Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,725 per year -
How long will I study?
4 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
October 2025
February 2026
May 2026
Course summary
- Undertake PhD research on a programme with outstanding student satisfaction.
- Develop the knowledge and skills to become an independent and effective researcher.
- Benefit from excellent facilities to support research, design, modelling and fieldwork.
- Study within an exciting interdisciplinary research environment.
- Experience the world-leading impact of the Sheffield Creative Industries Institute.
Develop and implement a research programme with experienced researchers and practitioners in architecture. Their interests include spatial practice, environmental design, sustainable architecture, design technologies, communities, eco-social design, digital fabrications, digital construction, urbanisms, participatory architecture, public space and culture, urban landscape, smart cities, retrofitting and decarbonisation.
How you learn
86% of our research in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning was assessed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in REF2021.
You’ll work with an experienced Director of Studies and at least one other supervisor with expertise in your chosen research area and methods. They’ll support you in defining and implementing your research programme, providing direction as you develop as an independent researcher. They’ll also help you plan training and professional development.
You’ll join a dynamic and inclusive community of researchers and PhD students in the Sheffield Creative Industries Institute – with opportunities to share your work at the university and beyond. You’ll receive training and guidance on professional standards in research practice, including ethics, project management and enhancing your personal effectiveness and communication skills. You’ll also explore how to publish your research and establish an academic profile.
You learn through:
- independent study
- supervision and feedback
- approved research activities
- researcher development training workshops
- level 7 research methods modules (as necessary)
- presenting your research at conferences and seminars
- taking part in lively debate and discussion with your peers
- writing and defending a doctoral thesis
Course support
Your learning is supported by access to:
- a dedicated postgraduate research tutor for architecture
- a postgraduate research administration team
- a library research support team and 24-hour access to library facilities
- an Academic Skills Centre with sessions specifically for doctoral researchers
- the University English Scheme for international students
- a programme of support for doctoral student wellbeing
Course leaders and tutors
Applied learning
Networking opportunities
Throughout your course you’ll have chances to interact with other PhD students, academics and specialists in your field. Funds are available for you to present your work in professional academic settings at international and national conferences – and/or in public exhibitions – and we encourage you to seek opportunities to engage different audiences with your research. All our doctoral students make a vital contribution to the intellectual life of the University from the earliest stages of their research.
All Sheffield Hallam PhD students are supported to enter the national ‘3-minute thesis’ competition. As an architecture PhD student, you’ll also expand your network for future research and employment by collaborating with the local community, professional bodies and industry.
Live projects
Doctoral projects explore and offer real-world critical insights on environmental, social and political issues. Some are developed in collaboration with external partners, such as local metropolitan borough councils, local and international charity organisations, creative and business industries and architecture-related professional bodies.
Field trips
Field studies within and outside the UK may take place for PhD research projects that involve case studies or field data collection – all discussed as part of the admissions process. Financial support is available to conduct approved fieldwork activity.
Future careers
Researchers can enter professions as acknowledged experts in their chosen specialism.
Career opportunities can be found in:
- architectural firms
- the construction sector
- roles related to government policy-making
- academic research
- teaching positions
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
Doctoral researchers in the Sheffield Creative Industries Institute are based at the City Campus. You’ll have access to office and academic community space to work and convene. There’s 24-hour library access and a library research support team on hand to offer expert advice and training on all aspects of information and publishing.
Other facilities include:
- specialist laboratories for research and study
- dedicated computing suites and simulation software
- a range of industry-standard equipment for field studies
- digital fabrication, laser cutting and 3D printing facilities
- printing, copying and scanning service
- technician support for accessing specialist facilities
Entry requirements
All students
Applicants will need to provide evidence of:
- A relevant undergraduate degree qualification (2.1 or above)
- A relevant masters level qualification (Merit or above) with strong performance (60%+) in research related modules and dissertation. Note that studentship applicants must have all degree results in hand before applying
To apply, candidates must submit a fully complete online application including:
- A 1,500-word research proposal
- Degree certificates
- Module transcripts
- Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study
- Sponsorship letter (if applicable)
All suitable candidates are invited to an interview and asked to give a short presentation about their proposed research. You will be asked questions about the project proposal and your interest in PhD level study. You are encouraged to find out more about our areas of research interest and expertise before applying. Potential supervisors can be identified through the research centre website linked above or by contacting the Postgraduate Research Tutor for advice.
International Students (additional information)
If you are an International student (including non-UK European) see International Entry Requirements for guidance on entry requirements for your country.
All international applicants are required to show evidence (current within the last two years) of English language ability before embarking on a PhD. For this course, it must be at a minimum level of IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in all skill components (or equivalent). For more information about the different English language qualifications we accept see English Language Qualifications. We also accept successful completion (within the last two years) of a UK degree course taught in English.
If evidence of English Language ability is not supplied at application, an offer of PhD study would be conditional on provision of such evidence.
Students who are based overseas may be able to study for a PhD by Distance Learning, subject to establishing a satisfactory distance learning agreement, as part of the application process.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees which have not yet been confirmed for 2025/26. For an indication of the tuition fees, please view the 2024/25 course page.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,725 per year.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £12,471 is available in 2024/25 for home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (PDF, 268.6KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
