School of Architecture and Cities

The School of Architecture and Cities has a strong reputation for research and hosts a series of research centres and groups. Doctoral students interested in the design and management of urban environments benefit from supervision by staff working at the forefront of research on strategic design, mobilities and place making.

The unique composition of the School combines the disciplines needed for the design of environmentally and socially sustainable cities. Our aim is to encourage the cross-fertilisation of ideas from architecture, transport, infrastructure, tourism and urban planning. The multi-disciplinary configuration of the School encourages innovative and joined-up thinking from our doctoral students.

Engagement with practice is part of the School’s research culture. Alongside a passionate group of around 100 research-productive staff, the School hosts high-impact professorial positions and influential visiting fellows. Staff collaborate with a variety of influential partners in the UK and globally.

Due to the applied and practice-oriented nature of the research, the School creates a substantial impact in a variety of policy communities. Symposia and workshops are hosted on a regular basis.

The School boasts an outstanding portfolio of externally funded research in Air Traffic Management, Sustainable Freight Practices, Smart Urban Development, Cycling Policy, ‘Monsoon Assemblages’, Major Events and Urban Change, Heritage and Cultural Resources.

How to apply

The academic staff member responsible for PhD admissions in the School is Dr Kate Jordan who can be contacted by email via: [email protected].

You can find more information about study options on our Mode of study page.

PhD via MPhil

The majority of students will apply via the PhD via MPhil route. You can read more about the application process and entry requirements on our How to apply page.

Distance Learning

If you intend to apply for a research degree by distance-learning, you will need to demonstrate that you have appropriate local support for the duration of registration – please refer to the information on our Distance learning page.

PhD by published work

If you intend to apply for a PhD by Published Work please refer to the information on our PhD by published work page as the application process differs from the normal MPhil/PhD. Before applying, you should first make contact with the relevant academic for an informal discussion of your publications. You should only submit a formal application at this stage.

Apply now

Apply for the following subjects

• Architecture
• Architecture by Practice
• Tourism
• Transport
• Urban Design

Apply to our research degrees using the links below.

You'll be able to select your subject area in the 'Supporting Information' section of the application form.

January 2025 start

September 2025 start

Studentships

The Graduate School and each of the academic schools at the University of Westminster are committed to doctoral programmes which encourage and make possible excellent research. As part of this, we are committed to offering a range of studentships.

Find out about current studentships being offered across the university on our Studentships page.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

Urban Equity provides support, information and inspiration to students and staff within built environment disciplines interested in issues of equity. Founded in the School of Architecture + Cities at the University of Westminster, the site promotes new ways to respond to the challenge of making the environments we occupy more inclusive and equitable.

Research centres and groups

Find out more about research based in the School of Architecture and Cities:

Architecture

• Active Travel Academy
• Architectural Humanities Research Group
• Emerging Territories
• Design Practices Research Group

Planning, Transport and Tourism

• Max Lock Centre
• Place and Experience Research Group
• Transport and Mobilities