Architecture, Built Environment & Planning - Research

Overview
100% of our research environment has been judged as being conducive to producing research of world-leading or internationally excellent quality and enabling outstanding impact in terms of its vitality and sustainability. 100% of our research impacts have made exceptional and very considerable impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. The dynamic research culture within the Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment strives to support PhD researchers to ensure a positive and progressive experience for all researchers within the School.

We offer our PhD researchers excellent training support and research facilities to facilitate research of world-leading and internationally excellent quality. The 2021 PRES returned excellent results with an overall PhD researcher satisfaction rate of 88%, making Ulster 2nd in the UK for PhD researcher satisfaction and professional development and resources. PhD researchers within the Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment are delighted with the quality of their supervision and the supportive school research environment.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study. We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

How to Apply
We are delighted that you are considering Ulster University for your research studies in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning Research Programmes.

Get full details on the application process and further guidance on how to apply, and what you will need to upload as part of your application (see "Application Date Weblink").

Once you have identified supervisors, discussed a research proposal and are ready to make an application, please apply using the online application system (see "Application Weblink").

Ulster University welcomes applications from all sections of the community and from persons with disabilities. It is University policy to assess all applications using academic criteria and on the basis of equality of opportunity and you should be assured that reasonable adjustments will be made should you require them.

Careers and opportunities
PhD graduates are recognised by employers to hold valuable transferrable skills, as the nature of the degree trains candidates in creativity, critical inquiry, problem solving, negotiation skills, professionalism and confidence.

The most recent Ulster survey of PhD graduates found that 92% had secured employment within the first year since graduation (HESA Destination of Leavers Survey 2015), and while two thirds end up in the Higher Education or Research sectors, the range of skills acquired equips the remainder for employment in a wide range of contexts.