Architecture and Urban Design PhD

The Doctorate in Architecture and Urban Design at the Estonian Academy of Arts offers an intensive research-driven academic environment aimed at advancing knowledge and innovative practices in the fields of architecture, urban planning, and design. This doctoral programme is designed for professionals and scholars who aspire to contribute to the development of sustainable, functional, and aesthetically compelling built environments. Throughout the programme, students engage with a diverse array of research topics including architectural theory, urban rehabilitation, landscape architecture, digital design methods, and social aspects of spatial development. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, methodological rigor, and creative problem-solving skills, enabling graduates to produce impactful original research that pushes the boundaries of current architectural and urban planning practices. Students benefit from close collaboration with experienced faculty members, participation in seminars, workshops, and international exchanges that enhance their academic and professional networks. The programme culminates in the submission of a doctoral thesis presenting novel insights or innovative solutions in architecture and urban design, prepared for dissemination at academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals. Graduates of this doctoral programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and leading architectural and urban planning offices. The Estonian Academy of Arts is committed to fostering an interdisciplinary approach, integrating architectural technology, cultural context, environmental considerations, and social impact to shape future leaders in the field. Whether focusing on theoretical exploration or practical application, students enrolled in this PhD programme will develop the expertise necessary to influence spatial development at local, national, and international levels, contributing to the sustainable and aesthetic growth of our urban and architectural environments.

Research areas:

• History and theories of architecture
• History and theories of urbanism
• Current problems of design, architecture and urbanism (Design based research)
• Architecture and digital space (Text and design based research)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• application for admission to doctoral studies filled in in internet
 : 1st of February – 1st of March, 2021
• a certified copy of diploma (both BA and MA) verifying the acquired level of education and of diploma supplement and its translation into Estonian, English or Russian (both, copies and translations have to be attested by notary).
• certificate of foreign language skills (attested copy)

The admission deadline for international applicants is March 1st, 2021.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS:

– CV (please find the form from here)

– portfolio or defended Master’s Thesis

– motivation letter

– project of the doctoral thesis

– supervisor’s academical CV (needed if supervisor is from another university)

– passport or ID-card (scanned version uploaded to the application)

The exam result (grade, max 10 points) will become according to the interview, PhD thesis project and portfolio or defended MA thesis.

Application documents will be processed only after we have received all the required documents.

* Application documents will be processed only after admission fee – 50 EUR – is received by the Estonian Academy of Arts. Please find further information here.

Verification of English skill with international language tests:

Minimum requirements set by EAA:

– TOEFL ITP: min 543

– TOEFL iBT: min 72

– IELTS: min 5,5

– FCE: min 160

– CAE/CPE

– Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): min 59

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Financing studies for the Architecture and Urban Design PhD program at the Estonian Academy of Arts is primarily supported through a variety of funding sources. Students may apply for government-funded scholarships, which are available based on academic merit and research potential. Additionally, the university offers research grants and stipends to doctoral candidates engaged in funded projects, often in collaboration with national or international research institutions. Many students secure funding through European Union programs dedicated to research and innovation, such as Horizon Europe, which support doctoral research in arts and design fields. Some students also obtain financial support via partnerships with industry stakeholders interested in architecture and urban development, providing sponsorship for specific research topics aligned with their interests. The university encourages applicants to seek external scholarships from cultural foundations and arts councils, which can cover the cost of tuition and living expenses. Moreover, students may be eligible for teaching assistantships or research positions within the university, providing both financial support and professional development opportunities. The cost of living in Estonia is relatively modest compared to Western European countries, which helps alleviate financial burdens for international students. Overall, the comprehensive funding landscape enables students to pursue their PhD studies without undue financial hardship, fostering an environment suitable for intensive research and academic growth.

The Architecture and Urban Design PhD program at the Estonian Academy of Arts offers advanced research opportunities for graduates seeking to deepen their understanding of architectural and urban studies. This doctoral program is designed to cultivate innovative thinking and scholarly expertise in various aspects of architecture, urban planning, and city development. It provides students with the chance to engage in comprehensive research projects, contribute to academic discourse, and develop new insights into sustainable, functional, and aesthetic aspects of built environments. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating theoretical frameworks with practical applications to address contemporary challenges in architecture and urban design. Candidates may explore topics such as urban regeneration, architectural history, contemporary design practices, or ecological considerations in urban landscapes. The curriculum typically includes coursework, seminars, and supervised research leading to a doctoral thesis. The faculty comprises experienced academics and professionals committed to mentoring students through rigorous research activities. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in academia, research institutions, urban planning agencies, or architectural firms, where they can influence design practices and policy development. The program often requires proficiency in relevant research methodologies and encourages international collaboration and dissemination of research outputs through conferences and publications. Overall, the PhD in Architecture and Urban Design aims to foster critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and scholarly excellence, contributing to the development of resilient and innovative urban environments.