Architecture by Design PhD

Level: Postgraduate research

Subject: Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Full-time
  • PhD | 3 years | Start date: multiple dates
Part-time
  • PhD | 6 years | Start date: multiple dates

Key facts

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme website
PhD by Distance

Available

School location

Lauriston campus

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About the degree programme

The PhD Architecture by Design programme is intended for graduates who wish to pursue a rigorous, in-depth study of a specific topic where design methods familiar to architectural practice (such as drawing, surveying, modelling) are developed as research methodologies.

As part of ESALA's suite of postgraduate programmes, it affords the opportunity for you to pursue design-led research in architecture at the highest level, combining inquiries conducted by design with knowledge gathered and advanced through writing.

The programme will support you as you develop an awareness of the methods and theoretical frameworks that shape the ways in which architects (as practitioners and researchers) engage with contemporary concerns. It will enable you to develop your own interpretive experiments, fieldwork, design work and arguments in the pursuit of a research project.

The subject of any PhD project is driven by individual fascinations. What connects the various projects in the PhD Architecture by Design programme is a concern for design as a way of conducting research. The words ‘by design’ in the programme title do not refer to the outcome of the research (a design), as much as to the mode in which the research is conducted, produced and framed.

We welcome prospective students with a strong idea of what they want to research, an awareness of why this might be of contemporary relevance, and a developed understanding of how they might carry out that research. A knowledge of the field of architectural research-by-design and research-by-practice is desirable. The willingness and capacity to engage with primary source material and to interpret this both through design and textual methods are essential attributes.

Study options

The PhD Architecture by Design programme comprises 3 years of full-time (6 years part-time) research under the supervision of experts in your chosen research topics or methods. This period of research culminates in the production of a written thesis of 50,000 words, and a body of design-research work developed during the period of study.

The outcome for those studying part-time is the same as for those studying full-time: the research project will culminate in a considered, presented text of not more than 50,000 words and a comprehensive record of all material relevant to the by-design methodology employed (including images, drawings, photographs, and so on), contained in a coherent and archivable format.

Part-time study

The part time PhD is available to suitably qualified applicants in all the same areas as our on-campus programmes.

This option allows students who have other commitments on their time, professional or personal, to study for a PhD at ECA. 

Part time PhDs are expected to take 6 years rather than the 3 expected for full-time options. You can arrange the timing of meetings with supervisors and attendance at research training courses. Annual reviews will take place every year.

The estimated time commitment for the part-time mode of study is, on average, between 2 to 3 days per week.

It is often possible to transfer between part time and full-time modes of study during the PhD.

PhD by Distance 

The PhD by Distance is available to suitably qualified applicants in all the same areas as our on-campus programmes. 

However, given the specific mode of study for this PhD programme applications for study ‘by Distance’ will only be considered where there is a compelling case for conducting the research elsewhere (for example, when the subject of the study is specifically located). 

The PhD by Distance allows you to study for a PhD in an ECA subject area from your home country or city if you do not wish to commit to basing yourself in Edinburgh.

If you study for an ECA PhD by Distance, we do not expect you to visit Edinburgh during your period of study. However, short-term visits for particular activities can be considered on a case-by-case basis, visa permissions and resourcing permitting.

It is often possible to transfer between distance and on-campus modes of study during the PhD.

More information on the PhD by Distance

Why choose this programme

  • Access to supervision from a range of world-class researchers, drawn from within and beyond the discipline of architecture
  • Contribute to the development of the discipline, working on independent interpretive experiments, fieldwork, design work and arguments
  • Produce a carefully considered thesis that develops and supports an independent argument
  • Access to leading computing and workshop facilities and will develop fluency in digital media and other modes of representation to engage in cross-disciplinary discussions and collaborative networks in creative work
  • Be part of a community who actively promote interdisciplinary approaches and encourage research that challenges conventional modes of practice and thought

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you have any questions about the application and admissions process, please contact the ECA Postgraduate Research Team.

Contact ECA Postgraduate Research

You are also welcome to contact the ESALA Postgraduate Research Director or PhD Architecture by Design Programme Director for advice.

Finding a supervisor

You should search for a potential supervisor for your research topic before you submit an application.

Finding a research supervisor

You can find Edinburgh College of Art staff on the ECA website. Each member of staff has a profile page which gives a summary biography and research information along with their contact details.

We recommend you contact potential supervisors to discuss your research proposal and determine their willingness to supervise you. If you contact a potential supervisor before applying, they may ask to see your draft research proposal and may offer you feedback. If they are willing to look at a further draft, they may want to see how well you have understood and applied their advice.

After this discussion, if they confirm that your proposed research is within their expertise or supervisory remit, and they are interested in working with you, you can list their name on your application as your proposed supervisor.

Your principal supervisor will normally be based in the subject area you are applying to. Assistant supervisors can be based in the same subject area, from ECA, or the wider University of Edinburgh.

The selection panel will consider the proposed supervisor you have named on your application and discuss your application with them, and/or with other supervisors that may be relevant.

Academic staff at ECA

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
7 January 2026 1 November 2025
14 September 2026 30 June 2026
6 January 2027 31 October 2026

If you are applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. All applications must be received by the deadlines listed above.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

and, if applicable:

  • your research topic
  • details of any published work

You will also need to provide some or all of the following supporting information and documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You must submit two references with your application, one of which must be an academic reference and preferably from your most recent studies.

Portfolio

Once you have submitted your application and have been sent your University login, you will be able to upload your portfolio.

For this programme, the portfolio is one of the most important parts of the application. Therefore, it is important to consider carefully how you assemble your portfolio.

Format

Portfolios should be presented digitally as PDF documents. We will consider the presentation of a portfolio as an extension of your design skills.

We recommend pages are set up at A4 or A3 size, and organised in ‘landscape’ format. However, we will accept portfolios that vary from this if they conform to the size limits.

Make sure the portfolio is saved as a single PDF file (not as lots of separately saved pages).

On the first page of the portfolio include your name and UUN, and on the pages immediately following include a brief CV and your personal statement.

Make sure that drawings, photographs, and so on appear at a high enough resolution to be clearly legible.

Present your design work in an intelligent and understandable way. Give the titles of projects, and annotate drawings and so on as required. Organise your work so that the selection panel can see and appreciate your development.

What to include

The focus of the portfolio should be on your best and most recent work. It should include representative examples of work undertaken as part of a formal programme of study, any work carried out while in practice, and self-initiated projects undertaken outside formal studies. 

As much as possible include a variety of work: 

  • Kind: architectural design, speculative projects, art, built, research
  • Scale: furniture, buildings, urban design, regional studies
  • Media: freehand drawings, technical drawings, computer drawings, models, sculptures, live performances, paintings, installations, video. 

Do not limit your portfolio to presentation images alone. Include sketches, studies and working drawings. If possible, include examples from your design sketchbooks and notebooks. Notes and sketches play an important part in design thinking and are important for demonstrating your capacity to investigate and explore in the medium of design. 

If you have had a longer period in practice or have a diverse educational and/or professional background, you should include work that would best show the wider scope and development of your career.

Research proposal

You should submit a research proposal that outlines your project's aims, context, process and product/outcome.

The research proposal is a necessary and important part of your application. It should identify the objectives and scope of your research, and the stages necessary to complete it.

The proposal should indicate the nature of the outcome; for example, whether it will be a full thesis, or a smaller thesis and body of creative work. In the case of practice-based research, we advise you to give an indication of the kind of creative work you intend to undertake, and how it will engage with and further the research aims and process.

Your research proposal is the key that allows staff to understand your intentions and readiness for a research degree. The best research proposals are developed through several drafts. 

Your proposal may well later evolve and even change radically through your research process, but the initial proposal is required to help identify the particular question(s) or areas of concern prompting your research. It will also help staff identify suitable supervisory expertise if you are invited to interview.

You must upload the research proposal with your online application. We cannot fully consider applications until an adequate research proposal has been submitted.

Assessing your proposal

We will assess your proposal against the following criteria:

  • Aims: Identify a clear gap in existing knowledge. Succinctly and clearly explain your aims and objectives. Provide a title, identify a particular research question or area of concern prompting this research and convey its significance. For Art and Design programmes, please state if you are applying for a Theory Based or Practice Based PhD.
  • Context: Demonstrate excellent knowledge of the field and preparedness to undertake the proposed research project. Convey the intellectual, academic, artistic context of the research question(s) or concerns. Provide a bibliography of relevant scholarly literature and other key research resources.
  • Methods: Your proposal must be original and innovative, substantively and/or methodologically. Explain the research processes and methods that you will apply. Indicate why they are the most appropriate and, if relevant, most innovative methods.
  • Impact: The potential impact of the research must be explicit, with realistic and appropriate plans for maximising the impact identified (e.g. engaging possible non-academic partnerships.) Explain how your research will have academic and artistic impact and/or social and economic impact.
  • Clarity: Writing and presentation must be of the highest standard. Ensure that your proposal is succinct, clearly written and free of jargon (it should be readily understood by a non-expert).
Word count

The word count for your research proposal is 1,000 to 3,000 words.

Do not write more than the word limit.

You may also provide a bibliography of relevant scholarly literature and other key research resources. This is not mandatory, and does not count towards your word limit.

Missing documents

Once we receive your application, it will be processed by the Admissions Team and then sent to the Selection Panel for review.

If any essential documents are missing from your application, the Admissions Team will contact you about this.

Applications without a research proposal will be classed as incomplete and cannot be reviewed by the Selection Panel until this is provided.

Interview

If the Selection Panel feel that your application is of the required quality and there is supervisory expertise available you will be invited to attend a short interview. This is normally with the Programme Director and/or your proposed supervisors, where you will discuss your application and research proposal. 

The interview will normally be online (such as via MS Teams) but can be in person where relevant.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

Funding

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time
Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Costs

Additional programme costs

Because this is a ‘by design’ PhD you will incur extra expenses on top of the tuition fee for any of the experimental design processes you undertake, for example:

  • materials
  • 3D printing
  • large-scale models
  • specialist printing
  • conventional printing
  • workshop materials
  • specialist equipment hire
  • exhibition
  • lighting
  • fieldwork (travel, accommodation)

You will be responsible for covering these extra costs. 

There are no pre-determined expenses associated with this programme. How much you spend is dependent on the aims and outputs of your research proposal.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

Normally a UK masters degree or its international equivalent. If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, we may still consider your application on the basis of relevant professional experience. 
 
You must also submit a research proposal and a portfolio; see Applying section for guidance.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

Research profile

Research is central to the study of architecture in the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA). It motivates our intellectual and creative activities and underpins our collaborations with a range of important international and UK-based institutions.

Recently completed research projects include:

Our research community

Our research culture is supported by seminar series, public lecture programmes, and discussion groups in diverse subjects.

Undertaking postgraduate study in ESALA allows students to participate in various seminar programmes, including Intersections, a series of postgraduate roundtable research seminars, and Prokalo, a PhD-led lecture series stimulating discussions between Architecture, Landscape Architecture and the Environmental Humanities.

These seminars run alongside various talks organised by faculty, including the Landscape Seminar Series, organised by Landscape Architecture, and the Architectural History and Theory Seminar Series, organised by Architectural History.

Students are also welcome to apply to join the editorial board for Edinburgh Architecture Research (EAR), a student-led academic journal founded by postgraduate research students in architecture in 1978.

ECA events

Teaching opportunities

Tutoring opportunities will be advertised to the postgraduate research community, which you can apply for should you wish to gain some teaching experience during your studies. 

We do not advise you do any tutoring work in the first year of your research studies, as your main focus should be on establishing the direction of your research. 

Programme structure

Regular individual meetings with your supervisory team provide guidance and focus for the course of research you are undertaking. You will attend research methods and inductions courses at the beginning of your research studies. For every year you are enrolled on programme you will be required to complete an annual progression review. 

You will attend a programme of induction at the beginning of your studies, introducing you to the ECA research community, its diverse cultures, its facilities and infrastructures, and its values and codes of ethical conduct.  

This will be complemented by subject-area specific research training courses which you are encouraged to attend and submit relevant work for feedback. These courses will also enable you to make connections with academic staff and student peers in your subject. 

Supervisors 

Students are required to have at least two research supervisors, with the principal supervisor based in ESALA. Additional supervisors may be from another discipline within ECA, within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) or the wider University.  

Assessment

At the end of your PhD, your work, both written and practical will be read and viewed by internal and external examiners, who will meet to discuss your research with you in a viva voce examination.  

Support

All of our research students benefit from Edinburgh College of Art's interdisciplinary approach. You will primarily work with at least two research supervisors who will have expertise relevant to your research topics or methods. It is therefore important that you research, decide, and agree who these supervisors should be.

Your first or lead supervisor would normally be based in the same subject area as your degree programme. Your second supervisor may be from another discipline within Edinburgh College of Art or elsewhere within the University of Edinburgh, according to the expertise required. On occasion more than two supervisors will be assigned, particularly where the degree brings together multiple disciplines.

Regular individual meetings with your supervisor provide guidance and focus for the course of research you are undertaking.

We encourage you to attend courses at the Institute for Academic Development (IAD), where all staff and students at the University of Edinburgh are supported through a range of training opportunities, including:

  • short courses in compiling literature reviews
  • writing in a second language
  • preparing for your viva

The Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) offers further opportunities for development. 

You will also be encouraged to refer to the Vitae research development framework as you grow into a professional researcher.

IAD support for postgraduate researchers

Facilities

PhD Architecture by Design students have access to study space, studio space and workshops in Minto House. The building includes bookable spaces for the development of exhibitions, workshops or seminars, extensive and well-equipped wood, metal and digital fabrication workshops, a subject-specific library, a printing suite, and computer and media facilities. 

You will also have access to Bookit, an online service through which you can loan a wide range of digital and technical equipment for free. 

Minto House is in the heart of Edinburgh, and is adjacent to other facilities used by ESALA students in Adam House and at 7-8 Chambers Street. It is close to a wide range of amenities found throughout the central University of Edinburgh campus, including: 

  • the Main Library, which includes the University of Edinburgh Centre for Research Collections
  • several subject-specific libraries
  • art suppliers
  • central digital fabrication services

You will also have access to the extraordinary range and quality of exhibitions and events associated with a leading college of art situated within a world-class research-intensive university, including the Talbot Rice Gallery in Old College. This is a public art gallery of the University of Edinburgh and part of Edinburgh College of Art committed to exploring what the University of Edinburgh can contribute to contemporary art practice today and into the future. 

Additionally, ESALA is integrated into the wider College of Art, which means students have access to facilities, and exceptional resources at Lauriston Place, including additional workshops, studio spaces and the ECA Store where you can purchase materials for your projects, along with our Free Use Hub where you can access free recycled materials. 

Situated in the centre of Edinburgh, students studying at ESALA will also be able to access wider resources within the city, including: 

  • The National Library of Scotland reading rooms on George IV Bridge, with a collection spanning over 30 million items related to the history of Scotland.
  • Scottish Studies Library and Digital Archive, containing a sound archive of 33,000 recordings, a photographic archive containing thousands of images from the 1930s onwards, a small film and video collection and a manuscript archive.
  • The research collections of Historic Environment Scotland, the public body set up to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment.
  • The National Museum of Scotland, whose collection contains over 12 million objects and specimens.

You will also benefit from the University’s extensive range of student support facilities, including student societies, accommodation, wellbeing and support services, located in George Square.

Lauriston campus redevelopment

ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next 3 years, from April 2024 to April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

Find out more about ECA’s Lauriston Campus redevelopment

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the Edinburgh College of Art and explore our facilities and campus with our virtual tour.

Take a virtual tour of Edinburgh College of Art

Career opportunities

Graduates from the programme are currently pursuing academic careers at leading academic institutions, including:

  • the University of Edinburgh
  • Rhode Island School of Design,
  • University of West of England Bristol
  • University of Portsmouth
  • University of Cyprus

They are also working in cultural organisations associated with architectural practice and research, including the Drawing Matter architectural archives.

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media.

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city!

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Our vibrant capital is a blend of culture, history, nature and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study architecture by design.

Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural scene boasts the largest collection of historic buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres of any city in Scotland.

The University of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries include:

  • the Talbot Rice Gallery
  • the Centre for Research Collections
  • St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum

Edinburgh is home to several major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the world to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city’s culture. These include the:

  • Festival Fringe
  • Film Festival
  • Art Festival
  • Book Festival
  • Jazz and Blues Festival

Some of our students even participate in our annual festivals.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

ecaresearchdegrees@ed.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)131 651 5741

Academic contact

For academic questions, please contact the Programme Director.

Dr Chris French

  • Edinburgh College of Art
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

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