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The ambition of the AA PhD Programme is to learn from architectural knowledge and its history in order to understand the built environment at large. The programme is not based on the application of one specific research method, but instead provides a platform for candidates to develop their own methods. Beyond their individual lines of inquiry, however, all candidates and staff share an understanding of architectural form as an index of sociopolitical processes. This attitude provides a springboard for research that engages with both the materiality of the built world and its cultural dimensions. We question the traditional separation of theory and design, and see thinking and practicing as activities that are intrinsically connected. This connection becomes ever more important as we face new social and environmental crises.
The programme supports challenging, speculative dissertations that interrogate architecture and its history, as well as its professional and disciplinary mandate. Each candidate is tutored by a Director of Studies and a Supervisor throughout the duration of the programme, and their work is evaluated by both internal supervisors and external experts. Every year, candidates must present the results of their research in an open forum, allowing guests and staff to discuss its methodology, content and argument.
In parallel with the development of an individual thesis, each participant will be provided with a background of historical and theoretical thinking through weekly discussions with their Director of Studies and Supervisor, regular seminars with guest scholars and an annual symposium that encourages discussion between invited guests, students and staff. Participation in collective activities and school-wide debate is a crucial component of the PhD experience, and is monitored and assessed as part of the students’ yearly review process. Candidates are also encouraged to test their research by teaching in the Intermediate, Diploma and Taught Postgraduate programmes at the AA.
PhD candidates at the AA include researchers in architecture, urbanism and other subjects related to the built environment, and the programme requires that prospective candidates have experience in conducting independent investigations and study in their respective fields. Priority will be given to applicants who propose original, well-defined and provocative research hypotheses, and prospective researchers must all be able to support their hypothesis with a mature and coherent existing body of work in their chosen field. The AA is an Affiliated Research Centre of the Open University, which validates the AA’s PhD programme and offers candidates and supervisors further academic support. Upon acceptance to the programme, candidates prepare a thesis abstract, preliminary table of contents and bibliography that is submitted to the Open University for registration. This first proposal becomes the core of the thesis that they then develop in subsequent years.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Architecture and Built Environment
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
The ambition of the AA PhD Programme is to learn from architectural knowledge and its history in order to understand the built environment at large. The programme is not based on the application of one specific research method, but instead provides a platform for candidates to develop their own methods. Beyond their individual lines of inquiry, however, all candidates and staff share an understanding of architectural form as an index of sociopolitical processes. This attitude provides a springboard for research that engages with both the materiality of the built world and its cultural dimensions. We question the traditional separation of theory and design, and see thinking and practicing as activities that are intrinsically connected. This connection becomes ever more important as we face new social and environmental crises.
The programme supports challenging, speculative dissertations that interrogate architecture and its history, as well as its professional and disciplinary mandate. Each candidate is tutored by a Director of Studies and a Supervisor throughout the duration of the programme, and their work is evaluated by both internal supervisors and external experts. Every year, candidates must present the results of their research in an open forum, allowing guests and staff to discuss its methodology, content and argument.
In parallel with the development of an individual thesis, each participant will be provided with a background of historical and theoretical thinking through weekly discussions with their Director of Studies and Supervisor, regular seminars with guest scholars and an annual symposium that encourages discussion between invited guests, students and staff. Participation in collective activities and school-wide debate is a crucial component of the PhD experience, and is monitored and assessed as part of the students’ yearly review process. Candidates are also encouraged to test their research by teaching in the Intermediate, Diploma and Taught Postgraduate programmes at the AA.
PhD candidates at the AA include researchers in architecture, urbanism and other subjects related to the built environment, and the programme requires that prospective candidates have experience in conducting independent investigations and study in their respective fields. Priority will be given to applicants who propose original, well-defined and provocative research hypotheses, and prospective researchers must all be able to support their hypothesis with a mature and coherent existing body of work in their chosen field. The AA is an Affiliated Research Centre of the Open University, which validates the AA’s PhD programme and offers candidates and supervisors further academic support. Upon acceptance to the programme, candidates prepare a thesis abstract, preliminary table of contents and bibliography that is submitted to the Open University for registration. This first proposal becomes the core of the thesis that they then develop in subsequent years.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Prospective students must achieve at least the minimum academic and English language requirements to apply for any of the taught postgraduate programmes on offer at the AA. These requirements vary according to the programme being undertaken.
PhD Research / Arrhitectural Design Programme – Candidates for MPhil/PhD research degrees must already hold an appropriate post-professional Master’s degree in their proposed area of MPhil/PhD research. Candidates for PhD in Architectural Design must also hold a five-year professional degree in architecture and will be expected to submit a design portfolio.
Required Documents
All applicants (with the exception of those applying to the History and Critical Thinking MA programme and the PhD Research programme) must submit a digital sample portfolio of original art and design work in addition to the online application form, scanned transcripts and certificates (as required), personal statement and references, which can be sent to the school directly by referees.
Portfolio
Personal Statement
Transcripts and Certificates
References
Written Sample - History and Critical Thinking MA
Research Proposal - PhD Research and Architectural Design
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Immigration Documents
06 Mar 2026
4 Years
Sep
Tuition fees
Domestic
30,930 GBP
International
30,930 GBP
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
PhD Programme
London, London, United Kingdom
48 monthsProgramme duration
30,930 GBPTuition Fee/year
06 Mar, 2026Application Deadline
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Architecture and Built Environment
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
The ambition of the AA PhD Programme is to learn from architectural knowledge and its history in order to understand the built environment at large. The programme is not based on the application of one specific research method, but instead provides a platform for candidates to develop their own methods. Beyond their individual lines of inquiry, however, all candidates and staff share an understanding of architectural form as an index of sociopolitical processes. This attitude provides a springboard for research that engages with both the materiality of the built world and its cultural dimensions. We question the traditional separation of theory and design, and see thinking and practicing as activities that are intrinsically connected. This connection becomes ever more important as we face new social and environmental crises.
The programme supports challenging, speculative dissertations that interrogate architecture and its history, as well as its professional and disciplinary mandate. Each candidate is tutored by a Director of Studies and a Supervisor throughout the duration of the programme, and their work is evaluated by both internal supervisors and external experts. Every year, candidates must present the results of their research in an open forum, allowing guests and staff to discuss its methodology, content and argument.
In parallel with the development of an individual thesis, each participant will be provided with a background of historical and theoretical thinking through weekly discussions with their Director of Studies and Supervisor, regular seminars with guest scholars and an annual symposium that encourages discussion between invited guests, students and staff. Participation in collective activities and school-wide debate is a crucial component of the PhD experience, and is monitored and assessed as part of the students’ yearly review process. Candidates are also encouraged to test their research by teaching in the Intermediate, Diploma and Taught Postgraduate programmes at the AA.
PhD candidates at the AA include researchers in architecture, urbanism and other subjects related to the built environment, and the programme requires that prospective candidates have experience in conducting independent investigations and study in their respective fields. Priority will be given to applicants who propose original, well-defined and provocative research hypotheses, and prospective researchers must all be able to support their hypothesis with a mature and coherent existing body of work in their chosen field. The AA is an Affiliated Research Centre of the Open University, which validates the AA’s PhD programme and offers candidates and supervisors further academic support. Upon acceptance to the programme, candidates prepare a thesis abstract, preliminary table of contents and bibliography that is submitted to the Open University for registration. This first proposal becomes the core of the thesis that they then develop in subsequent years.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Architecture and Built Environment
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
The ambition of the AA PhD Programme is to learn from architectural knowledge and its history in order to understand the built environment at large. The programme is not based on the application of one specific research method, but instead provides a platform for candidates to develop their own methods. Beyond their individual lines of inquiry, however, all candidates and staff share an understanding of architectural form as an index of sociopolitical processes. This attitude provides a springboard for research that engages with both the materiality of the built world and its cultural dimensions. We question the traditional separation of theory and design, and see thinking and practicing as activities that are intrinsically connected. This connection becomes ever more important as we face new social and environmental crises.
The programme supports challenging, speculative dissertations that interrogate architecture and its history, as well as its professional and disciplinary mandate. Each candidate is tutored by a Director of Studies and a Supervisor throughout the duration of the programme, and their work is evaluated by both internal supervisors and external experts. Every year, candidates must present the results of their research in an open forum, allowing guests and staff to discuss its methodology, content and argument.
In parallel with the development of an individual thesis, each participant will be provided with a background of historical and theoretical thinking through weekly discussions with their Director of Studies and Supervisor, regular seminars with guest scholars and an annual symposium that encourages discussion between invited guests, students and staff. Participation in collective activities and school-wide debate is a crucial component of the PhD experience, and is monitored and assessed as part of the students’ yearly review process. Candidates are also encouraged to test their research by teaching in the Intermediate, Diploma and Taught Postgraduate programmes at the AA.
PhD candidates at the AA include researchers in architecture, urbanism and other subjects related to the built environment, and the programme requires that prospective candidates have experience in conducting independent investigations and study in their respective fields. Priority will be given to applicants who propose original, well-defined and provocative research hypotheses, and prospective researchers must all be able to support their hypothesis with a mature and coherent existing body of work in their chosen field. The AA is an Affiliated Research Centre of the Open University, which validates the AA’s PhD programme and offers candidates and supervisors further academic support. Upon acceptance to the programme, candidates prepare a thesis abstract, preliminary table of contents and bibliography that is submitted to the Open University for registration. This first proposal becomes the core of the thesis that they then develop in subsequent years.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Prospective students must achieve at least the minimum academic and English language requirements to apply for any of the taught postgraduate programmes on offer at the AA. These requirements vary according to the programme being undertaken.
PhD Research / Arrhitectural Design Programme – Candidates for MPhil/PhD research degrees must already hold an appropriate post-professional Master’s degree in their proposed area of MPhil/PhD research. Candidates for PhD in Architectural Design must also hold a five-year professional degree in architecture and will be expected to submit a design portfolio.
Required Documents
All applicants (with the exception of those applying to the History and Critical Thinking MA programme and the PhD Research programme) must submit a digital sample portfolio of original art and design work in addition to the online application form, scanned transcripts and certificates (as required), personal statement and references, which can be sent to the school directly by referees.
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
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