Research Opportunities in Built Environment

Northumbria University is offering research opportunities in the Built Environment, focusing on sustainable construction, digital technologies, and urban systems. The school is recognized for its research excellence, ranked 11th in the UK. Candidates will work with leading experts in various fields, contributing to innovative solutions in architecture, construction management, and urban planning. The role emphasizes collaboration and impactful research across public and private sectors.
Built Environment at Northumbria University is recognised for its research excellence. In the most recent Research Assessment Framework (2021), the School of Architecture and Built Environment was ranked 11th in the UK, with over 75% of its outputs considered world leading or internationally excellent.

Our school brings together a wide range of built environment professionals under one roof, creating a community of architects, interior architects, surveyors, construction project managers, and real estate experts united by a common purpose to enrich lives. Built Environment consists of Real Estate, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying and Construction Project Management. This research focuses on the following research themes:

Sustainable Construction Futures (SCF) brings together world‑leading academics to develop innovative socio‑technical solutions for the construction industry. Their work spans digital construction, offsite manufacturing, environmental sustainability, value management, risk and disaster management, and cutting‑edge materials and renewable energy technologies. SCF members lead pioneering initiatives through global networks, including the renowned BIM Academy joint venture with Ryder Architecture.

DigiBE drives innovation through cutting‑edge digital technologies and sustainable practices, spanning the entire AECOD lifecycle from design to deconstruction. Its multidisciplinary team explores green design, digital engineering, construction management, smart technologies and sustainable materials to create resilient, future‑ready buildings and cities. With strengths in digital twins, blockchain, BIM, IoT and AI, DigiBE champions inclusive design and industry‑focused research, training and knowledge transfer.

Adaptation, Value, and Built Environment explores how urban, land and property systems evolve—shaping design, governance, investment, redevelopment and long‑term viability. Blending big‑data modelling, digital valuation, policy analysis and strategic planning, the group tackles pressing challenges facing cities today. Its collaborative research culture includes expertise across urban governance, land value capture, sustainability and future‑focused planning, delivering insights that guide smarter decision‑making.

You will benefit from studying with world class experts including Professor Martyn Dade-Robertson (emerging technologies, biofabrication, engineered living materials), Professor Richard Laing (visualisation, public evaluation of open space, built heritage and urban design, participatory methods), and Professor Niraj Thurairajah (economics, sustainability, urban resilience). Staff expertise also includes public sector finance (Dr Kevin Muldoon-Smith), construction project management (Dr Barry Gledson, Dr Hazel Ponton), and the nexus between built environments, architecture and social science (Dr Stephanie Wilkie, Dr Madhavi Patil).

We are proud of our success in leveraging our research into impact for public, private, charitable and heritage sectors. Examples include working directly within lived spaces, museums, neighbourhoods, and complex urban systems, as well as research displayed in exhibitions at prestigious venues worldwide in cities such as New York, London, Kiev, Bremen, Krakow, Milan and Kuala Lumpur.

Why Study at Northumbria?

Inclusive, international postgraduate research community with more than 40 full and part-time PhD students across our programmes in the School. Materials and prototyping laboratories, printing, visualisation, and library facilities. Collaboration opportunities on research projects, conference presentations, and publication of research findings.University and School training and development sessions to support your studies. Located on the University’s city campus in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. How to Apply

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Suitable applicants will be invited for interview (either in person or online) before any formal decision is taken.

There are two intakes per year:

October (application deadline 1st July) March (application deadline 1st December)You are encouraged to review our research page and identify a member of staff with expertise aligned to your proposed research topic. You may also find it helpful to contact staff regarding the feasibility of your proposed research and its fit with their current research activities.

Full details of the application process and fees can be found on the Northumbria University website. Applications must include:

1000-word research proposal outlining your area of research. Guidance can be found here: Research Proposal GuidanceFor students applying from the USA, Northumbria University is eligible for financial aid support programmes. For more information, please visit our university page dedicated to US Financial Aid.

Contact Details

For general questions about PhD study in the School of Architecture and Built Environment:

Dr. Stephanie Wilkie, Postgraduate Lead: stephanie.wilkie@northumbria.ac.uk

For questions about the University admissions process:

PGR Admissions: pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk