Architecture, Planning and Landscape MPhil, PhD

We conduct research into innovative teaching methods, the integration of theory and practice, and learn from related creative disciplines.

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has funded research into effective skills transfer. This activity is strengthened through our involvement in the:

• European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE)
• Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP)
• European Council of Landscape Architecture Schools (ECLAS) including the Le NOTRE EU Network

• design-related aspects of construction and the use of buildings
• non-destructive testing
• simulation
• measurement of energy
• environmental performance

• the changing relationship between utilities, the development, planning and management of contemporary cities
• culture and the built environment, including cultural change and transformation of the built environment

• architectural history
• architectural theory
• material culture

Environmental economics

• environmental economics
• valuation
• benefit appraisal

Environmental management

Our research in this area covers environmental planning, management, impact assessment, sustainability, and Local Agenda 21 issues.

• social housing
• community development

• computer-based information search
• retrieval systems
• building product modelling with a philosophy of taking basic and applied research through to the end users

• landscape architecture theory, philosophy and environmental ethics
• sustainable landscape planning, design and management
• the history and development of the designed and cultural landscape

International urban development

• interpreting and managing change in diverse urban contexts
• improving the environment and quality of life in the cities of the developing world

Spatial analysis

• spatial change
• spatial statistics
• the use of GIS 

Planning processes and policy

• contemporary policy and practice issues in planning
• development and urban regeneration, in the context of theoretical developments and European experiences

Urban design

• city design and development
• design control
• urban public space
• public art in cities
• meaning in the built environment
• conservation
• urban regeneration
• urban design

More information about staff specialisms and the School's research can be found on the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape website.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Thesis
• Viva

We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• wellbeing
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

Home fees for research degree students

For 2024-25 entry, we have aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The standard fee was confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI.

For 2025-26 entry, we will be aligning our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2025 by UKRI.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.