Built environment PhD
For over 30 years, the University of Brighton has led the way in built environment research.
From investigating the energy efficiency and performance of buildings, to examining the interrelationships between people, natural resources and the built environment, our staff and PhD students are at the leading edge of empirical and theoretical research into sustainable buildings and construction. We are also working to understand the shifting nature of education in the built environment to adapt to an ever-changing industry.
The majority of our work has real-world application. Data generated by researchers in our Built Environment research group is being used, for example, to enhance the design of double-skin facades on buildings in order to improve their thermal performance, and to assess the impact of construction methods upon the provision of climate resilient affordable housing in Nigeria and Uganda.
Our built environment PhD students have gone on to a variety of different roles following the successful completion of their research. These include academic posts as lecturers and postdoctoral research assistants at Brighton and elsewhere, plus research roles in, for example, the construction industry. Many have gone on to positions in industry, for example as senior consultants for facilities management contractors and as directors of construction companies.
Campus Information
City campus
Our City campus is in the cultural heart of Brighton, a short stroll from the beach and the pier. The nearby Phoenix Brewery halls of residence are home to 300 students. The city centre is just a short walk away, including the popular Kemp Town, Hanover and Queens Park areas.
Intakes
- Jan
- Sep
Application Processing Time in Days: 10
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
The Careers team is here to support you from your first day at the university.
We can help you decide what career is right for you, develop the skills you will need to follow it, and get a job when you finish your studies.
We can also offer support and advice about placements, volunteering, mentoring and business startup.
The Careers team are offering their full range of services, including one-to-one appointments remotely. These mainly take place via the Microsoft Teams app If you are having any issues with setting up Microsoft Teams please get in touch.
Work and further study
Vacancy service
Make the most of our vacancy service, social media, paper and media resources.
Careers advice
Decide what career is right for you. Help with CVs, applications and interviews.
Resources for finding a job
Find graduate jobs, part-time work, and location-specific work.
Meet employers
Meet employers at careers fairs and events organised throughout the year.
Postgraduate study
For students considering postgraduate study at Masters level or higher.
PSW Opportunity
- 2 Years PSW is applicable after completing a minimum duration of 9 months course (like- Undergraduate, Postgraduate Level)
- 3 Years PSW is applicable after completing PhD level courses.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
You will apply for entry to a named disciplinary area. Your final award will not use this name, it is only for application.
The entry requirements for the PhD are:
- a recognised Masters degree with a significant research component, for example MPhil from another university, or similar qualification which is regarded by the University of Brighton as being equivalent and relevant
- or substantial appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level which resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment. An application made by someone with this experience will be considered on its merits and will normally require independent academic references
- or, unless a School exercises their right to specify more stringent entry requirements, we may consider a first or upper second honours degree or other qualification which is regarded by the University of Brighton as being equivalent and relevant.
For applicants whose first language is not English, the minimum standard of English competence accepted is normally equivalent to the following International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores:
- Normally we require an overall score of 6.5 with 6.5 in reading and writing, 6.0 in listening and speaking. There are exceptions to this and they are as follows
- research degrees in Arts and Humanities and Health Professions require 7.0 overall, 7 for writing, and none below 6.5.
- research degrees in Brighton Business School and the School of Sport and Service Management: 7.0 overall, 7 for writing, and none below 6.0.
- research degrees in Engineering, and Environment and Technology require a minimum of 6.0 in each component
- All SELT (Secure English language tests) must have been obtained within the preceding two years of the course start date.
Important information regarding changes to the approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) list:
The University of Brighton will continue to accept non-SELT tests such as ‘IELTS Academic’ and ‘Pearson Test of English Academic’, as long as your test results meet the course requirements.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Doctoral Degree/PhD
- Duration: 04 Year
-
Total Tuition Fee:
60504 GBP
Average Cost of Living: 13632 GBP /year
Application Fee: N/A