Overview

Research is central to the life of ESALA. It motivates both the intellectual and creative facets of our activities and our collaborations with a wide range of institutions within the UK and internationally.

Staff in Architecture at The University of Edinburgh are particularly strong in the following areas of scholarship: the history of architecture in Britain (especially Scotland), Germany, Central Europe, Renaissance Italy, and the British empire; lightweight steel structures; the building envelope and sustainability; concrete construction; design and manufacturing; architecture, urbanism and globalization; design as informed by themes in contemporary architectural theory; the spatial, social and philosophical implications of media; the relationship between computers and design practice; cognitive models of human-computer interaction; 3D modelling, mobile computing, sonic environment, and e-commerce.

Particulars

Architecture offers the MPhil by Research (two years full-time, or three years part-time) and the PhD by Research (three years full-time, or five years part-time). Degree candidates are initially registered for one year as Supervised Postgraduate Students before registering, on evidence of satisfactory progress, for the MPhil or PhD degrees. The basis of each degree is a substantial written dissertation (60,000 words for the MPhil, and 80,000-100,000 words for the PhD), carried out under the supervision of a qualified academic member of staff. During their first year of study, all postgraduate students are offered research training appropriate to their particular needs, including the Postgraduate Research Methods course (20 credits).

When formulating a research topic, prospective students are asked to consult the broad subject areas below and, in particular, the specialisms of staff included. Selection is based on an appropriate match between project and expert supervision.

General Subject Areas

• Architecture, Theory and Practice
• Architectural History and Conservation
• Digital Media and Design
• Technology and Environment

For advice on how to prepare a research proposal, please see the following guide.

Please direct all academic queries regarding MPhil/PhD in Architecture to the Postgraduate Advisor, Dr Alex Bremner (alex.bremner@ed.ac.uk).

Please direct all administrative queries to the Postgraduate Secretary, Dr Kirsten Phimister (k.phimister@ed.ac.uk)