PhD in Architecture: Course, Eligibility, Entrance Exam, Colleges, Fees, Subjects, Jobs, Scope

PhD Architecture is a three year research degree that focuses on areas like design, architecture, art, urbanism, humanities, psychology, culture, heritage and sustainability. The duration of PhD Architecture can be extended to six years. PhD Architecture equips candidates with skills of extensive research, critical thinking, theoretical engagement and writing skills.

To be eligible for Architecture course at the doctoral level, candidates must complete a three years Master degree or four years Bachelor's degree from a recognised university in fields related to architecture and its related disciplines. The curriculum of the coursework of PhD Architecture includes Infrastructure, Traffic and Transportation Planning, Human Habitat, Digital architecture, Landscape construction techniques and Project Management.

Post-completion of PhD Architecture enables candidates to work in diverse roles as Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, Sustainable Design Consultant, Project Manager (Construction), Architectural Historian and Building Inspector. These profiles are hired by some top recruiters like Larsen & Toubro, Godrej Properties, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), Hafeez Contractor and Arcop Associates.

PhD Architecture Highlights

PhD Architecture Eligibility Criteria

There is a specific eligibility criteria set by the colleges and universities. The candidates should make sure that they fulfil the certain eligibility criteria to be eligible for admissions in PhD Architecture. Below is the eligibility criteria for PhD Architecture.

• Aspiring candidates must have a masters degree or professional degree equivalent to masters degree in the disciplines like Architecture, Architectural Design, Conservation, History & Theory, or Landscape Architecture.

• Candidates having Master’s degree in the areas of Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Environmental Studies, Arts, History, Civil Engineering or M.Tech are also eligible.

• Candidates who have cleared the M. Phil. course work with at least 55 per cent marks in aggregate are also eligible for PhD Architecture.

• Candidates are also required to qualify in one of the entrance exams like UGC NET, GATE and other college or university specific entrance exams.

PhD Architecture Admission Process

The admission process of PhD Architecture is simple. There are some steps that candidates need to follow to successfully complete the application process. Some universities and colleges like Sinhgad College of Architecture, Reva University require candidates to qualify a specific entrance exam too.

• Before filling the application, candidates need to ensure that they fulfil the eligibility criteria.

• If eligible, candidates are required to apply for the specific entrance exams and appear for them on the specified date and time.

• Candidates after qualifying the entrance exams, they can fill out the forms for desired colleges as per their ranks and scorecards.

• After filling out the application form and submitting the documents, the universities and colleges roll out their merit list based on the ranks and applications received.

• Some universities require the shortlisted candidates to sit for a personal interview.

• After all the process is done and results are announced, colleges send acceptance emails to the selected students.

PhD Architecture Entrance Exam

Some universities and colleges like Reva University or CEPT University require the aspiring candidates to sit for the entrance examination and qualify in it. Candidates have to appear for entrance exams like UGC NET, GATE and other institute specific entrance exams.

UGC NET: UGC NET or University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually. UGC NET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in a computer-based mode.

• UGC NET Application

• UGC NET Eligibility

• UGC NET Syllabus

• UGC NET Exam Patterns

• UGC NET Preparation Tips

GATE: GATE or Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering is a national-level examination conducted in a computer-based mode. GATE is conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) on a rotational basis.

• GATE Application

• GATE Eligibility

• GATE Syllabus

• GATE Exam Patterns

• GATE Preparation Tips

PhD Architecture Skills Required

PhD Architecture is a very dynamic field that provides candidates with several skills like research skills, creativity and formal writing skills. PhD Architecture provides candidates with skills necessary for the physical, social and creative aspects of crafting architecture and urbanism. These skills help candidates excel in the field of Architecture. PhD Architecture equips students with the following skills:

• Architectural design

• Research methodologies

• Building technology

• Urban planning

• Sustainability principles

• Construction management

• Architectural history

• Digital modelling and rendering

PhD Architecture Subjects/Syllabus

The syllabus for PhD Architecture is comprehensive and helps candidates in writing their own thesis and research papers. The overall coursework for PhD Architecture provided by Savitribai Phule Pune University is given below.

Candidates need to choose three subjects from the following

PhD Architecture Fees Structure

The fee structure for PhD Architecture varies from institutions to institutions. The fee structure depends on the location of the institution, the facilities available, and the faculty. The average fee for PhD Architecture is around Rs.1.7 Lakhs. PhD Architecture fees include charges of tuition fees, laboratory fees and other expenses.

PhD Architecture Scope

PhD Architecture equips candidates with a broad scope. PhD Architecture provides candidates with knowledge on urban planning, environmental sustainability, historic preservation, and digital fabrication. PhD Architecture provides candidates with the opportunity to develop the future of architecture and urban development on local, regional, and global scales.

PhD Architecture Career Options

PhD Architecture unlocks diverse career pathways in construction, management and design for the students. Graduates get to work as Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, Sustainable Design Consultant, Project Manager (Construction), Architectural Historian and Building Inspector.

Architect: Architect is responsible for designing buildings and structures using their hands-on experience and practical expertise. He or She works closely with clients to understand their needs, create detailed plans, and oversee the construction process.

Urban Planner: Urban Planner is responsible for designing and managing the use of land in urban areas. He or She works with government agencies to promote economic development and improve quality of life in urban areas.

Interior Designer: Interior Designer is responsible for creating aesthetically pleasing interior designs. He or She works with the clients and creates design concepts and furnishing as per their needs.

Landscape Architect: Landscape Architect is responsible for designing outdoor spaces like parks, gardens, and public places. He or She addresses environmental concerns, and enhances the usability and beauty of outdoor spaces.

Sustainable Design Consultant: Sustainable Design Consultant creates sustainable, eco-friendly and energy-efficient buildings and structures. He or She creates plans and structures with the aim of reducing energy consumption and minimising waste.

Project Manager: Project Manager manages and oversees the construction projects from initiation to completion. He or She is responsible for planning, organising, scheduling work, managing budgets and coordinating with various stakeholders.

Building Inspector: Building Inspector is responsible for ensuring that building structures and construction complies with the regulations and codes of practice. He or She reviews building plans and issues approvals for construction projects.

Top Recruiters

• Larsen & Toubro

• Godrej Properties

• Shapoorji Pallonji Group

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

• Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL)

• Hafeez Contractor

• Arcop Associates

Benefits of Studying PhD Architecture

Studying PhD Architecture provides candidates with great benefits and advantages. Through PhD Architecture’s theoretical and practical exposure candidates get expertise in areas such as sustainable design, urban planning, historic preservation, or innovative construction methods. PhD Architecture equips candidates with critical thinking skills, analytical tools, and research methodologies. PhD Architecture also provides networking opportunities and collaboration with industry professionals.

PhD Architecture Expected Salary

After doing PhD Architecture, graduates can expect to get an average salary ranging from Rs. 4 LPA to Rs. 19 LPA. The salary of the graduates depends on the organisation they work for, the position they work at and the location of the organisation. Below is the table giving the average expected salary of career opportunities provided by PhD Architecture.

Source: AmbitionBox and Glassdoor

The salary figures mentioned anywhere in these articles are just for reference purposes. Please treat them as such. Actual salaries may vary depending on respective candidates, employer, job location, and numerous other factors.

Top PhD Architecture Colleges in India

In India, many renowned colleges and universities provide PhD Architecture for aspiring candidates. These colleges provide comprehensive knowledge and equip candidates with research and analytical skills. These colleges are known for their great faculty and infrastructure.

Top Private PhD Architecture Colleges in India

India has some top private colleges which offer PhD Architecture. These colleges and universities are known for their personalised and modern facilities, their comprehensive knowledge, and their faculty.

Top Government PhD Architecture Colleges in India

India also has some renowned universities and colleges that are government-owned. These colleges are known to offer esteemed faculty and fees at a subsidised amount. These colleges also provide great faculty and modern education.

PhD Architecture is a research doctoral degree that provides candidates with practical networking opportunities and a great career financially ahead. PhD Architecture is an advanced degree than the masters which provides candidates with a financially rewarding career ahead.