PhD Postgraduate research in Built Environment

The University of Wolverhampton (UoW) is home to approximate 23,000 students. The UoW’s research and innovation activities have won the 2013 UK Knowledge Transfer Award, and the 2014 UK Collaborative IMPACT award. It is also the holder of the Athena Swan Bronze Award and the HR Excellence in Research Award.

In addition to the regular supervision provided by supervisors, our PhD students will also be provided with training opportunities by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the University’s Doctoral College.

University Research Conference – The University Research Conference is held in June for research active staff and PhD students to showcase their areas of research and exchange research initiatives. Research students are welcome to make presentations during their period of study. Research students are also encouraged to disseminate final results of their research prior to submission.

University Research Training - Students are encouraged to participate in training provided by the Doctoral College not only because of its intrinsic value but also because these sessions may facilitate meetings with post-graduates outside the school.

Teaching Skills Development - At the School of Architecture and The Built Environment, we understand that postgraduate research students wish to develop their academic CVs while with us. For this reason, research students are provided the opportunity to undergo teaching skills development. The School of Architecture and The Built Environment seeks to ensure, wherever possible, that PhD students have the opportunity to teach on relevant undergraduate modules.

 

The PhD program in Built Environment equips you with a robust set of skills that are essential for academic, research, and industry success. These skills are developed through a combination of rigorous research activities, hands-on experience, and professional training:

Technical Skills

• Advanced Analytical Techniques: Master tools and methods for analyzing construction processes, urban systems, and environmental impacts.
• Sustainable Design Principles: Develop expertise in creating eco-friendly solutions for the built environment.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize statistical and computational methods to evaluate and optimize architectural and construction projects.
• Specialized Research Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge in areas like urban planning, green infrastructure, construction innovation, or digital modeling.

Research and Academic Skills

• Project Management: Effectively plan, execute, and manage long-term research projects.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Approach complex problems with innovative and evidence-based solutions.
• Scientific Writing: Hone your ability to produce high-quality research papers, reports, and your final thesis.
• Presentation Skills: Learn to communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences, including peers, industry experts, and the academic community.

Professional Development Skills

• Teaching and Mentoring: Gain experience teaching undergraduate courses and mentoring junior researchers.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work across various fields such as architecture, urban planning, and engineering to develop comprehensive solutions.
• Networking and Industry Engagement: Build connections with industry professionals, research institutions, and government agencies.

Personal Growth

• Resilience and Adaptability: Navigate challenges inherent to research and contribute meaningfully to solving real-world problems.
• Leadership and Initiative: Take ownership of your research while developing the confidence to lead projects and teams.

This diverse skill set prepares graduates to excel in academia, industry, or policy-making roles, contributing innovative solutions to the built environment sector.

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

 Applicants for a research degree shall normally hold either:

 • a first or upper second class honours degree, or

 • a master’s degree, or

 • evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the Dean of Research.

 For an Applicant whose entry award was not delivered in English, or non-native speaker of English shall be required to demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score of 6.5 (writing no less than 6.5, and no less than 6.0 in any component) or its equivalent. 

Financial support for research study:

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.

Government loans (Home Fee Status):

Government loans are available for postgraduate research students of up to £29,390, to cover fees and living expenses. More information can be found at Doctoral-loans website.

Studying in the UK:Guidance for EU students

For 2021/22 new entrants, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fee status and financial support from Student Finance England.

Self-funded:

We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to How to pay.

Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount:

To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.

For full terms and conditions please see: Loyalty Discount for Postgraduate Research Students

Research councils:

The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.

University Research Studentships:

The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students. Stipends are designed to support specific projects as determined by the Research Institute rather than individual student-led projects. Funds are accessible from the relevant Research Institute or Centre - please contact them directly.

Other sources:

Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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