PhD Built Environment Research Degrees

A built environment PhD can be a pathway to a career in a wide range of related professions, especially in management roles – or in the academic world. If you’re already in such a role, the PhD is a major piece of personal development, developing new knowledge and building skills for your next career step. Birmingham City University has been a major centre for built environment education in the region, and PhD study builds on our expertise and professional and industry networks.

We cover the major built environment disciplines including surveying, project management, facilities management, planning, real estate and civil engineering. We are interested in interdisciplinary research building links to areas including engineering, computing, health, law and others.

What's covered in the course?

A PhD enables you to follow a programme of self-directed, independent study, supported by experienced supervisors who are themselves experts in their area. We may use industry experts to support some projects, and others may be run in full collaboration with an industry partner.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Research Practice prepares you for study at this level, as most find it a very different experience from previous taught courses. Topic-specific training and support is identified and provided by your supervision team and other experts as necessary.

Employment Opportunities

The PhD is a well-established and valued academic qualification within the sector and is highly likely to enhance career prospects. For those wanting to follow a career in teaching and researching in Higher Education, a PhD is highly desirable.

After the PhD

From the very start of your PhD journey we encourage you to think about what happens after you graduate: how the PhD will contribute to your career plan from identifying and getting your first job to beyond. We use the VITAE research career development framework to help you plan for your future.