We adopt an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to researching and teaching all aspects of architecture, planning, urban design, digital architecture, urban conservation and landscape architecture.
We offer taught programmes as well as postgraduate research degrees making use of our expertise across specialisms as diverse as design, rural development and sustainability. We have a suite of programmes which offer full professional accreditation to become a town planner, and selected programmes are accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
We have five research centres, including the Global Urban Research Unit (GURU), and research collaborations with institutions from around the world. In the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008, we are ranked third in the UK against other Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accredited institutions. Twenty-five per cent of our research in ‘Architecture and the Built Environment’ was classed as ‘world-leading’ with a further 65 per cent classed as ‘internationally excellent’ or internationally recognised’.
Our strong postgraduate culture is reflected in our large postgraduate community – we have approximately 70 research students and over 100 taught postgraduates from the UK, Europe and overseas. We have excellent studio teaching facilities for taught students and our research suite provides designated space and equipment for each postgraduate researcher.
Field trips provide opportunities to experience how theories are applied in practice. Depending on your chosen programme, you may travel to India to meet local people and see how they manage and address the issues of slums and settlements, or visit the Netherlands and learn how they plan and implement projects.
Bursaries are available on a competitive basis for some programmes. PhD studentships are advertised on the School website when available and applicants are expected to have a background in the research discipline described.