Five reasons to choose the programme

You will have access to supervision from a range of world-class researchers, drawn from within and beyond the discipline of architecture. 
We actively promote interdisciplinary approaches and encourage research that challenges conventional modes of practice and thought. 
You will benefit from leading research training methodologies and seminar events, including distinguished visiting professors, all within a lively, research-driven environment. 
You will have access to world-class computing, library and workshop facilities, all located in a European capital city with good transport links. 
The programme provides exciting opportunities for cross-disciplinary exploration and research with the Schools of Art, Design, History of Art, and Music. 

Outline

Postgraduate research is vital to the critical dynamism and international profile of the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA). Studying for a PhD/MPhil/MSc by Research in Architecture, you will be contributing to the UK’s largest centre for the study of architecture and environmental design: a world leader in its field. 

The programme offers you the chance to study architecture in all its aspects and you will be immersed in an interdisciplinary environment which draws on a wide variety of specialisms. These include design, the history and theory of architecture and urbanism, sustainability, technology, architectural conservation, digital media, landscape architecture and salutogenic environments, and architectural criticism.    

 

Research interests

Research underpins our intellectual and creative activity, as well as driving our collaborations with a broad range of external institutions, both within the UK and internationally. 

We actively encourage research projects that challenge conventional modes of practice and thought and which can make a positive impact on government policy making and on people’s lives. We also seek to develop research that addresses global challenges, exploring environmental resilience and sustainable development. 

We are interested in a diversity of conditions: from the most intimate spaces of dwelling, through complex infrastructures and open spaces, to the heterogeneous fabric of cities and their wider territorial environments. 

Studying architecture and its allied disciplines within the larger Edinburgh College of Art also provides exciting opportunities for cross-disciplinary exploration and research with the Schools of Art, Design, History of Art, and Music. 

 

Supervision

This is a research programme. Support and supervision may be provided by any of the teaching staff in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) and beyond. 

How to apply and entrance requirements

If you'd like to study on a postgraduate programme at Edinburgh College of Art, you must apply through EUCLID, our online application system. You can find out how to do this on the University of Edinburgh website, where you'll also be able to:

  • see detailed entrance requirements for each programme on the Degree Finder
  • get information on what to expect after you apply
  • find out about study modes, start dates and fees
  • find out if, and how, you need to submit a portfolio, showreel or research proposal
  • find out where to go for further advice and guidance

Take me to the University of Edinburgh website on how to apply for postgraduate study

Preparing your application

Common to all research programmes are a set of research aims, a research context, a research process and a research product/outcome. The research proposal should include reference to all of these elements. All applicants for postgraduate research programmes must submit a research proposal.

Portfolios or writing samples are also required for some research degrees.

View the Architecture and Landscape Architecture guidelines (PDF)


Staff

Dr Moa Carlsson

Lecturer in Architectural Design

Programme Director, Architecture PhD/MPhil

Email: Moa.Carlsson@ed.ac.uk

Dr Sepideh Karami

Lecturer in Architecture

Email: skarami@exseed.ed.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0)131 650 23 96


Facilities and resources

Students at the University of Edinburgh have access to a range of library resources across the campus and online.

We have model workshops in both the Hunter Building and Minto House. Here you can work with machinery and hand tools for the cutting, shaping, and general fabrication of woods and metals.


Scholarships and bursaries

AHRC PhD Doctoral Studentships

  • Deadline: 1 December 2022
  • Value: PhD tuition fees and stipend at the UKRI level for 3.5 years
  • Eligibility: For research interests aligning with, or cutting across, ECA's Schools.

ECA PhD Scholarship

  • Deadline:
  • Value: Tuition fees plus stipend at the UKRI level for three years
  • Eligibility: Applications are invited from first year applicants for PhD research projects that take advantage of the leading research expertise across ECA. Home and Overseas applicants welcome. Funding for full-time and part-time study (pro rata) and PhD by Distance study.

College Research Award

  • Deadline:
  • Value: Tuition fees plus stipend at the UKRI level for three years
  • Eligibility: Applications are invited from first year applicants for PhD research projects that take advantage of the leading research expertise across ECA. Home and Overseas applicants welcome. Funding for full-time, part-time (pro rata) and PhD by Distance study.

Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship

  • Deadline:
  • Value: Covers the tuition fee plus stipend equal to UKRI minimum rate for the relevant academic year (approximately £17,668 per year)
  • Eligibility: Open to UK and overseas students applying to start their first year of study for an on campus research degree in 2023-2024.

Carnegie PhD Scholarships

  • Deadline: 24 January 2023
  • Value: Covers tuition fees, a maintenance allowance and a research expenses allowance.
  • Eligibility: For graduates of an eligible Scottish university with a first-class honours degree, or final year students of an undergraduate degree at an eligible Scottish University expected to obtain a first-class honours.

Andrew Grant Postgraduate Scholarships

  • Deadline: 1 March 2023
  • Value: £10,500
  • Eligibility: Scholarships available for one academic year of postgraduate Masters study at Edinburgh College of Art.



Contact

Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Admissions

Email: ecaresearchdegrees@ed.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)131 650 4086