Architecture PhD / MPhil
The Liverpool School of Architecture (LSA) is an internationally recognised centre for architectural and built environment research.
Why study with us?
I chose the University of Liverpool for my PhD study because it was one of the highest-ranking universities for architectural research in the UK, and its Faculty members are very knowledgeable. The training gave me research skills and knowledge that I will use in future projects, and will benefit my academic career.
Dr Mai Khalfan - Architecture PhD student
100%
of our research impact classified as 'outstanding' (4*) or 'very considerable' (3*) in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021)
1st
University School of Architecture in the UK to be accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
5th
in the sector for research classified as 'world leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*) in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021)
Overview
The Liverpool School of Architecture was established in 1894 and became the first University in the UK to award a RIBA accredited degree in Architecture. As one of the UK's premier centres for architectural research and education, we are proud of our long tradition and position in the world of Architecture, both nationally and internationally.
Research within the LSA is structured under the two overarching headings of History and Theory and Environment and Digital Architecture. History and Theory consists of two inter-related research groups that address the cultural and historical context of architecture and the visual arts. The Architectural and Urban History Group investigates historic and developing architecture in relation to cities and urban contexts, with an international perspective and a developing emphasis on heritage.
The Centre for Architecture and the Visual Arts (CAVA) is a forum for collaborative research with cultural partners such as Tate Liverpool, National Museums Liverpool and the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology. Environment and Digital Architecture consists of two research groups: Acoustics Research Unit (ARU) and Sustainable Environments Research Group (SERG).
ARU is internationally recognised for its research into airborne and structure-borne sound in the fields of engineering and building acoustics, psychoacoustics, human vibration (including vibrotactile stimuli), environmental noise, industrial acoustics (sonic cleaning) and the subjective evaluation of sound and vibration in the built environment. Excellent experimental and modelling resources are available in the ARU’s dedicated laboratory facilities.
DARG focuses on the use of emerging digital technologies in the design, construction and maintenance of the built envrionment as well as the impact of these technologies on education, creative processes, collaboration between different professions, virtual prototyping and production methods.
SERG investigates sustainable built environments and the interactions between the performance of the built environment and the processes, complexities and uncertainties that can influence that performance, including the risks associated with adaptation and mitigation strategies for responding to future climates.
Research themes
Our research themes are:
- Architectural History
- Sustainable Architecture
- Portable Architecture
- City in Film
- Transnational Architecture
- Engineering Acoustics
- Digital Architecture.
Facilities
Our Postgraduate Research Centre provides personal work stations, dedicated work and study spaces and a comfortable, open plan space where our students can meet. Our computing facilities include a selection of the major CAAD environments.
There's also a well-equipped physical modelling workshop, equipment for digital video film and editing, and specialist science and engineering areas including sound transmission suites, an anechoic chamber, a lighting laboratory with artificial sky and computer laboratories.
All facilities are supported by our technicians.
Research groups
- Acoustics Research Unit (ARU)
- Digital Architecture Research Group (DARG)
- Sustainable Environments Research Group (SERG)
Study options and fees
The fees below reflect one year of study during the 2024/25 academic year
| MPhil / PhD | Duration | UK students | International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,786 |
|
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,393 |
|
The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.
* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.
^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.
Entry requirements
For research degree programmes the typical minimum entry requirement is a Bachelors degree (with Honours) at 2:1 level or better in an appropriate field of study. Equivalent overseas degrees together with an acceptable English language qualification are also accepted. Individual consideration is given to mature students with significant and relevant experience with professional qualifications. PhD students are allowed to progress into their next year of study if the assessed work at the time of the Annual Progress Report is at appropriate PhD level. Students registered for an MPhil also have to satisfactorily complete an Annual Progress Report.
English language requirements
| IELTS Academic requirement - SELT and non-SELT | Overall 6.5 no band below 6.0 |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT requirement | Minimum 88 overall with L 19 W 19 R 19 and S 20 |
| C1 Advanced CAE requirement | Overall 176 with no less than 169 in any paper |
| Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE II) | ISE II with an overall pass with merit in components |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a First Language | Grade C |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a Second Language | Grade B |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Proficiency) | Overall 176 with 169 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 176 with 169 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 176 with 169 in components |
How to apply
Research degree applications can be made online. You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.
Applications are open all year round.
More about applying for research degrees
Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal
Find a supervisor
View supervisors in this area
- Dr Barnabas Calder
- Dr Fei Chen
- Dr David Chow
- Dr Andrew Crompton
- Mr Jack Dunne
- Dr Steve Finnegan
- Professor Carl Hopkins
- Dr Marco Iuliano
- Professor Iain Jackson
- Mr Mike Knight
- Professor Richard Koeck
- Dr Torsten Schmiedeknecht
- Professor Andre Brown
- Professor Neil Jackson
- Professor Robert Kronenburg
- Dr Rosa Urbano-Gutierrez
- Professor Stephen Sharples
- Professor Soumyen Bandyopadhyay
Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us
- Postgraduate Support Team
- Email: sscARTS@liverpool.ac.uk
Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects
Related Doctoral Training Partnerships
Doctoral Training Partnerships support future researchers with funding and a rewarding learning environment where you can collaborate with leading researchers.
Find a scholarship
We offer a range of scholarships to help you meet the costs of studying a research degree.