Architecture MPhil/Phd Application Guidance

The Research Proposal

A PhD is an original contribution to knowledge (though it may also in some circumstances be an original synthesis of existing knowledge), and the purpose of the research proposal in your PhD application is to explain to your intending academic hosts (and especially to your potential supervisors) that you have the ability to undertake original research necessary for a PhD, and that you are not too far from being ready to begin. This does not mean that you won’t require research training (in fact we normally require incoming students to undertake one of the research training programmes we offer), or that you will not need to acquire some new skills or that you will not need to review new bodies of literature. But it does mean that you have good idea of what research question or questions you want to address, that you know enough about the literature in the area to be fairly sure that this is likely to be an interesting and open question, and that you have thought about how you would go about trying to answer your research question i.e. what methods would be appropriate, what evidence would be relevant, what data you would need to gather, and so on.

The research proposal is crucial to our decision on your application since it demonstrates your ability to identify and articulate an independent line of research inquiry. In not more than 2,000 words, you should explain the subject of your proposed research, the questions you hope to answer, why you think this knowledge will be of value, your intended method, and the sources you will use.  

As an original contribution to knowledge, a PhD thesis must identify and discuss an identifiable field of research, critique its principal works and texts, and indicate how the thesis is an original departure from and/or development of this research field.

Additional steps for select courses 

Architectural Design
Additionally, research by Architectural Design thesis has two inter-related elements of equal importance—a project and a text—that share a theme and a productive relationship, which must all be discussed in your research proposal.

Architectural Practice
Additionally, research by Architectural Practice has two inter-related elements of equal importance—a body of practice work and a text—that share a theme and a productive relationship, which must all be discussed in your research proposal.

The Research Proposal continued

You should show that you have the ability and experience to carry out the research, and are familiar with the context, literature, and appropriate methods of research. Please offer a working title for your research, a select bibliography of the key works that are reference in the main text. You may include an expanded bibliography including the latest research in your subject area and research questions (optional).

It may be helpful to structure your proposal under the following headings:  

• Working Title  
• Research Project - broken down under the following headings: Subject/Aims/Key Research Questions/Academic Context- the literature in the area / Originality and contribution of the research to knowledge in relations to the research questions /Methods and why they are relevant to the research questions/Social significance of the subject/questions/Research plan (1500 words)  
• Feasibility/Ability to complete - preparation to conduct research and previous experience (500 words)  
• Select bibliography of key works that are referenced in your proposal (primary and secondary) and expanded bibliography (optional). Please note, this is not included in the 2,000 word count. 

Try to be as specific as possible in order to provide clear and concise information. Use simple language, avoiding abstractions and complicated expressions if they do not clarify the content of the research. The review of literature should aim to clarify what is known in the field and in relation to your research questions, and how your research will contribute to existing knowledge. 

In addition, we request a C.V., and where appropriate, a portfolio of design, other practice-led work and/or a link to your website. Please send these to the appropriate Departmental Graduate Tutor (DGT), their contact details can be found here under ‘MPhil/PhD’, who will informally comment on the proposal or send it to an appropriate colleague.

Supervision 

We ask that you closely study our supervisors’ UCL profiles to ensure that your research relates to that of the department. This is extremely important, as we receive more requests for supervision than we can accommodate. Establishing that there is a good ‘fit’ between a candidate and a particular supervisor and/or our department is a significant criterion in assessing potential applicants.  

If you have identified a supervisor who you feel would be particularly appropriate for your work, please mention this in your e-mail but do not send your proposal to more than one staff member at a time as this can create confusion.

Timelines

Whilst admissions applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, candidates are asked to submit their admissions application, at a minimum, 4 months in advance to their proposed start date. Please note the department does not process any applications in August and September for entry within the same academic year. During university breaks of Summer, Christmas, Easter, and in reading weeks in November and February; slower responses can be expected.

Scholarships 

If you are considering applying for a scholarship, we ask you to familiarise yourself with all relevant guidance and allow sufficient time, minimum 6-8 months, in advance to deadlines. Our scholarship schemes require applicants to have submitted their UCL admission application prior to scholarship application. Some scholarships may require a confirmed offer at the time of application, therefore please review the eligibility criteria carefully. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: For scholarships with deadlines in January, candidates must submit their UCL admission applications by the end of October. For scholarships with deadlines in May, candidates must submit their UCL admission applications by the end of February. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for candidates to go through the admissions process prior to scholarship application. The department requires for all prospective candidates to adhere to these deadlines in order to be considered for our scholarship schemes.