Doctor of Philosophy

Architecture (Practice-Based) PhD

Queen's University BelfastBelfast, United Kingdom
Level
Doctor of Philosophy
Duration
6 years)
Subject
Architecture
Location
United Kingdom
IELTS
6.5 overall, no part below 5.5

At a glance

Summary by AI

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Overview

Architecture at Queen’s addresses issues of architecture and urbanism in an increasingly globalised world, where factors such as sustainability and climate change, identity and heritage, and notions of craft and form, coalesce to create a complex context that architecture has to mediate. Architecture at Queen’s offers a part-time, practice-based PhD (by Practice) for those involved in venturous design practice and interested in the articulation and dissemination of the underlying motivations and potentials in their work: venturous practice is taken to mean those interested in expanding the boundaries of contemporary design practice. Candidates may be at an early, middle or late stage of their design careers and will have either a body of significant peer reviewed/celebrated work, or alternatively have a evidently significant creative trajectory in their academic or speculative outputs (projects and competitions) such as would support this level of enquiry. Tacit knowledge figures prominently as a concern in this form of PhD (ie by Practice) and the assumption is that candidates remain in practice for the duration of their part-time enrolment (minimum of four years, maximum of six). The evolution of the candidate’s practice and outputs over the term of the PhD is of itself significant and clearly implies the modification of how that candidate practices, this forms an essential component of the research. Recurrent themes within this PhD by Practice include public behaviours (what choices implicit or explicit does the practitioner make, how she/he positions themselves within the profession and the canon), community of practice (to whom does the practitioner relate), and the particular tropes and techniques deployed in the production/delivery of designs outputs. Research methodologies are focused on the devices of practice itself rather than traditional text-grounded epistemologies - non-textual media will typically form the majority of the thesis. The programme encourages interaction with other platforms focused on design practise research and design-driven research, notably RMIT University biannual Practice Research Symposia based in Barcelona, and the pan-European Community of Artistic and Architectural Research (CA2RE) under the auspices of the EAAE.

English language requirements

IELTS6.5 overall, no part below 5.5

IELTS* score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in Speaking and Listening and a minimum of 5.5 in Reading and Writing, or an equivalent q

Fees

International students: £22,500

UK students: £5,238

Campus

  • Belfast, United Kingdom

If you studied in United States

138 countries

Postgraduate Research

Academic

Students interested in undertaking a PhD at Queen’s University need good grades in their Bachelor and Master's degree programs (if applicable) awarded by a recognized university, in addition to a strong research proposal. Please consult the Coursefinder for details of the specific entry requirements for individual PhD programs. How to Apply Applications for Postgraduate Taught Masters and PhD programmes must be made using the University's online application system. There is no application fee to apply for Postgraduate programmes. All Masters degree programmes at Queen’s begin in September each year. Postgraduate research programmes can begin at different times throughout the academic year. The start date has to be agreed with your PhD supervisor. Applications should be submitted online via the Queen's Portal for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes. Find out more about applying for Postgraduate Taught and Postgraduate Research programmes. How to Apply Prepare for your university degree with tailored, academic pathway programmes from Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre. You'll benefit from university-style teaching for subject-based modules and high academic standards. Then, when it comes to progressing to your chosen degree, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre will support you with your university application. Courses include: International Foundation courses in Architecture, Business and Engineering, providing a pathway to the first year of a wide range of undergraduate degrees. International Year One courses in Management and Finance, Engineering disciplines, and Computer Science, allowing direct entry to year two of Undergraduate degrees. Pre Master's that prepare you for direct entry to selected Master's courses in Finance, Management and Social Sciences.

English language

Applicants will normally need to demonstrate a level of English equivalent to 6.5 IELTS or 90 TOEFL IBT (Internet based test). However, some degree programmes have higher or lower requirements (please check individual courses for programme requirements). The full list of acceptable English Language qualifications is available here. Improve your English language skills to prepare for further academic study or the level required for your degree. Academic English For students who need to increase their IELTS level in order to progress to university. Pre-sessional English For students who are academically qualified and hold an offer from Queen’s but need to improve their English language skills to the level required for their degree. Search Courses Featured Courses BA Anthropology BA International Relations and Politics BA History BSc Psychology MA Conflict Transformation and Social Justice MA Creative Writing MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development MSc City Planning and Design Queen's offers lower tuition fees and living expenses than many other similarly well-regarded universities in the United Kingdom. The fees you will pay will vary depending on the course you choose and the…

From Queen's University Belfast's published requirements for students from United States. Your counsellor confirms what applies to you.

Scholarships at Queen's University Belfast

3 for this level
  • International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship£2,000.00 (US$ 2,583) - £5,000.00 (US$ 6
  • The Burdett Trust MSc Nursing Scholarships
  • Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship - Postgraduate Taught50% of fees
All scholarships at Queen's University Belfast

Plan your first year

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TuitionGBP 22,500
Visa application, from outside the UKGBP 558
Health surcharge, first year how it is chargedGBP 776
First year in totalGBP 37,886

The health surcharge is paid for the whole visa when you apply; one year is counted here. Figures as gov.uk showed them on 24 October 2026.

After your offer

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  3. 3

    Your CAS

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  4. 4

    Your Student visa

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Where you will study

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Study in BelfastNorthern Ireland

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