PhD Architecture

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.

You can explore our Architecture supervisory team and their specialist research areas.

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 PhD in Architecture programme coordinator Dr Marianna Cavada, or any member of the Architecture supervisory team to discuss your ideas for PhD research.

Alternatively, for general 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.