MPhil/PhD Architectural Practice

UCL (University College London)

The Architectural Practice MPhil/PhD at UCL encourages the development of innovative architectural research through a combination of designing and writing about applied ‘real-world’ projects that candidates are engaged upon through their own everyday professional practice. Given that the candidates on this doctoral course will be engaged upon ‘real-world’ research projects through their own professional practice, it is left entirely up to candidates to decide whether they are engaged in part-time or full-time study. That status can also change readily during the doctoral study depending upon the candidate’s personal situation. Meanwhile, the PhD supervisory team in all cases will include a Principal Supervisor and Subsidiary Supervisor who between them are either noted academics or practitioners within the field being studied. Throughout the Architectural Practice MPhil/PhD, students will be developing a thesis that consists of design projects and a written text, symbiotically sharing a central research theme. The research investigations for the applied projects may be drawn, filmed, built, or made using whatever media is appropriate. However, the key requirement in this Architectural Practice MPhil/PhD course is that the research work needs to be carried out on projects which have been completely built or are in the process of being built. Candidates are expected to be independent thinkers who make an original contribution to knowledge and expand the disciplinary discourse in their field of inquiry. They need to be reflective within the shifting boundaries of their discipline and the rapidly changing nature of the architectural profession, and aware of how these are affected by societal and institutional challenges. A clear and original research proposal is crucial for any successful PhD application since it demonstrates the applicant’s ability to identify and articulate an independent line of research inquiry.