Architecture, Planning and Landscape

Architecture, Planning and Landscape MPhil; PhD

MPhil: minimum 12 months full time; minimum 24 months part time
PhD: minimum 36 months full time; minimum 72 months part time

Fees

Fees per academic year 2012-13

UK/EU: full time £4,320 part time £2,160
International: full time £10,735 part time fees

Please refer to our Tuition Fees section for information about changes to fees and fee discounts.

Research Areas

MPhil/ PhD supervision is normally available in the following areas:

Architectural and planning education: innovative teaching methods, integration of theory and practice, and learning from related creative disciplines.

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has funded research into effective skills transfer. This activity is strengthened through our involvement in the European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE) and Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP) and the European Council of Landscape Architecture Schools (ECLAS) including the Le NOTRE EU Network.

Architectural science and environmental design: design related aspects of construction and the use of buildings, non-destructive testing, simulation, measurement of energy, environmental performance.

Cities and technology: changing relationship between utilities, the development, planning and management of contemporary cities.
Culture and the built environment: cultural change, transformation of the built environment.

Design history and theory: architectural history, architectural theory, material culture.

Environmental economics: environmental economics, valuation, and benefit appraisal.

Environmental management: environmental planning, management, impact assessment, sustainability, and Local Agenda 21 issues.

Housing and community: social housing, community development.

Information technology in construction: computer-based information search, retrieval systems, and building product modelling with a philosophy of taking basic and applied research through to the end users.

Landscape architecture, landscape planning, landscape design and landscape management: landscape architecture theory, philosophy and environmental ethics; sustainable landscape planning, design and management; the history and development of the designed and cultural landscape.

International urban development: interpreting and managing change in diverse urban contexts, and improving the environment and quality of life in the cities of the developing world.

Planning processes and policy: contemporary policy and practice issues in planning, and development and urban regeneration, in the context of theoretical developments and European experiences.

Spatial analysis: spatial change, spatial statistics, and use of GIS.

Urban Design: city design and development, design control, urban public space, public art in cities, meaning in the built environment, conservation, urban regeneration and urban design.

For more information about staff specialisms please see the School's website.

Study Modes 

We offer a flexible range of opportunities for research leading to the award of higher degrees, examined by thesis.  Supervision is available in any of the areas detailed. Research can be based on full- or part-time study, or combinations of both, and you can propose routes of study according to your interests, research topic and financial circumstances.

Part-time study will only be agreed if you are based in Newcastle for the first year of your studies, and following successful completion of Year 1, you can opt to change to part-time studies away from Newcastle.

Further information is available in our postgraduate brochure and on our website.

Research Degree Training and Skills Development

Our Humanities and Social Sciences Graduate School provides training in professional/key skills and research techniques, supports personal development and hosts postgraduate events.

Entrance Requirements

Normally a Master’s degree in an appropriate discipline or an international equivalent. Candidates with no research experience will be asked to register in the first instance for an MPhil.

Applicants whose first language is not English require IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90 (Internet-based), or equivalent. Applicants whose IELTS score is between 6.0 and 6.5, or equivalent, at the time of application, will be given the opportunity to attend a pre-sessional course at INTO Newcastle University following which they will be able to undertake their PhD studies at the September registration period.

Our INTO Newcastle University Centre can provide extra tuition to help you meet the University's English language requirements.

Tier 4 Student Visas (International Applicants)

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has now revised its rules for Tier 4 student visa applications regarding English language ability. You are now required to hold a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in all sub skills (listening, writing, reading and speaking) to be eligible to apply for a Tier 4 visa.

Please note that the University’s English language requirements are normally higher (see above).

Typical Funding

International students - own government; University scholarships.

See also: Funding and Finance.

How to Apply

Applications are considered throughout the year although specific deadlines for funding may apply. For further information please contact the School direct. Further application advice is available from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Please note: As a formal condition of the offer to study at Newcastle University, students from outside the UK/EU are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship for their chosen programme. The deposit payment is non refundable, but will be deducted from tuition fees upon registration.

For the quickest and easiest way to apply, visit our postgraduate online application site.

Further Information

There are two possible start dates for your research degree: 24 September 2012 and Monday 7 January 2013. However these dates are not mandatory and in some circumstances permission can be granted for alternative start dates.

For further information please contact:
Marian Kyte
School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 6014
E-mail: marian.kyte@ncl.ac.uk
www.ncl.ac.uk/apl/study/postgraduate/research/