Architectural History PhD, MPhil
Awards: PhD, MPhil
Study modes: Full-time, Part-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Architectural History
This programme is intended for students who seek professional training in the history and theory of architecture.
It offers the historiographical perspective and methodological tools required for advancing architectural history through a substantive work of scholarship. You will benefit from the environment of rigorous intellectual exchange supported by:
- an extensive network of architectural history staff
- a rich programme of architectural history lectures and workshops
- a dynamic atmosphere of student research leadership
Through a combination of supervised original research and thesis writing with optional internships and other professional opportunities, you will:
- gain a deep knowledge of architectural history as a field
- develop a spectrum of investigative and rhetorical skills
- mature as a scholar and thinker within an exceptional community of architectural inquiry—one of Britain’s largest and most broad-ranging centres for the study of architectural history
Supervision is available in a range of topics unrivalled amongst Architectural History PhD programmes in the UK, encompassing the history and theory of architecture across Europe, the Americas, and their contact zones from the late Middle Ages to the present day.
The PhD programme comprises three years of full-time (six years part-time) research under the supervision of an expert in your chosen research topic within Architectural History. This period of research culminates in a supervised thesis of up to a maximum of 100,000 words.
The MPhil programme comprises two years of full-time (four years part-time) research under the supervision of an expert in your chosen research topic within Architectural History. This period of research culminates in a supervised thesis of up to a maximum of 60,000 words.
Regular individual meetings with your supervisor provide guidance and focus for the course of research you are undertaking.
You will be encouraged to attend research methods courses at the beginning of your research studies.
And for every year you are enrolled on programme you will be required to complete an annual progression review.
All of our research students benefit from Edinburgh College of Art's interdisciplinary approach, and you will be assigned at least two research supervisors.
Your first/lead supervisor would normally be based in the same subject area as your degree programme. Your second supervisor may be from another discipline within ECA or elsewhere within the University of Edinburgh, according to the expertise required. On occasion more than two supervisors will be assigned, particularly where the degree brings together multiple disciplines.
Our research culture is supported by seminars and public lecture programmes and discussion groups.
Tutoring opportunities will be advertised to the postgraduate research community, which you can apply for should you wish to gain some teaching experience during your studies. But you are not normally advised to undertake tutoring work in the first year of your research studies, while your main focus should be on establishing the direction of your research.
You are encouraged to attend courses at the Institute for Academic Development (IAD), where all staff and students at the University of Edinburgh are supported through a range of training opportunities, including:
- short courses in compiling literature reviews
- writing in a second language
- preparing for your viva
The Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) offers further opportunities for development. You will also be encouraged to refer to the Vitae research development framework as you grow into a professional researcher.
You will have access to study space (some of which are 24-hour access), studios and workshops at Edinburgh College of Art’s campus, as well as University wide resources. There are several bookable spaces for the development of exhibitions, workshops or seminars. And you will have access to well-equipped multimedia laboratories, photography and exhibition facilities, shared recording space, access to recording equipment available through Bookit, the equipment loan booking system.
You will have access to high quality library facilities. Within the University of Edinburgh, there are three libraries; the Main Library, the ECA library and the Art and Architecture Library. The Centre for Research Collections which holds the University of Edinburgh’s historic collections is also located in the Main Library.
The Talbot Rice Gallery is a public art gallery of the University of Edinburgh and part of Edinburgh College of Art, which is committed to exploring what the University of Edinburgh can contribute to contemporary art practice today and into the future. You will also have access to the extraordinary range and quality of exhibitions and events associated with a leading college of art situated within a world-class research-intensive University.
St Cecilia’s Hall which is Scotland’s oldest purpose-built concert hall also houses the Music Museum which holds one of the most important historic musical instrument collections anywhere in the world.
In addition to the University’s facilities you will also be able to access wider resources within the City of Edinburgh. Including but not limited to; National Library of Scotland, Scottish Studies Library and Digital Archives, City of Edinburgh Libraries, Historic Environment Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland.
You will also benefit from the University’s extensive range of student support facilities provided, including student societies, accommodation, wellbeing and support services.
Lauriston campus redevelopment
ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston campus over the next 3 years, from April 2024 to April 2027.
The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.
The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.
You can find more about the project at the below link:
Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston campus | Edinburgh College of Art
The PhD by Distance is available to suitably qualified applicants in all the same areas as our on-campus programmes.
The PhD by Distance allows students who do not wish to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh to study for a PhD in an ECA subject area from their home country or city.
There is no expectation that students studying for an ECA PhD by Distance study mode should visit Edinburgh during their period of study. However, short term visits for particular activities could be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For further information on the PhD by Distance please see the ECA website:
These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.
Normally a UK masters degree or its international equivalent. If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, we may still consider your application on the basis of relevant professional experience.
You must also submit a research proposal; see How to Apply section for guidance.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
- Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Tuition fees
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
PhD | Architectural History | 3 Years | Full-time | Tuition fees |
PhD | Architectural History | 6 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
PhD | Architectural History by Distance | 3 Years | Full-time | Tuition fees |
PhD | Architectural History by Distance | 6 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
MPhil | Architectural History | 2 Years | Full-time | Tuition fees |
MPhil | Architectural History | 4 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.
Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
- borrowing money
- taking out a loan
- family support
- personal savings
- income from work
- employer sponsorship
- scholarships
Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study
Featured funding
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.
The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:
- your programme
- the duration of your studies
- your tuition fee status
Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.
Other funding opportunities
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Research Team
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5739
- Contact: ecaresearchdegrees@ed.ac.uk
- Postgraduate Research Director, Professor Alex Bremner
- Contact: Alex.Bremner@ed.ac.uk
- Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Research Team Student and Academic Support Service
- University of Edinbrgh
- Evolution House, 78 West Port
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH1 2LE
- Programme: Architectural History
- School: Edinburgh College of Art
- College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
PhD Architectural History - 3 Years (Full-time)
PhD Architectural History - 6 Years (Part-time)
PhD Architectural History by Distance - 3 Years (Full-time)
PhD Architectural History by Distance - 6 Years (Part-time)
MPhil Architectural History - 2 Years (Full-time)
MPhil Architectural History - 4 Years (Part-time)
Programme start dates | Application deadlines |
---|---|
6 January 2025 | 1 November 2024 |
8 September 2025 | 1 July 2025 |
7 January 2026 | 1 November 2025 |
If you are applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. All applications must be received by the deadlines listed above.
You must submit two references with your application.
One of your references must be an academic reference and preferably from your most recent studies.
You should submit a research proposal that outlines your project's aims, context, process and product/outcome. Read the application guidance before you apply:
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Research Team
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5739
- Contact: ecaresearchdegrees@ed.ac.uk
- Postgraduate Research Director, Professor Alex Bremner
- Contact: Alex.Bremner@ed.ac.uk
- Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Research Team Student and Academic Support Service
- University of Edinbrgh
- Evolution House, 78 West Port
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH1 2LE
- Programme: Architectural History
- School: Edinburgh College of Art
- College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences