A PhD or MPhil in Landscape Architecture is for anyone who is keen to explore important aspects of the relationship between people and landscape.

You may have a background in landscape architecture or a neighbouring discipline with an interest in landscape. You may be on an academic path following directly from achieving a master degree or have spent time since then in work, and from your experience find yourself motivated to pursue research via the MPhil or PhD degree.

We offer supervision across a very wide range of research themes and topics. These span many countries, regions, historical and contemporary periods, and issues.

Areas of expertise include:

• landscape design
• planning and management practice
• sustainable and resilient landscapes
• landscape perception and experience
• inclusive landscape design
• the history and theory of landscape architecture
• landscape architecture conservation
• cultural landscapes
• applications of digital technologies

Much, although not all, of our innovative research at Edinburgh College of Art is also associated with that undertaken by the OPENspace research centre, engaging with developing agendas linked to many of the UN sustainable development goals and the challenges facing people and the planet.

Our programme particularly focuses on the relationship between landscape and human health and wellbeing.

Themes pursued by past and current students linked to OPENspace research include:

• the public realm
• urban open space
• blue and green space networks
• children’s environments
• sustainable, healthy environments

While most students are supervised by Landscape Architecture staff, there are also opportunities to be jointly supervised by staff from elsewhere in Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture or other schools or subject areas, depending on the subject and necessary expertise.

Following the achievement of the MPhil degree you may enter an academic career and eventually move into a PhD programme or choose to go into practice. A PhD allows you to seek post-doc or other academic positions as a lecturer or researcher, depending on your preferences. Many PhD students are also staff members at overseas universities and the PhD allows them to follow an academic career path once they return to their home institution.

If you'd like to study on a postgraduate research 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.

Before you apply

As this is a research programme, support and supervision may be provided by any of the teaching staff in the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA). You could also be supervised jointly, or by second supervision, by experts in other departments within the University of Edinburgh, including Geography, Health in Social Science, Education, Engineering, and History and Classics.   

Please ensure that at least one member of staff (see below) maintains an active research programme that aligns with the themes of your proposed project.  

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to make contact with the relevant member(s) of staff via email to explain your research interests prior to submitting an application. Please note that we only accept applications and review application materials submitted through the official EUCLID application portal.

After you apply

Once your application has been submitted for consideration, it will be sent to a team of academic reviewers for their attention. They will then make a decision about your application and research topic, and decide whether it is possible to make an offer of a place to study with us. You may be asked to attend a brief online interview but if this is the case, you will be notified in advance.