Built Environment Specialisms, PhD

Mode of attendance: Full-time

Duration: 3 years

Start dates: Throughout the year: the date for commencement of study will be agreed with your supervisor.

Course overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Built Environment specialisms is aimed at students with a master's degree in a relevant field, in addition to a good honours degree (or significant work experience and professional qualifications) who wish to undertake a research-based doctorate.

On a PhD programme you are expected to demonstrate the creation and interpretation of new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship of a quality to satisfy peer review, which extends the forefront of the discipline and merits publication.

You will also be expected to acquire an understanding of a substantial body of knowledge in your particular subject area in the field of the built environment, as well as a general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge. You will also gain a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry in the built environment.

If you wish to develop research and analytical skills and conduct an original piece of research, this course is appropriate for you. Your research may be applied research or action research, and may be based on your work in industry if you chose to study part-time.

Subject overview

The Inclusive and Sustainable Environments (IaSE) research group is dedicated to supporting the construction, infrastructure, property and facilities management industries through research. We work in collaboration with the industry to progress research and development in the built environment. Our strengths lie in the integration of various aspects of built environment research, close collaboration with industry and academic skill based on a long tradition of education for industry. This ensures that our research is well-grounded and relevant to the needs of industry.

Research topics

Research topics covered include:

• building structures and materials
• construction and project management
• design and architectural studies
• disability and the built environment
• facilities management
• housing management and maintenance
• inclusive design
• pedagogic research
• corporate real estate
• regeneration
• sustainable construction and development
• transport studies
• value, demand and supply chain management
• waste and recycling

Profiles of research active staff in this subject area can be accessed at the 'built environment research' web page.

Projects

Information about our research projects can be accessed at our 'built environment research' web page, including examples of current and recent research projects in this subject area.

Careers and professional development

Recent students who have undertaken the PhD programme are following careers in academia and industry.

On graduation you will also become a member of the University's alumni association. You will be a lifelong member of the University's community, able to access the library, professional periodicals and journals, as well as a range of other facilities.

Funding opportunities

There are currently no funding opportunities in this area.

Overseas students can apply for Commonwealth or other scholarships. More information regarding scholarships is available through the British Council.

Entry requirements

Normally, if you have a first or second class honours degree (2.2 or above), or a comparable qualification granted by a professional or other body, you will be registered for the degree of MPhil with transfer to PhD.

You may be permitted to register directly for the degree of PhD providing you hold a master's degree in a relevant subject that included training in research and the execution of a research project.

If your first language is not English you must demonstrate a sufficient level of competence in English for example via an IELTS score of at least 6.5, or equivalent evidence deemed acceptable by the admitting authorities.

If you hold qualifications other than those outlined, your application will be considered on its merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed. If you wish to be considered under this regulation you must include in the application the names of two suitable persons whom the University's Board of Studies for Research Degrees may consult concerning your fitness to carry out a programme of research.

How to apply

Please visit our 'how to apply for an MPhil or PhD research degree' web page for details.

Further Information

For an informal discussion and further details about the course please contact:

Dr Margaret Nelson (Programme Leader)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903431
E-mail: M.Nelson@bolton.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding application forms and other administrative issues please contact:

Stacy Hobson (Research Student Administrator, School of the Built Environment and Engineering)
Tel: +44 (0) 1204 903647
Email: S.Hobson@bolton.ac.uk

For general information about the University of Bolton please contact:

Enquiry Team (Student Services)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk