Architecture, interiors and urbanism postgraduate research degrees

If you want to take your expertise in Architecture, Interiors and Urbanism into a postgraduate research degree, Portsmouth is the perfect place to do it.

Our research explores the latest methods, technology and ideas being used to build the smart cities of the future and preserve places from the past. We investigate the digital design tools being used to shape tomorrow's communities, explore the cultural and economic forces affecting our cities, and work to understand the cultural importance of some of our oldest buildings.

The voice of the community is often missing from the design phase of a building – we're looking at how interior spaces are designed by examining the way people use and interact with them. We're also investigating how architects and urban designers might draw, write, and re-think ways to represent interior spaces.

As a postgraduate researcher, you'll work alongside our existing researchers, many of whom are former and practising architects and designers. You can join our collaborations with academic, charitable, community and commercial groups, work on projects in areas such as architecture, interior design, urban design and conservation – play your own part in transforming our expertise into impact.

Research degrees

Find out about our PhD, MPhil, and PhD by Publication opportunities in Architecture, Interiors and Urbanism below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.

Architecture, Interiors & Urbanism PhDs and MPhils

Explore our pre-approved funded and self-funded PhD projects in Architecture, Interiors and Urbanism, or submit your own research idea. 

PhD by Publication

A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.

Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6-12 months after registering with us.

For more information, please visit our PhD by Publication page.

Duration, fees and funding 

What do my tuition fees cover?

If you're self-funding your PhD, you'll pay tuition fees to the University to cover course and university costs.

Your tuition fees cover:

• The cost of your postgraduate research programme* at the University as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, and examinations
• Bespoke training, professional development courses, networking, and research support through The Graduate School
• Research seminars and workshops (university-wide and faculty-specific)
• A contribution to funding to attend a conference or development activity in your research field
• Tailor-made weekly and monthly events, including weekly, themed experienced researcher-led talks and workshops
• Helping you become part of our thriving research community, including Research and Innovation services where 77% of our research is world leading and internationally excellent in REF 2021
• Your graduation ceremony
• Viva examination and administration costs
• The facilities and equipment you need to complete your studies, such as computer rooms, access to laptops, the Library, and laboratories
• Access to resources including electronic journals, alternative guide to funding, and thousands of hours of educational videos on LinkedIn Learning
• University support services including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support and personal tutors
• Membership of the Students' Union (giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice)
• Access to software such as Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite (this includes Photoshop, InDesign, and Adobe Premiere Pro)

*Please note that some research programmes may come with additional bench fees.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for a PhD or MPhil include an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject. Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.

If English is not your first language, you'll need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Support and facilities

When you join us, you'll be supported by our Graduate School, alongside your assigned supervisory team, who'll help you get the most from our facilities. The Graduate School will help you become part of our thriving, collaborative research community, and help grow your skills as a researcher through the Graduate School Development Programme, which offers training, workshops and events.

As a postgraduate research student, you'll have a space to work as part of PhD community, have access to School and Faculty workshops, and be able to make use of the University's computer labs, and animation and VR facilities.

You can also become part of the School's Media Hub, participate in the School's Project Office activities, and become an Associate Member of the Faculty Research and Innovation groups that align with your subject area.

What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?

Once your postgraduate research degree is complete, you'll be a highly-skilled researcher with the knowledge and skills to make an impact in many different industries.

Your postgraduate research qualification tells potential employers that you're an intelligent, capable and motivated person, with provable abilities and experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, communication, leadership and creativity.

After researching with us, our successful postgraduate research candidates have gone on to work in a variety of fields – including as research fellows, lecturers, environmental consultants, and urban consultants.

Apply

Apply for a research degree in Architecture, Interiors and Urbanism by completing our online form.

Current research

Explore the work we're doing across our 8 areas of expertise in Architecture, Interiors and Urbanism.