Research Overview
- As a joint Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering we engage in research where integration between the disciplines is likely to be most valuable.
- We welcome enquiries and applications from prospective graduates with good honours degrees or Masters qualifications from a wide range of disciplines related to the study of Architecture or Civil Engineering. Information on scholarships and application procedures can be found here and in the Postgraduate Prospectus.
- We normally advise all candidates to make contact with a potential supervisor from our academic staff. A potential supervisor should be able to provide advice on the preparation of a research proposal and reassure that the research area is viable. Details of current graduate students and their projects can be found here. All academic staff work within one of the Department's research centres:
BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials (BRE CICM)
The BRE-CICM is leading the way in researching solutions to the environmental impacts of construction and infrastructure. Developing the use of radical, low-carbon building materials and reinforcement technologies for the construction industry, the centre is assisting in reducing the UK’s eco footprint - vital to mitigate the projected doubling of cement-based CO2 emissions by 2050.
Centre for Advanced Studies in Architecture (CASA)
Working with leading academic publishers, CASA is at the forefront of research into the principles of Roman architecture, Renaissance architectural treatises, English Baroque architects and the 20th century architect Le Corbusier. It has led the way in computer applications to research in architectural history, and has participated in national exhibitions at the Royal Academy, Tate Britain and the National Maritime Museum. Recently the Centre has participated in the National Trust campaign to save Seaton Delaval Hall.
Research Unit for Energy and the Design of Environments (EDEn)
In the ongoing battle to reduce carbon emissions, the design of buildings and urban spaces and the use of natural resources are critical. The EDEn is at the cutting edge of research in design sustainability, natural processes and renewable energy. This allows the Unit to advise on developments and processes in a range of disciplines in the UK and abroad. We therefore attract national and international funding from numerous bodies such as the Royal Academy of Engineers and the European Union. We also seek to inform industry from inside through our MSc in Architectural Engineering: Environmental Design, which can be studied full or part time on a modular CPD basis.