The AA School’s PhD Programme fosters critical discourse and innovative research in the fields of architecture and urbanism. Within these fields the thematic and methodological origins of current projects derive from three main areas of research: architectural theory and history (mainly the critical reassessment of twentieth century architecture and urbanism); architectural urbanism (its role in addressing central issues in contemporary urban conditions and debates); and sustainable environmental design (its critical dimension and innovative applications in architecture and urbanism). From this academic year eligible candidates may also enrol for the PhD by Design, an option for qualified architects with experience in design research and an interest in relating theory with design practice. 

The PhD Programme combines advanced research with a broader educational agenda preparing graduates for practice in global academic and professional environments. The preferred route to the PhD Programme is through one of the AA School’s post-professional MA, MSc and MArch programmes which provide the theoretical grounding and appropriate tools for engaging in advanced research in their respective fields. Applicants from outside the School must hold a post-professional masters degree in their proposed area of PhD research.  

Study for the PhD at the AA is full-time, with a minimum duration of two calendar years and a maximum of four years. PhD (and MPhil) research degrees are administered by the Architecture & Urbanism Management Group set in partnership with the Open University.

PhD in Architectural Design
The purpose of the new option of the PhD in Architectural Design is to enable, as well as encourage,  candidates of architectural background to make productive and creative use of their design skills within the scholarly tradition of doctoral research. This is a full-time post-professional research degree option that can be taken over a minimum of two calendar years and a maximum of four years.

Entry requirements are a five-year professional degree in architecture and a Masters degree from one of the AA School’s postgraduate programmes, or equivalent academic qualifications and experience in the area of the proposed research. Applicants will be assessed on design portfolio, reference letters, interview and research statement.

Seminars & Special Events
Seminar series are commonly of one or two terms’ duration. Topics reflect the evolution of research interests and training requirements. PhD candidates may take one or more seminars. An international symposium is held regularly in the Summer Term.

Academic Coordinator 
Simos Yannas              simos@aaschool.ac.uk

Programme Staff
Lawrence Barth, Mark Cousins, Jorge Fiori, Hugo Hinsley, Marina Lathouri, Michael Weinstock

Download the AA PhD Research Guide.