Continuation is also subject to the approval of the research proposal and the availability of an appropriate supervisor.
Assessment method
Thesis / Dissertation The thesis should not exceed 80,000 words. Two examiners examine the thesis; the assessment includes an oral examination, which is usually held at the Faculty or can be held remotely. The word count excludes appendices, footnotes, reference list or bibliography. Only in the most exceptional circumstances will permission be given to exceed the stated limits. In such cases, you must make an application to the Degree Committee as early as possible -and no later than three months before it is proposed to submit the thesis, having regard to the dates of the Degree Committee meetings. Your application should (a) explain in detail the reasons why you are seeking the extension and (b) be accompanied by a full supporting statement from your supervisor showing that the extension is absolutely necessary in the interests of the total presentation of the subject. Additional Materials Additional materials are defined as materials created by the candidate which are integral to the thesis and essential for examination, but cannot be easily included in the main body of the thesis. Examples may include films, documentaries, 3D models, simulations, video or audio recordings, hi-resolution images, or computer programmes. If you need to include additional materials, you need permission to do so BEFORE submitting your thesis for examination. Other Candidates will be reviewed on a regular basis as part of the PhD. Students will submit a First-Year Report in the third term (or part-time equivalent). Two examiners will assess their reports, and candidates will also undertake an oral examination. Candidates must pass to be registered and progress into the second year. During your seventh term (or part-time equivalent), students will be required to present their work at the annual PhD Conference. The progress will be assessed and documented in a short report. In the ninth term (or part-time equivalent), students will have an interview with their Supervisor(s) and one other University Teaching Officer from within the Department or any other appropriate assessor approved by the Supervisor to monitor their progress and ensure that they are on track to submit your thesis within three years. Candidates will submit a logbook of their research activity at the end of each year.
Entry requirements
Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Masters (Distinction). If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country. A first-class or high II.i honours (at least 67%/3.6/4.0 GPA or equivalent) undergraduate Bachelor's degree is expected, as well as a Master's degree (at least 70% or equivalent) in architecture or a related discipline. The Master's degree should be an MPhil or equivalent, not a Professional Master's (MArch or equivalent). Students who do not have a Master's degree or who hold a Professional Master's degree would be expected to take an MPhil first, and if they gained a satisfactory mark, they could then potentially proceed to a PhD.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Cambridge
The Old Schools
Trinity Lane
Cambridge
CB2 1TN