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Description Contents Requirements Funding

In the 2014 Research Excellent Framework, Cambridge Architecture’s research work was ranked 1st in the UK, achieving the highest proportion of combined World Leading research. 88% of the research produced by the Department was rated as World Leading or Internationally Excellent (Unit of Assessment 16: Architecture, Built Environment and Planning). This consolidates our top ranking established in the previous Research Assessment Exercise of 2008.

Ranked 1st for Architecture by the Guardian's 2015 University Guide.

A doctoral degree at the Department of Architecture offers the opportunity for independent research under the supervision of a departmental member of staff. Unless the candidate is part of a research group, the research is undertaken entirely by the candidate on their own, with regular supervisions on progress with their supervisor.

The Department welcomes applications from graduates to undertake research towards a PhD in most areas, including: History, Theory and Communication, as well as; Design, Technology and Environment, but is unable to accept candidates for whom no supervisor is available. Unlike, for example, many North American Universities, the Department does not offer a taught PhD programme. Instead, it admits those applicants who meet the academic admissions criteria and whose research interests match those of an available member of the academic staff who is willing to act as the student's supervisor.

As well as the research and skills training programme offered by the Faculty of Architecture and History of Art, candidates have the opportunity to attend numerous courses, such as those related to the use of bibliographic resources and other databases, and specific computer skills.

The examination constitutes the oral examination of a thesis not exceeding 80,000 words for the PhD on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculty.

The Martin Centre constitutes the research arm of the Department. It is one of the leading architectural research units in Britain, with over four decades of successful global research for government and industry. Research typically crosses traditional research boundaries: transportation and buildings, history and philosophy of architecture, digital media design and communication, risk assessment and mitigation in the built environment, and territorial conflict in divided cities. A rich environment of collaboration exists, with other Departments within the University, and with other institutions within the UK, Europe, the U.S, China, Africa and the Middle East.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired excellent skills, experience and knowledge to undertake post doctoral work (research and/or teaching) or another related profession outside the academy.

Continuing

To continue to read for the PhD following an appropriate MPhil course, students must achieve an overall average score of at least 70%. Continuation is also subject to the approval of the proposed research proposal, and the availability of an appropriate supervisor.

One to one supervision	Candidates usually can expect to have five one hour supervisions per term in their first year with their Principal or other supervisors. They can usually expect three one hour supervisions per term for the next two or three years. Candidates will also be appointed an advisor who they can arrange to meet on an informal basis if need be.
Seminars & classes	There is a wealth of sources at Cambridge from which you can develop and consolidate the skills you need to produce a successful thesis and the methods and technology by which you realise this effectively. The Faculty provides a general training programme for Masters’ courses which PhD candidates may attend, weekly (research) seminars and talks, peer monitoring within reading and discussion groups and practical skills training (photography, building survey).
Lectures	Attending lectures is optional but students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of lectures offered in the Department and other Faculties relevant to their research.

One to one supervision

Candidates usually can expect to have five one hour supervisions per term in their first year with their Principal or other supervisors. They can usually expect three one hour supervisions per term for the next two or three years.

Candidates will also be appointed an advisor who they can arrange to meet on an informal basis if need be.

Seminars & classes

There is a wealth of sources at Cambridge from which you can develop and consolidate the skills you need to produce a successful thesis and the methods and technology by which you realise this effectively.

The Faculty provides a general training programme for Masters’ courses which PhD candidates may attend, weekly (research) seminars and talks, peer monitoring within reading and discussion groups and practical skills training (photography, building survey).

Lectures

Attending lectures is optional but students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of lectures offered in the Department and other Faculties relevant to their research.

Feedback

Students will be provided with feedback via review exercises, supervisions and the supervisor's termly reports.

Assessment

Thesis

The oral examination of a thesis which does not exceed 80,000 words. Footnotes, references and text within tables are to be counted within the word-limit, but captions, appendices and bibliographies are excluded. Appendices (of no determined word length) may be permitted subject to the approval of the candidate's Supervisor (in consultation with the Degree Committee). Appendices should be confined to such items as catalogues, original texts, translations of texts, transcriptions of interview, or tables. Permission to include such appendices must be requested well in advance of the submission of the final thesis.

The examination is conducted by two examiners and is usually held at the Faculty.

Other

Candidates for the PhD are reviewed formally on an annual basis. In the third term, candidates submit a First Year Paper. Candidates’ reports are assessed by two assessors and the candidate is invited to attend an oral assessment.

During their sixth term, candidates are required to give a presentation of their work to the Graduate Director(s), their Supervisor and any other appropriate assessor approved by the Supervisor. The candidate’s progress is assessed and documented in a short report.

The tenth term review ensures that candidates are on track to submit by the end of their fourth year at the very latest.

Candidates submit a log of their research activity which is assessed at each of the annual reviews described above.

Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
IELTS (Academic) 7.5
TOEFL Internet Score 110
£50 application fee
First Academic Reference
Second Academic Reference. Please note: applicants who are currently undertaking a graduate course at Cambridge from departments other than Architecture will need to provide the contact details of a second referee for admission to this Department.
Transcript. Please note: applicants who are currently undertaking a graduate course at Cambridge from departments other than Architecture will need to provide a transcript for admission to this Department.
Sample of Work. A sample of work could be a journal publication or a chapter from your undergraduate dissertation. Please note: applicants who are currently undertaking a graduate course at Cambridge from departments other than Architecture will need to provide a sample of work.
Research Proposal. A research proposal of 1000 - 1500 words should consist of a topic and a hypothesis, a literature review, a statement on method, and key references.
Personal Reference