Accessibility statement
Award
Award
Duration
Duration
Start dates
Start dates
Application
Application
PhD
PhD
Full-time: 3–4 years
Part-time: 6–8 years
Full-time: 3–4 years
Part-time: 6–8 years
February and October
February and October
January to April
January to April
Built Environment research within the School of Engineering and Innovation is highly interdisciplinary, with academic backgrounds including architecture, design, engineering, planning and social science. We conduct high impact and innovative research into the design, construction and use of the built environment, with a strong focus on environmental and social sustainability and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. Together we work on the multiple challenges facing the built environment today, to improve understanding, to research and develop solutions, and to assess the impacts of those solutions.
Our research is co-created with industry stakeholders and communities, and influences policy, professional institutions, and industry behaviour. We retain excellent links and successful collaborations with other academic colleagues within the OU, other UK institutions, and with prestigious universities and institutions across the world.
Masters degree (or equivalent) and evidence of capacity and enthusiasm for research. If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.
We welcome mature students, and we are open to applications for part-time and full-time study.
If you are interested in discussing the possibility of undertaking a PhD in any area related topics:
Check our individual research pages, interests and publications to see who might be the best fit for you, or get in touch with Professor Theo Zamenopoulos or Dr Katerina Alexiou if you are not sure. You will need to develop a research proposal, and to do some background reading around your topic. We will support you in finding funding where possible; please note that this can often take a year or more to arrange. Do read this blog post on thinking about doing a PhD.
UK fee
UK fee
International fee
International fee
Full-time: £5,238 per year
Full-time: £5,238 per year
Full-time: £17,175 per year
Full-time: £17,175 per year
Part-time: £2,619 per year
Part-time: £2,619 per year
Part-time: £8,588 per year
Part-time: £8,588 per year
Some of our research students are funded via the Open-Oxford-Cambridge AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership; others are self-funded.
For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.
To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.
An image to illustrate the Built environment research topic
Get in touch
If you have an enquiry specific to this research topic, please contact:
Email: stem-ei-phd
Apply now
Please review the application process if you’re interested in applying for this research topic.
Level info