Architecture, Construction and Environment

A Landscape Architecture research degree offers you the opportunity to explore innovative practice as research through the production of an original body of work. You’ll develop your practice from a coherent research process, demonstrating a critical appreciation of the context of landscape and urban design.

You’ll draw upon and extend existing literature and practices, and show that your research makes an original contribution to knowledge. Alternatively, your work could be wholly historical or theoretical and be presented as a written thesis.

For some candidates PhD research enables them to progress their career by enabling their research to develop, and by establishing their research capabilities and credentials. The final outcome/product can be submitted for exhibition, publication or to other appropriate contexts. For others, the PhD represents an opportunity to commit to an interest that is both personally meaningful, and contributes to the wider discipline as well as resulting in a high-level qualification.

Study style

Researchers have the opportunity to study, discuss or exhibit their work, engaging with colleagues from a range of areas via seminars, symposia and conferences both on-line and off-line. You are likely to travel to meet with key figures and network in the area you wish to immerse yourself in.

Subject matter/areas recently investigated:

• Integrating key aspects of landscape and sustainable building development with the use of environmental assessment tools
• An enquiry into the risks, rewards and reasons for exploring intangible cultural heritage in landscape analysis and design
• Smart Cities – the Solution to Urban Environmental Problems in China – how Landscape Architecture as a profession might inform the definition and objectives of a Smart City
• Nature-based solutions and green infrastructure
• Edible Green infrastructure, urban agriculture and food security
• Urban ecosystem services
• Urban green spaces and mental health and wellbeing
• Ecological Landscape Design
• Urban Rewilding
• Climate change and landscape architecture
• Therapeutic gardens and elderly wellbeing
• Benefits of children’s outdoor play
• Public space design